Six Common Interview Questions for Contractors

As recruiters, we at JustinBradley spend a significant part of our day interviewing accounting, finance, and business professionals, and we understand that most people approach the process with a combination of excitement and nervousness. One way to lower those nervous feelings during an interview is to be prepared. We encourage all our candidates to practice answering common interview questions (ideally out loud).

Here are six common interview questions you will want to review and prepare for when interviewing for a contract position:

1.? Why are you interested in this contract assignment??

The interviewer?wants to know?if you are qualified for this?role and does?this position?align?with your career?goals. Your answer?will?help?reassure them that, despite being a?contract?worker, you?are committed?to the project.??

**At the end of the interview, remember to let the interviewer know that you’re interested in pursuing the position. Say things such as “I’m very interested in this opportunity. I hope we can talk further.” Or “From what you’ve told me, I’d like this job.” Be sure to ask what the next step is. This draws the interview to a close and ensures everyone is on the same page moving forward.?

2. Tell me about a time you’ve had to quickly adjust to a new environment?

Here at?JustinBradley,?we love?behavioral?interview?questions,?and you can?definitely expect?something similar to the above. Your answer to this question?will?tell the hiring manager?how quickly you can jump in?and start contributing.??

3. Describe how you work with others.

Even as a contract employee,?it is still?very?important that?you get along well with existing employees for the sake of the team’s?morale and productivity. Prepare to?give examples of?how?well?you?have?worked?with a range of different personalities?during your interview.?

4.? How do your skills prepare you for this assignment?

Now’s your time to shine! Be ready to talk about your accomplishments and?make sure you?have several to talk about.?As a contractor, your skills and ability to immediately apply them effectively and efficiently?will be your?biggest?selling point?when getting hired.?

5. Expect technical questions.?

Be prepared to answer?a range of specific technical questions related to your area of expertise.?Share?what you’ve achieved – processes improved, errors eliminated, savings identified.?Be as specific as possible, use technical jargon,?and quantify with numbers, which gives the interviewer a sense of your expertise.???

6. Do you have any questions?for me??

Lastly,?it’s your turn to ask the questions. Prior to your interview,?prepare a list of questions you might have for the hiring manager. This will not only?demonstrate your interest in the?role, but it will help you?dig deeper and?decide if this is the right opportunity for you.?Questions we like are:

“What did you see in my background that you thought would make me a good candidate for this role?” With this, you will know what skills or experience are important to them and you can reinforce your qualifications.

“What will you want me to accomplish in the first 30 days?”

“Why is this role open?and what is the long-term plan, if any?”

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*This article was originally posted on September 25, 2018 and was updated in April 2023.