Optiver’s interview process is known for being rigorous and multifaceted, with multiple stages designed to assess your quantitative skills, analytical thinking, and cultural fit. While the exact process can vary slightly depending on the role (trader, quant, or technical), here’s a broad overview:
1. Online Assessments
Mental Math & Numerical Tests: You’ll typically start with rapid-fire tests like the “80 in 8”—solving 80 arithmetic questions in 8 minutes—to gauge your speed and accuracy under pressure.
Logical & Pattern Recognition: Tests often include sequence puzzles or probability challenges to assess your ability to recognize patterns and make quick decisions.
Cognitive and Personality Assessments: Games such as Zap-N (cognitive mini-games) and personality questionnaires (Zap-Q) help build a profile of your decision-making style and behavioral traits.
2. HR/Behavioral Interview
Motivation and Fit: Expect questions on why you’re interested in trading and why Optiver specifically. They’ll want to know how well you understand the trading business and if you align with their flat, team-oriented culture.
Behavioral Questions: You might be asked about teamwork, handling failures, and how you communicate under pressure—key traits for thriving on the trading floor.
3. Technical Interview
Problem-Solving and Brain Teasers: These sessions, often one-on-one with a trader, focus on brainteasers, mental math problems, and probability questions.
Market Making Games: You may participate in simulated trading games where you set bid/ask quotes, adjust them based on feedback, and estimate market values—all without a calculator.
Trading Concepts: Expect questions on options, the Greeks (Delta, Vega, etc.), and other fundamental trading concepts to test your technical and financial knowledge.
4. Final (Superday) Rounds
Onsite/Virtual Immersion: The final stage (often called the Superday) involves a full day of interviews—multiple rounds that might include additional HR rounds, deeper technical interviews, and even a “desk chat” where you observe a trader in action.
Holistic Evaluation: This phase is about confirming your decision-making speed, mental agility, and ability to perform under real trading pressures while also ensuring you’re a good cultural fit.