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Inventory Specialist I (Contractor)

CDW · Elk Grove, IL · $16.00–$19.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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

This role assigns daily workload to others. Tell me about a time you had to divide up work so a team hit its targets.

What they are checking: Whether they can organize and lead peers on the floor, not just do their own tasks well.

Tell me about a time your attention to detail caught a mistake that others had missed.

What they are checking: Whether accuracy is a habit for them, which matters when one wrong label creates problems downstream.

The job involves standing, bending and lifting up to 50 pounds for up to eight hours. Tell me about physical work you have done at that pace.

What they are checking: Whether they understand and can sustain the physical demands of a production-focused receiving role.

What would you do

The packing slip shows 20 units, the PO shows 25, and you count 18 on the pallet. What do you do?

What they are checking: How they handle a three-way discrepancy, who they notify, and whether they record it properly.

We track accuracy, turnaround time and discrepancy rates. If turnaround is slipping, how would you figure out why?

What they are checking: Whether they can use KPIs to find a cause instead of just pushing people to work faster.

Someone on your team keeps skipping the labeling step to move faster. How would you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they will hold a coworker to standards respectfully, balancing speed with correct procedure.

How do you decide what to do first when trucks, a cycle count and a discrepancy all need attention at once?

What they are checking: Their judgment in a production environment where some tasks block others and delays add up.

About the work

Walk me through how you verify an incoming shipment against the purchase order and packing slip.

What they are checking: Whether they follow a careful, repeatable check that catches mismatches before items enter inventory.

Which ERP or warehouse management systems have you used, and what did you do in them day to day?

What they are checking: Real experience recording receipts and adjustments in a system, since record accuracy is central to the job.

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The full job description

As published by CDW.

The Inventory Specialist (contract role/first shift) is responsible ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in inbound logistics operations. This role manages PO verification processes, resolves discrepancies, and ensures inventory integrity within the warehouse management system. What You Will Do: • Verify incoming shipments against approved purchase orders and packing slips. • Assign daily workload and ensure productivity targets are met. • Ensure proper labeling, tagging, and storage of received items. • Maintain accurate inventory records and support cycle counts and audits. • Monitor KPIs such as accuracy, turnaround time, and discrepancy rates What We Expect of You: • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Attention to detail. • Experience working with ERP or warehouse management systems. • Strong understanding of purchase order processes. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Time management and organizational skills. • The ability to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and ensure the team's efficiency is important. • Ability to work independently and make decisions based on data and guidelines. • Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a production-focused environment • Demonstrated ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Stand, bend, lift, walk and carry products in any combination for up to 8 hours at a time. • History of balancing competing priorities with the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the business while meeting deadlines. • Comfort working in a warehouse environment which includes changes in temperature as the weather fluctuates, noise from conveyors and forklifts. Pay range: $16-$19 per hour depending on experience and skill set Salary ranges may be subject to geographic differentials CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization We’re looking for people who bring curiosity, a learner’s mindset, and a willingness to engage with ever-evolving technology and tools. We value adopting AI as a partner, openness to experimentation, and a shared interest in learning together on AI. Our goal is to create a culture where AI enhances—not replaces—human creativity and decision-making. You don’t need to be an expert today; what matters is your readiness to explore, adapt, and grow with us as we integrate AI responsibly and effectively into our work. Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants. During our application process, our goal is to understand your experience, strengths, skills, and qualifications. As an AI forward company, we see AI not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for new ways of thinking, creating, and communicating. We encourage candidates to embrace an AI mindset, one that’s curious, adaptive, and ready to explore what’s possible. We welcome thoughtful use of AI to expand your perspective and elevate how you share your story, while ensuring your application remains rooted in your own background, judgment, and voice. About Us CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. What makes CDW different isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At CDW we act as one—building trust, speaking candidly, and working together to achieve more. We play to win—focusing on what matters most and delivering for our customers. And we think forward—staying curious, moving fast, and continuously learning. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute. That’s why we think of ourselves as coworkers, not just employees—working together to solve complex challenges and deliver real impact for our customers and communities. As a full‑stack, full‑lifecycle technology partner, CDW brings deep expertise, strong relationships, and broad industry knowledge to help turn ideas into outcomes. When you join CDW, you become part of a collaborative environment where your work matters, your growth is supported, and your contributions help shape what’s next. Together, we deliver the full promise of what technology can do. Together, we Make Amazing Happen. CDW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by state and local law.

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