December 30th, 2010, 3:42 pm
Thanks for your reply!QuoteOriginally posted by: endian6751. I usually take this as a bad sign, I have generally had my best experiences when I've been thoroughly grilled either technically or mathematically. What could be the reason that they didn't ask either programming or maths questions? They obviously want me to work on something. The application process itself was quite complex (4 rounds with online tests, telephone interview, assessment center and personal interviews). Apart from the online logic / maths test, all interviews were competency based. Since they do some kind of 1-year training, could this mean that they focus on personality more than in-depth knowledge since this could be picked up during the training? Maybe that's wishful thinking... Quote2. Is there anybody there to pick up this knowledge from, though? If nobody asked you at the interview, then there's a very good chance that nobody in the firm knows the stuff that you want to learn.I think this is the most important question for me. I know that there are some Quants that develop models. I'm not sure, however, how close I would be to them...Quote3. The salary is very low in my opinion, but finance is the very definition of a "closed shop", so if in these straitened times you have to take a low-ish offer in order to get your foot in the door, it's probably worth doing. As for negotiating now, you're in a pretty weak position I presume - no other offers or alternative employment? If that's the case, I would be unlikely to negotiate, just accept it or not as you see fit. I'm not desperate to get this position. I still have some months before I finish my PhD and can easily stay at university. I also have some offers for non-financial jobs. I thought this could be a good opportunity to start in finance. Now, I'm not so sure any more.