29 Fintech Business Development Representative Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Fintech Business Development Representative 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.
Behavioral
1. Tell me about any experience you have in customer service. What did you like and dislike about it?
How to Answer
Even if you don't have any direct experience in fintech or business development, the interviewer will likely still be interested in you if you've held any retail or customer service positions in the past. They want to know that you are able to handle customer complaints without getting burned out and that you always put customer satisfaction first. Both of these skills are transferrable to the Fintech business development representative role.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I used to work in a retail role where I sold customized t-shirts on the boardwalk in the summer. This meant standing outside the store door with sample t-shirts and trying to persuade potential customers to come in off the boardwalk to visit the store. This wasn't necessarily an easy job nor was it always fun because most passersby had absolutely no interest in coming into our store. I learned over time how to be more engaging and used my friendliness and humor to coax more and more people to come in. I also learned not to take it personally if someone ignored me or said no in a curt manner; if one person said no, I just looked around for the next person who might say yes. And, perhaps most importantly, I discovered how much I enjoyed making people happy. The people I converted into paying customers were always so delighted by their new t-shirts, and I found that to be really satisfying."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
2. Describe a time when you dealt with a challenge. What motivated you to keep going?
How to Answer
There will be times as a Fintech business development representative when you place numerous calls and not a single person picks up. Or someone does pick up, only to give you a piece of their mind. Prospecting can be hard and monotonous. The interviewer needs to know that you are resilient by nature and internally motivated to keep moving forward despite any obstacles or struggles. Tell the interviewer about a challenge you have gone through (either at work or personally) and what motivated you to overcome it.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I was in college, my uncle hired me one summer to drum up some new business for his printing company. He asked me to cold call prospects, which was something I had never done before. It wasn't an easy job because most of the time people either hung up on me or cussed me out, but I stuck with it because I wanted to help my uncle out. I viewed it as a numbers game, figuring the more people I called, the greater the chance one or two of them would need our services. In the end, I managed to nail down a lead that resulted in a large job for my uncle. This experience showed me that I'm good at this and have the right personality for it. I don't take rejection personally, and I will stay motivated until I reach whatever target and goal I've set for myself."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
3. Tell me about a time when you had to get really good at a skill and how you did this.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you are the type of person who can handle repetition since that's what much of prospecting is: place a call, give your spiel, place another call, give your spiel again. Discuss a time when you did something over and over again to become great at it. Show that you set goals, remain committed, and understand the importance of practicing.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've been a soccer player my entire life. While I'm naturally a fast runner and good at handling the ball, I have always struggled with scoring. There came a time in high school when I realized that I needed to become better at this so that I would be a much stronger and more well-rounded player overall. I set my mind to it and began practicing my kicking an hour or more a day. I set a target number of goals per 100 kicks, and I worked hard every day to achieve that target. In the end, I drastically improved my scoring ability and later on got picked up to play soccer for a college team. From this experience, I learned how important it is to set goals, practice religiously, and not give up. I know that I will apply the same mentality to prospecting."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
4. What are your thoughts about talking on the phone a lot?
How to Answer
A large part of a fintech business development representative's day is spent on the phone leaving voicemails and talking to prospects. The interviewer will only be interested in candidates who don't mind being on the phone so you'll want to show that it's not a problem for you. Someone who doesn't like to be on the phone won't be a good fit for this role.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I consider myself to be talkative and personable. I really enjoy connecting with people whether it be face-to-face or over the phone. I'm a big networker and don't shy away from meeting and learning about new people. So it doesn't bother me at all to call up people I don't know, introduce myself, and start building a rapport. In fact, I enjoy it! I also like to help people by determining what their problems are at work and providing solutions that will make their lives easier and more enjoyable. I'm fully comfortable with the idea of spending multiple hours a day on the phone talking to people and leaving them messages."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
5. Why do you like sales and want to be a salesperson in the fintech industry?
How to Answer
It takes a specific type of person to succeed in Fintech sales. Show the interviewer that you fit the bill. Talk about the aspects of sales that you like and why you've chosen this career path, specifically in Fintech. Discuss the personality traits you have that will help you excel, like being someone who is personable, helpful, and motivated. You might also mention that you like the challenge of earning commissions and surpassing your quotas.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"To me, sales gives me the opportunity to help people. I take the time to get to know them, identify what problems they are experiencing, and then show them how the products/services I sell can help them. It makes me happy when in the end they are happy with how their life has been simplified or made more enjoyable because of our interactions. More specifically, I desire to make people's lives easier when it comes to their finances because this is an area that I enjoy and am knowledgeable in. I'm also a self-motivated individual who is driven by targets, quotas, and commissions. I like the notion that the harder I work, the more I am monetarily rewarded. Sales is definitely the right career path for me."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
