Contract Management Skills: Example Usage on Resumes, Skill Set & Top Keywords in 2024

Contract management skill involves effectively handling agreements and terms between parties to maximize operational and financial performance and minimize risk. This skill set allows individuals to create, negotiate, and oversee contracts throughout their lifecycle. Proficiency in contract management means being well-versed in legal guidelines, obligations, and best practices, plus having keen attention to detail and problem-solving ability. These skills ensure accurate execution and fulfillment of contracts, leading to successful business collaborations and transactions.

Adding contract management skill to your resume can showcase your ability to handle important legal documents and agreements, which is beneficial in numerous fields, particularly legal, procurement, and project management. However, mentioning this skill might limit focus on other relevant professional expertise you possess or give an impression that you are only specialized in this area. Instead, balance your resume by also highlighting related skills like negotiation, analysis, and strategic planning. Couple this with specific achievements to paint a more comprehensive picture of your capabilities.

In this article, you will learn:

• Drawbacks of focusing too much on contract management skills in your resume.
• How to balance your resume with complementary abilities that support contract management expertise.
• Good and bad examples of contract management in resumes and alternative phrases to describe this skill.

Misusage of contract management on resumes

Effective contract management is a critical skill for ensuring business deals are transparent, terms are met, and risks are minimized. However, overstating or misrepresenting this ability on your resume can lead to credibility issues and lost trust from potential employers. It's important to present your experience authentically, highlighting genuine examples of your contract management expertise without exaggeration or falsehood.

• In the summary section: Claiming to single-handedly re-negotiate all company contracts within a month, resulting in a 50% cost reduction, can come off as unrealistic and might raise red flags about your honesty.
• Within the experience section: Listing the responsibility of managing "thousands of high-profile international contracts simultaneously" can seem improbable and suggests a lack of real understanding of the focus required for effective contract management.
• Regarding achievements: Stating that you "eliminated all contractual risks for the company" may be seen as an overstatement since it's nearly impossible to eliminate all potential risks in contracts.

How to demonstrate contract management skills on your resume

• List specific contract management achievements, such as successfully negotiating contracts that resulted in a 20% cost reduction or improved service levels for your organization.
• Highlight your ability to use contract management software and tools effectively, citing examples where you managed a high volume of contracts efficiently.
• Show your experience in risk management by explaining how you've identified potential contractual risks and taken steps to mitigate them, protecting your company's interests.
• Detail how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to align contract terms with company goals and strategies, illustrating your teamwork and communication skills.
• Demonstrate your understanding of legal and regulatory compliance by describing how you've ensured all contracts adhered to relevant laws and industry standards.

Example 1: Demonstrate contract management in the experience section

What makes this a good example for demonstrating contract management skills:

• Highlights direct involvement in the contract management process, showcasing the ability to handle responsibilities efficiently.
• Quantifiable achievements in each bullet point demonstrate the value brought to the organizations, with clear metrics of success.
• Describes key projects and specific contributions, giving insight into the candidate's problem-solving abilities.
• Uses simple language to ensure readability, making the content accessible to a wide audience.
• Each bullet point reflects different aspects of contract management, from negotiation to compliance, to underline a well-rounded experience.

Example 2: Demonstrate contract management in the summary section

• The applicant highlights a decade of contract management expertise, indicating strong familiarity with the field.
• By mentioning experience across various industry sectors, the applicant shows adaptability and broad knowledge.
• The summary specifies a significant accomplishment of handling a $50M contract, making it clear this is a seasoned professional.
• The focus on efficiency, process improvement, and cost reduction provides concrete examples of how the applicant adds value.
• There is no use of overdone jargon or clichés, ensuring the statement is clear, direct, and relatable to potential employers.

Example 3: Demonstrate contract management in the achievements section

• The titles are concise, clearly reflecting the candidate's role and responsibility.
• Numbers within the descriptions provide tangible evidence of the candidate's success.
• Descriptions focus on measurable outcomes, indicating problem-solving abilities and impact on the business.
• Each entry lays out a different dimension of contract management expertise, from negotiation to relationship building, and process improvement.
• Simple language is used, making the achievements accessible and easy to understand.
• By avoiding overused buzzwords, the text highlights accomplishments in a straightforward manner.

What are the relevant certifications for contract management skills on resume

If you are looking to strengthen your contract management expertise, obtaining a certification can be a beneficial step. Here are five respected certificates in the field:

Most relevant jobs for contract management skills

Being skilled in contract management involves overseeing the creation, execution, and analysis of contracts to guarantee they are beneficial and adhere to compliance guidelines. Positions in this field are essential for ensuring that legal and financial terms are met in business agreements. Here are ten job titles where contract management skills are highly valuable.

• Contract Manager
• Procurement Specialist
• Legal Counsel
• Project Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Business Development Manager
• Contracts Administrator
• Commercial Manager
• Risk Management Officer
• Vendor Manager

Key takeaways

• Contract management skill is vital for showcasing your capability to handle legal agreements and can make your resume more attractive to employers.
• Improper use of contract management can lead to legal issues; avoid these by being thorough and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Showcase your contract management skills on your resume by highlighting specific experiences and accomplishments in past roles.