A contract specialist is charged with contract development and negotiating the terms of a contract in a firm. These 20 questions should help you prepare for an interview that fits this job description.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
This is a common question that you should expect in an interview. The interviewer wants to know why you chose the job out of the thousands of options available.
Tip #1: Your answer should not be selfish. This is a 2-way question.
Tip #2: you can make it personal.
Sample Answer
I believe that I have the right skills and experience for this job and can help your company achieve even greater heights. I have gone through the job description, and I am positive that I can articulate all the roles well. This opportunity will also help me achieve some of my career goals.
2. What Are The Roles Of A Contract Specialist?
The interviewer is assessing if you know what your work entails.
Tip #1: Outline what is expected of you as a contract specialist.
Tip #2: start with the main roles.
Sample Answer
A contract specialist is charged with negotiating contract agreements for products and buyers. He/she prepares and edits contracts between companies and potential clients. Other roles, including handling breach of contracts promptly, assessing contractor performance and coordinating with clients to guarantee terms of contracts.
3. What Are The Qualities Of A Contract Specialist?
The interviewer wants to know if you understand what it takes to become a contract specialist.
Tip #1: Outline the qualities of a good contract specialist.
Tip #2; Make sure that you convince the interviewer that you know what your role entails.
Sample Answer
A contract specialist should demonstrate excellent attention to details. He/ she should be an excellent communicator and team worker.
Lastly, a contract specialist should enjoy drafting and editing contracts.
4. What Major Challenge Did You Suffer During Your Last Role?
The interviewer is trying to assess whether you are a problem solver or not. Therefore, make sure that you answer this question correctly.
Tip #1: talk about an experience that you found challenging.
Tip #2: Limit yourself to the job scenario
Sample Answer
The biggest challenge I had in my last role was communicating with the other party. He found the contents of the contractual agreement challenging. To help him through, I had to break down everything once again, which took a lot of time.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine As A Contract Specialist
How does your day look like? What do you do daily in your place or former place of work? That shouldn’t be hard to answer.
Tip #1: Talk about your daily life as a contract specialist.
Tip #2: if you have no experience, talk about what is expected of a contract specialist day in day out.
Sample Answer
As a contract specialist, my day revolves around contracts and negotiations. I draft contracts and negotiate prices between the parties involved. I also solve disputes between contractor and government agencies, evaluate bids, cancel or modify contracts and maintain relationships with clients.
6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience
This is a chance to talk about your work history and some of the experiences that have made you who you are.
Tip #1: Talk about some of the places that you have worked in.
Tip#2: mention everything that has made you a better contract specialist.
Sample Answer
I worked with Denver Logistics immediately after finishing campus. I started as an intern and ran simple errands before I was absorbed into the firm to work with the lead contact specialist. I was then promoted upon his exit. I later left Denver to join Ashok where I worked for five years as the firm’s contract specialist.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role?
Do you have the right thinking and attitude for the task at hand? The employer wants to know. Ensure that you answer this question tactfully.
Tip #1: talk about a mindset that relates to the job
Tip #2: ensure that you have a strategy.
Sample Answer
Being a contract specialist requires an open mindset, especially if you are leading negotiations. You should be ready to compromise, but not at the expense of the firm. You should be ready to consult and work together with others.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge That You Foresee In This Job?
The interviewer wants to know whether you have done your homework and seen some of the areas that may seem challenging in your work.
Tip #1: Be truthful
Tip #2: If there is a workable solution for the problem at hand kindly outline it
Sample Answer
I have gone through the company’s organization of roles and seen that one of the roles of a contract specialist in this firm is to drive the whole negotiation process. This may not be a challenge per se, but given that it can be quite overwhelming, coupled with other roles. However, I love pushing myself beyond my limits, and that should not be a problem.
9. What Motivates You?
The interviewer wants to know what keeps you going and interested in your work. It can be quite boring to keep on repeating the same work over and over.
Tip #1: Talk about something that drives you.
Tip #2: Ensure that the employer is convinced.
Sample Answer
I create plans for each day that must be met and achieved. I am a go-getter who believes in hard work and commitment. I put my all to whatever I do, and this gives me the push and psyche. I also love beating deadlines and proving myself.
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10. Describe A Time You Failed In Your Role And The Lesson You Learnt From It
The interviewer wants to understand if and how your experiences have shaped you over time.
Tip #1: talk about an experience
Tip #2: do not throw yourself under the bus.
Sample Answer
During my first years of professional work, one of my roles was to negotiate on behalf of the company before entering into a contract. I decided to pursue the only option that seemed right without thinking about the company. We ended up settling for less when we could have had better. This experience taught me always to put the firm first.
11. Tell Us About Your Experience With Different Forms Of Written Agreements?
The interviewer wants to deduce whether your experience in the field. You cannot have experience with agreements if you haven’t worked in the field.
