17 Field Application Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

Field application specialists, or FASs, work with customers to identify and solve problems with the products they use. They also work with sales teams to provide product feedback and help increase sales. FASs often have a deep knowledge of the products they work with and can offer expert advice to customers.

If you want to work as a field application specialist, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. This guide will help you answer common job interview questions and stand out from the other candidates.

Are you comfortable working with a team of people to complete projects?

Field application specialists often work with a team of people to complete projects. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in a collaborative environment. Use your answer to explain that you enjoy collaborating with others and are willing to do so on the job. Explain that you value teamwork and will be able to contribute to any project your team is working on.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with a team of people to complete projects. In my previous role, I was part of a large team of field application specialists. We all worked together to complete our projects on time. I’m used to communicating with other professionals and sharing ideas with them. I think it’s important to collaborate with others because we can learn from each other and come up with better solutions for problems.”

What are some of the technical skills that you have acquired during your time as a field application specialist?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your technical skills and how they can benefit their company. When answering, list the specific software programs you have experience using and any other technical skills that are relevant to the job.

Example: “I have extensive experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also know how to use several different types of databases, such as SQL Server and Oracle. In my previous role, I was responsible for maintaining all of our company’s data security measures, so I am familiar with encryption methods and password protection.”

How would you go about explaining technical concepts to someone who is not familiar with the field?

Field application specialists often need to explain technical concepts to clients and other employees. Your answer should show the interviewer that you can communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy for others to understand.

Example: “I would start by explaining what I do in simple terms, such as ‘I make sure all of our software works properly.’ Then I would give an example of how this process works using something they are familiar with, like their own cell phone. This helps them relate to the concept more easily. If they still seem confused, I would try to simplify it even further until they understood.”

What is your process for testing out new equipment or software before recommending it to clients?

Field application specialists need to be able to test out new equipment and software before recommending it to clients. This is because they are the ones who will use the products in the field, so they should know how well they work. Your answer should show that you understand why testing is important and what your process for doing it is.

Example: “I always make sure to thoroughly test any new equipment or software I’m thinking of recommending to a client. For example, if I was thinking about recommending a new type of sprayer, I would first read up on all the different types available. Then, I would go to a local supplier and try out several models to see which one felt most comfortable to me. Next, I would take it back home and practice using it there until I felt confident enough to recommend it to a client.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to help a client implement a major change in their business processes.

Field application specialists often work with clients to help them improve their business processes. This question helps the interviewer understand how you apply your skills and expertise to benefit a client’s company. In your answer, explain what steps you took to ensure the client was successful in implementing the change.

Example: “In my last role as a field application specialist, I worked with a client who wanted to implement an automated inventory system for their warehouse operations. The client had been manually tracking their inventory levels, which led to inaccurate data and delayed shipments. We started by performing a thorough analysis of the client’s current systems and procedures. Then, we developed a plan that included training employees on the new software and hardware. After implementation, the client saw significant improvements in their shipping times.”

If a client was not happy with the results of a change you helped them implement, how would you handle it?

Field application specialists often work with clients to help them achieve their goals. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to handle challenging situations. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm and professional even when a client is upset. Explain how you would use your communication skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “If a client was not happy with the results of a change I helped them implement, I would first listen to what they had to say. Then, I would explain why I made the recommendation I did. If there were any extenuating circumstances, I would share those as well. Finally, I would offer to meet with the client again or provide additional training for the employee who implemented the changes.”

What would you do if you were tasked with helping a client implement a new software system but you were not familiar with it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you approach new challenges and learn new skills. Use your answer to highlight your ability to research information, ask questions and apply what you learn to the job.

Example: “If I was tasked with helping a client implement a new software system but wasn’t familiar with it, I would first try to find out as much about the software as possible before my first day on the job. If there were any training materials available, I would study them thoroughly so that I could be prepared for my first day of work. When I arrived at the job site, I would introduce myself to everyone involved in the project and explain that I may need some extra time to get used to the software. Then, I would spend the rest of the day learning the basics of the software.”

How well do you perform under pressure when completing multiple projects at once?

Field application specialists often have multiple projects to complete at once. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working on several tasks at once and still meet deadlines. In your answer, explain how you manage multiple projects and prioritize your work. Share a specific example of when you worked under pressure and successfully completed all of your projects by their due dates.

