Tricky Contracts Manager Interview Preparation Guide

Download PDF

Interviewers expect a candidate for employment to discuss what they do while they are working in detail. Before you answer, consider the position you are applying for and how your current or past positions relate to it. The more you can connect your past experience with the job opening, the more successful you will be at answering the questions. It should be obvious that it's not a good idea talk about non-work related activities that you do on company time, but, I've had applicants tell me how they are often late because they have to drive a child to school or like to take a long lunch break to work at the gym. Keep your answers focused on work and show the interviewer that you're organized ("The first thing I do on Monday morning is check my voicemail and email, then I prioritize my activities for the week.") and efficient.

Follow these three easy research tips before your next job interview:
1) Visit the company website; look in the "about us" section and "careers" sections
2) Visit the company's LinkedIn page (note, you must have a LinkedIn account - its free to sign up) to view information about the company
3) Google a keyword search phrase like "press releases" followed by the company name; you'll find the most recent news stories shared by the company Remember, just because you have done your "homework", it does not mean you need to share ALL of it during the interview! Reciting every fact you've learned is almost as much of a turn off as not knowing anything at all! At a minimum, you should include the following in your answer:
1. What type of product or service the company sells
2. How long the company has been in business
3. What the company culture is like OR what the company mission statement is, and how the culture and/or mission relate to your values or personality

Never ask Salary, perks, leave, place of posting, etc. regarded questions. Try to ask more about the company to show how early you can make a contribution to your organization like "Sir, with your kind permission I would like to know more about induction and developmental programs?" OR Sir, I would like to have my feedback, so that I can analyze and improve my strengths and rectify my shortcomings.

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

No one likes to answer this question because it requires a very delicate balance. You simply can't lie and say you don't have one; you can't trick the interviewer by offering up a personal weakness that is really a strength ("Sometimes, I work too much and don't maintain a work-life balance."); and you shouldn't be so honest that you throw yourself under the bus ("I'm not a morning person so I'm working on getting to the office on time.") Think of a small flaw like "I sometimes get sidetracked by small details", "I am occasionally not as patient as I should be with subordinates or co-workers who do not understand my ideas", or "I am still somewhat nervous and uncomfortable with my public-speaking skills and would like to give more presentations and talk in front of others or in meetings." Add that you are aware of the problem and you are doing your best to correct it by taking a course of action.

A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position? In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

☷ Have you ever had to introduce a policy change to your work group?
☷ What salary range are you looking for?
☷ If you worked as Contract Manager, what are you doing?
☷ What are you most proud of?
☷ What are your weaknesses?
☷ Your greatest weakness in school or at work?
☷ What is your personal mission statement?

When answering these typical Contract Manager interview questions stay focused on career goals and aspirations. You don't need to memorize an answer, but do think about what you're going to say. Let the interviewer know that you focus on getting the most important things done first.

☷ What are your salary requirements.
☷ Who else have you applied to/got interviews with?
☷ What major challenges and problems did you face?
☷ What is a typical career path in this job function?
☷ When was the last time you were in a crises?

☷ What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?
☷ Tell me about a difficult experience you had in working.
☷ What are three positive character traits you don't have?
☷ What do you feel is the best educational preparation for this career?
☷ When were you most satisfied in your job?

Note down your answers. These may be useful later if the interviewers wish to confirm any answer with you as they forget or wish to discuss more. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. The interviewers want to know the real you, the potential candidate they may accept in.

☷ Would you rather write a report or give it verbally?
☷ Your greatest weakness in school or at work?
☷ Who has impacted you most in your career and how?
☷ What have you done to support diversity in your unit?
☷ Describe a time you were faced with stresses which tested your skills.

☷ What was the most important task you ever had?
☷ Tell me about your proudest achievement.
☷ What is the difference between a good position and an excellent one?
☷ What have you been doing since your last job?
☷ Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?

Don't talk about previous experience that is not related to the position in question. Provide truthful answers to Contract manager interview questions and exude confidence when speaking.
A successful interviewee should give examples of past experiences when these skills came to use.

☷ How did you react when faced with constant time pressure?
☷ Describe a situation in which you had to collect information.
☷ What parts of your education do you see as relevant to this position?
☷ How do you think you can make a contribution to this company?
☷ What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

Start with the present and tell why you are well qualified for the position. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. The interviewer is looking for an answer that indicates you've thought about where you want to work.

☷ How do you feel about taking no for an answer?
☷ What are your expectations regarding promotions and salary increases?
☷ How well did your college experience prepare you for this job?
☷ Can you describe a time when your work was criticized?
☷ What was the most stressful situation you have faced?

Find out about which type of interview it is, how many interviewers and candidates there are, it is a formal interview or informal one. No matter the question, applicants should provide positive, result-oriented responses. Make sure to tell the interviewer about the positive results your actions produced.

