Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products

Skills

• Negotiation

  Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities

• Written Comprehension

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Written Expression

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Deductive Reasoning

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Bachelor's degree
  78 %
• High school diploma or equivalent
  9 %

  or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

• Post-baccalaureate certificate
  9 %

  Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master

Work Activities

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Working with Computers

  Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

• Analyzing Data or Information

  Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization

  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Detailed Work Activities

• Purchase products or services.
• Evaluate applicable laws and regulations to determine impact on organizational activities.
• Execute sales or other financial transactions.
• Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers.
• Analyze business or financial data.

Work Interests

• Conventional

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Enterprising

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Realistic

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.