Beyond Technical Interviews: Quant Soft Skills
Soft skills comprise the single biggest problem area for aspiring interviewees in Quantitative Finance. While you've likely spent countless hours honing your technical and problem-solving skills, and while this is undeniably crucial in the field, the vast majority of candidates lose sight of the bigger picture: amongst hundreds of similarly qualified and intelligent candidates, soft skills are the differentiating factor.
As interviewers at prestigious firms, we have seen promising candidates lose out time and time again because of wrong answers to simple questions like ‘do you prefer working by yourself or in a team?’! Your interviewers are human and subject to personal biases, and in an area as intense and often requiring as long hours as Quantitative Finance, perhaps even more so.
Why Soft Skills Matter
- Collaboration is Key: Generating PnL for the firm underlies every project and line of code generated at a Quant firm. Simply put, the star Quant or Trader no longer exists; specialization is key and successful practitioners understand that leveraging each others’ strengths allows them to produce more value than they ever could on their own.
- Effective Communication Enhances Productivity: Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly—whether in code comments, documentation, or team meetings—helps prevent misunderstandings and streamlines trading, research and development.
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Soft skills like adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking enable you to approach challenges from different angles and find innovative solutions, especially when things are not going well. Remember you are in it for the long run!
On Interview Day
- Prepare Stories: Have anecdotes ready that showcase your teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Coursework and projects from previous internships are great examples.
- Mock Interviews: Practice with friends or career services to become more comfortable in interview settings.
- Research the Company Culture: Understanding the company's values can help you align your responses and demonstrate that you're a good fit. Check out our Firm Profiles page to get a better idea.
- Seek Feedback: Ask peers or mentors for constructive feedback on your interaction styles and areas for improvement.
- Body Language: Be mindful of non-verbal cues. Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and sit confidently.
Don't underestimate the power of soft skills. They are the bridge between your technical abilities and the impact you can make in the professional world. Start cultivating them now, and you'll be better prepared to navigate the job market and excel in your future roles.