26 Fintech Human Resources Manager Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Fintech Human Resources Manager 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. Do you consider yourself a team player?
How to Answer
As a fintech HR manager, you will likely have to lead and be a part of teams at various times so it's important to indicate to the interviewer that you are collaborative by nature. However, being able to work independently in this role is important too. Give examples and discuss your preferences and strengths in these areas.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I definitely consider myself to be a team player and someone who enjoys working with others. Doing this allows me the opportunity to learn from others. It keeps me motivated and is just more fun in general. Having said that, however, as an HR manager, there are many times when I need to lead teams as opposed to being in the mix carrying out tasks. I am capable of elevating myself to a higher level when needed so that I can direct the others. Finally, while I enjoy leading and being a part of teams, much of my time is spent working independently. I don't mind this and am able to remain self-motivated and driven even when I'm working by myself."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Behavioral
2. How do you think your previous managers would describe you?
How to Answer
An interviewer will ask this question to find out more about your personality and strengths. They want to know how others view you. Be honest, but emphasize the traits and skills you have that are related to the fintech HR manager position. You might choose to talk about being knowledgeable and experienced in the HR and fintech fields, having strong interpersonal and communication skills, and being honest, fair, organized, and responsible.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have always had great working relationships with the people around me, including my managers. I believe they would all say positive things about me. Most of all, I think they would say that I'm trustworthy and honest, in addition to being reliable. My word is my bond; if I say I'm going to do something or meet a deadline, I do. I also think they would describe me as being easy to get along with and professional. I am able to work and communicate effectively with anyone, whether they are an employee, management, or an external third party, like a vendor. I'm also good at hiring and training people, as well. Finally, I believe they would describe me as being organized and detail-oriented."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Behavioral
3. What is your greatest strength?
How to Answer
The key thing here is to connect whatever attribute or skill you choose to discuss to the HR manager role. You want the interviewer to be able to envision you in the position, so you should highlight a strength that fits the role.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I think my greatest strength is my ability to stay organized no matter how many things fall on my lap. I don't let anything fall through the cracks. There are a lot of steps that go into overseeing and making sure payroll is error-free, ensuring employees are properly enrolled in the healthcare selections of their choice by specific dates, staying on top of PTO accrual, keeping up with multiple job candidates, and so on. If I wasn't able to stay organized, then things would be overlooked or forgotten and there would be negative consequences like an employee not being enrolled in health insurance for the upcoming year or someone being paid the wrong amount. I pride myself on staying on top of everything and being meticulous in my approach so everything is done correctly and completely."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Behavioral
4. Describe your management style.
How to Answer
Since it's likely you will be managing teams of people in this role, the interviewer wants to learn about your management style. There are multiple styles out there, including authoritarian, visionary, democratic, and laissez-faire, among others, so be honest and discuss your preferences and methods. This will help both you and the interviewer to determine if you will be a good fit for the role or not.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"At this point in my career, I have worked under several different managers, and I've found that everyone is different. There are pros and cons to each management style; however, when I myself am put in charge of others I prefer to use a democratic management style. I choose to manage in this way because I value the feedback, thoughts, and ideas of the people I'm working with, no matter their rank or seniority, and I encourage idea sharing and employee participation. Ultimately, as the manager, I retain the final decision-making authority, but I first take into account the thoughts of those around me. I also believe in clearly communicating expectations, providing deadlines, and then giving people the space and time they need to get the job done of their own accord. I trust in their intelligence and experience and don't feel the need to micromanage them."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
5. What strategies have you used to boost employee retention?
How to Answer
It's vital that a company be able to hold on to its good employees because high turnover is costly and bad for employee morale. Talk to the interviewer about the strategies you might employ to improve retention at their company.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"To start, when I recruit new employees, I seek ones that I feel are a good cultural fit. If the fit is right, there's a much better chance the employee will want to stay with the company long-term. Also, when I interview folks, I ask questions that delve into whether or not this person is looking for a long-term position with the company or not, and I pass over those who aren't. Next, within the company itself, I strive to support internal promotions, ongoing educational opportunities for employees, and clear paths of advancement because they help keep employees happy and loyal. Finally, I also make sure that the benefits we're offering appeal to employees because things like healthcare and retirement account options, flexible work schedules, and generous PTO policies matter to them. I've seen in the past that consistently applying all of these concepts really helps to retain satisfied employees."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