6. What are your thoughts when it comes to cold calling?
How to Answer
Fintech business development representatives generally spend a large part of their workday calling cold leads. The interviewer is looking for someone who isn't shy and who can quickly build a rapport with someone new. Talk to the interviewer about how your personality and experience are perfect for this type of role. If you haven't cold called before, explain that you are coachable and eager to try it.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am fully comfortable calling cold leads. A few years ago in college, I worked during the summer for a large non-profit, and one of my responsibilities was to cold call educators about various fundraising events that we were running. At first, I struggled to make these calls because I wasn't used to doing this, but over time I began to enjoy the challenge of persuading folks to hear me out. After I scored a few sign-ups for our events from my cold calling attempts, I was highly encouraged and started setting targets for myself. I found that I'm able to connect with people easily, and if I'm funny and friendly, as well as provide useful information, the cold leads tended to be more receptive to my requests. I'd love to do the same for your company."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
7. What is your preference when it comes to management style?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know how effectively you will work under different kinds of managers. It's likely that they are assessing whether or not you will fit into their company under their current sales manager. It's fine to give your honest opinion here, but it's also a good idea to indicate that you are adaptable and coachable.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have experienced several different types of management styles to date. No matter how my manager operates and supervises, I adjust myself accordingly. For example, in my last role, I worked for someone who was very autocratic. In general, he wasn't open to employee ideas or feedback, and he would constantly check in on the status of projects. Recognizing this, I communicated frequently with him so he was fully aware of what I was doing and all the details surrounding it. If he disliked anything and made this known, I would adjust my plan accordingly. I have also worked for managers who were more collaborative and trusting. This is my preference: tell me what to do and then trust me to independently move forward and get the job done. While this is what I prefer, I am capable of successfully working under any type of manager."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
8. Tell me how you deal with rejection.
How to Answer
It's likely that as a Fintech business development representative you will face rejection on a daily basis. The interviewer wants to know that you are resilient and persistent. Talk about a time when you successfully handled rejection. It's important to show the interviewer that you didn't give up.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm the type of person who perseveres, even when the going gets tough. Rather than letting difficulties defeat me, I rise to the challenge and enjoy working hard to tackle and conquer them. During college, I worked during the summer for a call center making hundreds of outbound calls a day. Many of my team members became burnt out and jaded over time after they were hung up on and cussed out so many times. While I didn't enjoy that part of the job either, I chose not to take those responses personally. Every day I tried to reach a target number of positive responses, and if I got a lot of hang-ups, I would increase the number of calls I made to ensure I hit my number. I rewarded myself at the end of the day with something I enjoyed if I hit my target."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Behavioral
9. Would you describe yourself as a team player?
How to Answer
Fintech business development representatives frequently work with others to try and achieve common goals, so it's important that you show the interviewer that you are a team player. Give an example of a time in the past when you successfully worked together with members of a team. It doesn't hurt to mention that you also work well independently since Fintech BDRs need to be able to do both.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I enjoy working by myself and am able to stay motivated during long call blocks, I am also a team player. I recognize how beneficial it can be to bounce ideas off my team and to brainstorm together, in addition to boosting each other's morales. During my senior year in college, I worked on a team in one of my finance classes to put together an in-depth report and presentation on a company that we had researched as a possible investment opportunity. I quickly became the de facto leader of the group, arranging meetings and spearheading the project. Ultimately, after much collaboration and hard work, we submitted the report and gave a strong presentation, both of which resulted in A's. I feel that this versatility - being able to work both independently and on a team - will allow me to excel in this position because I will coordinate with my team to reach goals but will also dedicate myself to blocks of undisturbed time during which I can place a target number of calls."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
