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.

8,651 trader interview questions shared by candidates

There are 1000 people in a hall. One person had his hand painted. Every minute everyone shake their hand with someone else. How much time is needed to paint all the hands? What is the best scenario? What is the worst scenario?
avatar

Quantitative Trader - Intern

Interviewed at Jane Street

4.4
Aug 19, 2020

There are 1000 people in a hall. One person had his hand painted. Every minute everyone shake their hand with someone else. How much time is needed to paint all the hands? What is the best scenario? What is the worst scenario?

-If the radius of a sphere is expanding at a rate of 4 metres/second, and the starting radius is 0.25 metres, what is the volume of the sphere after 2 1/2 minutes? -if the mean of X=4 and the variance of X is 9, and the mean of Y=5 and the variance of Y is 16, what is the standard deviation of X + Y given a relationship of -3/8 (x to y)? - there are 3 faucets. Faucet #1 can fill a sink in 20 min, F#2 can fill a sink in 12 min, and F#3 can fill a sink in 5 min. If all 3 faucets are running at the same time, how long will it take for the sink to fill?
avatar

Junior Trader

Interviewed at TransMarket Group

4.1
Feb 12, 2014

-If the radius of a sphere is expanding at a rate of 4 metres/second, and the starting radius is 0.25 metres, what is the volume of the sphere after 2 1/2 minutes? -if the mean of X=4 and the variance of X is 9, and the mean of Y=5 and the variance of Y is 16, what is the standard deviation of X + Y given a relationship of -3/8 (x to y)? - there are 3 faucets. Faucet #1 can fill a sink in 20 min, F#2 can fill a sink in 12 min, and F#3 can fill a sink in 5 min. If all 3 faucets are running at the same time, how long will it take for the sink to fill?

You have 17 coins and I have 16 coins, we flip all coins at the same time. If you have more heads then you win, if we have the same number of heads or if you have less then I win. What's your probability of winning?
avatar

Assistant Trader

Interviewed at Susquehanna International Group

3.8
Dec 2, 2015

You have 17 coins and I have 16 coins, we flip all coins at the same time. If you have more heads then you win, if we have the same number of heads or if you have less then I win. What's your probability of winning?

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