33 Plaid Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Plaid interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Adaptability
1. We're looking for fast learners to join our team at Plaid. How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution?
How to Answer
While hiring managers understand that you will need some time to get up to speed in your role, you should convey to your interviewer that you're ready to hit the ground running on day one. Plaid has a high-profile reputation to maintain within the fintech start-up space and wants to ensure that its employees will help the company grow. As such, hiring managers are looking to hire the best of the best to maintain Plaid's positive company reputation. With an abundance of qualified candidates seeking to enter the fintech industry, hiring managers want employees who will be productive in their roles right away and won't need excessive training.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I plan to make an impact as soon as possible at Plaid. I've already researched this position and have all the requisite skills outlined in the position description, along with proficiency in other relevant skills that I think would be useful in developing the (XYZ) project at Plaid. As you can tell, I'm incredibly eager to get started, which is why I have created a 90-day impact plan that I would like to share with you. After that, I'm interested in hearing from you if there are any additional actions that I haven't included that I could take in the first week to be successful in this role."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I plan to be productive from day one and am incredibly eager to get started. Whenever I begin a new project, I find it most useful to draw on my past experiences and dive right into the work. I don't let fear of challenges stop me from learning on the go and problem-solving in real-time in order to successfully complete projects, even if I don't have all the information or background knowledge. If given the opportunity to join the Plaid team, I would be excited to jump right into it and begin making meaningful contributions to the team."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Adaptability
2. We want to ensure you have the necessary tools and training to be successful in this role with Plaid. What do you see as an initial hurdle you will have to overcome in your first few weeks on the job?
How to Answer
Your interviewer wants to know that you will proactively respond to challenges right off the bat and fit in well with Plaid's team of motivated, hardworking individuals. They also want to ensure you have the formal training needed to be successful on the job. While being honest about potential challenges that you might encounter during your onboarding, emphasize your plan of attack for dealing with hurdles. If you can think of an example off the top of your head, share with your interviewer an example of a time you were confronted with a challenge at a new job and how you responded to this adversity.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Having put a lot of thought into this even before submitting my resume for this position, I realize that my greatest hurdle would be moving to a different industry. My five years of experience out of college have been focused on marketing for a tech company, but I feel that I've built a solid knowledge base to transition into a fintech role with Plaid. If given the opportunity to join your team, I would initially focus on learning as much as I can about the growing digital finance space, which I have already researched extensively."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Understanding that my role at Plaid would have me working with the entire engineering team, the first hurdle would be getting to know everyone on that team and showcasing the skills that I could bring to their work. If hired for the job, I would hope to be invited to team meetings where I could introduce myself and my role with the team, and I'd invite an open conversation right off the bat."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
3. Give me an example of a time when you had to solve a problem without having all of the necessary information at hand to do so. How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
At a small but growing business like Plaid, it's critical that each team member takes initiative when problem-solving to find solutions to projects. This means being analytical and resourceful even when you are missing certain pieces of information. Before your interview, think of a time in the past where you encountered this specific situation and talk through it by laying out the problem and walking through the step-by-step approach you took to solve the problem. Be as detailed as you can to explain your thought process and how you used the resources available to you to ultimately solve a problem. Your interviewer will be relying on these fine details to truly see how you will perform on the job with Plaid.
Many positions at Plaid will require you to work independently without having all the details you need - a common situation within the start-up culture. Senior-level leadership isn't there to hold your hand through a project, so make sure your interviewer knows that you can do your job well, even if you're missing a few of the puzzle pieces.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Back when I first joined my current organization, I took a role that had been vacant for many months, and I had to start with a backlog of work along with my regular daily activities. This customer service role included logging daily visitors and calls, and the interim rep only kept brief notes. After taking the time to walk through training, I realized that the current workload wouldn't allow me to catch up on the backlog of work that had been missed. While I had ideas about how to play catch up on the work, I approached my supervisor with a few ideas, and we settled on having me log hours from home on our system as overtime to get caught up. I worked with our IT staff on getting set up on our network from home and was more than willing to help out with some extra hours."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Working for a large financial institution, our advisory staff help cover for each other when we are on vacation, sick, or simply out of office for the day. We typically team up in groups of three to help provide coverage for each other. A couple of months ago, I fielded a call from a colleague's client while she was away on vacation and completely out of phone coverage. The client had several questions about their personal finances that I couldn't help resolve off the top of my head. I let them know that their advisor was away on vacation but I would take the next hour to research their questions and get back to them shortly. This was a very acceptable path of action to the client and I took the time to get their questions answered quickly."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
4. You may occasionally encounter difficult clients in this client-facing role with Plaid. If hired for this role, how would you keep yourself motivated when working with stressed colleagues and pushy clients?