10. How do you react if a prospect goes dark on you?
How to Answer
There are going to be instances when a prospect who appeared to have potential 'goes dark,' or, in other words, disappears on you. Explain to the interviewer how you will handle this type of rejection. Discuss your resiliency and ability to bounce back after a prospect treats you this way.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I know that sometimes a prospect who seems great might end up not working out, for whatever reason. I don't take it personally, because I know that there are plenty of valid reasons they may have changed their mind. For example, perhaps they don't have the funding to pay for the product or service, maybe they've lost interest in it, or perhaps there are other external factors in play that explain why they've suddenly discontinued their communication with me. If I believe that the prospect had a sincere interest in the product or service initially, I make sure to follow up several times before giving up on them. Sometimes it's as simple as the person is busy, and they need a few reminders before they are willing to move forward."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
11. How do you handle gatekeepers while trying to get through to prospects?
How to Answer
Since fintech business development representatives engage with prospects in the early stages of the sales funnel, they frequently talk to gatekeepers like receptionists and administrative assistants. There will be times when the gatekeeper won't allow you or your message to get through to the prospect you're targeting. Explain to the interviewer the methods you use to help ensure you can get past the gatekeepers.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I make it my goal to earn the trust of the gatekeeper because you won't get anywhere without that. I also try my best to be as nice and friendly as possible because people respond to that. If you treat them nicely, it's likely they will treat you nicely back. In addition, I also make sure that I am informative and helpful so the gatekeeper knows that I have valuable information or something that will help their boss. If they believe this to be the case, generally they will pass along my message because they believe it is beneficial for their boss. If the gatekeeper thinks I'm just a telemarketer, forget it. Also, if I have time, I try to look up the gatekeeper on LinkedIn prior to the call. Having some information about them helps me to build a rapport and gain their trust. Finally, if they keep preventing me from getting in touch with the prospect, I look to see if I can somehow skip over them by contacting someone else."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
12. Sell me this [insert item of choice].
How to Answer
Given that you're being interviewed for a sales position, the interviewer wants to see how you handle yourself if suddenly you have to sell something. You will want to show that you are confident, enthusiastic, and a quick thinker. Start by asking the interviewer a few qualifying questions so you understand their needs and then let the conversation flow naturally. Remember to close the deal at the end.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"So you frequently use pens while you take notes during interviews, right? Clearly, you are in need of a pen that is durable and reliable because you don't want to run out of ink in the middle of an interview while you write down all of your important thoughts and opinions on each candidate. Well, this pen right here is not only attractive, but it writes well and works consistently. You won't have to worry that you're going to pick it up only to find that it's out of ink! I know it's the perfect solution for you. Are you ready to place an order?"
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
13. What methods do you use to organize and prioritize your daily workload?
How to Answer
A fintech business development representative needs to be organized and able to prioritize their workload. Tell the interviewer how you accomplish this. You might mention using a CRM program to keep track of your calls, a calendar to record important dates, and email invites to help ensure prospects keep their appointments with you. Talk about how you keep from becoming overwhelmed.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Sometimes things get really busy in this role. I currently work for an investment research company, so earnings seasons is a big deal when it rolls around. It impacts the timing of the calls I make, how prospects react to being unexpectedly contacted, and more. To account for this, I rely heavily on my Google calendar. In advance, I mark down when earnings season is so I'm never caught off-guard and know when to switch the timing of my call blocks. I also use our internal CRM platform to keep track of the calls and follow-ups I need to make. If I schedule a demo or onsite with a prospect, I send them a calender invite so the appointment immediately goes on both our calendars. To prioritize, I meet with my team daily so we can discuss team-wide prioritization, which helps determine how I will structure my day and what prospects I will focus on. Using these various methods allows me to stay on track, efficient, and calm."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
14. In your opinion, what skills does someone need to be a great fintech salesperson?
How to Answer
The key to answering this question is to connect the skills you cite to yourself. There are many different qualities and skills you can mention - from salespeople needing to be effective communicators, exceptional problem solvers, active listeners, and strong negotiators to empathetic, personable, and able to manage their time - but whatever you pick to discuss, make sure you bring it back to yourself. If possible, provide examples of times when you've displayed these attributes.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think it's most important that a fintech salesperson be personable and very good at communicating. After all, they need to be able to sell their product to a prospect using words. The name of the game is getting a prospect on the phone and building a rapport with them so they trust you and ultimately want to buy your product or schedule a demo to learn more. This is the epitome of who I am; I excel at building trusting relationships with people I've only recently met. Fintech salespeople also need to be aware of what's going on in the financial markets so they come across as knowledgeable and relevant to prospects in the fintech industry. They also need to be quick on their feet and able to think creatively so they can come up with solutions to customer issues, in addition to being great listeners who can truly understand what problems the customer is dealing with. I recently talked to a prospect whose company was spending a ton of time trying to analyze SEC filings to make investment decisions; I recognized that the company I worked for had a service that would eliminate this time suck and was able to jump on the opportunity to schedule a demo with the prospect after explaining how this would solve their problem."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
