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D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm Trader Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 13 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

1.8 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
46.2% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm.

Showing 3 of 13
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D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm

Trader

Finance · more than a year ago

Entry Average Positive experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

I had a 30-minute phone call for the interview. The interviewer was really nice, but was an hour late because of her meetings. She mostly asked about quantitative and analytical experiences I've had, which were on my resume. She also asked why I wanted to work at D.E. Shaw, and she shared why she chose to work there. It was a friendly and professional conversation.

Confirmed questions4 questions
  • Can you tell me about a quantitative class you took?
  • Describe some quantitative or analytical experiences from your resume.
  • What makes you want to work at D.E. Shaw?
D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm logo
D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm

Trader

Finance

Mid Difficult Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Technical screen
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral

The interview was pretty quantitative, focusing a lot on statistics, probability, and the concept of reversion to the mean. The interviewers aimed to apply some pressure to gauge reactions and problem-solving approaches. While friendly, they sought to uncover any weaknesses.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Estimate the number of dime stacks needed to reach the top of a 10-story building when stacked vertically.
D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm logo
D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm

Trader

Finance

Entry Average Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical

The first interview was with a trader and involved basic motivational and behavioral questions. We also went through questions from my CV and why they'd make me want the role. My thesis was also discussed.

Confirmed questions3 questions
  • What motivates your interest in DE Shaw?
  • How does your background on your CV align with this position?
  • Can you elaborate on your thesis?

D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm Trader Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm interview reports.

What is the probability that five knights of distinct ages, seated at a round table, are arranged in ascending order of age?

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Given that I have two children and at least one is a boy, what's the probability that the other child is a girl?

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Regarding a 3-set tennis match, would you place a bet on it concluding in 2 sets or 3 sets?

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Could you discuss the current state of China's real estate market?

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What would be the hardest challenge if you were the President of the United States?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 13 D. E. Shaw & Co. - Investment Firm interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 50%
Technical 46.2%
Coding 3.8%

Interview difficulty

Easy 7.7%
Average 61.5%
Difficult 30.8%

Candidate experience

Neutral 30.8%
Positive 46.2%
Negative 23.1%