Trader Interview Questions

Trader Interview Questions

In a trader interview, the interviewer likely wants to see that you are knowledgeable about financial markets and have strong opinions about them. Further, you can expect hypothetical questions that test your sales skills and showcase your personality. Speak persuasively and with conviction about the latest news in stocks.

Top Trader Interview Questions & How To Answer

Question 1

Question #1: Pitch me a stock that you would buy or sell now.

How to answer
How to answer: This is an opportunity to demonstrate your sales skills and tell a convincing story about a stock. Choose a company you know well, and be prepared for follow-up questions. Defend your case without wavering.
Question 2

Question #2: What is the riskiest decision you have ever made?

How to answer
How to answer: While trading is a role that requires risk taking, you can use this question to prove that you are thoughtful and well-researched when evaluating risk. Talk through your reasoning, why you determined this was an appropriate risk to take, and what the outcome was. The interviewer might also want to see you confidently stand by your decisions.
Question 3

Question #3. Tell me about something that happened recently in the financial markets and your opinion of it.

How to answer
How to answer: This question is twofold. A successful answer would first prove that you have a genuine interest in stocks and keep up to date with market news, which changes daily. Stay informed by reading reputable financial newspapers regularly. Second, this question allows you to share your unique point of view. Try to show the interviewer that you see value where others may not.

8,655 trader interview questions shared by candidates

there are 3 problems presented during the phone interview. the first two could be found here. I only give 3rd problem: I am thinking about two positive integers: a and b. I can tell you a/b is belong to the close interval [0.48, 0.52], then give me all the possible values for b no matter what value a takes.
avatar

Trader

Interviewed at Jane Street

4.4
Jan 15, 2015

there are 3 problems presented during the phone interview. the first two could be found here. I only give 3rd problem: I am thinking about two positive integers: a and b. I can tell you a/b is belong to the close interval [0.48, 0.52], then give me all the possible values for b no matter what value a takes.

You have two dices. There are two players. You each pick a number. The person who picks the number closest or equal to the sum of the roll of the dices is the winner. What is the strategy to optimize chances of winning. Also, is it always better to pick the number that has the highest chance of being rolled? This situation does not apply to the rules of this game. For example, this question could apply to the rules when the two numbers on the die are multiplied rather than added.
avatar

Assistant Trader

Interviewed at Jane Street

4.4
Jan 16, 2015

You have two dices. There are two players. You each pick a number. The person who picks the number closest or equal to the sum of the roll of the dices is the winner. What is the strategy to optimize chances of winning. Also, is it always better to pick the number that has the highest chance of being rolled? This situation does not apply to the rules of this game. For example, this question could apply to the rules when the two numbers on the die are multiplied rather than added.

Similar to question about coins however it was about beads that were then not replaced. So For example there are 6 $10 chips in Urn A and 6 $1 Chips. 3 $10 chips in Urn B and 9 $1 chips. Given that the chip picked is $10, what is the probability of picking a $10 chip again and what is the estimated value of this pick.
avatar

Assistant Trader

Interviewed at Jane Street

4.4
Jul 15, 2015

Similar to question about coins however it was about beads that were then not replaced. So For example there are 6 $10 chips in Urn A and 6 $1 Chips. 3 $10 chips in Urn B and 9 $1 chips. Given that the chip picked is $10, what is the probability of picking a $10 chip again and what is the estimated value of this pick.

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