Tip #1: talk about your professional experience with contracts if you have any.
Tip #2: If you have no experience, convince the interviewer that you can do a superb job. Be enthusiastic.
Sample Answer
I read each contract carefully and have decent knowledge and understanding of principal sections on contractual agreements. I have drafted a few personal contracts, having rented out some of my apartments to tenants.
12. Could You Please Review This Contractual Agreement And Point Out Some Of The Mistakes?
The interviewer can give you a piece of paper with a contract to go through. Your ability is being put to the test before you land the job.
Tip #1: approach this task wisely. Look for the obvious mistakes first.
Tip #2: Do not force an issue if you cannot point out a mistake.
Sample Answer
From this contract, the name, address or a legal representative of the tenant is missing. Also, the principal obligations are not clearly specified. Lastly, the date is missing from both of these signatures.
13. How Do You Reduce Mistakes In Your Line Of Work?
The interviewer is testing your accuracy. Therefore, ensure that he/ she is convinced with your answer.
Tip #1: Denote your focus
Tip #2: convince the interviewer that you double-check everything. Be confident as you go about this.
Sample Answer
I have an extreme focus when dealing with contracts. I do not check my smartphone while working, and I keep my mind fixed on the task at hand. I also double-check everything afterwards to ensure that everything is in order before submitting my work.
14. What Role Do You Think Negotiation Plays In Your Line Of Work?
This questions heavily leans on the organization of responsibilities in firms. Certain firms expect you to negotiate with a supplier or customer.
Tip #1: read the job description thoroughly and deduce whether negotiation is included
Tip #2: Convince the interviewer that you have what it takes.
Sample Answer
Negotiation plays an important role in my line of work. I always try to establish the most favorable contract conditions for my employers. I have superb communication skills that allow me to be at the center of such negotiations and establish legally valid agreements.
15. How Do You Ensure That Your Undertakings Are Legal?
No firm wants to be on the wrong side of the law. Therefore, the interviewer must ensure that you will lead the firm to the right directions and in accordance with all the laws.
Tip #1: Show that you are apt with legal requirements. First assess the organization of responsibilities in the company.
Tip #2: Convince the interviewer that you will not drive the company into unnecessary legal battles.
Sample Answer
From the organization of responsibilities in your firm, I have deduced that you have a legal counsel on board. I will consult with the professionals and ask them to review the final draft of each contract.
16. Have You Ever Struggled To Communicate Something To A Client Or A Partner? How Do You Manage It?
This is a valid question. Not all people or clients find it easy to read contracts. Some are just too lazy, and others cannot understand the complex message.
Tip #1: Tell the interviewer that you can explain things simply.
Tip #2: Answer slowly.
Sample Answer
I can effectively translate legal terms into simple language that can be understood by people of all professions. I also use practical examples to get my message through.
17. Have You Ever Been Faced With A Tight Deadline? How Did You Manage?
The interviewer wants to know whether you can meet deadlines. Remember, no firm wants an employee that will inconvenience its operations.
Tip #1: Show that you are willing to do anything to be on time.
Tip #2: Be realistic. Do not promise heaven when you cannot deliver.
Sample Answer
While working with Denver Logistics, my firm entered into a business agreement with Dotur Wholesalers hastily. I had only a day to work on the contract and convince the other party. I had to work overtime and stay on the phone for hours, a move that paid off.
18. How Would You Describe Your Communication Skills?
Communication is an important life skill that cuts across all professions. It is the cornerstone of success for any company.
Tip #1: Tell the interviewer that you are a good communicator
Tip #2: You can use a personal experience if any.
Sample Answer
I have superb communications skills, as can be established from my previous works. I go out of my way to ensure that I put messages across. I also speak more than three languages and can interact with people from different origins.
19. How Do You Deal With Hard-To-Please And Rude Clients?
Businesses expect you to treat all customers well without losing your temper. It does not matter whether a client is difficult or not.
Tip #1: Convince the interviewer that you can accommodate everyone.
Tip #2: Your attitude while answering this question is key.
Sample Answer
I have dealt with several difficult customers, and at times, some push you to the extremes. However, I always remember that such customers are important if the business is to stay afloat. I treat all customers with respect and respect professional boundaries.
20. Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?
Every employer wants an employee with goals. Nobody wants an employee who doesn’t dream.
Tip #1: Clearly outline your goals in the next five years
Tip #2: Do not restrict yourself. Dare to dream.
Sample Answer ‘
I picture myself at the top of my career and sitting in different professionals’ boards in the next five years. I will have completed my doctorate and started another field of study. I also believe that I will be a manager wherever I will be.
Conclusion
You don’t have to undergo a hard time during a contract specialist interview. These twenty questions should put you at a better place for your scheduled interview.
