Graduate Trader

Initially applied online and had a first stage interview. Interviewed by 2 people, with a maths test. The maths test was roughly 5minutes, involving doubling the first column and adding it to the second. Say 50 rows. You are unable to complete all calculations but its to see how you dealt with pressure. Then usual interview questions, what interests you about trading. The basic was 12K + profit share at end of 12 months.
Had a final interview with a different guy and same lady. The guy was reasonably rude, said I answered questions well but my maths was pretty average> I offered to resit the maths as it might have been nerves. They liked that, gave me maths results and said they were much better. Interview went well, but obviously fluffed it at some point as they never called. That was the only that p**sed me off, as they said they would call either way and just didn't bother.

The best advice I can pass on to anyone interviewing for any trading/sales/brokering etc is to read the FT and open a demo trading account and have an understanding of price movement.


In hindsight my knowledge at the time was poor, I lacked understanding in some areas areas.

I'm now VP of Trading at a small brokerage in under 3 years... Their loss ;) - I interview people for my desk and cringe at answers as they don't bother to prepare, I also see what I must have been like.