15. How do you research fintech prospects?
How to Answer
It's important when you contact fintech prospects that you are informed about them and their business. You want to appear knowledgeable because this will help you to be more persuasive and relatable in your sales pitch. Talk to the interviewer about how you generally research prospects and explain that you understand the importance of doing so.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I always research the prospect, their role, and the company they work for prior to contacting them. While I don't spend a ton of time doing this, since it's my job to reach out to as many people as possible during my call block, I do spend a few minutes looking over the company's website and pulling up the prospect's profile on LinkedIn. If I can't find them on LinkedIn, I usually do a quick Google search. Gleaning some high-level information allows me to come off as knowledgeable during the phone call. Prior to making the call, I also think through the pain points the prospect might be experiencing and what solutions I can offer them, in addition to making sure that I'm aware of what the market is doing."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
16. What CRM software are you familiar with?
How to Answer
It's common for fintech sales teams to use CRM software to track contacts and deals, forecast sales, and automate tasks like sending emails. The interviewer wants to know that you are knowledgeable in this area. List any CRM programs that you are familiar with, and explain that you understand the importance of using them. If you have never used a CRM program before in the past, indicate that you are a fast learner, tech savvy, and adaptable.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I currently use an internal CRM platform at the company where I work. It allows me to record all of the calls I make and the status of each prospect, which is very helpful to me. Because of this, it's very easy for me to keep track of follow-ups and no one ever falls through the cracks. I also use this internal admin to send out template emails, which saves me time. In addition, I like that it tracks who on our team is making the most calls and closing the most demos, etc. These stats help keep me motivated and allow me to set realistic personal targets. I haven't yet used any other CRM programs, but I'm a quick learner and savvy when it comes to technology, so I'm confident I can easily pick up a new program if needed."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Competency
17. How do you handle it when a prospect objects to what you're saying?
How to Answer
There are going to be times when a prospect objects to your claims. For example, they might tell you that a competitor's service is better, or they might push back on the statistics that you have cited. The interviewer wants to know that you will be able to alleviate any concerns that the prospect might raise. If possible, tell the interviewer about a time when you successfully handled the objections a prospect threw at you.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Before I start making calls at a company, I talk to the current sales team to find out what objections they commonly hear from prospects. This allows me prepare rebuttals in advance before I even start making calls. Within my last position, I frequently heard from people that the service I was selling was too expensive. Since we offered a subscription-based service, I responded by offering various subscription lengths and tiers to alleviate some of the issues around cost for people. Many prospects also used to tell me that they didn't have the authority to make purchasing decisions themselves. In this case, I worked with my team to figure out better ways to ensure I was calling the decision-makers at these companies."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Discovery
18. Why do you want to sell our product/service?
How to Answer
A successful salesperson usually believes in the product or service that they are selling. This helps them to come across as sincere when interacting with potential customers. Since as a fintech business development representative you'll be one of the people on the front lines who convinces prospects to try or buy their product, the interviewer wants assurance that you'll be able to effectively do this. Tell the interviewer with enthusiasm why you're interested in selling their product/service. You might also mention your affinity for finance and technology as well.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am drawn specifically to this role within your company because I have always had a passion for the stock market. I've done my due diligence and know that your company's investment research product is one of the best ones in the industry. I know I will find it easy to persuade other investors to try it because I sincerely believe in the product itself and the benefits it offers. I am a strong and confident salesperson who can sell anything, but I am eager to sell your product in particular because I use it myself and know that other investors will love it too."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Discovery
19. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Like you would research a prospect prior to calling them, the interviewer wants to know that you've looked into their company before the interview. Having done so will show that you are serious about getting the job and well informed about the company and fintech industry. It will also indicate that once hired, you will do your research on prospects too.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I saw your job ad on LinkedIn, I already knew of your company because of its great reputation in the fintech space. I've also personally looked into the services your company offers before because they interest me. So right off the bat, I knew of your company, but naturally before I came to meet with you, I did some serious due diligence to make sure that I truly want to work for this company. Beyond the services that you offer, I am very attracted to the innovative, fun, hard-working culture that your company offers, and I believe I will fit right in. I also follow several of the professionals in your company on social media; I value their expertise and would love the opportunity to work with them."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Discovery
