Business Development Test

The business development test is an assessment used by employers to determine whether an individual demonstrates the necessary skills and qualities needed to be successful in business development.

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What is a business development test?

A business development test is a pre-screening test used to identify candidates with the skill set needed to excel in a role in business development.

The test assesses whether candidates can communicate effectively with potential clients, vary their communication style through the use of interpersonal skills, have emotional intelligence and be adaptable when dealing with difficult situations.

The test comprises situational and multiple-choice questions using scenarios that individuals are likely to face when working in business development. These scenarios assess candidates on their research skills, ability to deal with others, and problem solving. Those that score highly in the assessment have these skills and are likely to be successful in a business development role.

When used in the early stages of the recruitment process, the business development test is a cost-effective tool for identifying the most suitable candidates for business development positions.

About the Business Development Test

Individuals that work in business development are integral to driving an organization's continued growth and prosperity.

Working across multiple sectors, their role focuses on identifying potential clients within a business's target market or expanding the businesses existing consumer audience.

Research forms a large part of the role, as does building productive working relationships through continued networking, projecting sales, and forecasting the future growth of the business through sales.

Those that work in business development need a defined set of skills to be successful in their role. The business development test evaluates candidates on this skill set identifying those that have what it takes to perform their tasks efficiently.

Why should you use a business development test for recruiting?

When faced with a large volume of applicants for a role, as a recruiter, you want to ensure that you shortlist candidates with the skills and abilities required to be successful in business development.

Candidates may state they have experience in meeting sales targets, forging new relationships, and networking, but evaluating this from an interview or CV review can take time and effort.

The business development test overcomes this barrier by providing recruiters with a practical way of confirming a candidate's skill set against what they have stated in their application.

The test offers recruiters objective data that can be used to evaluate candidates on their skill set and skill level, and comparative data to shortlist applicants.

The results can be used to select candidates based on how proficient they are in each of the skills needed for success in business development. Candidates who score well on the test can be progressed to the next stage of the process, and those that perform below the required level can be eliminated.

Using the business development test in this way ensures that, as a recruiter, you make bias-free, data-driven decisions, selecting the best candidates for the roles you have to fill.

As the skills needed in business development are common to many other roles, the business development test can be used in the selection process for several positions such as:

  • Sales representative
  • Account executive
  • Client relationship manager
  • Sales executive

View a sample report

Results for the Business Development Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.

The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.

App screenshot

How our test assesses business development skills

Candidates will need to answer a range of questions that measure industry-specific technical skills, soft skills (e.g. project management), aptitude (e.g. verbal reasoning) and relevant personality dimensions (e.g. integrity). The results present a holistic view of how well-suited each candidate is for the job at hand, using a data-driven approach.

The format varies by type of question, including multiple-choice for aptitude and technical skills, situational judgement for soft skills and agreement on a Likert scale for the personality dimensions. This approach ensures candidates are being assessed in an accurate and fair manner, and that results reflect the true underlying qualities of each candidate.

The characteristics, abilities and knowledge necessary to be a business developer were identified using the US Department of Labor's comprehensive O*NET database. O*NET is the leading source of occupational information that is constantly updated by collecting data from employees in specific job roles.

During the development process, test questions were rigorously analyzed to maximize reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. They were created by our team of I/O psychologists and psychometricians – who collaborated with subject-matter-experts – and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.

Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of expertise.

Our business development test is monitored to ensure it is up-to-date and optimized for performance.

Our test platform

Our platform offers an extensive library of hundreds of tests, giving you the flexibility to select and combine them in any way that suits your hiring needs. From understanding specific role requirements to assessing general cognitive abilities, our diverse library ensures you can tailor your assessment process precisely.

Multi-format.
Our test questions come in various formats, including multiple-choice, true and false, ranking and situational judgment, all ensuring comprehensive candidate assessment.
Role-specific simulations.
Experience real-world scenarios with our role-specific simulations, providing accurate insights into candidates' performance, readiness and fit for the position.
Adaptive scoring.
Our adaptive scoring system evaluates responses in real-time, by adjusting to the candidate's ability level, enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Curated by our
team of experts

Expert 1 Expert 2 Expert 3

Scientifically validated by psychometric specialists

  • Our team of assessment experts is made up of I/O psychologists, psychometricians, and subject matter experts who work closely together to ensure each test is accurate and reliable.
  • Our subject matter experts are rigorously vetted and typically have several years of experience working in their industries and hold advanced credentials.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cost for Neuroworx' business development test?

Neuroworx operates on a monthly or annual subscription basis. We have several plans to suit your hiring needs, which you can check out here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with us to discuss a custom plan.

Can I get a free trial?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we'll give you unlimited access for seven days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won't be charged a penny.

What are the key skills for business development?

The key skills needed for business development include strong communication and interpersonal skills, an analytical mindset, and adaptability. Leadership and teamwork skills, accountability, and the ability to manage time are also essential for success in this type of role.

Is the business development test hard?

The business development test evaluates individuals on the skills needed to be successful in this role. Those who have strong communication skills, work as a team, adapt to situations, and use their interpersonal skills to vary their communication style and be empathetic are likely to score well on the assessment.

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