17 Small Business Specialist Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to starting and running a small business, a lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of the small business specialist. From providing business advice and counseling to helping with the formation of business entities, this professional is responsible for ensuring that the business is on track to reach its goals.

If you’re looking to start or further your career in small business specialist, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. In order to make the best impression on potential employers, it’s important to be prepared for common small business specialist interview questions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a list of questions and answers to help you get started.

Are you familiar with the Small Business Administration’s loan programs?

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of loan programs to help small businesses get the funding they need. The SBA also provides other resources, such as training and counseling services, for small business owners. Your answer should show that you know about these programs and how they can benefit your future employer.

Example: “I am familiar with the SBA’s loan programs because I have helped clients apply for them in my previous role. These programs are very useful for small businesses looking for loans. For example, one client was able to secure a $100,000 loan through the SBA’s 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program. This allowed him to purchase new equipment for his manufacturing company. He is now able to produce more products at lower costs, which has led to increased sales.”

What are some of the most important qualities that a small business specialist should have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the right skills and experience for their company. They want someone who is organized, detail-oriented and passionate about small business owners succeeding. In your answer, share two or three qualities that are most important to you as a professional. Explain why these traits are so important to you and how they help you do your job well.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities a small business specialist can have is empathy. I know it’s not always easy to be an entrepreneur, especially when things aren’t going well. It’s my job to listen to what they’re saying and understand where they’re coming from. Another quality I feel is essential is patience. Small businesses take time to grow, and there are many factors involved in making them successful. I am willing to work with clients over long periods of time to ensure they get the results they need.”

How would you help a small business owner who is struggling with cash flow issues?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with clients who may be experiencing challenges. Use examples from previous experience or explain how you would approach this situation if it’s something you haven’t encountered before.

Example: “Cash flow is one of the most common issues small business owners face, so I have plenty of experience helping them find solutions. In my last role, a client was having trouble paying their employees because they were waiting on payments from customers. I helped them create an invoice that could be paid in installments until the full amount was due. This allowed them to pay their employees while still collecting payment for their services.”

What is your process for helping a small business owner develop a marketing plan?

Interviewers may ask this question to understand how you approach a task and the steps you take. They want to know that you can work independently, but also collaborate with others when necessary. In your answer, describe your process for developing a marketing plan and highlight any specific skills or tools you use in the process.

Example: “I start by meeting with the business owner one-on-one to learn more about their company and what they hope to achieve through marketing. I find out what challenges they’re facing and what goals they have for their business. From there, I develop a list of objectives based on our conversation. Then, I create a timeline for achieving those objectives and determine which resources we need to complete each step.”

Provide an example of a time when you helped a small business owner develop a strategic plan for their company.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your expertise and how you apply it in the workplace. Use examples from past experiences where you helped a client develop a plan for their company’s future or implement strategies that led to success.

Example: “I worked with a small business owner who wanted to expand his company but didn’t know what direction he should take. I met with him one-on-one to discuss his goals, and we came up with several options for growth. He decided to start selling his products online, which required hiring an ecommerce specialist. We also discussed ways he could improve customer service and increase sales through social media marketing. After implementing these changes, he saw a significant increase in revenue.”

If you had to choose one area of small business specialization, what would it be?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your level of expertise in one area. It also helps them understand what you value most about small business specialization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area that you have experience with and enjoy.

Example: “If I had to choose just one area of specialization, I would say marketing. Marketing is such an important part of any small business’s success because it allows businesses to connect with their target audience. In my last role, I worked on several different marketing campaigns for our clients. One campaign focused on increasing brand awareness through social media, while another focused on generating more leads by using targeted ads.”

What would you do if a client asked you a question that you didn’t know the answer to?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle uncertainty and whether you are willing to do research or ask for help. Your answer should show that you value honesty, integrity and transparency in your work.

Example: “If a client asked me a question I didn’t know the answer to, I would first apologize and tell them I would find out the answer as soon as possible. Then, I would look up the information myself if I could, but if it was something more complex, I would reach out to my supervisor or another specialist who might have the answers.”

How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the pressure of working in a small business environment. They want to know that you can complete tasks on time and meet deadlines. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and stay productive when you’re under pressure.

Example: “I work best under pressure because it motivates me to get things done quickly. I am able to focus more intently when there is a deadline approaching. In my previous role, I was responsible for managing our social media accounts. There were many times where we had to respond to customers within minutes. I learned to prioritize what needed to be done first so I could still provide quality customer service.”

