Complete Quant Interview Guide

Master quantitative trading interviews with our comprehensive preparation strategy. Learn insider tips, practice with real interview questions, and get hired at top firms like Jane Street, Citadel, Two Sigma, Flow Traders, and Optiver.

Quant Interview Process

Stage 1: Math Assessment

Mental math, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning tests under time pressure.

  • • 75 questions in 8 minutes
  • • Basic arithmetic
  • • Fractions & decimals
  • • Pattern recognition
Stage 2: HR Interview

Cultural fit, motivation, and understanding of trading industry.

  • • Why trading?
  • • Company research
  • • Behavioral questions
  • • Industry knowledge
Stage 3: Technical Interview

Brain teasers, probability problems, and analytical challenges.

  • • Logic puzzles
  • • Probability questions
  • • Market scenarios
  • • Problem solving
Stage 4: Case Study

Comprehensive analysis of trading scenarios and market strategies.

  • • ETF analysis
  • • Risk management
  • • Strategy development
  • • Presentation skills

8-Week Preparation Timeline

1
Weeks 1-2: Mental Math Mastery
Build speed and accuracy in calculations

Daily Practice (2-3 hours)

  • • Basic arithmetic drills
  • • Fraction and decimal operations
  • • Percentage calculations
  • • Square and square root practice

Weekly Goals

  • • Complete 500+ practice problems
  • • Achieve 90% accuracy
  • • Reduce calculation time by 50%
  • • Master mental math tricks
2
Weeks 3-4: Probability & Statistics
Master quantitative reasoning

Core Topics

  • • Conditional probability
  • • Bayes' theorem
  • • Expected value calculations
  • • Statistical distributions

Practice Focus

  • • Coin flipping problems
  • • Dice probability
  • • Card game scenarios
  • • Market probability models
3
Weeks 5-6: Brain Teasers & Logic
Develop analytical thinking

Problem Types

  • • Logic puzzles
  • • Optimization problems
  • • Market-making scenarios
  • • Algorithm design

Strategy

  • • Think out loud
  • • Break down complex problems
  • • Ask clarifying questions
  • • Show your reasoning process
4
Weeks 7-8: Mock Interviews & Case Studies
Final preparation and practice

Mock Interviews

  • • Practice with time pressure
  • • Record and review sessions
  • • Get feedback from peers
  • • Simulate real conditions

Case Study Prep

  • • ETF analysis practice
  • • Risk management scenarios
  • • Presentation skills
  • • Industry knowledge review

Firm-Specific Interview Preparation

Jane Street
Market making and quantitative reasoning

Focus Areas

  • • Probability and statistics
  • • Market making scenarios
  • • Risk management
  • • Mental math speed

Interview Style

Collaborative problem-solving with emphasis on communication and reasoning process.

Citadel
Advanced mathematics and algorithms

Focus Areas

  • • Complex probability
  • • Algorithm design
  • • Statistical modeling
  • • Optimization problems

Interview Style

Technical depth with focus on mathematical rigor and computational efficiency.

Flow Traders
ETF market making and speed

Focus Areas

  • • Mental math speed
  • • ETF mechanics
  • • Arbitrage opportunities
  • • Market dynamics

Interview Style

Speed-focused with emphasis on accuracy under pressure and market knowledge.

Success Strategies

What Interviewers Look For
  • Problem-solving approach: How you break down complex problems
  • Communication skills: Explaining your thought process clearly
  • Mathematical rigor: Accurate calculations and logical reasoning
  • Market intuition: Understanding of trading concepts
  • Cultural fit: Alignment with company values
Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • Rushing calculations: Accuracy is more important than speed
  • Not asking questions: Clarify assumptions before solving
  • Poor communication: Think out loud and explain your process
  • Lack of preparation: Practice consistently for weeks
  • Neglecting soft skills: Technical skills alone aren't enough

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I prepare for quant interviews?

Most successful candidates prepare for 2-3 months with 2-3 hours of daily practice. Start with mental math fundamentals, then move to probability and brain teasers, and finish with mock interviews and case studies.

What's the most important skill for quant interviews?

Problem-solving approach and communication skills are most important. Interviewers care more about how you think through problems than getting the exact answer. Practice explaining your reasoning process clearly and logically.

How do I handle difficult brain teasers?

Start by understanding the problem clearly, ask clarifying questions, break it down into smaller parts, and think out loud. Don't be afraid to say "I'm not sure" and work through it step by step. Interviewers want to see your thought process.

Ready to Ace Your Quant Interview?
Start your preparation today with our comprehensive practice tests, interview guides, and expert tips.