I applied online. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Optiver (Amsterdam) in Feb 2024
Interview
Very efficient process. Fairly pleasant people. Feedback is nonsensical. What they praised as my strengths in the first rounds were highlighted as weaknesses in the final round, which was especially galling as I explained my reasoning throughout and they never pointed any flaw in it. “I didn’t maximise the expected value.” Yes, because as I said multiple times, I was considering the risk in my portfolio. No comment on this in the feedback. I had objectively improved from earlier rounds in terms of speed and accuracy, and after those rounds, they had made sure to tell me I did really well. I could’ve easily demonstrated what they wanted, but seems like they only tell you what they were really looking for until after they’ve rejected you.
It’s not a bad way to spend your time if you have the numerical and analytical skills. The interviewers are sharp, and the games are fun. It’s not too difficult. But there’s no way to know what they want. Well, unless you cheat, which apparently a lot of people do. Don’t believe the BS that it’s just about having “good reasoning” because it isn’t. They’d rather you were a mind-reader.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why did you take the first trade and not the second trade, which was better in terms of EV?
I applied through college or university. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Optiver (Amsterdam) in Mar 2026
Interview
Did the online assement, sequences test, Zap N and lastly beat the odds probability type questions. The Zap N was some working memory, reflexing and planning tests and the beat the odds focused on giving good approximations to probabilities in around 1.5 minute for each question. Then did the technical which focused on market making games. Unfortunately, I was rejected after this round so don't much more than this.
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Optiver (Amsterdam) in Jan 2025
Interview
first round: assessment with sequences, a variety of games testing memory, reaction speed, then a behavioral interview and finally a technical interview where we played a market-making game. The market making game included cards, you had to decide to buy/sell, what quantities etc. Assesment and behavioral where passable, technical was really difficult.
it almost took more than 2 hours to finish the online assessment, then a hr interview with typical behaviour questions. online assessment is not easy, including mental mathematics and logical reasoning questions. Hr interview is quite relaxed
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
it almost took more than 2 hours to finish the online assessment, then a hr interview with typical behaviour questions. online assessment is not easy, including mental mathematics and logical reasoning questions. Hr interview is quite relaxed