How to Answer
While not as intense as IB or private equity within the finance niche, many roles at Plaid will still require you to think and act quickly in a fast-paced environment. As a result, you will likely deal with colleagues and partners who are stressed out, overwhelmed, or working under tight deadlines. Depending on your role at Plaid, you might also need to put in extra hours when facing a stressful deadline yourself. Your interviewer wants to know that you will be able to work effectively in that kind of environment. Discuss a time when you've thrived in a high-pressure and fast-paced environment like this in the past, highlighting the personality traits that have contributed to your success in these types of situations.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"Being a person that thrives in a fast-paced work environment, I'm confident in my ability to handle stressed colleagues and clients. As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last two years in the investment banking industry, where my team handled an enormous workload and worked under incredibly tight deadlines all of the time. Realizing that someone else's stress wasn't directed at me was the key to maintaining personal health and balance on the job. Furthermore, I learned to use tight deadlines as motivation to work as efficiently as possible. My experience in IB allowed me to grow comfortable with market volatility and communicate the factors that are outside of my control. I imagine I would be drawing on these experiences frequently as a team member with Plaid."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
5. Tell me about a time you faced uncertainty. How did you handle it?
How to Answer
Ambiguity is an inevitable part of most jobs, especially those within the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Your interviewer wants to know that you are comfortable with uncertainty and can use solid logical reasoning skills to find the best path forward. While some employers are okay with answering every little question you might have, know that most employers don't want to have to hold your hand through every project. Using a past experience as an example, demonstrate your ability to run with a situation even if you don't have each piece of the puzzle.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I think that uncertainty keeps the job exciting, so I can assure you I'm comfortable with not having every piece of information. When I worked for a tech startup a few years ago, each day presented new challenges and uncertainties that we had to tackle. Our first time onboarding a new client was particularly challenging, as we didn't already have precedents in place. I handled this uncertainty through diligent preparation in the weeks leading up to our kick-off call. I did extensive research on the client, made sure I was comfortable with our project management tools and created various contingency plans. Overall, onboarding went well, and we developed a close relationship with this client filled with productive work together. Even though they were our first client and we had no blueprint to follow, I approached the situation by listening closely to the client's pain points and developing subsequent deliverables to address each one."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As I'm sure you and your team are well aware, last year was a particularly volatile one for the market. As a result, I dealt with uncertainty daily. Over time, I became quite comfortable with this uncertainty and communicated it effectively to my clients. I found that regular communication and well-thought-out plans for varying scenarios were the best way to deal with uncertainty. Furthermore, I became comfortable with changing the course of action at a moment's notice depending on a client's risk tolerance and financial goals."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
6. It's important that our team members at Plaid are serious about their professional growth and improvement. What would you say is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
This common interview question is an opportunity to demonstrate self-insight. Give an honest answer with a real weakness you have been focusing on and explain the plan you've put into place to work on it. Just make sure the weakness isn't a core competency of the Plaid job description. If it's an analyst role, revealing logical reasoning skills as a weakness likely won't get you far. Reflect on traits you want to work on, but that won't affect overall job success.
Honesty and self-awareness are key for this question. Interviewers have heard it all and will see through phony attempts to present a trait as a weakness that is not a weakness.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I've been working on finding my voice when meeting with upper-level management. While I know the ideas I bring to the table are valuable, I've always been introverted, and therefore have been working on feeling more confident with pitching ideas in these meetings. This has been my primary area of focus for improvement in the last few months, and one of my colleagues even recently commented that he had noticed a difference in the frequency of my contributions."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I take a lot of pride in the work I do and often struggle to delegate tasks to other members of my team. Even though I trust my coworkers and know what fantastic work they do, I've gotten in the habit of seeing tasks through from start to finish. I got to a point where this was no longer feasible with the new responsibilities I had taken on, so I've been working on feeling more comfortable asking for help from my colleagues when I need it. While this weakness is still a work in progress for me, I've learned how important it is to communicate effectively with and rely on my team."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Behavioral
7. At Plaid, we want our employees to engage in projects that play to their strengths. What would you say is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
Demonstrate your self-awareness by pointing out a strength that you've honed over the years. Ideally, you'll discuss a skill that is directly relevant to the role to which you're applying. Having a tangible example will strengthen your answer.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My colleagues often comment on my communication skills. They appreciate that I'm true to my word and follow up with any questions if I'm not sure about something. I'm not afraid to ask clarifying questions and discuss next steps and deadlines to make sure everyone is on the same page."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I have been told by previous supervisors that I take initiative in my work. I proactively work to sort out problems when they arise and work effectively with a team, when necessary to fix an issue. During my end-of-year review with my boss last year, she commented on how much she appreciated the initiative and leadership I showed when a stressful situation popped up."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Communication
8. We expect our team members to effectively communicate with colleagues and clients. What would you do if there was a breakdown in communication on your team?
How to Answer
A central part of Plaid's company culture is the sense of community among team members that it fosters. Thoughtful and effective communication is a critical component of maintaining this positive work environment.
If you can think of an example off the top of your head, point to a time where you observed a breakdown of communication in the workplace, highlighting the steps that you took to mitigate the problems that arose from the breakdown. If you can't think of a specific example, it's sufficient to outline the steps you would take if this hypothesis were to come true. Focus your response on the concrete actions you would take to address the breakdown in communication and ensure that it doesn't happen again.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A few months ago, I had an experience where a team member and I were not on the same page about a project. We had completely different visions for how the work should play out, and given our busy schedules, we had not devoted sufficient time to draw up a concrete plan to approach and ultimately execute the project. The result of our failure to communicate well resulted in a disjointed project that did not address what it needed to. I immediately set up a meeting with the coworker, and we spoke openly about the causes of our lapse in communication and the steps we would take in the next few days to fix the problem. Then, we made sure to have regular check-ins to ensure we collaborated effectively to improve the project. From this experience, I've learned the importance of addressing breakdowns in communication right when they happen and to schedule regular check-ins to avoid miscommunications from happening in the first place."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I think that effective communication is the key to success when working with team members from different backgrounds and ways of approaching work solutions. I pride myself in my ability to truly listen to others' ideas and ask important follow-up questions that get to the crux of their ideas. In his way, I believe my active listening approach allows me to prevent most breakdowns in communication from happening in the first place. However, if a hiccup in communication does occur, I would immediately address it with a coworker through an assertive, solutions-oriented approach."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Communication
9. We're looking for individuals with exceptional communication skills. Discuss how you approach explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
How to Answer
A crucial part of customer service is ensuring that you can make complex information digestible for your clients. After all, that's why clients hire professionals as the expert! Your interviewer wants to hear that you have developed solid strategies to translate financial or tech jargon into easy-to-understand terms for clients whose knowledge is likely less specialized in these areas. In your answer, describe your communication style and, if you can, provide an example of a time you explained a complex idea in simple terms with good results.
