Optiver quant interview guide
Roles: Trader, Quantitative Researcher, Software Engineer
Optiver's trader process is widely reported to begin with timed numerical and mental-arithmetic tests, followed by trading-style games and interviews.
Commonly reported stages
1. Online numerical tests
Widely reported to include a fast timed arithmetic test (often discussed as about 80 questions in 8 minutes) plus sequence and estimation tests.
2. Trading games
Candidates describe games combining quick probability, sizing and decision-making under time pressure.
3. Interviews
Probability, expected value and discussion of trading decisions.
What to practise
Mental math speed
Tips
- Train arithmetic daily for speed and accuracy.
- Practice deciding quickly with incomplete information.
- Know when to skip a question in a timed test.
This guide summarises publicly discussed formats, which change over time. QuantSolve is not affiliated with Optiver, and QuantSolve problems are original, not questions from any firm.