We knew you could do it, and we’re excited for your interview! Getting ready for an interview can be stressful, but Marqeta’s recruiting team is here to help. We want to make sure you feel as prepared as possible.
Let’s look at all the things you can do to get ready for the big event, from making sure your technology works to following up after the interview.
As you’re preparing, remember you’re always welcome to reach out directly to your recruiter. Our goal is to ensure that you feel confident enough to be yourself and blow your interviewers away.
If you have an upcoming interview with Marqeta, congratulations! Landing an interview means your application has impressed hiring managers and now is your chance to showcase your skills and potential
With the right preparation, you can enter your Marqeta interview with confidence. This comprehensive guide will equip you to thoroughly prepare, impress your interviewers, and boost your chances of getting hired.
Researching the Company Culture
Before your interview take time to thoroughly research Marqeta’s culture and values. This will allow you to demonstrate alignment and enthusiasm for the company.
Key aspects of Marqeta’s culture include:
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Innovation – Marqeta is a fast-growing fintech pioneering modern card issuing and payment processing. There is a focus on innovation.
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Collaboration – Cross-functional agile teams work closely to continuously improve Marqeta’s platform.
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Work/Life Balance – Remote-first work policies offer flexibility. Unlimited PTO promotes work-life balance.
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Learning – Marqeta invests in employee skills development and growth opportunities.
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Diversity & Inclusion – Diverse perspectives are valued. Marqeta has employee resource groups and a Head of Diversity.
During your interview, reference aspects of the culture that resonate with you. This shows you’ve done your homework and are excited to contribute.
Knowing Marqeta’s Products
Marqeta has revolutionized payments with its industry-leading card issuing platform. Key products include:
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Virtual Cards – Tokenized digital card numbers for ecommerce and online transactions.
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Just-in-Time Funding – No pre-funding required, controls spending in real-time.
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Expense Management – Automates expense reporting integrated with cards.
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Buy Now, Pay Later – Enables installment plans for customers.
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DiVA API – Provides data insights for better decision making.
Brush up on these products so you can discuss how your background aligns with Marqeta’s innovations.
Preparing Your Interview Answers
Practice and prepare answers to common Marqeta interview questions.
On strengths:
“One of my key strengths is my technical proficiency in Python and SQL which helps me rapidly analyze large datasets to uncover actionable insights. In my last role, I automated reporting using Python which reduced manual effort by 20%.”
On weaknesses:
“In the past, I tended to avoid public speaking because I felt less confident. However, I’ve actively worked on this by volunteering to present project updates. This has boosted my speaking skills significantly.”
On conflicts:
“When a teammate and I had differing opinions on project direction, I proactively set up a 1:1 meeting. We discussed our perspectives openly and found a solution that incorporated both our inputs.”
On culture add:
“I’m passionate about collaborating cross-functionally and brainstorming creative solutions. Marqeta’s culture of innovation and collaboration strongly aligns with how I work best. I’m excited to engage diverse teams to constantly improve products.”
Questions to Ask Your Interviewer
Ask insightful questions that demonstrate your engagement:
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“How are teams empowered to drive innovation autonomously?”
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“What are Marqeta’s top priorities for the next 5 years?”
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“What opportunities are there for continuous learning and career development?”
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“How does Marqeta foster diversity, equity and inclusion among its workforce?”
Technical Interview Preparation
For technical roles, expect coding challenges and questions testing your technical knowledge.
Brush up on languages like Python and SQL. Review data structures like arrays, hashes, and trees.
Prepare for technical questions like:
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“How would you design a payments processing system?”
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“What are advantages of tokenization?”
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“When would you choose NoSQL over SQL and why?”
Practice coding on platforms like LeetCode. Revisit your computer science fundamentals.
Asking About Next Steps
Before wrapping up, ask about next steps in the hiring process. This shows eagerness to move forward.
“Based on our discussion today, I’m very enthusiastic about the role and Marqeta’s mission. What would the next steps be if I’m selected to move forward?”
Sending Follow-Ups
After your interview, send thank you notes to your interviewers on LinkedIn or email. Personalize each message by referring to something specific you discussed.