Remember, this skill also translates to interpersonal work on a team. Your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and simply impacts how well you work with others, which is a key component of Plaid's company culture. Remember, Plaid's culture is not pretentious, as other Silicon Valley firms sometimes have a reputation for being. Demonstrate that your communication skills will fit into this environment.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I strive for a straightforward and concise communication style with clients and colleagues. In my previous work as a consultant, I focused on listening to my clients and their most pressing financial needs and goals. I made an effort to echo their language and avoid esoteric ideas that I knew wouldn't be relevant to what they needed to hear. Above all, I ensure that my tone is never patronizing towards clients or colleagues. I often learn something new from those who I work with and place great value on hearing their input."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"To communicate effectively, I strive to convey the essence of an idea in simple terms rather than deep-diving into the details of more technical matters. I've found this to be an important component of humility within the industry. Furthermore, If I'm having trouble explaining a new concept in simple terminology, I've found that it usually means that I have more research to do myself. I place incredible value on continuous learning within the industry via publications, newsletters, podcasts, and conferences. Keeping myself educated allows me to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to people outside of the industry."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Direct
10. We've had many individuals apply to this position at Plaid. What do you feel is the one quality that sets you apart from other candidates?
How to Answer
At a successful tech company like Plaid -- known for its forward-thinking culture and excellent pay and benefits -- many qualified candidates are vying for the same position that you are applying for. Therefore, you'll need to stand out by highlighting that one key quality that makes you the best person for this position. It might have to do with your educational or professional background, a personality characteristic you'll bring to the team or another aspect of your identity that makes you unique or gives you a different perspective.
Remember that many candidates are hardworking, motivated, and accomplished. Reflect on what is unique about your story or career trajectory to help you succeed in this role.
Don't just point out the reasons why you're qualified. Each individual who's gotten a Plaid interview is likely qualified. Rather, spend time reflecting beforehand on how your unique experiences will make you the best person for the job and convey that confidently to the interviewer.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"What makes me unique as an applicant are the challenges I had to overcome to grow my career within the fintech space. I know that an important part of your mission at Plaid is to make this space more accessible for everyone, as digital finance has typically been a relatively homogenous field, which I've experienced firsthand in my career and during my time in university. As someone who identifies with (XYZ) background, I've often led projects or worked on teams where I was the outlier demographically. This experience has given me a unique perspective and has made it all the more important to me professionally to increase access to this space for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As you know from my resume and what we've discussed so far today, I'm confident that I have the formal training and experience needed to be successful in this role. What makes me different as an applicant is the experience I already have with product management. In my last role at (XYZ) company, I increased sales by 14% and maintained one of the top ratings on my team for customer satisfaction. As you can see, I'm not only passionate about product management but have a proven track record of success."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Direct
11. Tell me what you know about Plaid.
How to Answer
Ensure that you've done your homework beforehand and can speak confidently about Plaid's history, mission, and products. Interviewers can easily see if you've done adequate research and preparation before the interview or if you know next to nothing about the company. Make sure you become familiar with Plaid's website and secondary sources that provide useful information about the company. In addition, if you're already connected to an employee of Plaid, reach out before the interview to have a quick coffee chat about their role and experience with Plaid. You don't need to be an expert, but you should be well-versed in Plaid's products and services and what will be required of you in this role.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"I understand that you began as a start-up in 2013 with the mission of democratizing the financial services space through technology and have now attained Series D level funding. The Plaid software allows users to connect their financial accounts to the fintechs that they use. For example, in my personal finance life, Plaid connects my checkings account to an external robo-advisor. Beyond the basics, though, I'm especially drawn to your company culture at Plaid. From what I've heard and read about, there's a significant emphasis on the connection between team members and community building, whether that's through coffee chats, book clubs, or the internal hackathon that the Plaid team organizes."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
12. We are looking for motivated and career-driven team members to join the Plaid family. Where would you like your career to take you in the next five to ten years?
How to Answer
As a successful start-up currently raising Series D capital, Plaid is looking for gritty, motivated team members who will thrive in a fast-paced environment and drive Plaid's growth. A common way that interviewers will try to understand your professional motivation is to ask you about where you see yourself in your career a few years down the line.
This common interview question puts you in a tough spot. You should talk about your ultimate career goals, while also balancing the present needs of Plaid. You might include certifications or credentials you hope to attain to maintain an industry cutting edge. While your interviewer may be looking for a long-term fit for the position, it is okay to set your sights higher as long as your goals meet those of the organization.