6. What kind of experience do you have with remote hiring processes?
How to Answer
In today's world, remote hiring is more commonplace as a result of Covid-19. Most interviewers will want to feel assured that you have some knowledge and experience with remote hiring. Talk to the interviewer about how you would conduct a remote interview and also how you would ensure that a candidate has what it takes to work remotely, if needed.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Throughout my career thus far, I've primarily conducted interviews in-person; however, in more recent days, like the rest of the world, I've become more comfortable using programs like Zoom to communicate with others. Recently, I hired a new employee for a remote position and interviewed them remotely as well. The whole process went well. During the screening interview, I spoke to the candidate over the phone and determined that they should move on in the process. Later, I interviewed them, along with some of my colleagues using Zoom, and we made sure to ask remote-specific questions to gauge their ability to remain motivated and undistracted while working from home. Once they were hired, they went through the newly revamped onboarding process that is now all online/remote. So many things that I used to do in-person during the hiring process are now performed, at least temporarily, remotely, and I feel fully comfortable with this."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
7. What emerging trends are you familiar with in the world of HR?
How to Answer
Fintech HR managers frequently encounter change. The interviewer might use this question to gauge how well you stay up on HR trends, especially those that may impact the fintech field and their company. Take this opportunity to show that you are knowledgeable and adaptable. Make sure to explain why the trends you mention matter.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"The obvious elephant in the room right now is Covid-19. Not only has it impacted how and where people work, but it has also altered the recruiting and hiring processes of companies. I think it's likely that in the coming years more and more interviewing will take place remotely as technology continues to evolve. I also anticipate AI to impact hiring more and more. Right now ATS software focuses primarily on keywords; I think in years to come, AI will refine this, allowing for more contextual connections to be made when resumes are evaluated."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
8. How do you stay organized?
How to Answer
One thing fintech HR managers need to be is organized because they handle so many important responsibilities. You will want to explain to the interviewer how you manage to stay on top of everything. Talk about the tools and methods you use to stay organized.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I learned early on in my career that in HR, you need to be very organized so nothing falls through the cracks. One of the key things I do to stay on top of everything is to use my online email calendar. I add all meetings to the calendar, in addition to setting alerts so I don't forget deadlines and other important tasks. I also use the calendar to invite and set up meetings with others too. Additionally, I maintain a daily and weekly routine. While unexpected things always arise, keeping to as much of a routine as possible helps me not to forget important tasks and to ensure I have time set aside for things that I need to do. I also recognize the importance of prioritizing and organizing the many emails I receive every day. I do this by flagging important emails and organizing some of them into folders. Using these methods, I'm able to remain organized and efficient."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
9. What HR software are you familiar with?
How to Answer
It's necessary that HR departments be able to track employee information, new hire documentation, salaries, performance reviews, PTO, benefit selections, and more. Many use an HR program or an internal admin. In some cases, they might use several different software programs to record and track different items. Talk to the interviewer about any HR programs that you've personally used. If you lack experience here, mention some that you are aware of and talk about being a quick learner and enthusiastic.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"In the past, I've used several different programs within an HR capacity. When I started in my previous role, there were several different programs being used by HR. I researched different options and ended up transferring most of everything to a program called Zenefits. This streamlined everything, making many processes so much more efficient and simple. Zenefits provided a platform that handled health benefits, payroll, onboarding, digital document storage, PTO tracking, ACA reporting, and employee performance all in one place. It really simplified everything for us. But I'm confident that I can learn any new program quickly because I'm tech-savvy and a quick study, so whatever program(s) your company has in place, I'm sure I can jump right in and get acclimated quickly."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
