IMC Trading · Live Interview
IMC Trading Interview Questions & Prep
IMC Trading's first-round live interview is where strong written applications become offer pipelines or go nowhere. Below: the real questions IMC Trading asks, what they're testing for, and how to practise live until it feels routine.
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The format
What IMC Trading's live interview actually looks like
The live interview stage at IMC Trading forms the critical filtering barrier between automated assessments and the final onsite loop. Candidate reports suggest that for UK graduate and intern applicants targeting roles in quantitative trading, quantitative research, or software engineering, this stage occurs after the initial online assessment and a recorded or asynchronous video screening.
Format
Live conversation, phone or video. 30 to 45 minutes. One-on-one with a manager or senior associate.
Interviewers
Manager or senior associate from your target team.
Structure
Interviewers probe weak answers. The candidates who get through handle follow-ups confidently, not just the headline question.
The rubric
How IMC Trading scores you
The interviewer is checking against a scorecard. Knowing the categories is half the battle.
Aggregation. Competencies Scored: Interviewers evaluate candidates across four core pillars: analytical reasoning, numerical speed, calibration under uncertainty, and cultural alignment with direct, collaborative communication. Score Aggregation: Each interviewer submits a standardized scorecard evaluating each pillar on a numerical scale accompanied by qualitative notes. These scores are reviewed during calibration meetings where hiring managers decide on progression.
How to practise
Live AI mocks tuned to the firm
Conversational mocks that read your CV, ask IMC Trading-specific questions, push back when answers are weak, and produce a scored report.
- Reads your CV first. Vyo pulls real lines from your CV ("walk me through that deal you mentioned") instead of asking the same five questions everyone gets.
- Follows up where answers are weak. Weak on numbers? Vyo digs. Vague on motivation? Vyo digs. No two runs are the same.
- Matches IMC Trading's interview style. Friendly chat, professional grilling, or full-pressure. Calibrated to how IMC Trading actually runs the round.
- Annotated transcript after every run. Strong lines green, wobbles amber, red flags red. Specific notes on what to fix and how to say it next time.
Lazard · IB Analyst
Technical Interview · CV-aware
Interviewer
I see from your CV you completed Spring Week at Lazard. Walk me through a deal you observed during that placement.Interviewer
You mentioned trading comps. Walk me through how the peer set was selected, what criteria were used, and were there any borderline cases?Full report when you end
Why candidates fail
How candidates lose the IMC Trading live round
Specific failure patterns documented across past applicants. Most are avoidable with focused preparation.
- 1
Couldn't handle follow-ups on weak answers
Collapsing when an interviewer challenges an initial assumption or points out a mathematical flaw.
- 2
CV inconsistencies surfaced
Inability to explain low-level details of projects or employment history listed on the résumé.
- 3
Failed to reference IMC Trading concretely
Relying on generic statements about trading rather than demonstrating specific knowledge of market making.
- 4
Poor questions at the end
Asking generic, easily searchable questions that show zero engagement with the interviewer's role.
- 5
Inflexible pricing in market games
Refusing to update quotes when new information or simulated order flow changes the underlying probability.
- 6
Arrogant communication style
Dismissing interviewer feedback or displaying an abrasive ego during technical pushback.
- 7
Slow mental arithmetic
Failing to perform basic multi-digit calculations quickly enough during live evaluation segments.
- 8
Lack of structured reasoning
Rambling through probability or Fermi estimation problems without laying out a clear framework first.
What works
What separates candidates who pass
Concrete moves drilled by candidates who clear the cut, drawn from applicant accounts and recruiter feedback.
CV walkthrough memorized
Delivering a crisp, highly structured summary of past projects and experiences without hesitation.
Anchor stories drilled cold
Preparing 3 to 4 versatile STAR stories that map cleanly onto core competencies like resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Specific IMC Trading references
Citing concrete aspects of the firm's technology, culture, and market-making strategies.