If possible, research the typical career trajectory of the position that you're applying to through online resources or by speaking to your connections in the industry. Above all, demonstrate that you're a motivated professional who has put time into reflecting on your long-term career goals.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Now that I am to the midway point of my career, I am looking for my next move to be my final move in finding my work home until I retire. As a data analyst, I want to focus on continuing to grow my skills in leveraging data to solve problems and advising stakeholders on the best possible solutions. As I continue to grow in my skills, a long-term career goal within the foreseeable future for me is to attain a management-level position where I could oversee the work of junior analysts at Plaid and mentor them towards success."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"While I'm open to where my skills and passions will take me in my career, my primary interest lies in product development. That's why I think that beginning my career at Plaid will allow me to dive deep into product offerings and services within digital finance and clarify where I want to be in a few years within the fintech industry. I know that beginning a career here allows for some great mentoring and networking opportunities, so I'm excited to learn firsthand about the industry and where a career with Plaid could take me."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
13. We look for team members who take pride in their work. Tell me about a project you're proud of.
How to Answer
Plaid is composed of team members who are looking to make an impact through their work while growing professionally in their careers. The interviewer is asking this question to ensure you'll fit in with Plaid's team culture, which emphasizes real-world impact. Point to a meaningful example to demonstrate that you take pride in the work that you do and see projects through from start to finish. Make sure to connect this sense of pride with the impact that the project had.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I worked on a long-term project at my previous company which focused on expanding our company pipeline to recruit new talent from more diverse backgrounds. I worked closely with the various teams to make this goal a reality, and as a result of the initiative, we were able to increase the hiring of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds by 20%. Seeing the tangible impact of the many months of planning and project implementation was beyond rewarding, and remains my most proud professional moment to this day."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"For example: "I'm most proud of the first app that I built by myself a few years ago. I was new to programming and had spent the past six months teaching myself how to code. Through months of hard work, I was finally able to come up with a final product that I'm immensely proud of and which has gone on to be successful within its niche. Through this process, I learned the importance of working through challenges and failure to ultimately arrive at a final goal I've laid out for myself."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
14. What are the top three skills you acquired in your last role?
How to Answer
You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career, and your interviewer wants to hear about the skills that will be most relevant to a role at Plaid. Before the interview, make a list of the most noteworthy skills you have developed in your most recent role. Make sure to include both hard and soft skills, and then reflect on which are most relevant to this role and which provide the best examples to share with your interviewer.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In the past few years, I was able to upgrade my education while still working full-time. The biggest skill I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I worked incredibly hard to balance those responsibilities, and I would bring this motivation to the role of a programmer at Plaid. I also pride myself on my curiosity. Expanding the breadth of my knowledge is important to me, and I did that academically. My curiosity is a motivator for me, and my attitude toward learning helps me to progress professionally. As for a third skill, I would say that I'm personable. I've always been a people person, and I work well with others. At my current job, I work with a team of six people. We've developed a top-notch strategy for communicating and divvying up tasks."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"There are many skills I gained in my most recent position as I underwent a fantastic training program and worked with strong mentors. If I had to choose three top skills, I would say solid collaboration with team members, analytical thinking skills, and intercultural competency. I take my commitments to clients and my colleagues very seriously, and I feel confident in my ability to deliver on those traits."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
15. Tell me more about yourself.
How to Answer
This common prompt is a way for both you and the interviewer to ease into the interview. It allows the interviewer to get a quick overview of who you are as a candidate while letting you highlight the most central aspects of your professional and personal identity.
For this question, avoid getting into too much detail. Begin by discussing your most recent professional engagements and then transition into other relevant aspects of your background that precede your current situation. Finally, explain why your skills and personal attributes have led you to pursue this current role. While optional, you may also include a brief overview of who you are outside of work, so long as you don't go into too much detail and keep your professional experiences at the forefront of your description.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"Currently, I'm a financial analyst at (XYZ) Company, but have been looking to make the transition into the fintech industry for the past two years given my personal interest and experience in programming. I've spent the past two years creating and analyzing financial models to support upper-level business decisions. I have a bachelor's degree in computer science and economics and recently completed a year-long certificate program in data analytics. Outside of work, I'm passionate about long-distance hiking and skiing."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
16. We're looking for individuals who are purpose-driven and want to make a difference at Plaid. In a few sentences, why do you want to work for Plaid?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer is looking to gain insight into what you know and like about Plaid and how the company will help you meet your career goals. In your answer, stay focused on the alignment of your values with the organization's values and demonstrate that you've done your research on Plaid and the job you are interviewing for.
In your answer, highlight why hiring you would be a good fit for both parties. Rather than simply focusing on why the position is a good fit for you, point out to your interviewer that, if hired, your expertise would help the company solve a problem.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I've been following the work that Plaid has done since you were raising Series A capital. It's been fascinating to observe how much you've transformed the digital finance space in just a few short years. The main reason why I want to contribute to Plaid's mission is that I'm drawn to the supportive and innovative start-up culture that you've fostered. Plaid has some of the best and brightest minds in digital finance, and I hope to join the team to be able to learn from changemakers who are doing purpose-driven work every day to democratize financial services."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As a fintech professional of over six years, I've reached a point in my career where it's critical to me to align my professional and personal values. For a variety of reasons, Plaid's culture is incredibly impressive to me. I've spent time researching Plaid's incubator program, FinRise, to learn more about the work that you've done as a company to empower fintech entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds. This program in particular stands out to me. I feel excited about the opportunity to be a part of a company that emphasizes not only transformative innovation within the financial services world but also fosters a culture of social justice and equity."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Discovery
17. How do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
It's a straightforward question. The interviewer wants to get a better sense of your awareness of how others perceive you. Give an honest answer that relates to the work that this role requires.