Do you enjoy public speaking?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you’re comfortable with presenting to a large audience. If you have experience speaking in front of groups, share your past experiences and how they helped you develop public speaking skills.

Example: “I’ve been giving presentations for my department for the last five years. I enjoy it because I get to show off all the work we’ve done on our projects. It’s also fun to see everyone’s reactions when I reveal what we accomplished. In fact, I’m currently working on developing a presentation that will be given at the company-wide meeting next month.”

When working with clients, do you prefer to meet in person or communicate over the phone or email?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prefer to interact with clients and customers. It can also show them your communication skills, as well as your ability to work independently or in a team setting. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention that you are comfortable using all of these methods of communication.

Example: “I find that I am equally comfortable meeting in person or communicating over the phone or email. In my previous role, I worked primarily with one client who preferred to communicate via email while I was working on their project. However, when we needed to meet in person, I would drive out to their office once per week for an hour-long meeting.”

We want to attract clients who are just starting out as entrepreneurs. What strategies would you use to help them understand the services we offer?

This question helps the interviewer understand your ability to communicate with clients and help them make decisions. Use examples from previous experiences where you helped a client understand what services were available or how they could use those services to their advantage.

Example: “I would first ask them about their business goals, then I’d explain our offerings that can help them achieve those goals. For example, if they are looking for more customers, I would show them some of our digital marketing strategies that can help them reach new audiences. If they’re looking for ways to save money on their budget, I would show them how we offer discounts for signing up for monthly packages.”

Describe your process for keeping track of your clients’ information and updating them on your progress.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a system for organizing and tracking important information. Your answer should include the steps you take to keep track of client data, including their contact information, project details and deadlines.

Example: “I use a digital calendar to schedule regular meetings with my clients. I find this helps me stay organized and ensures I don’t miss any important dates or milestones. During each meeting, I update them on the progress we’ve made so far and discuss any challenges we may be facing. This allows me to make adjustments as needed and ensure they are getting what they need from our relationship.”

What makes you stand out from other small business specialists?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates. When answering this question, think of a skill or quality that sets you apart from others. You can also mention any certifications you have.

Example: “I am passionate about small businesses. I love helping them grow their business by finding new customers and increasing sales. I’ve been working as a small business specialist for five years now, so I have plenty of experience in the field. In fact, I recently became an expert in social media marketing. This means I can help clients with all aspects of their marketing strategy.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and experience. They want to know if you have the skills they’re looking for, but also whether you’ve worked in a similar industry before. When answering this question, try to focus on industries that are relevant to the job description. If you don’t have any experience working in their industry, explain what makes you qualified regardless of your past work history.

Example: “I have the most experience working in the healthcare industry. I started my career as an administrative assistant at a pediatrician’s office where I learned how to organize files and schedule appointments. After two years there, I moved into a role as a small business specialist at a medical supply company. There, I helped manage inventory and negotiate with vendors.”

What do you think is the most important thing that small business specialists can do to help their clients succeed?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your overall approach to helping small businesses succeed. Your answer should include examples of how you helped clients in the past and what strategies you used that were most effective.

Example: “I think one of the most important things I can do for my clients is listen to them. When I first started working as a small business specialist, I was surprised by how many people didn’t feel like their advisors listened to them or understood their needs. I’ve learned that listening to my clients’ concerns and asking questions about their goals helps me understand their challenges more clearly. This allows me to provide more relevant advice and solutions.”

How often do you update your knowledge and skills as a small business specialist?

Employers ask this question to learn about your commitment to continuous learning. They want to know that you are always looking for ways to improve your skills and knowledge. In your answer, share a few ways you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in small business management.

Example: “I am passionate about my career as a small business specialist. I love working with entrepreneurs who have big ideas but limited resources. To keep myself updated on the latest developments in my field, I regularly attend conferences and webinars. I also subscribe to newsletters from leading organizations like the Small Business Association.”

There is a new industry trend that your client is not prepared for. What do you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt. You can answer this question by describing a time you encountered a new trend in the industry, how you researched it and what steps you took to help your client prepare for it.

Example: “I recently worked with a small business owner who was unaware of the importance of social media marketing. I explained why it’s important to have a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I also showed her how she could use these platforms to market her products and services. She started using social media as part of her overall marketing strategy, which helped her grow her business.”