20. Where do you see yourself in three years?
How to Answer
Interviewers like to know that the person they decide to hire isn't going to up and leave after a year. They ask this question to gauge whether you plan to stay long-term with the company or not. This is also an opportunity to show how serious you are about fintech sales.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm still in the early stages of my career; however, I've determined that fintech sales is the right path for me. By nature, I'm resilient and outgoing, and I love to talk on the phone. I don't take things personally or give up easily. I also like to lead others and gained some experience doing that in college. So I'm happy cutting my teeth at the junior level right now, but in three years I would hope to have moved up in the sales ranks and have begun mentoring those below me. Eventually, I'd like to be promoted to a sales manager role."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Discovery
21. Did you work throughout college?
How to Answer
The interviewer will likely ask a question like this one if you are a recent college graduate. They are looking to find out more about your work ethic and the lessons you learned from holding down a job. You want to show that you are committed, hard-working, and reliable, in addition to being personable and persistent. If you interned or worked in anything related to fintech, be sure to highlight this. If you didn't work throughout college, talk about another activity or extracurricular that required sacrifice and dedication on your part.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Outside of some short-term gigs that I temporarily held throughout college, I primarily didn't work because of my focus instead on my studies and playing on the university baseball team. Playing any sport at college-level is a huge time commitment, and it's something I had to juggle with my academic schedule. But I did because I loved playing the sport and being a part of a team. I would wake up early every day to work out with my teammates for a few hours, then attend classes and study throughout the day, before going to regular practice in the late afternoon for several hours. I generally spent evenings attending study groups or studying individually. When there were games, I had to juggle even more. Playing on the team required a great deal of sacrifice, but I stuck with it. I learned the value of hard work and persistence, both of which will allow me to succeed within this role."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Operational
22. How will you structure your day?
How to Answer
Being a fintech business development representative can be somewhat monotonous and stressful at times. The interviewer wants to know that you will structure your day in such a way that you incorporate some stress relief, collaboration with your team, and blocks of solid time for placing calls. Emphasize that you are organized and able to prioritize your workload.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I generally start my workday by looking at my calendar and to-do list so I know what meetings, appointments, follow-ups, and other items are on my agenda. Then, assuming my team meets daily in the morning, I will meet up with them in order to make sure we're on the same page when it comes to goals and prioritization for the day. Early morning through lunch would likely be a call block. At lunch, I will definitely take at least 30 minutes to destress by taking a walk and talking to colleagues. I feel this is important given the tediousness and challenges that sometimes arise from making calls. The afternoon will likely be split between follow-ups and making more calls. Although my days may somewhat vary from this, these are the general tasks that I will likely allocate time for during my workdays."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Operational
23. How do you measure success?
How to Answer
Many times fintech business development representatives measure their success using quantitative metrics, like scheduling a specific number of demos and on-site appointments or hitting a certain revenue goal. If you've previously measured your work in this way, tell the interviewer about it. Talk about what motivates you and how you strive to exceed expectations.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I use various metrics to measure my success at work. Being analytical by nature, I like that this method isn't subjective. Although the metrics can vary depending on the job, once I know what is expected of me, I always work to surpass those expectations. For example, at my last job, I was in charge of setting up demo calls with prospects for senior sales. I had a certain number of calls I had to make daily and a target number of demos I had to schedule. I was consistently one of the leading BDRs in scheduling demos that converted into paying customers, and if I wasn't able to hit my target demo number after making all my required calls for the day, I would frequently make extra calls in order to hit that number."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Scenario
24. What would you do if a prospect asked you about one of our competitors?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can handle all kinds of situations that may occur on the phone. If a prospect asks you about one of your company's competitors, you will need to be able to handle these comparisons and explain why your company's product/service is better without badmouthing the competition. Explain what you would do in this situation, and walk the interviewer through an example if possible.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have definitely encountered this kind of situation before so I'm confident that I can easily manage this and turn it into a positive for our company. Prior to making any calls, I will research who our competitors are and what differentiates us from them. I will make sure to have talking points at the ready so if anyone ever brings up any of our competition, I am able to explain why our products/services are better for them without disparaging the other company or companies. To me, it's easy to handle this type of situation because if I truly believe in the product or service I'm selling, I can truthfully tell the person I'm speaking to why our company is the better choice."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Scenario