10. What do you think are the biggest challenges of this role?
How to Answer
Fintech HR managers are responsible for many different tasks and responsibilities. Some are less easy than others. The interviewer wants to feel assured that you are aware of the difficulties that come with this role and know how to handle them. Try to support the challenge(s) you choose to discuss with real-life examples.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are always different challenges popping up from day to day as an HR manager, especially in the fintech field. But I thrive on that; I enjoy the variety and excitement that comes with my job. Having said that, though, I find it especially difficult when someone needs to be terminated. In general, I get along with and like everyone, even when they might not necessarily be doing their job as needed, so on a personal level, it's almost always hard to be a part of letting someone go. I reconcile this sad feeling with the knowledge that I can make their transition easier by supplying all the information they need in terms of their final paycheck, unused vacation time, benefits, and more. I believe that this helps them during this difficult time. I strive to be professional, understanding, and friendly in those final meetings and rest easier knowing that I'm doing my part in helping them move forward to the next stage in their life."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
11. How do you stay abreast of new laws and regulations?
How to Answer
It's vital that a fintech HR manager stay up to date on any changes in employment law since these changes can impact company policies and procedures, as well as have legal ramifications. Talk to the interviewer about what resources you rely on to make sure you remain aware of any relevant changes.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Sometimes it can be a challenge to stay up on the ever-changing employment laws and regulations. To start, I read and watch the news on a daily basis so I'm aware of current events, and I like to peruse industry blogs a couple of times a week in my spare time. I'm also a member of SHRM (the Society of Human Resource Management) which sends location-specific HR news to me via email. I also use the SHRM website as a research tool to investigate and learn about new rules and regulations. Finally, there are several people in my professional network who I occasionally reach out to with questions and concerns; they provide me with their specialized opinions and thoughts on various topics, which can be incredibly helpful at times."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
12. What kind of experience do you have onboarding new hires?
How to Answer
An important part of a fintech HR manager's job is to create a holistic onboarding experience for new employees. Talk to the interviewer about any experience you have doing this. Be sure to emphasize that you strive to create a positive experience for new employees because this can have a major impact on their future success with the company.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I currently work for a fintech startup. Several years ago when I first began with the company, it was so small they really didn't have any onboarding process in place. So I created one because I understood how important this first experience with the company is to a new hire. I spelled out the entire process in a checklist format and included things like having IT set up their workspace (including their computer and phone), designating a buddy/mentor to help them acclimate, communicating with them in advance about how their first day will go, making sure to collect all their documentation and identification in a timely manner, scheduling product demos and informational sessions so they can learn about the company and its products, and even sending them a welcome package in the mail prior to their first day. Having a process in place ensured that we wouldn't accidentally forget any of these steps and that everything was standardized and the same for all new hires. The feedback I've received has been positive and grateful. New employees really appreciate having a clear picture of how their first days will go and what will be expected of them. It takes the stress off and allows them to more fully enjoy these beginning days with the company."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
13. Tell me how you would handle a job termination.
How to Answer
Sometimes fintech HR managers are put in the position where they have to make the decision that someone should be fired. Tell the interviewer about the steps you would take leading up to and after a termination.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Making the decision to fire someone is never easy, and there are a lot of steps that lead up to this. I think that, first of all, it's imperative that the company has an employee handbook in place with policies and procedures spelled out in it. This gives us all a place to refer to when there's a question about something. It also makes it clear when someone is violating policies. Second, when an employee's behavior and actions become questionable, it's vital to document these violations and enforce any disciplinary policies that are in place. Clear communication is key so the employee knows what is expected of them. It's also a good idea to initiate a performance improvement plan (PIP) so we can try to get the employee back on track. If this fails and it comes time to terminate the employee, it's my job to know the legal implications of doing so. Finally, I make sure to conduct an exit interview so the former employee is aware of their vacation pay and benefit statuses."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
14. Which areas of HR are you strongest and weakest in?
How to Answer
Fintech HR managers handle multiple responsibilities in various areas that can include compensation and benefits, recruiting and staffing, training and employee development, employee relations and satisfaction, and labor laws/legal compliance. The interviewer wants to know where you have the most and least amount of experience, as well as which areas you like and dislike. This will help them determine how well you will fit into their company. Answer honestly but make sure to emphasize that you are open to learning and improving in any areas where you lack experience.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have experience in all areas of human resources, but my favorite by far is recruiting and hiring. I really enjoy the challenge of finding the right person to fit into a specific role at the company. From locating high-quality candidates, to wooing and educating them about the role and the company, to building a rapport and interviewing them, I find the entire process to be fun and exciting. And when I've found the right person and see them fit perfectly into the company culture and the position, I feel happy that I've helped both the company and this person. In terms of an area in HR that I am weakest in, I would say it is administering benefits. In general, I find health insurance to be tedious and somewhat boring, although I know it's very important to the employees and the company itself. I get through it and don't diminish its importance, but this is an area where I'm continually looking to automate and simplify so it takes up less of my time."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Competency