☷ Example when you went above and beyond the call of duty.
☷ Have you done this kind of work before?
☷ How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?
☷ How do you keep track of things you need to do?
☷ Give an example of a time you successfully worked on a team.

Think of at least two reasons this job is a good match for your skills, strengths, experience and background. The best strategy for effectively answering these tough Contract manager interview questions is to prepare for it. Illustrate your examples with experiences from previous jobs, internships, activities, team involvements and community services.

☷ Do you prefer to work independently or on a team?
☷ How long would you stay with our company?
☷ Give examples of ideas you've had or implemented.
☷ Describe a situation where you had to plan or organise something.
☷ Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.
Don't feel too much pressure as you have been asked many strict questions that you are unable to answer well. It is meant to see whether or not you'll speak poorly of an employer.

☷ Have you ever had to deal with conflicting deadlines?
☷ If offered the Contract Manager position, how long do you plan to stay at company?
☷ Do you find your job exciting or boring?
☷ What is the most difficult situation you have faced?
☷ If you were hiring a person for Contract Manager job, what would you look for?
☷ Specific example of a time when criticised your work.
☷ Have you ever challenged, shaken old work methods.

☷ Give some examples of teamwork as Contract Manager.
☷ Give an example of risk that you had to take. Why did you decide to take the risk?
☷ What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?
☷ How do you make your decisions in general?
☷ How do you handle problems with customers?
☷ How do you react if you find that someone you work with does not like you?
☷ What do people most often criticize about you?

☷ What was your best learning experience?
☷ What do you feel is the best educational preparation for this Contract Manager job?
☷ What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
☷ Example of adaptation to changes and the difficulties.
☷ What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as Contract Manager?
☷ What type of management style do you thrive under?
☷ How do you react if you find that someone you work with does not like you?

Expect a structured interview with open-ended questions regarding your performance in your previous positions. If a position description exists, reviewing it may help you anticipate interview questions. Review your work history before the interview to avoid any memory lapse regarding specific details. The hiring manager will want to hear about how you resolved issues and any creative solutions you brought to the table. Hiring a candidate who can readily handle all the job duties is crucial. You can prove your viability by relating details on how you achieved or exceeded company goals regarding contract administration. If you received any commendations or employee recognition awards, include those facts in your interview answers.

☷ What's most important to you in a Contract Manager position?
☷ How do you establish good communication and information flow with others?
☷ Would you rather write a report or give it verbally?
☷ How would you weigh a plane without scales?
☷ What kinds of situations do you find most stressful?
☷ Did you ever make a risky decision? How did you handle it?
☷ How do you handle stress and pressure?

When answering these typical Contract Manager interview questions stay focused on career goals and aspirations. This question is asked to find out whether you are committed to the Contract Manager job.
Asking these interview questions helps determine the candidate's ability to learn from successes and failures.

☷ What are your salary increases?
☷ What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
☷ Give an example of a time you successfully worked as Contract Manager on a team.
☷ Are you willing to work overtime?
☷ What kinds of things really get your excited?
☷ What steps do you follow to study a problem before making a decision?
☷ How do you cope without motivation?

Interviewers query applicants to gauge the depth of independent thinking. Questions will involve your decision-making process and the latitude you were given before involving your manager or others in the organization regarding contract accountability. Be prepared to discuss the types of contracts you managed, quantify the dollar amounts involved and talk about the level of authority you were given to make contract amendments. Actions and results are important. Be specific on how your decisions influenced the contract strategy.

Companies with expansive contract administration departments may have job openings at the supervisory level. If you have experience managing others in this field, the hiring company will want to understand your managerial style. Your answers should reflect your skills as a manager. Let the hiring manager know how many years experience you have supervising others and the level of employees on your team. Give detailed examples of how you lead your department in completing contracts on schedule. Talk about what you did to motivate your employees. If you excel in training others in contract management talk about your training methods.

Employers seek an understanding of your level of expertise. Questions may involve the length and number of contracts you managed during a specific period. Your educational background and any legal contract coursework you completed prior to the interview is meaningful. Talk about your formal education, any licenses and certifications you possess, your understanding of contract law and various strategies you implemented to improve the contract administration process. If your duties included any contract negotiating in addition to administration, that is also a factor in assessing the scope of your responsibility. Be prepared to discuss your negotiation tactics.

This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. This is why you need to be utterly familiar with the job description as well as the company culture. Remember though, it's best to back them up with actual examples of say, how you are a good team player. It is possible that you may not have as much skills, experience or qualifications as the other candidates. What then, will set you apart from the rest? Energy and passion might. People are attracted to someone who is charismatic, who show immense amount of energy when they talk, and who love what it is that they do. As you explain your compatibility with the job and company, be sure to portray yourself as that motivated, confident and energetic person, ever- ready to commit to the cause of the company.