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Square Interview Questions and Answers

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Practice for your upcoming Square job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

First Question

35 Square Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   What sorts of hurdles do you anticipate in your first weeks on the job? How long will it take you to begin working on projects and make a meaningful contribution at Square?

What You Need to Know

Most hiring managers understand it takes time to acclimate to a new role. They're also trying to asses your skill level, what it will take to get you up to speed, and what additional training you may require. With this question, your interviewer is curious about your approach to your onboarding and whether you'll feel confident to hit the ground running or require some hand-holding before settling in.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

How to Answer

Be honest about any potential challenges you anticipate and how you respond to such challenges, sharing your work style and approach to onboarding in a new job. Use examples of how you navigated this terrain while starting at your most recent job, so you can help them know how they can help you. As Square says on its website, "We all grow together."

Written by Kevin Downey on November 18th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I created a 90-day impact plan I would like to share with you. After that, I'd like to know if there are any actions that I haven't included that I could take. In college, I built five years of part-time work experience focused on tech consulting. This would be my first job directly related to my career path. But, aside from the hard skills I've learned in college, I have strong interpersonal skills. I suppose my biggest challenge would be keeping my intimidation from standing in the way of building relationships and asking lots of questions. But I am focused and hard-working, especially when I have clear instructions. Get me up to speed, and I'll start working as soon as you say so. Point me in the right direction, and I'll get to it."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Answer Example

"I'd hit the ground running, work on getting to know everyone on the team, learning all I can about them, their current goals, and the challenges of the job. I'd invite open conversation and showcase the unique skills I'd bring. I've built a solid knowledge base to transition into a fintech role with Square within the product management space. I have all the requisite skills outlined in the position description and proficiency in other relevant skills that would allow me to make an impact as soon as possible at Square. I may ask a lot of questions because I want to do the job right."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

2.   Do you have any questions I can answer for you?

What You Need to Know

Many candidates feel that by saying they do not have questions, they are showing 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 preparing any relevant questions.

As they say on their site, "Get answers to your questions." By asking an insightful question, you show 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 Square, upcoming changes in the industry, or clarification from your resume.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"Beyond the job description, is there something particular you are looking for? What does your ideal candidate look like? Are there any specific skills not detailed in the position description that you highly value or think are important?"

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Answer Example

"Thank you for asking! What is the biggest challenge that Square's sales team will face in the next 12 months? What does a typical day look like in this position? Is this a recently vacated position or a new position? Under what circumstances did this position become vacant? How were they valued by the team?"

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

3.   What new skill have you learned recently, and why did you learn it?

What You Need to Know

Square encourages continual learning and development for their professionals - "Access resources to grow in your role, like our development program for first-time managers and a free subscription to LinkedIn Learning." Your interviewer is assessing whether you are driven and focused on your professional development and how well you'll fit in with the rest of their teams. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that you are a quick learner, motivated to learn new skills, and a memorable applicant! Think of a unique skill you recently learned, either in a professional or personal setting, that will make you stand out as an applicant.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"I've always enjoyed learning new languages. I worked with someone from Brazil when I was putting myself through college. That sparked my interest in learning their language, so I spent the last three months learning Portuguese in my spare time. I spend about five to ten hours a week in my free time listening to Portuguese podcasts and reading articles in Portuguese, so I was learning through immersion. It's been an interesting project to work on outside of college that I look forward to each day!"

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"My previous company recently sponsored a 50-hour course I took on the ins and outs of SEO. It dove into the key principles of SEO and how we can incorporate its most important tenets into our digital marketing practices. This new skill deepened my understanding of the industry and made me a more valuable asset for our team."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

4.   Where would you like to take your career in the next five to ten years?

What You Need to Know

As they state on their career page, "This is the place to start, run, and grow your career." So your interviewer is looking for like-minded individuals who will serve as a long-term fit for the position. This common interview question reveals how career-oriented you are and whether you chose to pursue this position to further your career goals or are just looking for a job.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

How to Answer

Research the typical career trajectory of the position you're applying for. Demonstrate that you're a motivated professional who has reflected on your long-term career goals. When discussing your needs and your ultimate career goals, balance them with the apparent needs of Square. You want this to seem like a mutually beneficial, long-term partnership. When revealing your goals, consider everything that will assure them of the thought you put into this. It is okay to set your sights higher as long as your goals meet those of the organization.

