Feeling Down After Failures on Trading Aptitude Tests

Recently I've applied to Optiver and Akuna Capital. Both have these tests that assess your mental math and/or sequencing skills. I failed both, I think by a pretty decent margin. I'm a Junior at a non-target hoping to break into Sales and Trading on the trading side or some sort of Prop Shop or Hedge Fund. Does anyone know if this means I'll be worthless as a trader? F.Y.I. I have heard of and used the practice options out there such as the trader test website, I improved but not enough to get close to passing. Thanks for any insight to be offered.

5 Comments
 

It's ridiculous to think that because you failed at the brainteasers, you'd also make a bad trader. Those brainteasers are just to narrow down the applicant pool, due to the large number of applications they receive. Don't let it depress you.

 

Sorry to hear that. Those tests can be tough, and as previously mentioned, are used to weed out the applicant pool. Fortunately though, there are plenty of trading firms you can apply to. A very important aspect about being a successful trader is knowing yourself (so deep, right?), but actually, being aware that you are lacking in mental math, understanding risk, whatever it might be, you have plenty of time to improve your weak areas for full time recruiting next year. That being said, still apply to every other reputable firm you can find, all you need is 1 offer.

 
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