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.

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.