Had a phone interview with a trader and it didn't go well. For some reason it was very difficult to communicate or impress. It may have just been me. The phone interview started with questions about my CV and then questions that I had. The interview ended with a 'betting game'. It took me a while to understand the rules of the game even though it turned out to be quite simple (as I say it may have just been me): I got given a betting budget to make as much money as possible with. The rounds consisted of a maths/probability question which I had to answer. I had to decide how much money to bet on each round after knowing the question. I doubled my bet if I answered correctly and lost the money if I answered incorrectly. I had to keep track of my 'betting account'. I was not supposed to use pen, paper or calculator. My major confusion was why would I bet any money if I didn't know the answer and why wouldn't I bet all my money if I did know the answer. I did not find out if my risk appetitie was being measured or just my ability to follow 'simple' instructions. In hindsight, I believe the interviewer was working on his trades during the whole interview. This would possibly explain why it was difficult to engage the interviewer in conversation or get clarification on what was being asked of me. If I could repeat the interview again I would have: Kept responses shorter and more concise. Not tried to engage the interviewer in conversation. Not tried to overanalyse the interview Focussed only on showing off numeracy skills and absolutely nothing else. Kept in mind that the interviewer was busy and most likely wanted to tick boxes and finish the interview as soon as possible. The interviewer may have a very narrow interest/awareness of markets/financial news outside of their area or in you. The successful candidate may be working directly under the interviewer.

The process lasted a total of 6 months, with a total of 7 interviews, a mix of technical interviews and tests. I had 2 'final' interviews. The whole time I was kept in the dark about the status of my application and reasons for delay, despite constantly requesting this information. I asked to have a call, only to be told that the role isn't going to be filled and that they've lost the headcount. Terrible treatment on the back of a terribly managed process.