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.

Interview Practice

Search Business Development Manager Questions:


  • 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: What is the most important tool to understand your client?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for understanding the client's needs and wants. You want to hire someone who is able to do this without much effort. This question is designed to find out whether the candidate has the ability to understand their clients and how they can best serve them.

    Sample Answer: I would say that the most important tool is the ability to listen to my clients and understand their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of client's business
    • - Ability to understand client's needs
    • - Ability to understand client's wants

  • Question: How do you stay motivated when your sales calls don't produce results?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for generating new business, so they need to be able to keep their spirits up when they are not getting any results. This question is meant to see how the candidate handles failure and how they can keep their motivation up when things are not going well.

    Sample Answer: I know that there is always a chance that I will not get a sale, so I am always prepared for it. I just keep trying and eventually I will get a sale.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to stay motivated in the face of failure
    • - A positive attitude
    • - A willingness to take risks

  • Question: What will you take from this process and implement into your current role to be better?
  • 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 will take away the importance of being organized and prepared for every situation. I will also take away the importance of being flexible and able to adapt to different situations.

      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: If you are not allowed to meet the manager, what will you do?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is supposed to be the face of the company to the customer. If they are not allowed to meet the manager, then they will not be able to do their job. This question is designed to see if the candidate is willing to go above and beyond what is required in order to get the job done.

    Sample Answer: I would try to find a way to meet with the manager. I would do whatever it takes to get the job done.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Willingness to go above and beyond
    • - Ability to think on your feet
    • - Ability to adapt to different situations

  • Question: How will you develop business?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for developing new business, so you want to know how they will go about doing this. This question is meant to test the candidate's ability to come up with a plan for how they will develop new business.

    Sample Answer: I will develop new business by using a combination of cold calling and networking. I will also use my contacts to get referrals from other businesses.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of planning
    • - A plan for developing new business
    • - A track record of developing new business

  • Question: What was your production at your previous job?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is responsible for generating revenue for the company. Thus, you want to know how much revenue they were able to generate in their previous job. This question is meant to test whether the candidate is able to produce results.

    Sample Answer: I was able to generate $1 million in new business in my last year at my previous job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of past production
    • - Track record of success
    • - Ability to generate revenue

  • Question: What is your understanding of the job?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager is a key position in the company, and you want to make sure that the candidate has a good understanding of what the job entails. This question is meant to see if the candidate has done their homework on the position and can articulate how they will be able to do the job.

    Sample Answer: I have done my research on your company and understand that I will be responsible for developing new business opportunities for your company.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of research on the job
    • - A clear understanding of the job
    • - Knowledge of what is expected

  • Question: What are your motivations?
  • Question Overview: The business development manager should be motivated by the desire to see the company succeed. This question is meant to gauge whether the candidate is motivated by the company's success or their own.

    Sample Answer: I am motivated by the desire to see my company succeed. I want to be a part of a team that is dedicated to making the company better and stronger.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of company loyalty
    • - Evidence of personal loyalty
    • - Evidence of a desire to succeed

  • Question: When can you join us?
  • Question Overview: This is a question that is asked to the candidate to find out when they are available to start work. It is important to find out when the candidate can start so that you can plan accordingly.

    Sample Answer: I am available to start immediately and I can work full-time for the next three months.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Evidence of being able to start on time
    • - Flexibility in starting date
    • - A willingness to start immediately

  • Question: What is the biggest mistake you have made?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to see how the candidate reacts to failure. You want to see how they respond to their own mistakes and how they learn from them.

    Sample Answer: I once made the mistake of not being prepared for a meeting with a customer that I had been working with for some time. I was not able to answer all of their questions and lost the sale.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to learn from mistakes
    • - Ability to admit mistakes
    • - Evidence of a positive attitude