17 Business Development Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

The business development specialist is a key player in any company. They are the liaisons between clients and the business. They work to identify potential customers and then work to create long-term relationships with those clients. They also work to identify new markets and business opportunities for the company.

Do you have what it takes to be a business development specialist? Before you can answer that, you’ll need to go through a job interview. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of questions and answers that you can expect to be asked in a business development specialist interview.

Are you familiar with our industry?

Employers ask this question to see if you have experience in their industry. Before your interview, research the company and its competitors. Try to find out what products or services they offer and how they differ from other companies in the same field. When answering this question, try to show that you are familiar with the company’s industry by mentioning a few of the company’s competitors and describing how they compare.

Example: “I am very familiar with your industry. I worked for a marketing agency for three years where we primarily served small businesses. We also did some work for larger corporations like yours. Your company is similar to ours in that you both focus on digital marketing. However, our agency focused more on social media while your company focuses more on search engine optimization.”

What are some of the most important skills for a business development specialist to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to the job description.

Example: “I believe that communication, problem-solving and relationship building are some of the most important skills for a business development specialist to have. These skills allow me to effectively communicate with clients, solve any issues they may have and build strong relationships with them so I can continue to provide excellent service. Another skill that is important is my ability to research and analyze data. This helps me understand what types of services or products a client’s company needs.”

How would you approach a potential client who is already working with another company for their needs?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation and your ability to work with clients who are already satisfied. In your answer, try to show that you have experience working with clients who are not actively looking for new solutions or services and can highlight your communication skills in handling this type of client.

Example: “I recently worked with a company that was already using another business’s software for their needs. I first asked them why they were interested in our software and if there was anything we could do to improve our product based on what they needed. They told me that they wanted more features but didn’t want to switch from their current provider because it was too much of an inconvenience.

I offered to speak with their current provider about adding some of the features they wanted into their existing software so they wouldn’t need to change providers. The client was happy with my solution and ended up staying with their current provider.”

What is your experience with cold calling?

Cold calling is a common practice in business development. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience with cold calling and how you feel about it. They want to know that you are willing to make calls to potential clients, even if they aren’t expecting your call. In your answer, explain why you enjoy making cold calls and what strategies you use to make them more effective.

Example: “I actually find cold calling quite enjoyable. I think it’s important to get in front of people as early as possible when trying to build relationships. When I’m cold calling, I try to be friendly and introduce myself before getting into the details of my pitch. This helps me start off on the right foot with new contacts and makes sure they remember who I am later.”

Provide an example of a time when you successfully closed a deal.

This question can help the interviewer understand your negotiation skills and ability to close a sale. Use examples from previous work experience that highlight your communication, problem-solving and sales skills.

Example: “In my last role as a business development specialist, I was working with a client who wanted to expand their online presence. They were looking for ways to increase traffic to their website and improve search engine optimization. After researching different SEO strategies, I presented three options to the client. The first option would be an in-house solution, which would require hiring someone full time to manage the company’s SEO. The second option was outsourcing the project to a third party. The final option was a hybrid approach where we hired someone part-time to handle the company’s SEO while also outsourcing some of the tasks to a third party.”

If a client was not satisfied with your company’s services, how would you approach them about it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle customer service issues and whether or not you have experience in doing so. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time when you had to address a dissatisfied client and what steps you took to resolve their issue.

Example: “If I ever encountered a situation where a client was unhappy with our services, I would first try to find out why they were unsatisfied. If they felt we did not meet their expectations, I would apologize for any inconvenience and ask them what I could do to make things right. I would then contact my manager to see if there is anything else we can do to improve our services.”

What would you do if you were working on a deal and your company suddenly discontinued the product or service you were selling?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you would react to a challenging situation and whether you have the creativity and problem-solving skills needed for this role. Your answer should show that you are flexible, adaptable and willing to try new things.

Example: “If my company suddenly discontinued the product or service I was selling, I would first ask why they made this decision. If it was because of low sales, I would look at other ways to promote the product or service. For example, if we were selling software, I could offer free training sessions on how to use the software. This way, even though our company wasn’t selling the software itself, we could still benefit from the sale.”

How well do you handle rejection?

Business development specialists often have to pitch their ideas and proposals to clients. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle rejection professionally. In your answer, try to show that you understand the importance of maintaining a positive attitude when someone says no to your idea. Explain how you would use it as an opportunity to learn more about what they need or want.

