The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for the logistics sector, from coping with disruption to staffing levels caused by lockdowns, sickness and self-isolation, to keeping the UK economy supplied with all the goods it needs to function.

Naturally, hiring managers in the logistics sector are looking for people who have the right skillsets and attributes to work in this challenging industry. While relevant education and industry experience are definite plus points, there are plenty of skills that you can highlight or hone to advance your career in this exciting field.

Here's our pick of the top skills which will impress prospective employers and help take your logistics career to the next level.

As with every field of work, specialist knowledge can help you advance your career. While some of these technical skills can be learned through formal education, others can be gained through work experience in other fields or on the job.

In this industry, data is key - all good logistics managers need to be able to read and analyse data to recognise different trends and patterns that are useful to their firms. The ability to use spreadsheets to plan and execute projects is also important, along with strong mathematical skills, which are valuable when it comes to calculating pricing and delivery times.

Being clued up on the latest trends, technologies and developments in the industry can give you an edge at work or during the recruitment process. Industry knowledge helps make sure that a company’s processes are competitive, efficient, and delivering the best value for clients.

Technology affects everybody and this is especially true in the logistics sector. With companies looking to remain competitive, the introduction of new technology in especially relevant in this sector. This gives people excellent opportunities to increase their skills as time moves on.

Although the logistics industry may have a reputation for being highly data and technology-led, it’s important to remember that supply chains cannot function without the people involved at each stage. Logistics workers need to be able to communicate effectively with lots of different people – from important clients to drivers, suppliers, colleagues and management. Here are four valuable people skills for a career in logistics.

At the heart of logistics is the people and sometimes coordinating a lot of people can cause conflict (as we all know!) A successful logistics worker will look to minimise conflict and help with solutions where needed.

Logistics companies are always goal-orientated, and a logistics worker will have to work with a large and diverse range of people in order to achieve these goals. Therefore, solid teamwork skills are essential.

The end customer is always the focus in Logistics. Customer service is a key driver for the industry as consumers will always expect goods in a timely and efficient way. The major logistics companies are continuously looking at ways to improve customer relationships and increase customer satisfaction.

Throughout a logistics worker’s career, they would have to meet, work with, and rely on a wide range of people. To do this effectively they must have strong interpersonal skills, which can be used for relationship building.

Soft skills, also known as core skills, relate to how you work and are the attributes which help you success in the work place. They are also desirable in any sector and are highly transferrable, so having a range of soft skills can help if you’re changing career. Here are five of the most desirable soft skills for working in logistics.

Logistics companies rely on incredibly high levels of organisation. Successful logistics professionals have the ability to plan, schedule and deliver goods on time. Poor organisation can lead to increased costs and dissatisfied customers.

Problems will always occur in logistics. Successful people will be solution oriented and look to minimise problems before they happen and be quick to respond if they do happen. They apply logic to situations and look at many possible solutions to problems.

Everybody in the logistics team has an important role to play, because as we know, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By being accountable and responsible for their work, a logistics professional contributes to the overall success of the team and the company.

The majority of workplaces are target driven these days and logistics is no different. Successful employees look to exceed their targets but also have to continually improve their work process to achieve these results more efficiently.

Logistics companies depend on workers who can innovate and make the old ways of doing things better. This is one of the reasons why logistics is an exciting sector to work in because the work is continually evolving, and never gets stale!

Still thinking about a career in logistics? Have you got what it takes? Get in touch with your local expert to see if you could be the right fit. Or, search the latest transport and logistics jobs here.