Intern - Buyer (Summer 2027)
Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
Tell me about a time you negotiated for something. What did you learn?
What they are checking: Whether they can advocate firmly while keeping the relationship good, which buyers need with every supplier.
Tell me about a time you had to follow up with someone who wasn't responding.
What they are checking: Whether they are persistent and professional, since chasing suppliers for answers is a big part of buying.
Tell me about a time you made a decision with incomplete information.
What they are checking: Whether they can act thoughtfully when not everything is known, as buyers often must under deadlines.
What would you do
A supplier tells you a part needed for next week's build is delayed a month. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they look for options like partial shipments, other suppliers or expediting and tell planning right away.
A supplier offers you a gift or invitation. How would you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize ethics and conflict of interest matter in purchasing and would check company policy.
About the work
What do you think a buyer at a contract manufacturer like Plexus does day to day?
What they are checking: Whether they understand buying means placing orders, chasing deliveries and solving shortages, not just negotiating prices.
Why might the cheapest supplier not be the best choice for a part going into a medical device?
What they are checking: Whether they consider quality, reliability and approval requirements alongside price when choosing suppliers.
How would you keep track of dozens of open purchase orders at once?
What they are checking: Whether they have an organized system for follow-up, since missed details become shortages on the line.
What does lead time mean to you, and why does it matter so much in electronics?
What they are checking: Whether they understand long component lead times drive when orders must be placed to avoid shortages.
How comfortable are you with Excel? What's something useful you've done with it?
What they are checking: Whether they can work with order reports, pricing and supplier data, which buyers handle every day.
Practice this interview out loud.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Plexus.