Capital Asset Exchange and Trading Interview Questions
& Process

So the interview process had 3 rounds. The first two were phone calls, and they were all about behavioral questions, digging into your past work and sales experience, and why you're keen on working at CAE. Then, round 3 was an in-person thing. First, there was an Excel test, pretty basic stuff like formatting cells, adding borders, changing colors. After that, I had two interviews, one with a trader and another with the director of trading. These interviews were pretty much the same as the earlier rounds – asking about why you want to be a trader, what drives you, and any sales experience you've got. Since the job involves hitting monthly sales targets and making around 30-40 calls daily, they really need to make sure you're a good match. On average, traders close 1-2 deals each month. Just a heads up, the title 'trader' is a bit of a misnomer; you're not actually trading financial assets. Instead, you're more like a market maker, connecting buyers and sellers of equipment (like lasers, manufacturing machinery, etc.) and earning a commission based on the price difference.

I sent my resume to CAE through a friend. The next day, recruiting contacted me for a phone interview. I reviewed my resume with them and answered about 4-5 questions on motivation, interest in sales, reasons for leaving my current job, and understanding of CAE's business. They also asked about office culture, negotiation, and closing ability. After that, there were in-person interviews with a trader and executives. The process also included an Excel test, a written Q&A, and a personality test. The whole thing was quick and to the point, matching the high-pressure, fast-paced environment.

I saw the International Trading and Sales Associate role on my alumni career page. It seemed challenging and intense, and CAE felt like a place I could do well. I applied and was surprised to get a response. I checked Glassdoor, saw some bad reviews, but decided to experience it myself. First, I talked to a recruiter who asked about my background and experience and told me more about the company and job. I did some online paperwork, including a personality test, and learned I'd interview with the Executive Vice President next. That interview was similar to the first but more in-depth. Both were nice and easygoing, but the second felt more pressured. The next day, I was invited for a third, in-office interview. When I got there, most people were out to lunch, but there was a palpable energy. I started with an Excel skills test, which wasn't hard. Then, I was interviewed by 4 people, from Senior Trader to CEO. They were very upfront about the intense work environment and what they look for. Everyone was nice, and no one was rude. The whole thing took about three hours. Later that evening, I got a call offering me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately. An environment with young, smart, driven, and hardworking people? I couldn't pass it up.

I got contacted on LinkedIn for this role and didn't apply directly. My background is in equity trading and consulting, which is quite different from what they were looking for. I had just one phone interview, which was really easy and happened the same day. Alexis, the HR director, told me I passed right after. They kept talking about the money I could make, which felt like a sales pitch and didn't impress me since my current salary is similar with bonuses. I was more interested in the full-time benefits like PTO because I'm self-employed. I did consider working for a company that, when searched on Google, had a very negative article about higher-ups accused of drug use and hiring prostitutes, just to see what they were about. Three weeks later, I was told I wouldn't proceed due to 'lack of transaction deal exposure.' This confirmed my suspicion that it's a sales job, which I don't have experience in. I wish they had been more professional and told me sooner so I didn't have to waste time emailing them. Honestly, the job seems very doable for someone with that specific experience, provided they are okay with working European and Asian markets during odd hours in 12-hour shifts. I don't doubt how much some traders can make.