Recruiters in quantitative finance stress that strong listening skills are as critical as technical expertise during interviews. According to industry professional Lewis Clarke, a candidate was recently rejected after asking interviewers to repeat an options pricing question multiple times. The recruiter’s feedback: “not listening well enough.”
Clarke notes that in highly competitive quant interviews, candidates are expected to provide precise answers quickly, leaving little room for miscommunication. While it may feel awkward to request clarification more than once, guessing or misunderstanding can be even riskier.
Key Advice:
- Practice active listening during interviews.
- If you need clarification, ask once politely—but don’t rely on repeating.
- Be concise and structured in your responses, as lengthy delays can also reduce your chances.
For aspiring quantitative analysts, technical skill alone isn’t enough—communication and attentiveness may determine whether you land the role.
Source: Lewis Clarke, Finance Recruitment Specialist
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