Written by Kevin Downey on November 18th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I know that beginning a career opens great mentoring and networking opportunities, so I'm excited to learn firsthand about the industry and where a career with Square could take me. I'm excited to dive deep into your product offerings and services and clarify where I want to be in a few years within the FinTech industry. While I'm open to where my skills and passions will take me in my career, my primary interest lies in product development."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"Now that I am to the midway point of my career, I am looking for my next move to be my final move until I retire. As a risk analyst, I want to focus on developing my advising skills to provide the best service possible. As I continue to grow in my skills and demonstrate my value, I'd like to move to a managerial role where I could oversee the work of junior analysts and PMs and mentor them towards success."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

5.   Describe how you handled a challenging situation with a colleague on the job.

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer wants to hear about your interpersonal and relationship-building skills and wants assurances you can effectively manage conflict as a member of the team. Emphasize your ability to collaborate and work well with others. Describe an occasion where your communication skills helped you navigate a difficult situation with a coworker. Focus on the steps you took to turn a potentially negative situation into a positive one. Discuss the lessons learned and the value they've provided for your career. As another of the taglines on their website says, "Do the work, and work together." All of your answers will help them evaluate how well you will fit into their culture, so take every phrase and statement of theirs to heart.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"I ran into some difficulties communicating with my professor, who offered me guidance on my thesis. Then, at a certain point, he was unresponsive to the emails or messages I sent him asking questions or for clarification. It got to the point where I was losing progress. So I directly asked him his preferred method of communication when I had questions, and I learned that he prefers phone calls and face-to-face meetings over emails or text. So, I adjusted my communication approach. I got my questions answered and no longer wasted time composing detailed emails or messages. Overall, this difficult situation taught me that it's important to determine the preferred method of communication with any professional relationship."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"I believe that direct, open communication in a friendly, assertive manner is most effective when working with my colleagues. I noticed my teammate wasn't meeting the deadlines we'd agreed upon while working on a big project for a client. I set up a meeting to revisit the deadlines, associated deliverables, and responsibilities we'd laid out beforehand. I then presented our situation and offered solutions. I focused on listening and asking questions so he wouldn't feel defensive. My teammate responded quite well to our chat, and we implemented a mutually agreed-upon plan that helped us follow through on and meet our deadlines."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

6.   Tell me about a time your listening skills helped you solve a problem.

What You Need to Know

This question probes your communication skills and how active listening plays a role. Someone with above-average communication skills can identify a communication breakdown, or the potential for one, and adapt their communication style to the lesser-skilled person. Active listening is a crucial component of this. Give an example that demonstrates how you avoided miscommunication by using your listening skills while asking clarifying questions to ensure everyone was on the same page. Three keywords Square uses on their site, combined in a key phrase, is 'Read, watch, and listen.' Consider incorporating these into your answer.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"There was a big project at the end of a course I was taking in college, and there was one aspect of the instructions I didn't understand. I read the instructions several times, but the language was a bit messy. I asked my fellow students, and one interpreted it one way, and another understood it differently, so I decided to approach my professor. But this particular professor would often talk over you and assume they knew what you were going to say before you had a chance to say it. I anticipated this and started to explain that several students had different interpretations of one aspect of the project. I led the discussion by prompting them to ask questions. I showed them the section I highlighted, and they read it, and I actively listened to what they had to say, hoping their verbal instruction would provide clarification, which it did. I mirrored what they said, yet used my own words instead of theirs to make sure they understood my interpretation as I understood their explanation. I watched their facial cues as I got to the point in question, and there was no confusion. They confirmed we were on the same page. I then suggested they clarify this with the rest of the class, as I wasn't the only one confused by it. They thanked me, and later on, I scored 140%."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"My boss asked me to manage a project that involved various tasks which I'd 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 ask clarifying questions. I read her instructions, watched her facial cues, and listened to what she had to say. Once I was sure we were on the same page, I jumped on the project, and my boss was impressed with my solution."

Written by Kevin Downey on November 18th, 2022

7.   Discuss how you approach explaining complex ideas in simple terms.

What You Need to Know

As they say at Square, "We make the complex simple." A crucial part of customer service is distilling complex information into relatable language for your clients while ensuring everyone is on the same page. Your interviewer wants to know if your communication skills are developed enough to meet their requirements. Your ability to communicate your ideas impacts how well you work with others, as well as how well you work with their clients, which is a key component of Square's company culture.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"In school, I was often asked what I majored in, which often only raised more questions. This forced me to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to people outside my field. While doing so, I'd ensure that my tone was never patronizing. At first, I had trouble explaining such new concepts in layman's terms and realized I had to do more research to better communicate what I was trying to say. I found that it is almost always most effective to describe complex ideas in simple terms. Keeping myself educated allows me to explain complicated ideas in a way that makes sense to people outside of the industry. Over time, I got better at it and would communicate in a way that would get them excited to talk about it. This would open the door to outside perspectives, and I'd often learn something new from those and place great value on hearing their input."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"In my previous work as a tech consultant, I would echo the language of my clients and adapt to their communication style when explaining things. I'd avoid extraneous details that would only further confuse them, yet remain open to any questions they'd have to assure them of my availability and transparency. Sticking to what was relevant, I'd always strive for straightforward and concise communication with my clients and colleagues. Above all, I focused on listening to my clients and addressing their most pressing needs, pain points, and goals."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

