citadel fundamental trading analyst interview next week

hi, I recently networked and applied for citadel securities fundamental trading analyst internship in Chicago and got an interview in about a week. The interview will be a technical phone screen. How should I prepare/what can I expect? I’ve done equity research in the past but not much with trading. Am a stem (cs/ds) major, so familiar w stats concepts to a decent degree if I review them

6 Comments
 

I would spend the week reviewing stats concepts (including common pitfalls, bayesian inference and assumptions that go into different models, ect) and probabilistic reasoning questions to the point that you are very, very comfortable with them. Be prepared for card-game and dice-game style questions. 

nicole
 

Hmm ok, they said the interview would be three parts, technical questions/brain teasers/probability, past experiences, and programming ability. Any tips on how to prepare for the rest?

 
Most Helpful

I would come prepared to regale them with any examples you can of past workplace "wins" that are relevant to the position you are applying for and demonstrate creativity, intelligence and a hard work ethic. Being self-driven and having initiative are extremely important at CIG. They want people with lots of energy and lots of drive. Be humble yet convey how you are a standout in whatever organization or program you are currently in. Also, the longer you spend talking about your past wins, the less time they will have to try to stump you with crazy card or dice game questions. 

I emphasize the "standout" part because back in the day one of the final stages of the interview process involved submitting a document outlining 5 ways in which you are "extraordinary". It was probably BS, but I remember a recruiter telling me that KG himself reads those before signing off on new hires. The "extraordinary" bullets could be anything from academic (ie. first person in family to go to college), physical (ie. completed some crazy endurance race - not dumb sh*t like toughmudder) to entrepreneurial/social (started some business or charity). Obviously this doesn't apply to your phone interview, but I bring it up to underscore that as an organization they want to believe that everyone they hire is some special rockstar-snowflake, the likes of which they won't easily come across again if they pass you up. However, that being said, be humble. Don't come across as a d*ck. It's ok to be a d*ck after you start working there (IMHO), but not during the interview process. Also, depending on the level of this role, be prepared to have a 3-4 hour long psych eval with a third party firm before getting an offer. 

nicole
 

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