Example: “I know that business development is all about trial and error. I’ve had many pitches where people said no to my ideas. However, I always take these rejections as opportunities to learn more about them. If I find out why they didn’t like my idea, I use it to improve my next pitch. I think it’s important to keep trying until I find something that works.”

Do you have any experience working with sales software?

This question can help the interviewer determine your comfort level with using software to track sales and customer information. If you have experience working with this type of software, share what you like about it and how it helps you in your role. If you don’t have experience with sales software, explain why you’re interested in learning more about it and which types of software you’d be most comfortable using.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different kinds of sales software over my career, but I find that CRM software is the best for keeping track of all of our clients’ needs and preferences. It’s also helpful for organizing client data so we can use it to create targeted marketing campaigns.”

When approaching a new client, what is your process for building trust and establishing credibility?

When you’re interviewing for a business development role, it’s important to show that you understand the importance of establishing trust and credibility with your clients. This question is an opportunity to demonstrate how you would approach this process in your new role.

Example: “I find that building trust and credibility are two essential components of any successful business relationship. When I’m approaching a new client, I make sure to be prepared with all necessary information about my company and what we can offer them. I also take time to listen to their needs and concerns so that I can address them as thoroughly as possible. By being honest and transparent from the beginning, I’ve found that I can establish strong relationships with my clients.”

We want to increase our presence in local communities. How would you go about doing that?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to develop strategies for increasing brand awareness and community outreach. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific examples of how you’ve helped increase the presence of brands in local communities in the past.

Example: “I would start by researching which communities are most likely to engage with our brand’s messaging. I’d then create a plan that outlines how we could reach these communities through social media, public events or other methods. For example, at my previous company, we wanted to increase our presence in the tech community. We started by identifying the top 10 tech blogs and publications in the area. Then, we reached out to each one and offered them free products in exchange for coverage.”

Describe your experience with public speaking.

Public speaking is a common skill for business development specialists. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the confidence and experience to speak in front of large groups of people. In your answer, share an example of a time when you had to give a presentation or speech. Explain how you prepared for it and what skills helped you succeed.

Example: “I’ve given several presentations at my previous job. I was responsible for presenting our company’s new products to clients. To prepare, I researched each client’s needs and developed a presentation that highlighted our strengths. I practiced my delivery multiple times so I could be confident in front of the audience. My public speaking skills helped me connect with the clients and show them why they should choose us.”

What makes you stand out from other business development specialists?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your unique skills and abilities. They want to know what makes you a valuable asset to their company. When answering this question, think of two or three things that make you stand out from other professionals in the field. These can be specific skills, certifications or experiences.

Example: “I am passionate about helping businesses grow. I have been working as a business development specialist for five years now, and I still get excited when I see how my clients’ businesses are doing after implementing our strategies. Another thing that makes me stand out is my ability to work with different types of people. I enjoy collaborating with others on projects and find it easy to communicate with all kinds of personalities.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for. When answering this question, consider what industries the company works in and highlight any similarities between them.

Example: “I have worked primarily with technology companies, however I also have experience working with financial institutions and software development firms. In my previous role as a business development specialist, I helped a software development firm increase their client base by 20% within six months. This was due to my ability to find new clients that were similar to our current ones.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working with clients?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with clients and what your priorities are. Your answer should show that you value customer service, communication and collaboration.

Example: “I think it’s important to remember that each client is unique and has different needs. I always try to learn as much about them as possible so I can provide a solution that fits their specific situation. It also helps me to be flexible when working with clients because no two businesses are exactly alike. I make sure to ask questions and listen carefully to ensure I’m understanding their goals.”

How often do you meet with clients on a regular basis?

This question can help the interviewer understand how often you’ll be in contact with them and other employees. They may also want to know if you’re comfortable meeting new people or if you prefer working independently. Your answer should show that you enjoy interacting with clients, but you can also work independently when necessary.

Example: “I usually meet with my clients at least once a week. I find this helps me stay on top of their needs and gives me time to ask questions about what they need from our company. However, sometimes I have to travel for business trips or meetings, so I’m comfortable doing that as well.”

There is a new industry trend that you don’t think our company should pursue. What is your process for bringing it up to your manager?

This question is a great way to see how you handle conflict and disagreement. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to speak up when you have an opinion on something. Your answer should show your ability to be honest, but tactful in your approach.

Example: “I would first do my research on why I think it’s not a good idea for our company. Then, I would schedule a meeting with my manager to discuss my concerns. I would make sure to present my points clearly and back them up with data or examples from other companies who tried this trend and failed. If they still wanted to pursue it, I would offer to help find ways to implement it so we could minimize any risks.”