Here are a few keywords to get you started brainstorming:
- Encouraging
- Caring
- Knowledgeable
- Reliable
- Focused
- Honest
- Assertive
- Tenacious
- Motivated
- Ambitious
- Conscientious
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My coworkers have told me that I'm a good listener and easy to collaborate with on projects. I believe that communication is key to success within any work project or relationship, which is why I've honed my listening abilities and assertiveness over the years. I understand that teamwork is an important part of this role, as roughly 80% of my time will be spent collaborating with my colleagues, which I feel prepared to do."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Coworkers have described me as driven and motivated. I tackle projects head-on and set lofty but attainable goals for myself."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
General
18. Do you have any questions about this job or working for Plaid?
How to Answer
Many candidates feel that by saying they do not have questions, they show that they have researched the job and fully comprehend the requirements. Don't fall into that trap. One of the biggest interview mistakes you can make is not having any relevant questions prepared. By asking an insightful question, you are showing the interviewer full engagement and interest. Be sure that your queries are not mundane or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a question that is easily answered by simple research. Dig a bit deeper and ask questions related to the company's goals, your interviewer's favorite part about working for Plaid, upcoming changes in the industry, or clarification of something from your resume.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"While I've already shared with you the 90-day plan that I've drawn up to ensure that I'll hit the ground running, I'm curious to learn from you if there are any steps in particular that you think I could take to be successful in this role. Are there any specific actions not encompassed by the position description that you think is important?"
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Thank you for asking! I understand that a central part of your mission at Plaid involves leveling the playing field to include more voices in tech, and one of the primary ways you do so is through the FinRise program. Could you tell me more about how new employees can contribute to this program?"
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Leadership
19. We're looking for team members who are open to developing their leadership and management capabilities. How would you describe your leadership style?
How to Answer
Leadership is an important component of Plaid's mission. While Plaid emphasizes a collaborative work culture, it's still important for candidates to demonstrate great leadership potential that will set them apart from the pack. Before your interview, reflect on your leadership style and skills you have developed over the years. Regardless of which role you're applying for, your interviewer wants to hear that you have taken on leadership responsibilities in previous roles and have the capacity to grow with Plaid. Your answer can touch on how these traits would fit into Plaid's collaborative and supportive team culture.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My overall management style centers on building a positive team atmosphere. I believe that each person and role brings a specific skill set to the overall goals and purpose of a team. As such, I promote a team-based atmosphere by clarifying everyone's role on the team, keeping every person's objectives clear, rewarding great performers on the team, and holding people accountable for their actions. If hired for this role at Plaid, you can be assured that I would bring this collaborative and team-focused leadership style to the table for each project."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I think that it is crucial for a leader of others to be flexible in their style rather than relying on just one of the canned management styles. I want to highlight my abilities to lead as a manager who works to grow and develop my staff to help them achieve their career goals and a leader who can provide direction and authority when the time for it arises. By knowing my team well and promoting our goals, I have the ability to assign work to the right people and follow through with my team on meeting all objectives necessary."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Leadership
20. We expect our team members to handle challenges effectively. Tell me about a time you had to deal with adversity while in a leadership position.
How to Answer
It's not easy serving in a leadership position, and Plaid wants to know that you can handle the stress that comes with it. As you brainstorm leadership experiences that you can point to during your interview, include challenges that you faced along the way. These challenges might have to do with pushback you received from colleagues, having to deliver unpopular news, or something completely different. Above all, demonstrate tolerance for adversity and emphasize the strategies you've developed to push through challenging situations while serving as a leader.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"A while back, I managed a team of ten individuals within our client services department. I learned quickly that there was quite a bit of animosity on the team, particularly between two team members who did not get along. This made it quite difficult to make progress on projects and also made for a hostile team environment. While this was a tough team to lead, I handled this challenge by meeting more regularly with each team member. As a leader, I place a high value on open communication, so I directly asked team members about the root causes of the various conflicts. From there, we developed strategies that sought to fix these challenges. Further, I strategically created smaller teams within the overall team for particular projects to ensure that team members worked in a pleasant environment suited to their professional strengths. After a few months, the team was running much more smoothly and with far less conflict."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Operational
21. We would like to learn more about what your ideal boss is like. What kind of a management style do you prefer when working under the leadership of someone?
How to Answer
Your interviewer wants to make sure that your ideal boss aligns with Plaid's company culture. This question will give your interviewer a better idea of your work style in terms of how you operate in a team and respond to authority figures. Make sure you keep it positive.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I've been lucky to have had great supervisors in previous roles and my current job. I tend to work best in a team environment with regular communication with my coworkers and supervisor. An ideal boss makes expectations clear and checks in on projects regularly but also gives me enough leeway to operate independently on certain projects. That being said, I'm pretty flexible as a worker and can adjust to various management styles."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"My ideal boss is someone who values team input and does not rely strictly on a top-down approach to decisions. My current boss has been great because she regularly seeks out our opinions and ideas on the direction of projects, which I really appreciate. I feel like my input is valued, and I've developed my communication and leadership skills through the regular opportunities she gives us to contribute in a meaningful way."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Operational
22. At Plaid, ensuring that everyone feels like they are heard is central to our team culture. Tell me about a time when your listening skills helped you solve a problem.
