Power Trading Interviews
Looking for advice from people who've been through power trading interviews, either as candidates or on the other side of the table.
Targeting summer roles at power trading desks. Have a decent foundation - understand the basics of power markets, supply/demand dynamics, market structure. Been following the space.
How technical do these interviews actually get? Should I be ready to walk through detailed models or is it more about demonstrating market intuition?
What do interviewers really care about for someone breaking in?
Any common mistakes people make that I should avoid?
Any advice for mock trading sims?
Any help greatly appreciated
When it comes to power trading interviews, here's what you need to know based on the most helpful WSO content:
Technical Depth vs. Market Intuition:
What Interviewers Care About:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Mock Trading Simulations:
Final Tips:
Good luck with your preparation!
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/sales-trading-interview-guide-gekkos-guidance-part-2?customgpt=1, Interview with a Senior Software Developer for a Prop Trading Firm, Advice for London applicants, Greentech Capital Advisors Summer Analyst 2019, Sales & Trading Interview Guide - Gekko's Guidance Part 2
Hi there, happy to answer your questions. First off, some context is helpful. Where are you located and what types of companies are you targeting? How soon will you be looking for full time work?
I’ve been trading power for over ten years, and I’m currently manager of a pod and I’ve interviewed quite a few folks. If you’re at the internship level, I don’t think you need to be worried about trading sims… I can’t see a case where it makes sense to actually let an intern take on risk. For someone who’s never done it before, they’re not trying to assess how good you are at trading, it’s more about intelligence, adaptability, quick learning, fit, and mental fortitude. Try to highlight your strengths in those areas. Another important thing, although a little less in internships than FT roles, but still important, is fit for you. Do the people you’re talking to seem like they’d be good colleagues? Will someone mentor you? What’s the long-run viability look like? Who will you report to and what is their management style (hands-on/hands-off, temperament, experience/suitability towards mentoring)? These are important things you should find out. As far as what they’re trying to find out about you, there’s some overlap: do you have long-term viability? Can you evolve into a trader? Do you have a temperament that suits trading? What path will you take (most ppl aren’t starting out as traders)? How will you contribute meaningfully in this role? Based on the job description, try to think of several deliverables you can mention that you aim to complete within the internship. This will help a lot. They’re trying to gauge multiple things at once, but probably most primary is simply: will you be a solid, productive intern that is likely to want to return and grow there. If you can prove that to them, I think you’re golden. Also, desire. If you really want to do this trading thing (like, you are quite sure of it), then convince them you want it more than the other candidates. Drive and ambition are positive factors, but won’t matter if it’s a bad fit on either side. Hope that helps.
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