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

Prepare for your Business Development Manager interview by going through these most asked Business Development Manager interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

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  • Question: How will you deal with the customers for negotiating the value which is desired by company but the customer is not ready to pay?
  • 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: How did you survive in life with a gap in your resume?
  • 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: What skills will you apply here?
  • 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: What does a company owe its employees?
  • 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: What is the royalty rate you are charging to [licensor]?
  • 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: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • 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: Why do you want to work with us?
  • 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: What is your work experience?
  • 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: What do you think about the job you applied for?
  • 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: Why do you feel you are a good fit for this position?
  • 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: How would you find publishers in another country?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for finding new markets for your company. This question is designed to see how the candidate will go about finding new markets and how they will be able to adapt to the different cultures and languages of these markets.

    Sample Answer: I would look for publishers in other countries by searching the internet and contacting them directly. I would also use my contacts in the industry to find out who is doing business in other countries.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of foreign markets
    • - Ability to adapt to different cultures
    • - Ability to find new markets

  • Question: What do you know about OYO?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager will be working with the sales department, so it is important to know what the sales department does. This question is meant to see if the candidate has done their research on your company and is able to communicate with your sales team.

    Sample Answer: I know that OYO is a leading provider of office furniture and that you are a well-established company with a reputation for quality products.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of company's products and services
    • - Familiarity with company's competitors
    • - Knowledge of company's goals and objectives

  • Question: What will you do to improve the KPI in the first 30 days?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for the success of the company, so you want to make sure that they are going to be able to improve the KPI. This question is designed to find out how the candidate plans to improve the KPI and what they are going to do in their first 30 days.

    Sample Answer: I will work on improving the KPI by increasing the number of new customers and increasing sales with existing customers. I will also work on improving the KPI by increasing sales in new markets and increasing sales in existing markets.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of a plan for improvement
    • - A track record of success
    • - A commitment to improving KPI

  • Question: What will you do to compensate for your lack of direct experience?
  • Question Overview: While you want a candidate who has experience in business development, you also want to make sure that they are able to overcome their lack of experience with your company. This question is meant to find out how the candidate will compensate for their lack of experience and still be able to do the job.

    Sample Answer: I have a lot of experience in business development, and I have overcome many obstacles in my career. I will use my prior experience to overcome any obstacles that I face at your company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of prior experience overcoming obstacles
    • - A willingness to learn from others
    • - A track record of success

  • Question: What are the 2 most important sales skills?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for selling the company's products and services to potential clients. Thus, you want to find out how well they can sell and what their best sales techniques are. This question is meant to discover the candidate's sales prowess and their ability to sell your company's products.

    Sample Answer: The most important sales skills are listening and understanding the customer's needs. I have found that if you listen to what the customer wants and then deliver it, they will buy from you.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of sales skills
    • - Ability to sell
    • - Ability to adapt to different situations

  • Question: Draw your Org structure.
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for overseeing the sales team, and they are also responsible for ensuring that the sales team is working in the best way possible. This question is designed to see whether the candidate can effectively manage a team and also ensure that the team is working in a productive manner.

    Sample Answer: I would have a sales manager who oversees all of the salespeople. I would also have a marketing manager who oversees all of the marketing efforts.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of leadership skills
    • - Ability to manage a team
    • - Knowledge of how to get the most out of a team

  • Question: What is your biggest achievement?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for developing new business, and this question is meant to find out what the candidate has done in the past to develop new business. This question is important because it gives you an idea of the candidate's track record for developing new business.

    Sample Answer: I have developed new business in my prior job, and I have been successful in my sales. I have also been able to develop a strong network of contacts that I can use to get the job done.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of developing new business
    • - A track record of success
    • - A willingness to take risks

  • Question: Tell me about a time you had to deal with an angry customer and what was the outcome?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for dealing with customers who are not happy. This question is meant to see how the candidate handles these situations and how they can turn the situation around.

    Sample Answer: I have had to deal with angry customers in my past jobs, and I have learned how to remain calm and find a solution that works for both parties.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to handle difficult customers
    • - Ability to remain calm in a difficult situation
    • - Ability to resolve the conflict

  • Question: What are your salary expectations?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is a salesperson, and salespeople are always paid on commission. However, the commission is not always the same. This question is meant to find out what the candidate's salary expectations are so that you can gauge whether they will be a good fit for your company.

    Sample Answer: I have been paid on commission in the past, and I am looking for a similar arrangement with my new job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of prior salary negotiations
    • - Evidence of prior salary expectations
    • - Ability to negotiate salary

  • Question: Tell me about your self.
  • 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