15. How do you find great job candidates when recruiting?
How to Answer
One of the biggest job responsibilities of a fintech HR manager is to recruit qualified candidates for open jobs. The interviewer wants to know how you typically do this. Talk about your recruiting strategies and what you look for in job applicants. List various tools and techniques that you use.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Recruiting is one of my favorite parts of my job. I really enjoy searching for and finding people who will fit well at our company because not only does new talent benefit us, but it also benefits the new hire. To find qualified candidates, I make sure I have a list of criteria for the specific job I'm trying to fill because I have to know what we need first. Then I use tools like LinkedIn Profinder to search the profiles of people who meet those criteria. When someone looks like a good fit, I reach out to them through email or the LinkedIn platform and try to set up an introductory call. On the call, I evaluate them and what they have to offer while I educate them about our company. Finally, if after that call they still seem like a good fit for the role, I schedule an in-person interview with them. I find the entire process to be a fun challenge, from searching for candidates to learning about them and building a meaningful relationship."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Discovery
16. Tell me about yourself. Why should we hire you as our HR manager?
How to Answer
This question provides you with a great chance to sell yourself. Confidently talk about your professional and academic background and experience, in addition to the personality traits and skills you have that will allow you to excel in this position. Be sure to highlight your ability to lead, manage, recruit, interview, and hire.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"First and foremost, I'm a person of character who has an impeccable work ethic. I always strive to be fair in all instances. In my past roles, I've gained a wide variety of experience that has made me adaptable and well-rounded. For instance, I'm knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to strategic planning, recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and handling payroll and benefits. Being that I'm personable and friendly by nature, I enjoy acting as a liaison between management and employees, and I also enjoy and excel at leading others. I keep abreast of new employment laws and proactively adjust procedures and processes as needed. If you hire me, I will aim to impress you with my attention to detail, organizational and communication skills, and commitment."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Discovery
17. Why did you choose human resources as a career?
How to Answer
With this question, the interviewer is looking to learn more about your background and passions. They are curious why you chose this career path, and they are trying to gauge your long-term interest in this field. Discuss the reasons why you decided to go into HR. Emphasize your desire to help others and drive the company's success.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I was in college, I majored in business because it was broad but offered finance, accounting, and other courses of interest to me. When I landed my first job, it was for a tiny fintech startup so I gained exposure to multiple parts of the business, including marketing, customer service, bookkeeping, and human resources. I started to gravitate toward HR, finding that I enjoyed being involved with hiring (in other words, shaping the company), working with and managing the employees, and handling payroll and benefits. I decided to go back to school to earn a Master's degree in HR. The rest is history. I love my job because it allows me to help both my coworkers and management at the same time."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Discovery
18. Describe your ideal company culture.
How to Answer
This question is commonly asked during interviews, no matter the position type, but in this case your answer is doubly important because it not only indicates the kind of company culture you personally prefer but also the kind of company culture you will cultivate as an HR manager. HR managers have the potential to greatly impact the company culture, helping to nurture and drive the direction of it, so the interviewer wants to see if you're a fit with their company. Be honest about your preferences.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Having worked for a number of different companies throughout my career thus far, including tiny startups and larger corporations, I view myself as adaptable and open to various company cultures. Having said that, however, my clear preference is for a culture that is agile, hardworking, fun, innovative, and driven. I generally find that this kind of company culture tends to exist at smaller companies who are able to be more nimble due to their size and structure, but I think it's also possible for medium-sized companies too. I enjoy working in an atmosphere where people share a common goal, aren't afraid to give their opinions, and work hard to exceed expectations in order to please customers. As an HR manager, I strive to inculcate this type of culture from the top down, so if you hire me, I will try to implement and drive this type of culture alongside my colleagues and management."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Leadership
