Sweating about an interview coming up where you’re going to be applying as a Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist? No worries! Listed below, you’ll find some of the most common Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist interview questions with advice on how to reply. Read on!
What experience do you have as a Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist?
A straightforward question that requires an honest answer – list experience you have as it pertains to the position you’re applying for. Don’t get caught off guard by this question should you not any actual experience. Plan ahead and have something relatable to share. In this way, you can turn a simple ‘no’ into an opportunity to demonstrate your awareness of related skillsets.
Answer Sample:
While my experience with x is limited, while working under y at my last job I really got to learn the ropes about z
What are some of major challenges the accounting industry faces looking ahead? How will it impact the role of Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist?
There are a variety of ways to answer this one. These days, mentioning Artificial Intelligence, software, and related items should do well. Regardless of your answer, be sure to have something to backup your responses.
Answer Sample:
Its hard to know for sure with industry factors such as x and y changing so many things – all I can say is that Im excited for the challenges that come with that
What do you to ensure error free work?
Hey, no one is perfect – but when it comes to accounting & finance, perfection in numbers is expected. While you may be a caped crusader with superhuman error-free work skills, your interviewer won’t buy it. What they’re seeking here is some method you deploy for QA.
Answer Sample:
Rain or shine, I always make sure that x is reviewed 3 times over and referenced against y before it goes out the door
Tell me about a time you used numbers to tell an effective story?
Numbers don’t lie. Here, it isn’t about you being right or a client being wrong, it’s about finding the facts through data. The key to answering this question is focusing on the outcome of data you furnished – and why it mattered.
Answer Sample:
A client had struggled with x for nearly a decade until I was able to clearly present the issue visually – a lightbulb went off, and the clients business is better than ever
Have you ever had to give someone difficult feedback?
We all love praise, and we all dislike hearing our work criticized. Any competent interviewer in the accounting profession understands that mistakes happen. The interviewer here is looking for one thing in particular: how you reacted in the situation. Was there ownership of a mistake, or deflection? By showing your cool in the reaction itself, you demonstrate leadership characteristics that employers love.
Answer Sample:
No one likes these situations, but Ive found that dealing with it factually and without predjudice tends to be the best approach
Give me an example of when your attention (or lack of attention) affected the outcome of a project. Why?
Details, details, details! No matter what your role in the accounting industry, this one’s important. Once again, saying it is one thing, being able to prove it is another.
Answer Sample:
My careful attention to x and y prevented a major audit last year
Which accounting specific software are you familiar with?
Every modern accounting practice will require some level of proficiency when it comes to software. If your experience is limited, make sure you at least have a basic understanding of industry standards prior to the interview. Do some research and investigate new platforms or recent developments in the software field.
Answer Sample:
Im proficient in x and y, but ive ready tons of good things about z and would love to learn more about it
Culture is important to us here. Which style of work enviornment do feel most productive in?
Culture is king these days, and for good reason. Many studies prove that hiring for culture first and ability second yields far superior results. While you may be a chatty extrovert, be mindful of your response here and how it may be perceived by the interviewer.
Answer Sample:
I succeed when given clear expectations of me and my team, and find a balance of working individually as well as alongside a team is when Im most content
Why are you leaving your last financial industry / accounting position?
Tread lightly! This question can be a dealbreaker if answered improperly. Seeking more money or mentioning the ‘terrible management’ at your last job may leave your interviewer with the wrong impression of you. Regardless of the reason your employment ceased to be, keep it on point and do not get negative here.
Answer Sample:
Working at x was a great experience for a vareity of reasons, but now its time to seek out new challenges