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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Job Activities

Learn about the most important job activities for Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each job activity.
Importance*More Info
1.Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates86
Interacting With Computers86
3.Getting Information84
4.Communicating with Persons Outside Organization80
5.Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work78
6.Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships77
Making Decisions and Solving Problems77
8.Processing Information72
9.Performing Administrative Activities71
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings71
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Job Activity Scores

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
86
70
Write brief notes to othersReport the results of a sales meeting to a supervisorCreate a videotaped presentation of a company's internal policies
Interacting With Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
86
56
Enter employee information into a computer databaseWrite software for keeping track of parts in inventorySet up a new computer system for a large multinational company
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
84
62
Follow a standard blueprintReview a budgetStudy international tax laws
Communicating with Persons Outside 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.
80
70
Have little contact with people outside the organizationMake standard presentations about available servicesPrepare or deliver press releases
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
78
71
Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to planPlan and organize your own activities that often changePrioritize and plan multiple tasks several months ahead
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
77
74
Exchange greetings with a coworkerMaintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clientsGain cooperation from a culturally diverse group of executives hostile to your company
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
77
68
Determine the meal selection for a cafeteriaSelect the location for a major department storeMake the final decision about a company's 5-year plan
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
72
64
Tabulate the costs of parcel deliveriesCalculate the adjustments for insurance claimsCompile data for a complex scientific report
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
71
60
Complete routine paperwork on standard formsComplete tax forms required of self-employed peopleServe as the benefits director for a large computer sales organization
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
71
62
Check to see if baking bread is doneTest electrical circuitsCheck the status of a patient in critical medical care