8.   Do you have experience preparing and delivering presentations?

What You Need to Know

Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and CEO of Square, says, "We don't want to add things. We take things away to make them more simple." Square puts a lot of focus on their design. When discussing your experience with giving presentations, elaborating on your presentation's design will add value to your answer. "Design at Square is multifaceted, stretching across many disciplines and teams. Together, we create thoughtful and remarkable products, experiences, and campaigns to drive economic empowerment for our sellers. It all begins with design. At Square, design is the driving force behind economic empowerment."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

How to Answer

The responsibilities of this position at Square may include planning, preparing, and delivering presentations to clients or other stakeholders. For some, public speaking can be intimidating. Whether in college or grad school, if you're just starting, or in a professional setting, consider how you would describe your comfort zone with public speaking, your willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and your presentation skills.

Written by Kevin Downey on November 18th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"The bulk of my experience comes from my time at university, where I prepared a variety of speeches and keynote presentations. My dad worked as a graphic designer and taught me early on that visuals were just as important as what you had to say. So, I was particularly proud of my presentations and how well they were received. Public speaking, as nerve-wracking as it sometimes can be, is something I am no stranger to. I am confident in my public speaking and presentation skills. I look forward to gaining even more experience in preparing and delivering professional presentations for clients and internal stakeholders in a Square setting and learning more about their approach to design."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Answer Example

"In my current role, I regularly present to my clients and my team of twenty advisors. To gain confidence as a speaker and presenter, I became a Toastmasters member two years ago. Since joining, I have taken courses such as 'The Better Speaker' series, 'Beginning Your Speech,' and 'Concluding Your Speech.' I also have training in PowerPoint, Prezi, and Keynote, so I can make my presentations visually engaging."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

9.   While no formal programming skills are required for this role, you'll be expected to work with the engineering team here at Square. How confident do you feel in your ability to manage and discuss technical projects?

What You Need to Know

This question tests your ability to step outside of your comfort zone and work in a cross-functional setting, liaising with other teams, particularly technical teams or teams outside your area of expertise. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with Square's approach and philosophy. "We believe everyone should have an opportunity to thrive, and not be left out because the cost is too great or the technology too complex." While you don't need to be an expert in their work, you should feel comfortable collaborating with these groups while exhibiting that you are a quick study.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"I am a quick study. I ask a lot of questions and consider myself an excellent communicator. If there is no one to answer a question for me, I will look it up until I am sure I get it and have all the answers I need to continue. This is well within my comfort zone, and I am ready and willing to liaise with anyone in any department. I require very little hand-holding and can get up to speed faster than most."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"As someone who's been in the tech industry my entire career, I feel confident in my ability to communicate with team members in more technical roles. I found this to be a challenge when I started in business development, but I did my best to ask questions and read articles and books that helped me pick up this 'language.' Now, it's second nature. In my current position, I work with a team of software engineers to support the implementation of bug fixes, and I look forward to continuing this interdepartmental teamwork with a team at Square."

Written by Kevin Downey on November 18th, 2022

10.   This role at Square requires excellent problem-solving skills. Tell me about a time you had to analyze information in order to make a recommendation.

What You Need to Know

With this question, your interviewer aims to assess your problem-solving and customer service skills. As they state on their website, "Listen to users. We listen to and learn from owners of businesses large and small. We understand their problems and anticipate their needs." To get a sense of your analytical and problem-solving skills and how you would apply those skills in a role at Square, they want to know how you collect information. How you answer will offer insights into your communication skills, attention to detail, and analytical abilities.

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"When I was a graduate teaching assistant, a student came to me with a problem where their findings couldn't be replicated. They were certain that their initial findings were correct and asked if I would be a second set of eyes to try to find the discrepancy. So, I took the same approach they'd relied upon, sorting through the same trends and historical data to see if I could recreate the same results. I examined the various outcomes and realized they'd transposed the data from two different aspects of their research, making their findings inconclusive. But all was not lost, and I offered some alternative approaches to their project."

Written by Rachel Hills on September 30th, 2021

Experienced Example

"In my previous position, we worked with a small business to address their problems with customer retention and employee efficiency. They weren't sure what they were looking for. As the sales lead, I combed through their pain points, took detailed notes, and asked questions that got to the heart of their most pressing challenges. I analyzed the findings and created a detailed proposal with a host of solutions, including a package of six products and services. 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 September 30th, 2021