How to Answer
Your interviewer is asking this question to get a better sense of how you will operate in a team and interact with your coworkers in a teamwork-focused environment like Plaid. This question is particularly relevant for those who will serve in a client-facing role. In this setting, active listening is key to maintaining successful and long-term client relationships. Your interviewer knows that listening is a valuable yet challenging skill that takes time and effort to improve. Give an example that demonstrates how you avoided miscommunication and worked towards a goal by using your listening skills. This means giving the speaker your full attention and asking clarifying questions afterward to check your understanding.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"My boss asked me to manage a project that involved various tasks that I had never done before, including running new reports that would aid in solving a consistent customer problem we had encountered. After my boss communicated the main issues clients were experiencing, I made sure I understood what she needed of me by asking straightforward questions that got to the crux of the issue, including 'So what you're asking is...?,' 'Do you mean that you need me to do (X)?,' and 'What do you think about (X) approach?' When navigating new territory, I found it helpful to include active clarifying questions in my listening approach. I jumped on the project right away, and my boss was impressed with the solution I designed."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Operational
23. Analytical skills are central to success at Plaid. In which ways are you analytically minded?
How to Answer
Plaid looks for team members who can find solutions to the most pressing challenges within tech and finance. While certain positions will require more formal hard skills than others, solid logical reasoning skills are important in any role at Plaid.
There are many ways to show your analytical thinking. Perhaps you are great at researching or investigating a problem. Maybe you take clear and logical steps in everything that you do, or maybe you show a methodical and clear-cut approach to reaching your goals and completing tasks. Be prepared with examples to demonstrate how you are analytically minded and how this strength makes you an exceptional professional in the fintech industry.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As a business analyst, I use my analytical skills when detecting patterns in financial trends, observing and interpreting data, theorizing on where the market is going, or brainstorming ideas for my clients when their decisions depend on multiple market factors. I take pride in my analytical abilities because they help me to do my job well and provide helpful answers to my clients' biggest questions."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Given my university experience, I think of my analytical skills as one of my strong suits as a finance professional. As a computer science and finance double major, I regularly engaged in projects that allowed me to gather and organize data, perform various analyses to draw conclusions, and finally communicate how these data-informed trends would impact solutions to the project. I was able to learn R, Python, and MatLab to aid in this process. As a result, I consider myself to be an analytical and logical thinker, which I think will be helpful in working with clients to make well-thought-out and data-informed financial decisions."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Operational
24. At Plaid, you'll be expected to effectively contribute to multiple projects at the same time. What does your system for prioritizing tasks look like?
How to Answer
Within a busy start-up culture, you will be responsible for effectively juggling multiple projects at once. It's critical that you demonstrate that you're up for the task. Be as specific as possible in outlining the personal system you've developed over the years to make sure you get meaningful work done and achieve the goals you've created for yourself.
You might point to software or apps you've effectively utilized to manage your time and progress on various projects. Remember to include the personal attributes you've honed over the years that allow you to be productive and make tangible progress each day.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my previous position, I balanced at minimum five different projects at once, which meant that I needed to maintain a strong system of organization and project management to ensure I was on the right track to meet deadlines and deliverables. My team used the project management software Teamwork to assign deadlines and track progress, and I got used to using this to track my own personal deadlines and goals. By dividing projects into manageable chunks, I was able to set realistic goals and deadlines for myself to ensure I always had concrete progress to point to when I checked in with my supervisor. He regularly commented on how impressed he was with my organization and ability to deliver on what I had promised."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I've found that balancing multiple projects at once allows me to hone my skills in different areas, in turn keeping me engaged. However, it does require a great deal of organization and planning to make sure tasks are completed. I use the Pomodoro technique to get work done, which forces me to focus distraction-free for 50 minutes followed by an off period of 10 minutes, where I tend to check in on emails and messages in order to move projects along. I'm a big fan of using apps to plan and ensure progress on projects, and some of my favorites to use are Robohead, Todoist, and Asana. Finally, I find regular check-ins with team members and my supervisor to be crucial to ensure we're on the right track. What kinds of project management tools are most commonly used at Plaid?"
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Operational
25. At Plaid, we want our team members to take ownership of projects they work on. Tell me about a time when you saw a project through from start to finish.
How to Answer
Plaid empowers its team members to make an impact in the work that they do every day. While they strive to give you the tools that you need to make this impact, it's critical that you demonstrate the personal work ethic you've cultivated that allows you to take ownership and pride in the projects that you complete.
Use a specific example -- ideally of a long-term project that requires excellent planning and organizational skills -- to show just that. Highlight the independent work that you did to plan, execute, and finally evaluate the project.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"About a year ago, my supervisor handed off a client project to me that was to be completed in a timeframe of about three months. While we checked in every few weeks to discuss progress, the vast majority of the work was done independently. Given how large of a project it was, I drew up a plan from day one that broke down the project into about 10 deadlines that would allow me to stay on track and complete the final project by the date the client needed it. I took immense pride in the work that I do, so it was not difficult for me to meet these deadlines with the associated deliverables. The client was quite satisfied with the final project, which exceeded their expectations. My boss and I met afterward to discuss how the project went overall, and she praised me for the excellent work that I had done in spite of limited guidance and help."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Salary
26. We ensure that our employees receive competitive pay and benefits at Plaid. Given your experience, what are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
Interviewees often feel uncomfortable discussing compensation because they are worried that will give a number that's too high or too low.
