Top Business Development Manager Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Question Overview: This question is meant to see if the candidate is a good fit for your company. You want to see that they are enthusiastic about the job and that they are excited about the opportunity to work with your company.

Sample Answer: I am very excited about this job because I know that I will be able to use my experience and skills to help your company grow.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of enthusiasm for the job
• - Evidence of knowledge of the company
• - Evidence of knowledge of the industry

Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for negotiating the value of the product or service that the company is offering. This question is designed to see how the candidate will handle situations in which the customer is not willing to pay what the company wants.

Sample Answer: I would try to find out what the customer's budget is and then look for ways to offer them a product or service that they can afford. I would also try to find out what their priorities are and try to meet them in order to make them more likely to pay for our services.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to negotiate
• - Ability to persuade
• - Flexibility

Question Overview: This is a standard question that is asked of every candidate. You want to see how the candidate will answer this question and whether they are a good fit for the position. This question is meant to gauge whether the candidate is a good fit for your company and whether they can sell themselves effectively.

Sample Answer: I am a good fit for this position because I have the experience and skills to succeed in this role. I have been successful in my previous roles, and I am confident that I can be successful in this role as well.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of good fit
• - Evidence of selling skills
• - Evidence of knowledge about the company

Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for the morale of the employees. They should be able to create a positive work environment and foster a sense of teamwork. This question is designed to see how well the candidate can work with others and create a positive work environment.

Sample Answer: A company owes its employees a safe and comfortable work environment, as well as the opportunity to grow and develop. I have always been committed to providing my employees with these things.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - A commitment to employees
• - A positive attitude
• - The ability to foster teamwork

Question Overview: This question is meant to find out why the candidate wants to work for your company. You want to know if they are truly interested in the job or just want a job.

Sample Answer: I am very interested in working for your company because I know that you are a leader in your industry and have a lot of potential for growth. I also know that you have a great reputation and are a great place to work.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of interest in the company
• - Evidence of knowledge about the company
• - Evidence of knowledge about the position

Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for selling your company's products and services to new clients. Thus, you want to hire someone who has experience in selling. This question is designed to find out how much experience the candidate has in selling and whether they have the skills to be successful in your company.

Sample Answer: I have been a business development manager for the past three years and have been successful in developing new business for my company. I have a proven track record of success and have been recognized for my work.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of sales experience
• - Track record of success
• - Knowledge of sales techniques

Question Overview: The business development manager is a long-term position, so you want to make sure that the candidate has a long-term plan for their career. This question is designed to find out whether the candidate has a plan for their career and is willing to commit to your company for the long haul.

Sample Answer: I see myself in a management position in 5 years, and I hope to be working with you.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Commitment to the company
• - Long-term career goals
• - Evidence of a plan for the future

Question Overview: This question is meant to test the business development manager's ability to negotiate. You want to see how they handle a situation in which they have to negotiate a deal with another company. This question is important because it shows how the candidate can handle a situation in which they are not in complete control.

Sample Answer: I am charging [licensor] a royalty rate of [royalty rate].

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of negotiation skills
• - Ability to work with other companies
• - Knowledge of market value

Question Overview: A business development manager should be able to survive in any situation. This question is meant to test the candidate's ability to overcome obstacles and continue to be successful.

Sample Answer: I took a year off to travel and gain new experiences. I learned a lot about myself and how to work with people from different backgrounds.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of overcoming obstacles
• - A willingness to learn new skills
• - Ability to adapt to new situations

Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for bringing in new business and increasing the company's revenue. This question is meant to find out what the candidate will do to achieve this goal.

Sample Answer: I have a proven track record of increasing sales with my prior work experience. I will apply these skills here by using my knowledge of the marketplace to find new potential customers and then using my sales skills to close the deal.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of skills in sales
• - A plan for increasing revenue
• - A track record of success

Question Overview: Prospecting is the first step in business development, and it is important that the candidate knows how to do it well. This question is designed to see how well the candidate can find new potential clients and how they can reach them.

Sample Answer: I have a list of contacts that I use to reach out to potential clients. I also use social media to find new leads.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of prospecting
• - A plan for prospecting
• - Knowledge of prospecting methods

Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well the candidate can develop a marketing strategy for a specific business. You want to see how well they can think on their feet and come up with a plan that will work for your company.

Sample Answer: I would look at the competition and see what they are doing. I would then devise a strategy that is different from the competition. I would also want to find out what the customers want and give it to them.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of ability to develop marketing strategy
• - Ability to think on feet
• - Ability to devise a plan for a specific business

Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for a lot of different tasks, so you want to see how they handle the most difficult aspects of the job. This question is meant to see how the candidate will handle the most challenging aspects of the job.

Sample Answer: The most challenging aspect of this position would be the need to work with a lot of different people. I have experience working in a team and can handle this challenge.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Ability to handle difficult situations
• - A positive attitude
• - The ability to work in a team

Question Overview: The business development manager is a position that requires a lot of self-motivation and drive. You want to make sure that the candidate is a good fit for the position and will be able to handle the workload. This question is meant to gauge whether the candidate will be able to work well in your company environment.

Sample Answer: I have been in sales for over ten years, and I have always been able to work independently. I am also very motivated and driven, so I know that I will be able to succeed in this position.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of self-motivation
• - Evidence of ability to handle workload
• - Evidence of being a good fit for the position

Question Overview: The business development manager is a key position in the company, and you want to make sure that they are a good fit for your company culture. This question is designed to find out how the candidate will fit into your company.

Sample Answer: I will add value to your company by being a strong leader who can work with others and help them succeed. I will also bring my experience and knowledge to the table.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of cultural fit
• - Evidence of ability to work with others
• - Evidence of ability to work in a team

Question Overview: The business development manager is supposed to be a visionary who thinks several steps ahead of everyone else. Rather than just following current sales leads, you will want someone who is planning where they want to go several years down the road. This question is designed to gauge whether the candidate has a long-term plan and knows how to execute that plan in order to develop future business.

Sample Answer: I see the future of CSM as being focused on emerging markets and new technologies. I think that we should be looking into these areas for the future.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - The ability to merge strategy with sales
• - Evidence of skills in planning
• - Experience taking action based on plan

Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for being a leader in the company. You want to see that they have the qualities of a leader and are able to motivate others to follow them. This question is designed to see whether the candidate has the leadership qualities that you want in your business development manager.

Sample Answer: My role model is my father. He was a hard worker who always put his family first. He taught me that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it and work hard.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of leadership qualities
• - A willingness to learn from others
• - A desire to be a leader

Question Overview: This is a simple question that is asked to get to know the candidate better.

Sample Answer: I am a hard worker who is always looking for new ways to improve my skills. I am also a team player who is very good at working with others.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of personal attributes
• - Experience with the company

Question Overview: Business development managers are often hired as contract employees. This question is meant to discover whether the candidate is aware of this fact and can explain why companies do this.

Sample Answer: Companies use contract employees to save money on benefits and to have more flexibility in hiring.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Knowledge of the reasons why companies use contract employees
• - Awareness of the benefits of contract employees
• - Awareness of the drawbacks of contract employees

Question Overview: The business development manager is often the only person in a company who is actively seeking out new business. This question is meant to see whether the candidate can work independently and not need constant supervision.

Sample Answer: I have worked alone in the past and have been successful. I am self-motivated and can always find ways to get the job done.

What the interviewer is looking for:
• - Evidence of working independently
• - Self-motivation
• - Ability to work alone