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Recruitment at Optiver  · 

Optiver US campus recruiting Q&A

Check out our campus FAQs to learn more about Optiver and our interview process.

General

What qualities does Optiver look for in candidates?

Optiverians come from many backgrounds, educations and experiences. They are characterized as team players who are constantly looking to improve and are actively contributing to discussions.

How correlated is being good at mental math and being good at trading?

Being good at mental math is necessary, but not sufficient, to thrive as a Trader at Optiver. In addition to quantitative skills, you also need to be a quick decision maker and stay cool under pressure. These skills are assessed throughout the interview process. 

What programming languages are most commonly used by your engineers?

C, C++, C#, Java, and Python. 

Am I required to code in a specific language on technical assessment(s) throughout the interview?

You are welcome to code in whichever language(s) you feel most comfortable with throughout the interview process. If you are completing an online assessment, you will be able to view and select from the supported languages for that assessment.

Where can I get more information about your technical culture?

Visit our Insights page to learn about our perspectives on the latest developments in technology and trading, and follow us on LinkedIn to check out our recent activity.

Where can I get more information about your social culture and events?

Check out this article to learn about our employee culture and this video to see what a typical day is like at Optiver. Our social channels are another great way to get a glimpse of our culture and recruitment events.

How dedicated is the company to diversity and inclusion?

As an intentionally flat organization, we believe that great ideas and impact can come from everyone. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is hardwired through every stage of our hiring process, and we encourage applications from candidates from any and all backgrounds. Additionally, we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments during this process to ensure that you can best demonstrate your abilities.

How dedicated is the company to philanthropy?

Optiver dedicates itself to philanthropy through the Optiver Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on tackling some of the pressing issues facing our planet and its people – particularly around diversity and the environment. Click here to read more about the Optiver Foundation’s mission. Optiver also has an employee-led group called the Charitable Task Force that supports local philanthropic engagements in our offices.

How can I connect with Optiver?

There will be many virtual opportunities to connect with us this fall season. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay in the loop as they are announced:

Applying to Optiver

When can I expect to hear back after I submit an application?  

We strive to provide an update within a week of submitting an application. To avoid missing further communication, we recommend marking Optiver as a safe sender in your inbox as soon as you receive the application confirmation email. 

If I’ve previously been rejected, can I apply again?

If you have previously applied during recruitment season and have been unsuccessful, you can absolutely reapply once the next recruitment season begins.

Can I apply to multiple campus roles and go through multiple interview processes?

You will only be considered for one campus role at a time, so please apply to your top preference. Once you have completed the process for one campus role, you may then apply for another.

Do you hire international candidates? 

At this time, our US offices sponsor only for select roles and lists sponsorship requirements on each job description. We invite you to explore our careers page for campus opportunities at Optiver offices across the globe.

Do I need a finance background to apply?

No financial experience is necessary to succeed at Optiver. Many of our new hires have no prior knowledge of the trading industry before joining – our training program teaches you everything you need to know in order to thrive in your role.

Interview prep

How can I prepare for the online assessment?

Our interview process is meant to assess your ability to problem solve and use logic and reasoning in different formats. You do not need any prior knowledge coming into the interview. However, it may be helpful to practice activities that involve quick problem solving skills, such as mental math and strategy games. 

Will you be conducting final interviews on-site this year?   

All final round interviews will be conducted virtually.

What does the interview process look like?

At a high-level, the interview process starts with an online assessment followed by behavioral and technical interviews. The final step is a virtual interview with the hiring team. 

How can I prepare for a final interview?

Final interviews do not require technical preparation. However, our team will provide you with resources and tips to ensure you have a smooth interviewing experience.

How should I dress for a final interview?

Our employees typically follow a casual dress code, but most candidates dress business casual for interviews.

Post Interview

When should I expect to hear back after an interview? 

We strive to get back to candidates within 2-3 business days post-interview and are in close contact with them throughout the interview process. Should you need an expedited offer decision due to conflicting offer deadlines, please inform your recruiter.

What is your policy on giving candidate feedback? 

Due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to share specific feedback with each candidate but appreciate candidates seeking to continuously improve. 

There’s a lot of information out there about your interview process. How do I know what’s true and what’s not? 

When it comes to questions about our processes, we highly encourage you to simply ask our recruiters! Our team is happy to provide you with additional context to ensure you feel informed and comfortable throughout the entire experience. 

Recruitment at Optiver
Insights

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