Answering this question tactfully requires a fine balance of knowing your professional worth and understanding what Plaid can realistically offer you for compensation. Rather than giving a specific number, it's best to provide a realistic range that allows room for negotiation. It's helpful to do your research beforehand using various online resources to ensure that you have a good idea of the salary range.
If you're unsure of a fair range for this position, this question is an opportunity for a discussion with the interviewer. To avoid pigeonholing yourself into a salary that's lower than what they might offer you, you can ask your interviewer if they can share the typical salary range for the role.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I'm looking for compensation that's in line with my qualifications and experience. Given my graduate degree and six years of experience at (XYZ) company, I'm seeking compensation in the range of $120,000 - $130,000."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Thanks for asking. I was hoping to get more information first about the salary range you're offering for this position. Would you be able to share that information with me?"
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Situational
27. We're looking for someone with exceptional logical reasoning skills for this role. Tell me about a time when you had to analyze information in order to make a recommendation.
How to Answer
Your interviewer is looking to get a sense of the analytical and problem-solving skills you've developed in past roles and how you would apply these skills to a new role at Plaid. In your answer, focus on describing your attention to detail and sharp focus on data and statistics. Include an example that demonstrates your thought process when drawing conclusions from information. Give as much insight into your process to show you are capable of taking an analytical approach to problem-solving.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my previous sales position, we worked closely with a small business that was seeking a host of solutions to address problems that they were having as a company, including increasing customer retention and employee efficiency. While they knew that they needed various solutions, they weren't exactly sure what they were looking for. As the sales lead for this team, I quickly set up a round of meetings where we combed through each of their pain points, ensuring that I took detailed notes and asked good questions that got to the heart of what their most pressing challenges were. I analyzed the findings from these meetings to create a detailed proposal for the business that included a package of six products and services that we could provide to the company to improve their efficiency and customer retention. They bought the package and saw customer retention increase by 20% and efficiency by 40% by the end of the fiscal year."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"For example: "I worked for a financial advisory firm last year and had a client who was looking for investment recommendations. I gathered data on the stocks they were interested in, sorting through trends and historical data to determine the most promising returns. Using in-house software, I plugged in various variables related to the client's age, target retirement, and risk tolerance, among others. I shared the various possible outcomes with my client, which allowed me to make a well-informed recommendation about the best stock options to meet his financial goals."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Situational
28. We expect our team members to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. How did you handle a challenging situation on the job that involved another colleague?
How to Answer
Emphasizing your ability to collaborate and work well with others is crucial during your Plaid interview. You will most certainly be asked at least one question about your ability to collaborate effectively with others or operate in a team during your interview.
At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to hear about your interpersonal and relationship-building skills and how you use them to diffuse a difficult situation with a coworker. No matter what situation you talk about, make sure to focus your answer on a positive mindset and the steps you took to turn a potentially hazardous situation into a good one. Talk about the lessons you learned from that situation that you keep with you to this day. Plaid is known for its focus on fostering a diverse, equitable, and positive team environment, and your interviewer wants to know that you'll be able to effectively manage conflict as a team member.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A few years back, we hired a junior advisor on our team, and I was tasked with being his mentor. Having mentored several other thriving junior advisors before he started, I was excited about the opportunity. Within the first week of him being on the job, I overheard a colleague talking openly about his disdain for the hire of this new advisor. I decided to speak to my colleague in a private office about my concern about his words. Having been a part of the interview process and his early mentorship, I knew he had the skills to succeed, and I reiterated that to my colleague. After agreeing to cease his critique of the new advisor, I learned that direct conversations are the best way to handle workplace conflicts. The junior advisor went on to be quite successful at the firm. I learned from this experience the importance of open communication and friendly assertiveness when working with my colleagues."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, I approached a colleague that had missed a deadline on a big audit we were conducting, and she completely blew up at me during our conversation. At first, I was taken aback by her response because I had never witnessed that from her in many years of working together. While remaining calm, I allowed her the opportunity to vent to me, and it turns out that she was going through a lot of things in her personal life that was impacting her work. While keeping our project deadlines in mind, I also took a personal approach to let her know that she could bring these issues to me as both a colleague and a friend, and we can work through them together in the future. Through this experience, I learned the importance of treating all clients and colleagues as multifaceted humans, often with a lot going on. It's made me a better listener and team member in the workplace."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Situational
29. If you were having an interaction with a client or colleague here at Plaid, and you weren't able to answer their question or solve their problem on your own, how would you handle that situation?