19. Talk about how you have successfully led a team that was comprised of diverse personalities.
How to Answer
Many times, fintech HR managers have to lead teams of people who have different abilities and personalities. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of doing this. If you have any experience in this area, cite examples; if not, discuss how you would clarify the roles of each team member and hold frequent meetings to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"Within my current role, I recently led a team whose purpose was to hire entry-level fintech data analysts. The company had several openings that needed to be filled quickly. There were several different personalities on the team that I had to successfully navigate and manage, including one person who was very assertive and someone who was quieter. I had to make sure that the less assertive team member's ideas were still included in the group discussion. To start, I made sure to determine and vocalize what everyone's roles on the team were so there was no confusion around that. Second, I held regular meetings so we could update each other on our progress, and I made sure that everyone got the chance to speak during these meetings. In the end, the team came together and got the job done."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Scenario
20. What are some questions you would ask me if you were the interviewer?
How to Answer
If you are hired, it's very likely that one day you will sit in the interviewer's seat yourself to question candidates. Give the interviewer an idea of some of the questions you would ask if you were in this situation. Talk about the techniques and processes you like to use when conducting interviews.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I have interviewed many people before in the past, both over the phone and in-person. I enjoy getting to know the candidate and evaluating whether they would be a good fit for the position or not. When conducting interviews, I do my best to keep things standardized so it's fair between the various candidates. I create an interview scoring sheet with questions so every candidate is asked the same questions and scored according to the same standards. I like to ask some of the common interview questions like, 'what do you know about our company?' and 'why should we hire you over everyone else?' because then I can tell if a candidate is really interested in the job or not based on if they have researched the company and in how they position and sell themselves versus other candidates. I also like to ask scenario and technical questions to see how they would react in certain situations and to test their technical knowledge."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Situational
21. Talk about a time when you dealt with a complex HR issue.
How to Answer
As a fintech HR manager, you will undoubtedly encounter unusual and complicated issues at times. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of thinking on your feet and effectively problem solving. Consider using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to talk about a situation when you successfully dealt with and resolved a problem.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I first started within my current role at a fintech startup, it came to my attention that most employees of the company weren't being reviewed on a consistent or frequent basis by their managers, which was leading to low morale. Many of the employees didn't feel valued and felt unable to voice their feedback. The lack of consistent performance appraisals also led to an inconsistency in the delivery of raises and bonuses, which naturally frustrated the employees too. Fortunately, they felt comfortable coming to me to talk about these feelings and issues. I scheduled a few private meetings with various managers to relay the feedback I was receiving, and I encouraged them to set up a system so they would be reminded to review their employees on an annual basis. I also helped them set up a process to conduct the performance reviews that included a worksheet with standardized questions and scoring. In the end, the managers began reviewing their employees consistently, which greatly improved employee morale."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Situational
22. Describe a time when you had to do something that went against policy.
How to Answer
Occasionally, fintech HR managers encounter situations when they might have to bend or sidestep a rule to do something in the best interest of an employee. It's key that you show the interviewer that you have good judgment, as well as the best interests of the employees in mind at all times. Discuss a time when you did something against policy but offer a full explanation as to why you chose to do this and what the final outcome was.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I view my position as one where I have to balance the needs of the employees with the needs of the company. I am always looking out for both sides. But I recognize that keeping employees happy benefits the company itself too, so sometimes situations arise when I allow a special exception to a rule for an employee, if I feel it is warranted. This happened at my last job which was at a small fintech startup. As the HR manager, I was in charge of tracking paid time off for the employees. I had set up an automated online PTO system that worked well; however, one day a data analyst visited my office about his PTO status. Due to earnings season, when things were extremely busy for the analysts, he had been unable to take any time off because the only other person who could cover for him had been out getting shoulder surgery. He came to me and asked if I could make an exception and carry over some of his PTO days, despite his annual PTO date having come and gone. He would have lost those days because they were unused. After checking with his supervisor and corroborating his story, I made the decision to carry over some of those days into his new PTO year since there had been extenuating circumstances that had prevented him from using them previously. He was relieved and happy, and I felt this was a fair resolution given the circumstances."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Situational
