Amy Breeman, MBA, LCB

I have applied to a couple of positions, along the lines of a classification specialist and trade consultant/manager. One of the key questions that I have been noticing is the amount of time it takes for you to make a classification. If for instance it is a product I had no idea about, I would do a thorough look up of the product, look up the HTS, GRI, notes, CROSS. It may take 10 to 15 minutes depending on how much a rabbit hole you can go down. I am very methodical when doing a classification, and some may call this too much time.

I had never found a question like this 5 to 10 years ago when applying for brokerage or other positions where classification was part of the job. What are your thoughts. Is this a fair question for employers to be asking?

Mitch Kostoulakos, LCB

10-15 minutes is reasonable for a thorough classification…certainly this is offset by faster classifications for commodities which are very familiar to you….better to be accurate than fast