Hi Guys, I have an interview with ICAP (interdealer brokers) early January, but i cant find any information on how they interview or what the interviews are like!! I know they dont do numeracy tests. Does anyone know what the working culture at these places are like? e.g loud boisterous traders or quieter more serious attitude.What sorts of personalities are they looking for?Do you have any tips for the interview?(I've tried to do research on the internet but i cant find that much)Any help would be much appreciated because I'm tearing my hair out!!!

Hi DesmondI've never worked as a broker, but deal with them every day, so I'll try and give you a few insights. For what it's worth, ICAP is no better or worse than any other broker when it comes to these observationsa) Different individuals have different methods of working. Some schmooze, some analyse, some work their ass off to get the best numbers. You will have to identify your strengths and sell them to the desk, as all the other brokers will want to leverage off your skills to improve the service to their clients. Given the forum you are posting on, I imagine quantitative skills should be your point of difference.b) Culture : ha - there is none. Whilst some of the stories you may hear are overstated, in general brokers are boozy, ass-kissing, dumbass whores who will do anything to broke the next big trade.c) Personality : don't be shy, don't be a rocket-scientist (ok to be smart, but not so smart you make them feel stupid), be motivated by money.d) A good broker will make more money than a good trader. Hope that helps.EQPS What's the difference between a broker and a trader. A trader says "fuck you" and hangs up, a broker hangs up and says "fuck you".

Desmond,Read the post given below again. But don't get too carried by it. EnergyQuant gave you about brokers. You can join a broking house for a living BUT don't enjoy the job. Take any house,Merryl,Morgan,Goldman,Deutsch etc. they have broking houses too. There is a big difference between the guys in their main business and the broking business.

Thanks a lot for all the information fellas, this is actually very helpful.QuoteOriginally posted by: EnergyQuant :- In general brokers are boozy, ass-kissing, dumbass whores who will do anything to broke the next big trade.Hmm..why do I get the feeling that you may not like brokers all that much!!P.S. If anyone has any more info I would be very grateful.

QuoteOriginally posted by: DesmondThanks a lot for all the information fellas, this is actually very helpful.QuoteOriginally posted by: EnergyQuant :- In general brokers are boozy, ass-kissing, dumbass whores who will do anything to broke the next big trade.Hmm..why do I get the feeling that you may not like brokers all that much!!P.S. If anyone has any more info I would be very grateful.Nah, I don't mind them. Couldn't do my job without them. Just recognise them (and the industry) for what they are. IMHO, traders and salemen are really no better. We just go about our job in a slightly different way.Best of luck for your interview.EQ

How was Your interview? I will be probably having one soon, too. Could You write how it looked? Many thanks!

;