23. Discuss a time when you became overwhelmed at work. How did you deal with this?
How to Answer
HR managers, especially in fintech, are busy people with lots of demands and responsibilities. Inevitably, there are going to be times when you feel overwhelmed. Explain to the interviewer how you plan to remain calm and focused despite all the outside noise. Talk about the methods you use to prioritize your tasks.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm the type of person who thrives in fast-paced and high-pressure situations. I always aim to view stress as a positive instead of a negative. When I start to feel stressed, I take a step back for a minute in order to take a few deep breaths. I then think through all the projects and tasks on my plate and prioritize them on paper in terms of deadlines, urgency, and importance. Then I tackle them in order of priority. Instead of spreading myself thin everywhere, I handle individual areas one at a time and check them off my list. I also break down big-ticket items into smaller steps so mentally I don't feel as crazed. Many times, I feel pulled in a million directions when we're in the midst of either renewing or switching the company's health benefits. The employees need hand-holding and explanations, management wants to make sure we're making the best financial decision possible, and there are a million tasks to be handled. I just prioritize and break things down into smaller goals, in addition to sometimes working some extra hours just to make sure everything gets done in the necessary timeframe."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Situational
24. Describe a time you coached someone.
How to Answer
Fintech HR managers are frequently approached by employees who are seeking guidance and help about various matters. Part of the role is being able to listen attentively and then give accurate and useful advice. If possible, give an example of a time when you were able to do this. Show the interviewer that you are personable, helpful, and caring.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"At my last job, many times I acted as a liaison and mediator between management and the employees. This could be challenging at times because the CEO of the small fintech company I worked for wasn't always easy to please. Many times he rubbed people the wrong way. Partly because of my friendly nature and partly because I was one of the few people in the company who didn't take the CEO's actions or words personally, I became the go-to person for employees to come to when they needed to voice their worries and frustrations. Although I guarded my time diligently because I was always busy, I made sure to take the time to talk to anyone who needed it. I listened closely to their side of the story and then I tried to offer different perspectives. I balanced how they felt with the CEO's likely perspective on things. I taught several people not to take his words and actions personally, and it helped them to grow stronger as people and employees."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Situational
25. Tell me about a time when you led an important company initiative.
How to Answer
In many ways, fintech HR managers serve as change agents. The interviewer wants to establish that you aren't afraid of leading the charge on new initiatives if they will benefit the company. If possible, give an example of a time when you pushed for a new initiative that positively impacted a company.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"When I started my last role, the fintech startup I was with didn't have much structure to its hiring processes. Most notably, the company didn't really recruit new hires. Instead, it posted job ads and reactively went through applicant resumes. From prior experience that I had, I was familiar with more advanced hiring tools that would allow us to look for and select qualified candidates to proactively approach about job openings. Rather than spending a ton of time going through unqualified resumes, we could target specific folks who were highly qualified. The tool I preferred to use was LinkedIn Profinder, which isn't inexpensive. So I arranged a trial period for the company and introduced it to management. During the trial period, I was able to bring in multiple qualified candidates who interviewed well, and management started to see the benefits of using the service. Ultimately, the CEO and others gave their approval, so I was able to continue with a paid subscription to LinkedIn Profinder, and over the next quarter we filled several senior-level positions in a timely fashion using this new method."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Situational
26. In the past, have you ever led any cost reduction efforts?
How to Answer
Fintech HR managers work on a variety of different projects. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you worked on a project that resulted in reducing costs while also increasing efficiency and output. Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) so that you can clearly show how your actions resulted in reduced costs for the company.
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021
Answer Example
"I previously worked for a fintech startup that grew substantially in size over the years while I was there. Initially, when the company was small and only hired a few people a year, there wasn't any need to worry about spending money on software to streamline the onboarding process for new hires. I just used an Excel spreadsheet to record the necessary information that was gathered from the new employees when they started. But as we grew, we started to hire new employees more frequently until the responsibility of gathering and recording all the necessary documentation for each new person started to become quite cumbersome. In order to save money and time, I researched and selected a new program that streamlined this whole process for us. The new hires were then able to fill out and save their documentation online without anyone having to email back and forth with them a million times. This also made it easier to set up payroll and retirement savings accounts for them. In the end, this saved the company money because the process was made so much more efficient."
Written by Marcie Wilmot on March 25th, 2021