Reiterate your interest in the role and Marqeta’s mission.
Make the Most of Your Marqeta Opportunity
With preparation across these key areas, you’ll be set up for success in your Marqeta interview:
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Research the company, products, culture, and role.
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Practice and prepare answers to likely interview questions.
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Brush up on technical skills if required.
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Ask thoughtful questions that show engagement.
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Send follow-ups expressing interest and appreciation.
Stay confident, authentic, focused, and enthusiastic. With the right mindset and preparation, you can truly make the most of this opportunity to showcase your talent. We wish you the very best in your pursuit of joining Marqeta’s team and mission.
Preparing for your interview
At Marqeta, we work Flexible First. That means we conduct our interviews remotely and call them “virtual on-sites. “The first thing you should do to get ready for your virtual on-site interview is to make sure you have a tablet or laptop that works. If you don’t have your own device, you should look for a library where you can do the interview or ask a friend if they have one, which you can borrow.
Before calling in to your interview, make sure that your internet connection is stable. If you aren’t sure you are getting the best connection you can check at Speedtest.net. If the speed test verifies that your connection is in fact unstable, you can always connect to your mobile device’s hotspot. (Here are hotspot instructions for: Apple & Android.)
Lastly, verify your interview platform (Zoom, Google Meets, etc. ) and make sure it is installed and updated. Have a test run with a friend!.
In the world of remote work, it can be hard to ensure complete privacy while working from home. However, in an interview you want to make sure your interviewer is able to stay focused on you and not what your cute pet is doing in the background. If possible, try to be the only one in the room during your interview and make sure the lighting frames your face in the center of the screen. If you are unable to have a distraction free background, consider a virtual background. Here are some to consider!
Lastly, as the old adage goes, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”. Getting dressed well for an interview, even if it’s online, shows that you took the time to get ready.
The more you prepare, the more confident you will feel. Study different interview methods and common interview questions that relate to the roles you are interviewing for. Also, come prepared with some of your own questions for us. As much as we want to get to know you, you should get to know us as well! Some good questions to consider asking are: Can you share an example of an employee who was able to grow within the company? What are the common themes that you find amongst your highest performers?
Never shy away from asking your recruiter for interview prep. We are happy to get on a call before your virtual on-site to talk through common interviewing frameworks. Here are just a few of the frameworks that many successful candidates apply during their interviews:
- STAR Situation, Task, Action, Resolution. The STAR method is the most common. But everyone is different, so pick the method that works best for you!
- SOAR
- Situation, Objective and Obstacles, Action, Result.
- CAR
- Context, Action, Result
Run through an interview scenario with a family member or friend. The more practice, the more comfortable you will sound. If a friend or family member is not available, utilize your professional network. Maybe someone in a similar role to the one you are interviewing for can help you prepare. Lastly, you can always ask your Marqeta recruiter to do a practice session with you. If for whatever reason they can’t, another team member can. Remember, we want you to succeed!.
A lot of the time, your recruiter or coordinator will give you the names and LinkedIn URLs of the people you’ll be meeting before your virtual on-site. Once you have these, it’s time to do some research. Did you both go to the same college or work somewhere similar? Do you share some skills or certifications? Use these things you have in common with the person interviewing you to show how much you want to join their team. Remember to BE YOURSELF! Interviews can be very stressful, but keep in mind that the people on the other end of the screen are just people. Just like you.
Email or LinkedIn each member of your interview panel a quick “thank you” message. Often, you can find their emails in the interview invitation. Don’t be afraid to follow up with your recruiter if you haven’t heard from them in a week after the interview. Ask about the status of your application. If you are notified that you were not selected for the role following your interview, request feedback. It never hurts to ask.
Finally, give yourself a pat on the back! Interviews are tough, and you just finished yours! Only 2020% of applicants make it to the interview round, so that’s an accomplishment in and of itself!
Remember our 5 step plan as you get ready for your Marqeta interview and any other interviews that come up in the future:
1. Prepare your technology
2. Set your interview scene
3. Practice makes perfect
4. Make a connection
