Dedicated AI Team for a Fintech Project

As the growth of AI technology accelerates, businesses are eager to seize the opportunities it presents. A critical decision in this process is choosing between outsourcing AI development vs. an in-house team. The challenge lies in the current shortage of skilled professionals, particularly Python developers, which makes sourcing the right talent increasingly difficult. On the other hand, training internal personnel demands significant time and financial resources. For many companies, outsourcing AI development emerges as the more cost-effective and efficient option.

At Impressit, we understand the importance of a well-orchestrated recruitment process in building a team that not only meets technical requirements but also aligns with the client's culture and values. In this case, we're excited to share the meticulous and strategic approach we took in augmenting an AI team for a promising fintech startup.

Our client is a US-based company, with which we have already worked for a few years. This project is a fully automated trading platform our team will develop from scratch. Namely, they will be involved in a rather complex R&D process with the development of custom models as well as testing of existing models and their fine-tuning. 

Before diving into the sea of resumes and CVs, our hiring team engaged in a comprehensive consultation with the client's team. We carefully mapped out the hiring process to ensure it was efficient, productive, and aligned with the startup's unique needs. One of our key contributions was crafting specific and targeted test tasks for applicants, with invaluable input from our AI Team Lead. This step was crucial in filtering out candidates and identifying those with the precise skill set required for fintech and investment-focused projects.

Hiring Data Engineers

The requirements for the senior data engineer role included knowledge of Python and SQL, as well as experience with Apache Spark, Docker, and AWS. For this position, we received an overwhelming response with 122 applications. Our rigorous vetting process was instrumental in narrowing this pool to 11 candidates, who proceeded to introductory calls. Following these calls, 9 candidates were invited for a technical interview with our AI Team Lead, who assessed their technical prowess and problem-solving abilities. The client then interviewed 7 of these candidates, with 6 moving on to complete the challenging test tasks. Ultimately, two exceptionally qualified data engineers received job offers.

Despite unexpected changes to the team composition during the hiring process, Impressit demonstrated agility and adaptability, ensuring a smooth transition without compromising the quality of the selection.

Hiring Machine Learning Engineers

Speaking of machine learning positions, the requirements for this one were a little bit more complex. The candidates had to have quant researcher experience as well as previous experience in fintech as the project involves working with investments. These requisitions significantly narrowed down the circle of candidates. Other requirements included knowledge of PyTorch or TensorFlow, as well as Python and SQL.

However, despite this, we still had 34 candidates, and only six of them passed our vetting process to get to the interview with the client and complete the test task. As I’ve already mentioned before, we’ve given the client our advice on how to run the interviews more effectively. Our expert input refined the initial test task into a more complex and specific challenge, ensuring a thorough assessment of each candidate's capabilities. Two candidates emerged as top performers, impressing both in interviews and the test task, and were subsequently offered positions.

After all the candidates have accepted their offers, we’ve arranged the start date for the whole team on the same date for convenience. They have started by integrating into the client’s side team, but in the future, they will operate as a separate unit. Impressit's commitment doesn't end with recruitment; we are dedicated to continuously scouting top talent as the project evolves, ensuring the client's vision is realized with excellence.

As one may see, the selection process for this team was fast and efficient, because our entire team worked like clockwork. But this is not the only reason why I believe that we have assembled a real dream team for the client. 

Our screening process is quite standard for the industry using behavioral and skills-based assessments. The fact is that for Impresit cultural fit plays an extremely important role. During the initial screening phase, we prioritize candidates who not only possess technical expertise but also share our core values and vision. It doesn't matter how technically proficient the applicant is, we do not proceed with them if we don't mark the cultural fit checkbox.

Open, creative, fun professionals who are dedicated to achieving the goal and not settling for mediocrity are the people we’re looking for. This emphasis on cultural alignment ensures a harmonious and synergistic team dynamic, leading to a low turnover rate and a high level of job satisfaction.

In Conclusion

Last but not least, partnering with a dedicated software development company like Impressit offers significant advantages over direct hiring. We handle the entire onboarding process, along with the legal, financial, and HR aspects, freeing you from time-consuming administrative tasks. This allows you to focus on strategic business areas while we ensure your dedicated team is equipped, motivated, and ready to deliver exceptional results.

By choosing Impressit, you gain a trusted partner committed to not only building a technically proficient team but also fostering a positive and productive work environment. Our holistic approach ensures that your team is not just a group of skilled professionals but a cohesive unit ready to innovate and excel.

Our recruitment process for this fintech startup exemplifies how a meticulous and strategic approach can assemble a dream team. From detailed consultation and targeted test tasks to a strong emphasis on cultural fit, Impressit ensures that each team member is not only a technical asset but also a cultural match. By partnering with us, you not only gain access to top-tier talent but also benefit from our comprehensive support, allowing you to focus on your business's core mission. Let us take care of building your software, while you steer your company towards new heights of success.