High-quality closing questions
Asking probing questions about risk limits, technology infrastructure, or desk dynamics.
Calibration and intellectual honesty
Admitting limits of knowledge instantly and reasoning outward from first principles.
Dynamic market adjustment
Showing an intuitive grasp of how to widen or tighten spreads in response to risk and inventory changes.
Calm composure under stress
Treating interviewer pushback as an interesting puzzle rather than a personal attack.
Clean mental math shortcuts
Applying mathematical tricks (such as factoring and differences of squares) to compute numbers instantaneously.
What gets you through
Five moves that decide the interview
- 01Have a CV walkthrough rehearsed. Two-minute version of your CV that connects every role to why this firm. Most interviews open with "walk me through your CV". Knowing yours cold is the foundation.
- 02Three anchor stories. Prepare three behavioural stories that demonstrate multiple competencies each. Reuse them, reframe them. You will get further than candidates with one story per question.
- 03Plant follow-ups in your answers. End answers with a hook the interviewer can dig into. "Happy to walk through the modelling if useful" turns one question into a longer conversation on your terms.
- 04Reference IMC Trading concretely. Specific deal, division, recent news, a person you spoke to at an event. "I admire the brand" loses to "I followed your work on the X transaction".
- 05Have two smart questions ready. For the "any questions for me?" close. Not generic ("what is the culture like"), specific ("what is the typical analyst staffing model on a cross-border M&A deal here").
FAQ
IMC Trading interview questions, answered
How should I schedule my live interview if I have university lectures clashing with the proposed slots?
Contact your recruiter immediately upon receiving the scheduling link. IMC Trading recruiters are accustomed to student timetables and will work to accommodate reasonable alternative slots.
What technical setup is required for the video interview?
A stable broadband internet connection, a functioning HD webcam, a quiet room with neutral lighting, and a clean headset or microphone to prevent audio echo.
What dress code is expected for a video interview at IMC Trading?
Business casual or professional attire is standard. Clean, neat clothing reflects respect for the interviewer and the interview process.
Where should I focus my eye-line during the video call?
Look directly into the camera lens when speaking to simulate direct eye contact, rather than looking at the interviewer's face on your monitor.
What should I do if I encounter technical difficulties mid-interview?
Stay calm, use the chat function of the video platform immediately to notify the interviewer, and switch to your backup mobile hotspot or telephone link if arranged.
How should I prepare my workspace before the call begins?
Clear your desk of clutter, close all unrelated browser tabs and notification pop-ups on your computer, and have a blank notepad and pen ready for calculations.
What should I do if I am asked a technical question I have no idea how to solve?
Do not guess blindly. Acknowledge your starting point, break down what you do know, state your assumptions clearly, and think out loud so the interviewer can guide your logic.
Is it acceptable to use scratch paper during mental arithmetic and probability questions?
Yes, keep paper and pen handy for jotting down intermediate numbers, probability trees, or Fermi estimation breakdowns.
How soon after the live interview should I expect to hear back regarding the Superday?
Candidate reports suggest that feedback and next-step invitations typically arrive within three to seven business days.
Should I send a thank-you note after the live interview?
While not strictly mandatory, a brief, professional email sent via your recruiter or directly to the interviewer within 24 hours expressing appreciation for their time is viewed positively.
Can I use a calculator during the live technical interview?
No. Calculators and external software tools are strictly prohibited during mental arithmetic and probability assessments; all calculations must be done mentally or on scratch paper.
What happens if I need to reschedule at short notice due to illness?
Inform your recruiter as early as possible via email and phone. Legitimate health reasons are accommodated, provided notice is given before the call commences.
The other rounds
The rest of the IMC Trading process
Live interview is one of four rounds. Practise each one free on Intervyo.
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Intervyo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IMC Trading. Interview questions are sourced from past applicants and the firm's published guidance; verify on the firm's careers site. Sector: Graduate Scheme.
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