Example: “I am used to having many projects to complete at once. At my last job, I had five different clients that I was responsible for completing field applications for. Each client had different needs, so I had to be flexible with my schedule. For instance, one client needed me to create a custom sprayer for them while another wanted me to install pre-existing equipment. I learned how to balance multiple projects and always met each deadline.”

Do you have experience working with clients from diverse industries?

Field application specialists often work with clients from a variety of industries. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with people who are different than you. Use your answer to explain that you enjoy learning about new cultures and backgrounds. Explain that you’re willing to adapt to the needs of each client.

Example: “I’ve worked with many different types of businesses throughout my career. I find it interesting to learn about how other companies operate. Each company has its own unique culture, which makes me want to know more about them. In my last role, I worked with a large corporation that had multiple locations. I also worked with a small startup that was just starting out. Both experiences were valuable for me.”

When performing research for a project, what is your process for finding reliable sources?

Field application specialists need to be able to conduct research on their projects and find reliable sources of information. Your answer should show the interviewer that you know how to use resources like databases, journals and other publications to find credible information.

Example: “I usually start my search by looking at the client’s existing database for any relevant articles or studies. If I can’t find what I’m looking for there, I’ll look through professional organizations and associations to see if they have any published materials. After that, I’ll check online databases like PubMed and Google Scholar to see if I can find anything useful. Finally, if all else fails, I will contact experts in the field to see if they have any personal experience with the project.”

We want to become known for having the best field application specialists in the industry. How would you define excellence in this role?

This question is an opportunity to show your understanding of the company’s goals and how you can contribute to them. Your answer should include a definition of excellence, examples of what it looks like in practice and how you would achieve this level of performance.

Example: “Excellence means consistently meeting or exceeding customer expectations. I believe that every field application specialist should be able to identify their customers’ needs and deliver solutions that exceed those needs. For example, if a client asks for a product that will last longer than another similar product on the market, we should be able to create a solution that meets that need.”

Describe your personal work ethic and how it contributes to your success as a field application specialist.

Field application specialists must be highly motivated and willing to work long hours. Employers ask this question to learn more about your personal work ethic and how it contributes to your success in the role. When answering, think of a time when you were able to overcome challenges or achieve goals despite working long hours.

Example: “I am passionate about my career as a field application specialist because I enjoy helping others. In my last position, I worked with a client who was having trouble using our software. They called me at 10 p.m. on a Friday night, but I didn’t mind staying late to help them. After troubleshooting their issue for an hour, they finally understood how to use the software. The next day, they sent me an email thanking me for all of my help.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this role?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you compare to other candidates. To answer, think of the skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for this role. You can also mention any unique or transferable skills you have that might be helpful in this position.

Example: “I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me an excellent fit for this role. I’ve worked as a field application specialist before, so I know what it takes to succeed in this role. My previous employer recognized my work with several awards, including one for excellence in customer service.”

Which industries have you worked in previously and how did you adapt your approach for each one?

Field application specialists often work in a variety of industries, so employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working in different environments. Use your answer to highlight how you adapt your approach based on the industry and client’s needs.

Example: “I’ve worked with both small businesses and large corporations, which has helped me understand that each company has its own unique challenges. I always try to meet with clients before beginning any project to learn more about their goals and expectations. This helps me create a plan that meets everyone’s needs while also being cost-effective.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a field application specialist to have?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a professional and understand what skills you value most. Your answer can also tell them about your career goals, so it’s important to think about which skill you feel is most important for this role.

Example: “I believe that communication is the most important skill for a field application specialist. This job requires us to work with many different people in various locations, so we need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively. I have experience using multiple forms of communication, including phone calls, emails and text messages, so I am confident that I can relay information accurately and efficiently.”

How often do you update your technical skills to remain up-to-date with the latest industry trends?

Field application specialists need to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technology. Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to your professional development. In your answer, share how you plan to keep your skills current. Explain what steps you take to learn new things. Share any certifications or training programs you have completed in the past.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my technical knowledge. I regularly attend webinars and online seminars on topics like software updates and best practices. I also subscribe to several email newsletters that provide tips and tricks for using various applications. I believe it is important to continuously learn more about our products so we can better serve our clients.”

There is a bug in the software you recommended to a client, but they are already using it. How would you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you would handle an error in your work. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to take responsibility for your mistakes and learn from them.

Example: “If there was a bug in the software I recommended, I would immediately contact the client to let them know about it. Then, I would offer to either fix the problem or replace the software with another version of the same program. If they chose to have me fix the issue, I would do everything in my power to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.”