Comprehensive quality requirements for foreign trade business personnel: from skills to quality
In today’s globalized business environment, foreign trade business personnel play an extremely important role. In order to adapt to this role, you need to possess not only a range of professional skills, but also corresponding personal qualities.
Skill requirements
Language ability
Foreign trade business personnel need to master at least one foreign language and be able to use this language proficiently in writing or to communicate effectively with overseas suppliers via email (E-mail). Additionally, one should be able to communicate with suppliers using real-time online communication software.
Computer Application
In addition to language skills, computer skills are also indispensable. Specifically, you need to be proficient in using office software and image processing tools such as Photoshop.
Driving skills
It is also considered a basic requirement to hold a driving license of level C1 and above in order to move freely between various customs and container yards.
Business skills
Familiarity with international trade expertise is one of the important criteria for measuring a qualified foreign trade salesperson. This includes but is not limited to understanding the international trade import process, document processing, review of import contract terms, and review of letter of credit (L/C) content. In addition, you also need to have the ability to prepare various foreign trade documents and ensure that these documents are sufficient in quantity, complete and accurate in information, and in a uniform and beautiful format.
Financial knowledge
It is also necessary to have a certain knowledge of statistics and financial management, and to be able to quickly and accurately complete predictions and analyzes of prices, exchange rates, market trends, costs, etc.
International common sense and etiquette
When dealing with foreign partners, it is important to understand the cultural customs of the other country and to be able to present a good professional image in telephone communications, meetings and receptions, etc.
Quality requirements
Work attitude
You need to have a rigorous and serious attitude towards your work. Any slight mistake may cause the company to suffer significant economic losses. Therefore, foreign trade practitioners should have a strong sense of responsibility and handle every task carefully and thoughtfully.
Service and cooperation awareness
Establish an overall concept and be good at coordinating the relationship between various departments within the enterprise and with other external organizations to jointly promote the improvement of work efficiency.
Compliance with rules and regulations
Consciously abide by the company’s regulations and the foreign trade industry’s code of conduct to ensure that the team operates in an orderly and efficient manner.
Learning spirit
Continue to learn new knowledge, keep up with the pace of industry development, and continuously improve your professional level.
Perseverance and dedication
Do not shrink from challenges, especially when dealing with differences in working hours in different regions, be able to adapt to night shift work arrangements, and keep an eye on supplier developments.
Positive attitude
Maintain an optimistic and positive attitude, love the career field you are engaged in, work diligently, be good at reflecting on and summarizing experiences and lessons, and clarify your own strengths and weaknesses, so as to achieve a virtuous cycle of personal career development.