Navigate the Mako Trading interview process with our comprehensive guide covering aptitude tests, technical interviews, and insider strategies from successful candidates at this global proprietary trading firm.
Mako Trading stands as one of the most respected global proprietary trading firms, with offices spanning London, Amsterdam, Sydney, and beyond. Their rigorous multi-stage interview process is designed to identify candidates who possess not only exceptional analytical abilities but also the mental agility and trading instincts required to thrive in their fast-paced, meritocratic environment.
Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced trader, Mako's selection process evaluates your problem-solving capabilities, mental math proficiency, and cultural fit. The process is consistently described by candidates as demanding yet fair, requiring a combination of technical excellence and genuine passion for trading.
37 questions covering mental math, logic, and probability
Motivational and behavioral assessment
Two back-to-back technical sessions with traders
The Mako Aptitude Test serves as the critical first filter in their selection process. This fast-paced 15-minute assessment contains 37 questions designed to evaluate your mental math skills, logical reasoning, probability knowledge, and numerical pattern recognition abilities under significant time pressure.
Total Questions
37
Time Limit
15 minutes
Format
Multiple choice
Navigation
No skipping or revisiting
Scoring System
+1 for correct, no penalty for wrong/skipped
Time Per Question
~24 seconds
Practice Tools
Use our Tradermath Indigo test for realistic practice
Time Management
Practice with 30 seconds per question
Environment
Build distraction-free test habits
Probability Review
Bayes' rule, expected value, combinations
Pattern Recognition
Spatial reasoning and dice rotations
Mental Math
Quick arithmetic and percentage calculations
Successful candidates advance to a 30-minute conversation with Mako's recruitment team, conducted either by phone or video call. This stage focuses on evaluating your motivation, communication skills, and overall cultural fit for the trading role and Mako's environment.
"Why Mako?" and "Why trading?"
Demonstrate specific interest in Mako and trading career
"What do you think a market maker does?"
Show understanding of trading fundamentals
Teamwork and leadership scenarios
Use STAR method for structured responses
High-pressure situation handling
Demonstrate resilience and composure
Basic Finance Questions
"What is a strike price?" or "What is 15% of 80?"
Trading Terminology
Basic market making and options concepts
Mental Math
Simple calculations to test composure
Professional Setup
Test technology, dress professionally, ensure quiet environment
Communication Style
Conversational yet professional, clear and enthusiastic
Questions for Interviewer
Prepare 1-2 thoughtful questions about Mako and the role
Arrive on time and be prepared
Articulate your thoughts effectively
Show genuine passion for trading
The technical interview stage consists of two back-to-back 30-minute sessions with Mako's traders. These intense sessions assess your problem-solving depth, trading intuition, and ability to perform under pressure. The interviews are rapid and challenging, featuring a mix of logic puzzles, brainteasers, and trading scenarios.
Expected Value
Calculations and trading game applications
Bayes' Theorem
Conditional probability scenarios
Trading Games
"Two-thirds of the average" type problems
Options Basics
Calls, puts, spreads understanding
Greeks Knowledge
Delta, vega, and basic options concepts
Market Intuition
Hypothetical trading decisions and pricing
Probability Example:
"What is the probability of drawing two red cards from a deck?"
Expected Value Example:
"If I flip a coin until I get heads, what is the expected number of flips?"
Market Intuition Example:
"How would prices respond to unexpected news in your trading scenario?"
Success in Mako's interview process requires a combination of rapid analytical skills and genuine passion for trading. The key is understanding that each stage serves a specific purpose: the aptitude test filters for raw quantitative ability, the HR interview evaluates cultural fit and communication, and the technical rounds probe your problem-solving depth under pressure.
Remember that Mako emphasizes trading experience isn't required for graduates - they want to see enthusiasm, curiosity, and the right mindset. The process is designed to simulate real job pressures and teamwork, so approach each stage with the understanding that you're demonstrating not just technical skills, but your potential as a future Mako trader.
With thorough preparation using our resources, the right mindset, and understanding of what each stage evaluates, you can approach Mako Trading's interview process with confidence. Good luck!