25. Suppose you end up in a disagreement with a colleague. What will you do?
How to Answer
As a fintech business development representative, you will work on a team that likely meets on a daily basis and shares common goals. It's also possible that your manager will encourage some healthy competition between yourself and your teammates in order to motivate people to close demos and deals. If at some point you end up in a conflict with a teammate, explain to the interviewer how you will handle this.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"If I end up in a disagreement with someone else, before things start to fester I will ask to meet with them privately so we can each share our perspectives. I will strive to actively listen so I can understand their opinions and feelings. If I owe someone an apology, I'll be quick to say I'm sorry so we can move on. In general, though, I would focus on finding a compromise so that we each feel that our needs have been met. If we're unable to come to a resolution ourselves, I would approach our manager and ask for their input."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Scenario
26. Let's say that one month you miss your quota. What will you do?
How to Answer
Fintech business development representatives live and die by their monthly quotas. The interviewer wants to know that you proactively monitor your performance every day, and if something seems off, you immediately make changes so that you can continue to meet and exceed your quotas. Show that you are willing to ask for help if needed.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Very early on in my career, I missed one of my quotas. This was a huge learning experience for me. Most of all, I realized the importance of continually monitoring my performance and metrics every day so the minute something starts to go awry, I can adjust my strategy and change its trajectory. I don't wait until the end of the month to start worrying about my numbers. If needed, I might make more calls or change the timing of them; in others, I might brush up on my knowledge of the product or initiate more training from my manager. Ultimately, it's a matter of staying aware of what's happening and making changes if necessary to ensure I'm consistently hitting my numbers."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Situational
27. Describe a time when you helped close a fintech sale.
How to Answer
No matter the example you choose to talk about, it's most important that you explain to the interviewer the lessons that you took away from the experience. Talk about what happened, what your role was, and what you learned. If you don't have past sales experience in the fintech space, discuss a sales accomplishment in a different field or any competitive situation you've experienced. Remember to give credit to your team too.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Within my last role, my team and I closed a large deal with a well-known fintech client. It took a lot of time and persistence to close the deal. Early on, my team and I strategized about how to maneuver our way into the sights of this company. I was put in charge of reaching out to multiple people within the company in the hopes of scheduling some demos and onsites. Many of the people I called turned me down, but ultimately I was able to gain the trust and interest of three people. I followed up consistently with them and provided helpful suggestions whenever possible. After many months, my team and I closed the deal. It was a joint effort and a joint win, but I know that my part in it was integral to its success. I took away the importance of persistence from it and will carry that lesson with me."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Situational
28. Tell me how you handle difficult prospects.
How to Answer
There will, unfortunately, be times within this role when you might have to deal with someone on the phone who isn't very pleasant. The interviewer wants to know what your strategy will be to manage this type of person. Show that you will remain professional and calm but that you won't allow someone to walk all over you or waste your time either.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"In the past, I have dealt with people on the phone who were angry, mean, or both. For a period of time, I worked as a telemarketer, and this was just a part of the job. I have learned to handle this by teaching myself not to take it personally. At the end of the day, I know that they are taking out a bad day or frustrations on me, but it's not me personally who they are attacking - I just happen to be on the receiving end of it. Because I know this, I am able to stay calm at all times, but I do work to de-escalate the situation by being friendly and trying to give them information that might be helpul to them. If the conversation isn't going well after a few minutes, I firmly cut off the interaction as soon as possible and move on to the next call."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Situational
29. Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a customer.
How to Answer
Customers are the heart of every business, and the interviewer wants assurance that if you're hired you will provide their customers with amazing service. Talk about a time when you went the extra mile for a customer. If you don't have that kind of experience yet, discuss a time when you helped someone personally.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I definitely understand how important it is to please the customer. From a very young age, I watched my father, who owned his own construction business, do this. More recently, I had a job in the tech department of a big electronics company. A customer came in one day and tried to return a product outside its return window. They wanted the product but it wasn't working properly so they needed to return it and wanted their money back. They were on the verge of getting very upset when they learned that they might not be able to return the product, so I reached out to a contact of mine at the manufacturing company and arranged for the manufacturer to replace the product free of charge to the company I worked for. So, ultimately, the company saved money and the customer was happy with the replaced product. I always strive to be resourceful and quick-thinking so I can satisfy the customer like my dad always did."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on February 27th, 2021