Software Engineer

The interview process at IMC Trading (or similar firms) usually starts with some kind of online test. It’s mostly coding stuff, algorithms, a bit stressful because it’s timed, but not too crazy.

After that, if you pass, a recruiter calls you. They ask why you like trading, what you did before, nothing too deep. Just making sure you’re a real person and not a bot.

Then come the technical interviews. This is where they really start digging. They ask a lot of low-level C++ questions — things like memory, move constructors, CPU caches, why the compiler does X, what happens if two threads write next to each other (false sharing stuff). Sometimes they ask you to explain your projects and they really grill you on them.

Later, if things go well, there is usually a “final round” or a superday. Multiple interviews in one day, more C++, more performance questions, some system design but low-latency style (nothing like web apps). They want to see how you think under pressure.

At the end, they also check culture fit, teamwork, and if you’re curious, quick learner, etc. If all goes well, they send an offer. If not, usually they give no details, just a short rejection email.