Interviewing Financial Services Tech Candidates: Essential Questions for Hiring Managers

In a field where change is the only constant, it's vital to understand a candidate's commitment to continuous learning. Staying updated with the latest tech trends is more than just a checkbox; it's a testament to a candidate's awareness of the industry and dedication to their profession.

In financial services, I see organizations offering the highest compensation to individuals who can utilize the latest technologies companies use. It’s imperative to know whether your prospective colleague is aware of changes and advances in the field.

When asking this question, look for responses that demonstrate active engagement with technology, such as:

• Regularly following fintech news and industry updates.
• Pursuing relevant online courses and/or projects. For example, exploring other languages such as Rust, OCaml, Scala, or Haskell.
• Networking with peers in the tech sphere, either through digital channels, chats, or industry events.

Candidates who show a proactive approach to staying informed are likely to contribute significantly and propose new ideas to your organization's tech advancements.

Adaptability is a prized skill in the tech world, where technologies are in constant flux. Beyond technical expertise, this question assesses a candidate's ability to embrace change and learn new skills swiftly. When evaluating responses, consider:

• Specific examples of projects or tasks that demanded the rapid acquisition of new skills.
• The candidate's approach to learning and implementing the new technology. For example, how long did it take before they were comfortable utilizing it?
• How their adaptability positively impacted the project or team's outcomes.

Leading companies often require new employees to learn proprietary languages while they are on the job. Candidates who can effectively learn and apply new skills under pressure are invaluable assets in a dynamic tech environment.

The unexpected is a regular occurrence in tech, from routine issues to new problems that affect major functions, so creative problem-solving is indispensable. This question assesses a candidate's ability to innovate in challenging situations. Look for responses that include:

• Real-life scenarios where an unexpected issue arose.
• Insights into the candidate's creative problem-solving approach – how did they identify, approach, and propose solutions effectively?
• Positive outcomes and lessons learned from the experience.

Candidates who can adapt and find innovative solutions when facing adversity are assets in a tech environment where challenges are part of the journey.

Collaboration is a key driver of success in the tech industry, but it's often overlooked when evaluating candidates. While most highly skilled professionals excel independently, effective teamwork is equally essential, especially for larger projects.

Tech is at the center of financial services and therefore teams need to frequently interact with different departments, as well as within their own teams. For example, a tech front office needs to work with traders, middle office needs to work with compliance, and developers need to work with dev ops and system engineers.

This question encourages candidates to share experiences that demonstrate their capacity to collaborate effectively. Pay attention to:

• Specific examples of projects or initiatives where teamwork was crucial, both within their team and across departments.
• The candidate's role within the team and their contributions.
• Insights into challenges faced and how the team overcame them. How did they set up workflows and collaborative time, how did they ensure constructive feedback?

Candidates who can thrive in a team setting are more likely to foster innovation and achieve successful solutions and outcomes.

While technical proficiency is essential, it's equally crucial to understand a candidate's motivation and passion for a tech career. This question delves into their personal connection to the industry, revealing insights into their drive and aspirations. Listen for responses that include:

• Personal experiences or moments that sparked their interest in technology.
• Alignment of their career aspirations with the tech industry.
• Desires to make meaningful contributions or innovations in the tech sector.

Candidates whose motivations resonate with the role and your organization's mission are more likely to excel and find fulfillment in their careers, staying with your company long-term.