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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and advice for your upcoming Citadel interview:

  1. Interview Process:

    • First Call: This could be with HR or a team member. Be prepared for both scenarios.
    • Behavioral Questions: Expect questions about your background, why you want to move from Private Equity (PE) to Hedge Funds (HF), and your motivations for joining Citadel.
    • Stock Pitches: Be ready to discuss a few stock pitches. Make sure you can articulate your investment thesis clearly and defend your choices.
  2. Preparation Tips:

    • Confidence: Show confidence in your knowledge and experience. This is crucial as it correlates with performance under pressure.
    • Technical Knowledge: Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, especially those relevant to modeling and financial analysis.
    • Company Research: Understand Citadel's business model, recent news, and their investment strategies. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.
  3. Common Themes:

    • Key Issues and Drivers: Be able to quickly identify key issues, risks, and drivers for the businesses you discuss.
    • Time Management: During the modeling test, managing your time effectively is crucial. Focus on building a comprehensive income statement with thoughtful revenue and cost builds if time is limited.
  4. General Advice:

    • Networking: If possible, reach out to current or former employees for insights into the interview process.
    • Mock Interviews: Practice with mock interviews to get comfortable with the format and types of questions you might face.

Good luck with your interview!

Sources: Citadel (Surveyor) Case Study/Modeling Test, What did you wish you knew when entering consulting recruitment?, Recent Grad -- Lost & Frustrated, Seeking Advice, A Helping Hand to Humanities Students, Guide to Hirevues

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

if this is your first call, it'll be with someone on their BD team. usually more behavioral, will dig into your background / experience, why looking to transition into public role, and any previous sector expertise / interest. doubt they'll ask for stock pitch (that's usually reserved for the actual pm). but the end of the convo is usually about team's that might be looking for analysts and whether you'd be interested in that location + sector/strategy

 
Most Helpful

I had to pitch a pair trade (= two stocks) in my first discussion with one of their BD representatives. They were quite into the weeds, took thorough notes (or they were playing the piano on the call...) and also had some follow up questions. Also be prepared to show them what industry you would like to cover and why. This was for Surveyor,

 

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