You're in a business development interview. What's the best way to avoid common mistakes?

1 Research the company

One of the worst things you can do in a business development interview is to show up unprepared. You need to demonstrate that you have done your homework and that you understand the company's goals, products, services, customers, competitors, and challenges. You should also research the industry trends, the market opportunities, and the potential partners that the company could benefit from. By doing this, you will be able to tailor your answers to the specific needs and pain points of the company and show that you have a strategic vision for their growth.

2 Highlight your achievements

Another common mistake in a business development interview is to be vague or modest about your past successes. You need to quantify and qualify your achievements and show how they contributed to the bottom line of your previous employers or clients. You should also use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide concrete examples of how you handled different scenarios, such as generating leads, closing deals, negotiating contracts, or managing relationships. By doing this, you will be able to showcase your skills, your value, and your impact as a business development professional.

4 Follow up promptly

A final common mistake in a business development interview is to forget or delay the follow-up. You need to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview and reiterate your interest, your value, and your appreciation for the opportunity. You should also include any relevant information that you forgot or didn't have time to mention during the interview, such as a reference, a portfolio, or a case study. You should also ask about the next steps and the timeline for the hiring decision. By doing this, you will be able to show your professionalism, your courtesy, and your eagerness for the role and the company.