Questions for an interview with a Business Development Representative

Consider these sample interview questions for Business Development Representatives candidates’ skills and hire the ones who best fit your company’s needs.

Questions for an interview with a business development representative

Prospective customers are nurtured by Business Development Representatives

Continually search for new business opportunities. A Business Development Manager usually supervises them, setting team and individual goals. As a business development representative, you will be responsible for increasing sales and achieving long-term growth for your company.

You should look for candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm for meeting sales quotas during the interview process. It is the responsibility of this position to contact a large number of potential clients every day and to promote the products/services of the company. Candidate motivation, initiative, and results-driven characteristics are important. The role of a Business Development Representative often involves collaborating with internal teams (e.g. sales and marketing), so the ability to communicate effectively is essential.

Consider candidates who are professional and can positively represent your company when hiring for positions that involve customer contact. By asking situational questions, you are able to gain a better understanding of how potential hires handle challenges related to their jobs. If you are interviewing candidates for a more senior position, you may find it helpful to use sample Business Development Manager interview questions.

Questions related to operational and situational aspects

• We are considering expanding our business in [X] market. In your opinion, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy based on your knowledge of our company and the competition? If you were to implement it, how would you do so?
• When you attempt to contact a potential client, you are constantly redirected to different employees. What is the best method for finding and contacting the most appropriate individual?
• In what areas would you look for new business opportunities?
• As you are in the middle of a promising meeting with a high-potential client, the meeting is running late. Your next appointment may be delayed. If the situation were to arise, how would you handle it?

Questions specific to a particular role

• In the event that a new potential client is assigned to you, describe your responsibilities. How do you begin?
• Do you have any experience with sales techniques? In your opinion, what is the most effective method and the least effective method? In what way?
• Is there any experience you have with CRM software? Have you used any tools in the past? If so, which ones?
• Before contacting a potential client, what information do you need?

Questions related to behavior

• Has your sales quota ever been missed? Could you describe how that happened and what you learned as a result?
• In this role, you may be required to present the company and our products/services to multiple clients every day. What motivates you in this role?
• So far, what has been your greatest professional achievement? How would you like to achieve your next goal?
• If you have ever dealt with an angry customer, please describe the situation. What steps did you take to resolve the situation?