I applied online. I interviewed at Simplex in Oct 2012
Interview
Webcam interview consisted of general "tell us about yourself" questions, followed by brain teasers as mentioned in the previous reviews. Midway through (see unexpected question below) I wondered if I really want to work for a place that throws this kind of crazy out as a measure of a trader, instead of measuring something more relevant like -- oh, I don't know -- maybe my TRADE LOG and SUCCESS RECORD? Or whether my proprietary self-developed methodology could be turned into a profitable algorithm to contribute to the firm's profits? Maybe it was just a test of patience, and in this case I failed.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Most unexpected to me was they ACTUALLY asked the "how many lightbulbs in John Hancock Center" -- it's so ridiculous and unrelated to trading that I had trouble believing this was a possible question when I read reviews, and I actually managed to be unprepared. Note that the webcam interview also asks you to cut/paste URLs that you used to figure the answers out, so it's just a logic/reasoning process. I figured out lumens per square foot, how many SF in the building, how many lumens per bulb, etc. But I didn't do a thorough job of pasting the website addresses in, and the number I came up with was probably way off. They could probably sense my incredulous attitude, because midway through I wondered if I really want to work for a place that throws this kind of crazy out as a measure of a trader, instead of measuring something more relevant like -- oh, I don't know -- maybe my TRADE LOG and SUCCESS RECORD? Or whether my proprietary self-developed methodology could be turned into a profitable algorithm to contribute to the firm's profits? Maybe it was just a test of patience, and in this case I failed.
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Simplex (Chicago, IL) in Feb 2012
Interview
The first round of the process was a quick online Wunderlich test, followed by a webcam interview. A week or so after that I was called in with about 20 other candidates for the in-person interviews. There, we took a full Wunderlich test, followed by a longer, more difficult test on math, problem-solving, and basic options knowledge. After the tests, they sent half of the group home, while the rest of us stayed for a group scenario exercise, and finally 1-on-1 interviews. The whole process took about 4 hours.
I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience, and was genuinely disappointed that I didn't receive an offer after making it so far. The office is beautiful, and the people I spoke with were bright and genuine.
If you make it to the interviews, my only suggestion (which probably applies to all interviews) would be to always keep in mind what they would want a prospective hire to say. A couple of questions lead towards a more obvious, canned answer, but I answered honestly, and I think perhaps my candor cost me an offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Read 'Heard on the Street' if you can. Almost all of the questions were derived from there in some way
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Simplex (Chicago, IL) in Feb 2012
Interview
Interview process started off with an online video test in which 5 brain teasers/personality questions were asked and you had about 2 mins to answer each. Questions were mainly open ended, others similar to those in "Heard on the Street." In order to pass to the next stage you must answer these correctly. You also need to take an 8min Wonderlic test and pass a certain amount.
Next was a group interview at the office (nice place), which consisted of 20+ other candidates. 2 tests are given: another Wonderlic, and then their own quantitative/logic test which we were given to complete within an hour and a half. The test was very difficult, consisted of numerous problems dealing with statistics, basic option theory, and many many brain teasers. Practice up on these to stand a chance.
Candidates were cut, and the next step was a group project. After that were personal interviews, which you were asked various personality questions and generic scenario questions. Received offer later that week. Maintained contact with HR thru email. Very courteous and willing to answer any questions.
Overall, great experience. The process is very cutthroat, but the company/people are top notch.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
There are 8 blue socks, 10 red socks, and 6 green socks in a drawer. If the socks are randomly distributed in the drawer (i.e. not in pairs or any other grouping), and you are blindfolded, what is the minimum number socks you must draw from the drawer in order to be certain you have at least 2 socks of the same color?