Interview Guides

Maven Securities Interview Guide

Last updated: Sep 21st, 2025
10 min read
TradeIQ Team

Navigate the Maven Securities interview process with our comprehensive guide covering online assessments, video interviews, technical challenges, and insider strategies from successful candidates.

Introduction

Maven Securities represents one of the most innovative and selective proprietary trading firms in the industry. Their interview process is meticulously designed to identify candidates who not only possess exceptional quantitative skills but also demonstrate the collaborative mindset and cultural alignment that Maven values highly.

What sets Maven apart is their emphasis on finding candidates who truly resonate with their unique culture. As a smaller, more intimate firm compared to larger trading houses, Maven places significant importance on cultural fit and genuine enthusiasm for their approach to trading and innovation.

Stage 1: Online Assessments
51 minutes total

Mental math, pattern recognition, and probability tests

Stage 2: On-Demand Video Interview
15-20 minutes

Motivational and behavioral assessment

Stage 3: HR & Technical Interview
60-90 minutes

Combined cultural fit and technical evaluation

Stage 4: Final Round
1-4 hours

In-depth interviews with senior traders

Essential Research Resources

Before diving into preparation, make sure to thoroughly research Maven Securities through their official channels:

  • Maven's YouTube Channel: Excellent insights into organizational structure, culture, and trading concepts
  • Official Website: Understanding their mission, values, and trading philosophy
  • Company Culture: Emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and genuine trading passion

Stage 1: Online Assessments

The first hurdle in your Maven journey consists of three comprehensive online assessments that evaluate your core quantitative abilities. These tests are designed to assess mental math proficiency, pattern recognition skills, and probability knowledge under time pressure.

Mental Math Test
Brown Test

Questions

40 questions

Time Limit

6 minutes

Practice Tool

Brown Test

Manual navigation with submit buttons for each question

Pattern Recognition Test
Brown Sequences Test

Questions

15 questions

Time Limit

15 minutes

Practice Tool

Brown Sequences Test

Number, letter, and logical pattern identification

Probability Test
Brown Probability Test

Questions

10 questions

Time Limit

30 minutes

Practice Tool

Brown Probability Test

Foundational and intermediate probability concepts

Preparation Strategies:

Mental Math Mastery

  • Practice rapid calculations daily for speed and accuracy
  • Familiarize yourself with manual navigation to save time
  • Use our Brown Test for realistic practice scenarios

Pattern Recognition

  • Practice identifying patterns quickly and efficiently
  • Work with number, letter, and logical sequences
  • Use our Brown Sequences Test for targeted preparation

Stage 2: On-Demand Video Interview

Successful candidates advance to an on-demand video interview that allows Maven's team to understand your motivation, communication style, and overall fit for their culture. This format provides flexibility while maintaining the personal touch that Maven values.

Common Interview Questions:

Motivational Questions

  • "Are you a competitive person?"

    Show how competition drives excellence

  • "Why do you want to become a trader?"

    Demonstrate genuine passion for trading

Personal Insight Questions

  • "How would your friends describe you?"

    Highlight collaborative and analytical traits

  • "What makes you stand out from other applicants?"

    Showcase unique strengths and experiences

Preparation Tips for Video Interviews

Content Preparation

  • Prepare clear, concise answers to common questions
  • Research Maven's culture and values thoroughly
  • Practice articulating your trading interest authentically

Technical Setup

  • Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection
  • Choose a quiet, well-lit environment
  • Practice speaking clearly and maintaining eye contact

Stage 3: HR & Technical Interview

This combined interview stage evaluates both your cultural fit and technical capabilities. Maven's approach of integrating HR and technical elements reflects their belief that successful traders need both analytical skills and strong interpersonal qualities.

HR Interview Component

Key Focus Areas

  • Company Knowledge: Understanding Maven's mission and values
  • Cultural Alignment: Demonstrating fit with Maven's collaborative culture
  • Motivation: Genuine interest in trading and Maven specifically
  • Goal Alignment: How your aspirations match Maven's direction

Technical Interview Component

Assessment Areas

  • Brainteasers: Logic puzzles and analytical challenges
  • Probability Questions: Statistical reasoning and calculations
  • Market Making Games: Trading simulations without external aids
  • Problem Solving: Approach to complex, multi-step challenges

Critical Preparation Points:

Technical Preparation

  • Practice brainteasers and probability questions extensively
  • Familiarize yourself with market-making games
  • Practice without pen and paper (not allowed in interview)
  • Use our interview question database for targeted practice

Cultural Preparation

  • Research Maven's values and behavioral expectations
  • Prepare examples that demonstrate collaborative mindset
  • Understand their emphasis on innovation and growth
  • Show genuine enthusiasm for Maven's unique approach

Stage 4: Final Round

The final round represents the culmination of your Maven journey, featuring in-depth interviews with senior traders that can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. This comprehensive evaluation revisits all previous elements while diving deeper into both technical prowess and cultural alignment.

Technical Stage

Expected Value Games

Maven's technical interviews often feature a unique format where brainteasers evolve into market-making games. These typically revolve around card-based scenarios, testing both analytical thinking and trading intuition.

Start with probability brainteasers involving cards, dice, or coins
Transition to market-making scenarios based on the brainteaser solution
Calculate expected values under various trading conditions
Demonstrate strategic thinking in competitive scenarios

Fermi Questions

Candidates are often asked to estimate specific quantities under timed conditions, testing both mathematical reasoning and practical estimation skills.

  • Practice order-of-magnitude estimation techniques
  • Use our Fermi Question practice tool for targeted preparation
  • Develop systematic approaches to complex estimation problems

HR Stage

Cultural Fit Assessment

Motivation and Alignment

Questions about why you want to join Maven and how your values align with their culture

Personal Development

Discussion of strengths, weaknesses, and how you can add value to the team

Collaborative Mindset

Demonstrating understanding of Maven's innovative and collaborative culture

Maven's Unique Culture

  • Smaller Scale Advantage: More intimate, collaborative environment
  • Innovation Focus: Emphasis on creative problem-solving
  • Genuine Passion: Seeking candidates who truly resonate with their approach
  • Growth Mindset: Commitment to continuous learning and development

Closing Remarks

Excelling in the Maven Securities interview requires a unique combination of technical excellence, cultural alignment, and genuine passion for trading. What sets Maven apart is their emphasis on finding candidates who not only possess the analytical skills necessary for trading but also truly resonate with their collaborative and innovative culture.

Critical Success Factors:

  • Months of Preparation: These positions are extremely competitive - successful candidates typically invest months in preparation
  • Cultural Resonance: Demonstrate genuine understanding and appreciation of Maven's unique culture
  • Self-Critical Approach: Be honest about your strengths and areas for improvement
  • Genuine Interest: Show authentic enthusiasm for Maven specifically, not just trading in general

Why Cultural Fit Matters at Maven:

As a smaller firm compared to larger trading houses, Maven places significant emphasis on finding people who resonate with their unique culture. This isn't just about being qualified - it's about being the right fit for their collaborative, innovative environment.

The feedback from successful Maven candidates consistently emphasizes the importance of demonstrating genuine interest in Maven specifically and showing that you understand and appreciate their values. This cultural alignment can be the deciding factor between equally qualified candidates.

Ready to Excel at Maven Securities?

Master the Maven Securities interview process with our comprehensive preparation tools, including the Brown Test series, probability questions, and market-making games designed specifically for Maven candidates.