How do I handle not having experience required to do job? Interview is tomm (employment, company)

[kimbey]

I have an interview tomorrow and I am very excited about it. One of the qualifications they have in the job description is negotiating construction contracts. I am not familiar with this type of negotiation and do not have it listed on my resume. How can I snag the job without this background? I don't want to lose the job to someone who may have these skills. I am sure it won't be a problem in learning it but I do not have experience doing this type of negotiating. They must know this as it is not on my resume.
How do I answer this question if it comes up?

[manderly6]

Hard to imagine you would have a shot vs. a candidate that has this experience. Best you can do is stress you are a fast learner. I would try and figure out exactly what goes in to "negotiating construction contracts" so you can at least talk intelligently about it. Perhaps you will find out you have some related experience.

[joe from dayton]

They probably assume that you have that experience whether it is on your resume or not. I would say that the lack of said required experience will sink you.

[operaphantom2003]

Say "While I do not have direct experience in ______ my experience as ______ has taught me _______which is applied to (said direct experience)." Be sure to know your skills, the skills they are looking for and what similarities they have. Negotiation is Negotiation regardless of field....words are different, theory is the same.

[brocco]

Originally Posted by operaphantom2003

Say "While I do not have direct experience in ______ my experience as ______ has taught me _______which is applied to (said direct experience)." Be sure to know your skills, the skills they are looking for and what similarities they have. Negotiation is Negotiation regardless of field....words are different, theory is the same.

I would switch the order of the two phrases.

[hnsq]

Spend ever waking hour between now and the interview online/in the library studying construction contract negotiation and contract law. Study enough so that you are able to talk intelligently on the subject in the interview.

[Nudetypist]

Speaking as a General Contractor, negotiating construction contracts could either mean dealing with the subcontractor or the client. Let them know you're very good at dealing with people. It would help if you've had client or subcontractor relations in the past. Any relations at all will do, they just want to know you've dealt with them. It would be especially great if you have experience quantifying numbers and materials. Then it makes it sound like you know how to check the contract amounts.

[kimbey]

I am reviewing basic construction services agreements info I printed off the net. I want the job but am surprised they want to interview me knowing that I do not have this background. I was recently laid off from a start up and am furiously looking for employment. I am very interested in the job but am very nervous about the requirements. I just hope I give a decent interview and don't undersell myself. I am confident in my skills but not this particular area.

[peet111]

It may be difficult to fathom but it is completely possible they didn't even notice this was missing but that doesn't mean you're off the hook. I was called by a company and was missing a component and had to do my best to cover it. I'd expect they will come directly at you with questions regarding this. If you can't quote direct experience, try using a business case you find and state how you could use it in your negotiating and that you understand the principles, preferably an industry standard or a program associated with quotes and negotiations. Try to keep extended talks on what you know best with supporting stories of your success in those categories.

[kimbey]

Guess I'll go in with fingers and toes crossed using other examples of my negotiating skills. All I can do is give it my best shot, I guess......