Physical Traders Interview

I got a call on wednesday (4/3) from a major U.S. based physical commodities trader. Today I heard from them again and they booked me for a last-minute flight out to interview with their grains desks in the midwest on Monday.

I am curious to see what types of prep work you fellow monkeys think I should do in the two days I have to prepare for the interview. This was a totally off-cycle type of recruitment; I had last contact with this firm in September and am employed with an asset manager at the moment. Totally was not expecting this and curious in general as to what types of brain teasers/assessments to expect.

They have made it very clear that their culture is NOT like a bulge bracket commodities desk; they do have traders that go to Cargill, Noble, etc. and come from Cargill, Noble, etc. However, they have 0 traders that come from a bulge bracket background, if that is relevant at all.

Any cash physicals traders lurking around, feel free to explain how comfortable I should feel on a scale of Bobby Bottle Service to Fresh Prison Rape Victim.

Thanks.

 

Noble had me take a 15 minute or so written exam while sitting next to my interviewer. Had to read some passage about a factory or something and do a lot of ratio/unit conversion type of calculations from what I remember. Sorry, this is probably useless information.

Disclaimer for the Kids: Any forward-looking statements are solely for informational purposes and cannot be taken as investment advice. Consult your moms before deciding where to invest.
 
captainkoolaid:
Noble had me take a 15 minute or so written exam while sitting next to my interviewer. Had to read some passage about a factory or something and do a lot of ratio/unit conversion type of calculations from what I remember. Sorry, this is probably useless information.

Quick math and general understanding of commodities business?

 
Best Response
EmpiricalTrader:
captainkoolaid:

Noble had me take a 15 minute or so written exam while sitting next to my interviewer. Had to read some passage about a factory or something and do a lot of ratio/unit conversion type of calculations from what I remember. Sorry, this is probably useless information.

Quick math and general understanding of commodities business?

Hi EmpiricalTrader and all

I am a fresh graduate due for an Assessment Centre with Noble fairly soon for their Traders Trainee Program. Was wondering if you could shed some insight on the written assessment or even the whole assessment process for a physical commodity trading role since you had just went through the process.

Much thanks in advance!

 

What department?

[quote]The HBS guys have MAD SWAGGER. They frequently wear their class jackets to boston bars, strutting and acting like they own the joint. They just ooze success, confidence, swagger, basically attributes of alpha males.[/quote]
 

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