How to Answer
In a front-facing role with Plaid that requires you to liaise with financial institutions or fintechs, you may be asked complex or esoteric questions that you either don't know or aren't qualified to answer. In those situations, you will be expected to explain to the individual(s) the plan you have in place to get that question answered. Make sure you deliver a timeline for when it can be answered. Humility and a solutions-oriented approach are key here; be clear that you will not attempt to answer a question that you are not qualified to answer, and ensure that you will do everything in your power to find an answer. Maintaining trust and confidence with clients, colleagues, and business partners is critical.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In a situation where I didn't know an answer, I would reassure the individual that we have the right staff in place to help them quickly and efficiently. I would communicate what the next step is, whether that is putting them directly in contact with the right person or letting them know when they can expect to hear from me with follow-up information."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role in customer service with (XYZ) company, I frequently get asked questions that our sales, finance, and service staff have to give the final stamp of approval on. In these situations, I have sufficient knowledge to prepare the customer for speaking with the right person, while also ensuring them that the sales, finance, or service staff will provide the final answer. Then, I work quickly to get them to the right person."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Teamwork
30. Teamwork is central to our start-up environment at Plaid. If hired for this role, what kind of team player could we expect you to be?
How to Answer
Teamwork and collaboration are keys to success in a start-up, where you'll need to learn on your feet or reach out to an expert when solving a problem becomes too complex. You can expect to work closely with a Plaid team, and many roles will also require you to liaise with other departments. In your answer, highlight themes of building trust, gaining respect, and being professionally prepared as part of a larger team. Don't hesitate to show flexibility in your ability to both lead others and be led by others, and use examples of times that you've done both.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"My current colleagues would tell you that I'm knowledgeable in my area of expertise and use this expertise to contribute to the larger team. In addition, I'm able to communicate effectively and to take direction from others. I am also always willing to help out other teams or divisions when necessary. I understand that I would be working very closely with the engineering team at Plaid, which I assume would involve some degree of interdepartmental coordination. I am eager to learn about new areas outside of my expertise to develop professionally, so I'm looking forward to this collaboration."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I prefer to work in an environment that promotes teamwork and collegiality, which is why I'm drawn to working at a start-up. If I were fortunate enough to join the team here, I would love to eventually take on a leadership role on a team. I've learned to delegate work effectively and help train new employees on our mission and their roles in my current project manager position. I can also thrive in a role where I take direction from others."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Technical
31. This role requires a rudimentary understanding of coding basics. What programming languages would you say you're most familiar with?
How to Answer
While this question gives your interviewer insight into the diversity of your programming language experience, they most importantly want to know that you are adaptable and can learn on the fly if needed. Do as much research into Plaid as you can before your interview so that you can speak about the specific languages they work with. Before your interview, you might even spend some time perusing the Open API spec and client libraries that Plaid offers. You'll find client libraries in Java, Ruby, Python, Node, and Go.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my university experience as a software engineering major, I spent the most time learning Java, JavaScript, and C++ through various projects. My current role has me working primarily with Java, but I pride myself on my ability and passion for learning new programming languages and would be able to do so if hired for this role with Plaid."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"During my training to be an engineer and then in my current role since graduating, a majority of my experience falls within Python. My current role focuses most heavily on artificial intelligence, and Python is awesome with this advanced technology. As I understand it from talking to another engineer here at Plaid, I may need to learn Ruby to be successful in this specific role. Though I haven't worked directly with Ruby, I believe my experience and willingness to learn would have me up and running in no time if hired for this role."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Technical
32. What software programs do you use in your current work, and how adaptable would you say that you are in learning and using new programs?
How to Answer
As a fintech professional, you will likely have deep experience using various tools that make you more proficient in your work. Dig into your past experiences and speak openly about the different industry-relevant analysis and design tools you've used. Above all, make sure that your interviewer understands that you are proficient in using these tools and are open to learning new tools.
Plaid is looking for employees who are purpose-driven and will make an impact. Even if you don't consider yourself a software expert, emphasize your willingness to learn and master new skills. If you're already connected with any data scientists or software engineers at Plaid, it would be helpful to speak with them before the interview about the tools that they use most frequently on the job. Bring up those specific tools with your interviewer to highlight your preparation and motivation to succeed.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I use a program called Zendesk that is an interactive customer support tool. When we started to use this tool a little over a year ago, I was very quick to learn and utilize all of the great functions of the program and have since become a trainer for new staff that joins our team. Also, I'm very fluent in the entire Microsoft suite of products and would consider myself an expert on the Outlook, Excel, and Word programs."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"For example: "In my current role as a senior analyst at (XYZ) firm, I use Microsoft Excel, Capital IQ, SAP, and various BI tools daily. In addition, I'm currently learning Python. I consider myself proficient in all of these tools and am especially quick in Microsoft Excel, which, from my understanding, is used frequently in this data-heavy role at Plaid. I'm a quick learner, too, and am open to learning any new tools that are unique to Plaid to be successful in this role."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Technical
33. We're looking for individuals who stay up-to-date on industry changes. What do you see as the most pressing challenge currently within the fintech industry?
How to Answer
As a fintech professional, it's important to highlight your knowledge of the industry by reflecting on what you view to be the greatest challenge in fintech. This question is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate to your interviewer that you have done adequate research and can speak to these issues in an educated manner, especially if you are new to the industry. Highlight one challenge that will be relevant to the position to which you're applying. Common challenges that you might highlight include cybersecurity, the relationship of traditional financial services firms with fintech companies, regulations, and protecting user data.
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021
Answer Example
"It goes without saying that protecting customer privacy is a top challenge for professionals in this industry today. We've seen various high-profile data leaks and infringements on customer privacy in the past few years. Maintaining a robust data protection system that allows clients to feel secure is incredibly important within the industry, and it's something that I take seriously as a professional."
Written by Rachel Hills on December 1st, 2021