Application Process & Interviews at Optiver

Technical test, phone interview, skype interview, in person on site interview. Even mix of behavioural and technical questions with the latter focused on maths and probability

The interview process was fairly standard - resume screening, online coding quiz, phone interview, then in-person interview. It was nice to be flown into Sydney for the in-person interview so I could also see what the office and workplace is like.

1st round - mathematical testing 2nd round - behavioural - phone interview 3rd round - behavioural + problem solving - skype Final round - behavioural, problem solving (and + group)

Maths tests, phone interview, face to face interview 1, then a day with individual and group interviews, technical questions, shadowing and Q&A, followed by socialising.

Easy to follow structure. Valuable feedback after each stage of interviews.

Maths tests, phone interview, then in person interview 1 which had personal and technical interview, and 2 which had personal, technical x 2, group as well as shadowing traders and round table questions, then dinner

There was a series of 4 assessments. First was a maths and pattern recognition test, then a behavioural interview followed by 2 technical and behavioural interviews.

Process was very quick. Initially there was an online test followed by a phone and then skype interview and then I was flown out to Sydney for a whole day interview

A mix of technical/coding and personal/HR questions

Biggest strengths/weaknesses Times I have let a team down - how react How I reflect on things that have gone poorly/well

Behavioural and technical, which were relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Favourite job I've worked and, and worst one. Why I underperformed in Uni for a particular semester.

On the technical side there was a variety of probability questions, requiring quick thinking and decent math skills.

Some analytical questions on statistics and then some behavioural questions

Behavioural interviews - about my skills, strengths and weaknesses, interests technical interview - networking knowledge

Be relaxed and don't panic, try and think things through.

For the technical interview, prepare as you would for any other technical coding interview by reviewing Cracking the Coding Interview, doing practice questions on LeetCode, etc. Also do mock interviews with friends so you can practice saying your thought process out loud (which is more important that being able to code up the right solution).

Self-reflection is key and really important part of the process. So think of good examples for this

Be a legend

Learn communication skills, life is no longer about being smart only, you need to communicate effectively.

Practice solving logical puzzles under pressure.

We're looking for switched on, hard working and smart people who can communicate well and are genuine, so apply if you are like that I guess

Be passionate about problem solving.

Be genuine and looking to improve. Understand the tech but ready to ask questions or take on feedback when wrong.

Going over some simple mental math shortcuts could be helpful to let you focus on the meat of the problems. Be resilient and keep going if you get an answer wrong.

Be very self reflective in both your analytical and behavioural questions. They don't expect you to get everything right and you should definitely be able to admit when you are wrong as well