Optiver US campus recruiting Q&A
Check out our campus FAQs to learn more about Optiver and our interview process.
General
Optiverians come from many backgrounds, educations and experiences. They are characterized as team players who are constantly looking to improve, curious to understand other perspectives and actively contributing to discussions.
Being good at mental math is necessary but insufficient 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.
C, C++, C#, Java and Python.
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.
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.
Check out this video to learn more about our collaborative culture. Follow us on our social media channels to get a glimpse of our culture and events.
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.
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.
There will be many opportunities to connect with us this fall season. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things Optiver.
Applying to Optiver
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 you have previously applied during this recruitment season and have been unsuccessful, you can absolutely reapply for the same role once the next recruitment season begins.
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 a different role.
Our US offices sponsor 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.
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
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 trading knowledge to be successful in our interview process. However, it may be helpful to practice activities that involve quick problem-solving skills, such as mental math and strategy games.
All final round interviews will be conducted virtually.
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.
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.
Our employees typically follow a casual dress code. We encourage candidates to dress in what is most comfortable for them.
Post Interview
We strive to get back to candidates within one week 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.
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.
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.