In September 2024, Futures First visited VIT to recruit for the Trainee â Market Analyst role. Here's a detailed breakdown of the entire process, along with my personal experience, tips, and insights.
The recruitment process took place in a single day and consisted of the following stages:
- Online Assessment (Round 1)
- Group Discussion (Round 2)
- Technical and Behavioral Interviews (Round 3 & 4)
The process was intense, but if you're quick with numbers, have a good grasp of financial markets, and can manage pressure, you'll have a good chance of succeeding.
Round 1: Online Assessment
- Number of candidates: 4000+
- Shortlisted for the next round: 57â60
This round was all about logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and quick math problems. The key challenge here was the time constraint. We had to solve around 40 quick math questions in 10 minutes. The questions ranged from basic arithmetic to logical puzzles.
Key Tips for Round 1:
Be prepared with a pen and paper for fast calculations.
Focus on speed and accuracy.
Practice mental math and common quantitative aptitude problems before the test.
My Experience: The online assessment was the trickiest part due to the time pressure. The most important thing here was to stay calm and avoid getting stuck on any question. I aimed to answer as many as possible accurately in the limited time.
Round 2: Group Discussion
- Shortlisted after Round 1: Around 57 candidates
- Group Size: 5â6 candidates per panel
- Format: A mix of logic-based math questions, plus 1/minus 1 scoring system.
In this round, the panelists asked a set of 16 quick math and logic-based questions to each group. The format was interesting because the questions were split into four sets, each increasing in difficulty:
Set 1: +1 for correct, -1 for wrong
Set 2: +2/-2
Set 3: +3/-3
Set 4: +4/-4
This format not only tested our mathematical ability but also our decision-making skills under pressure.
Key Tips for Round 2:
Stay calm and confident, even if you miss a question.
Be quick but accurateânegative marking can hurt your chances.
Engage in the discussion and think logically.
My Experience: This round was both challenging and competitive. I focused on answering only the questions I was confident about to avoid losing points. Itâs crucial to know when to answer and when to pass.
Round 3: Technical Interview
Interviewer: Vice President (for me), Senior Associates for some candidates
The first interview was more technical and finance-oriented. The questions revolved around:
Stock market basics: What are stocks, IPOs, bids, offers, etc.
Financial concepts: Futures, options, derivatives, commodity markets.
Quick math: Solving short math problems quickly.
They also asked some behavioral questions, such as:
"Why do you want to join Futures First?"
"Considering the high attrition rate, what motivates you?"
Given my computer science background, I was asked why I wanted to transition into finance. This is a common question if you're from a non-finance field, so be ready with a strong answer.
Key Tips for Round 3:
- Brush up on stock market fundamentals (e.g., IPOs, futures, derivatives).
- Prepare for quick math problems similar to the online test.
- Have a convincing answer for why you want to join the company.
My Experience: The first interview was a mix of technical and behavioral questions. I was thoroughly prepared for the finance-related topics, and I practiced my quick math, which helped a lot. Itâs important to show that you have a genuine interest in finance and trading.
Round 4: Final HR/Behavioral Interview
Interviewer: Senior employee from Futures First
The final round was more of a fitment round to assess if youâre capable of handling the pressure and fast-paced environment of the company. The questions focused on:
- Why Futures First?
- How would you handle stress and risk in a market analyst role?
- Situational questions: E.g., how you would handle a difficult situation or make a quick decision under pressure.
This interview was shorter than the previous one but equally important, as they evaluated my ability to adapt to the high-stress environment of trading.
Key Tips for Round 4:
Be honest and confident.
Show that you can handle stress and risks.
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow in the role.
My Experience: The final interview was more about my personality and soft skills. They wanted to make sure I could handle the high-pressure environment that Futures First is known for. I stayed calm and answered confidently, emphasizing my interest in finance and trading.
Conclusion
The entire process was demanding but rewarding. Confidence, quick thinking, and a good understanding of financial markets are key to clearing the interview. The environment at Futures First is fast-paced and challenging, so they look for candidates who can thrive under pressure.
For anyone preparing for this role:
- Focus on mental math and logic.
- Understand basic financial concepts.
- Be prepared for behavioral questions that test your decision-making and stress management.
Good luck to everyone aiming for this exciting and challenging role!
