London S&T SA 2025 Interviews

I am a second year at a semi target studying CS and have decided to switch my career goals from Tech to S&T. Last year I did springs at a couple of banks in Tech. Although I love coding, I realised I don’t want to be building databases and front ends for traders, I’d rather be on the other end of the software.

I have started preparation, I read Natenberg’s options book, completed Akuna Capital Options 101 and have some work experience shadowing on a trading desk. A-Level Econ that gave me an understanding of basic economics that I can usually use to understand some of the market moves mentioned in the FT and Reuters. This market awareness is something I’m trying to develop as I find it incredibly interesting and hopefully will be useful for interviews. I’m wondering how I should prepare for S&T Interviews. What sorts of questions should I expect?

I would appreciate any input on what I can do to prepare and any resources to look into.

299 WSO Academy Sales & Trading Session Reviews: 4.86/5

Class of '28 Apr 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Sales & Trading Mock Interview

“My mock session with Joyce was genuinely useful and very targeted. Rather than generic advice, she caught specific delivery habits I need to fix before my Superday. First, she pointed out how often I lean on filler words like "like" and "emm", and gave me a clear fix: pause instead of filling the silence. Second, she told me to slow down my pace overall, which should make my answers sound more confident and easier to follow. Third, she flagged that my opening warm-up came across as a bit stiff, and coached me to be warmer and more personable in the first few minutes so I build rapport before the technical part starts. All three points are things I can practice immediately, which is exactly what I needed at this stage of prep. The session felt focused and honest about what needs work, and I came out with a clear practice list. I would happily book with Joyce again for another round closer to the Superday.”

Thompson Rivers University

Class of '29 Nov 2026 Cohort

4.56/5

Sales & Trading Career Roadmap (optional)

“I had a great experience speaking with him and genuinely appreciated the time he took to share his insights and experiences. He was extremely knowledgeable about the Sales & Trading industry and did a great job explaining different aspects of the role, the industry, and what it takes to build a career in this space. He communicated exceptionally well, was approachable and kind throughout the conversation, and made it very easy to ask questions and engage in a meaningful discussion. I particularly appreciated that he provided actionable advice and practical takeaways that I can apply as I continue exploring opportunities in Sales & Trading and preparing for internship recruiting. He was also very accommodating when it came to scheduling the conversation. Overall, it was a very valuable networking experience, and I am grateful for his willingness to share his knowledge and offer guidance to someone early in their finance career.”

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WSO Monkey Bot

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and resources to prepare for Sales & Trading (S&T) interviews:

Preparation Steps:

Market Awareness:
- Follow the Markets: Regularly read financial news from sources like FT, WSJ, and Bloomberg. Understand current market trends, major economic events, and their impacts.
- Indices and Economic Indicators: Be familiar with key indices (e.g., S&P 500, Dow Jones) and economic indicators (e.g., GDP, unemployment rates).
Technical Knowledge:
- Options and Derivatives: Since you've read Natenberg's options book and completed Akuna Capital Options 101, ensure you understand the basics of options pricing, Greeks, and trading strategies.
- Financial Products: Know the basics of various financial products like bonds, equities, and derivatives. Understand what factors affect their prices and how they are traded.
Stock Pitches:
- Long/Short Stock Pitch: Prepare at least one long and one short stock pitch. Be ready to discuss why you chose these stocks, your investment thesis, and potential risks.
- Investment Scenarios: Be prepared to answer questions like "How would you invest $1 million today?" and justify your choices based on current market conditions.
Behavioral Questions:
- Personal Experience: Be ready to discuss your background, why you want to switch from Tech to S&T, and how your skills in coding and economics can be beneficial in trading.
- Situational Questions: Prepare for questions about how you handle stress, make decisions under pressure, and work in a team environment.

Recommended Resources:

Books:
- "When Genius Failed"
- "Fooled by Randomness"
- "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator"
- "Trading in the Zone"
- "Market Wizards" series
Practice:
- Mock Interviews: Practice with friends or mentors who have experience in S&T.
- Trading Simulations: Use trading simulators to get a feel for real-time trading and market reactions.
Networking:
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in the industry for informational interviews. This can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and help you understand what interviewers are looking for.

Key Points to Remember:

Have Your Own Opinions: It's crucial to develop your own market views and opinions rather than just repeating what you read. Interviewers look for candidates who can think independently and justify their perspectives.
Stay Updated: Continuously update your knowledge about the markets, as this will be a significant part of your interview discussions.

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended resources, you should be well-prepared for your S&T interviews. Good luck!

Sources: [HELP REQUEST] How to prepare for the markets for S&T Interview?, Navigating The Floor: A S&T Analyst's Guide, Sales and Trading - A Comprehensive Guide, Conversation with an Equities Sales Trader, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/sales-trading-interview-guide-gekkos-guidance-part-2?customgpt=1

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