How we hire
Our four-step recruitment process is simple, streamlined, and to the point. From initial interest to a final offer, this is what to expect.
1. APPLICATION
Submit your resume, make a job application, and get the ball rolling.
2. ASSESSMENT
If we think you could be a good fit, we’ll send you an assessment(s) to complete.
3. INTERVIEW
Once the assessments are over, you’ll be formally invited to our interview stage.
4. JOB OFFER
Our experts will review your entire application. If you’re successful, we may make you an offer.
1. APPLICATION
This is where it all starts. Make sure to review the job description thoroughly and read through the tips included here.
We like clear, concise resumes. Make sure to include all the relevant information but keep it compact. If you think more detailed information adds value, please include it as a separate document in the same window you added your resume.
Make sure the information is relevant to the role. We’re curious to learn about recent and relevant experience, so that means there’s no need to include your student part-time job in a restaurant or your school projects if you're now a professional.
We assume everyone can work with Microsoft Office so don’t include your Word and Excel skills on your resume. Please include any programming languages you’re familiar with. For interns and graduates, if you include a level of proficiency, compare yourself to professionals and not fellow students. If we read “very good” in C++, you’ll be setting a high bar for yourself.
There's no need to worry about a cover letter because we don’t require them. Instead, focus on your resume. That's where we'll review your experience and skills.
2. ASSESSMENTS
Assessments vary from role to role, so be ready for anything. In general, more technical or technology-focused roles will involve more in-depth assessments.
For most positions, we’ll ask you to complete an aptitude assessment at some point in the application process. In the invitation, we’ll include test links, and you’ll also receive a few practice questions before the actual test starts.
For some positions, you’re asked to complete a technical home assignment. This can apply to trading, technology, and business operations roles. We expect you to be able to do the work without any preparation. You can always Google or use open source as you go. Just make sure that the work you do is your own.
Preparation is everything. Before you start, make sure to read the instructions carefully, be mindful of the deadline, and take full advantage of any practice questions provided. Take enough time, make sure you’re somewhere without distractions, and that you’ve got reliable internet.
What matters most is that you give us your best. We expect all applicants to put in the necessary work. If a deadline is too tight or badly timed, do reach out to us. If we can be flexible, we will be!
3. INTERVIEW
It's important to approach interviews with an optimistic mindset even though you may face challenging questions. The more open you are, and the more potential solutions you see, the more our interview team can offer guidance.
Interviews aren’t just about giving the right answer. We’re more interested in your approach to solving a complex problem: how you think through it, how you break it down – especially with topics that may be unfamiliar to you. The interviews are designed to be challenging and fun, so relax and enjoy the process. Keep asking questions and seeking clarification if necessary.
We want to understand more about you, your motivations, and your interest in trading and technology. Take the time to find out about IMC and explain your motivation for wanting to solve challenging problems in financial markets.
4. JOB OFFER
After all that, it’s decision time. We’ll go away and review everything from your application, your assessment, and your interview results. If you’re successful, we’ll be in touch!
FAQs
For interns and graduates, we don't require specific industry experience. Instead, we look for a general interest in financial markets and a strong analytical/technical background. For experienced candidates, we have a higher expectation in regards to sector knowledge and skillset, and will evaluate these factors during the recruitment process.
Yes. However, if it’s because you are unsure about which job to apply for, you can always reach out to us. We want the right candidate for the right job and are happy to help you decide. If you still want to apply for more than one job, please keep in mind that each role has its own selection process. As you progress through our process, you'll need to decide which role motivates you and that you ultimately wish to pursue.
Yes, we will. Before making arrangements, we check your availability for the interview date and your travel preferences. We’ll book your flights and accommodation. If you would like to have more time to explore the city, we're happy to book you an earlier/later flight.
Yes, we know moving countries or cities is a big decision and we do all we can to assist you.
Global collaboration is a high priority for IMC, so we make every effort to provide opportunities for interested staff to travel to our international offices. The length and frequency of these trips will be based on a number of factors, including the role, performance, team, and project. We make efforts for all graduates to have the chance to visit another office early on in their career if not during their Graduate Traineeship.
We often hear that candidates chose to apply for the internship because they felt they did not have enough experience to apply for the graduate position. However, it’s important to note that we don't require any industry experience, but rather are looking for an interest in financial markets and a strong analytical/technical background. Everything you need to know about financial markets will be taught during the internship and/or Graduate Traineeship. However, if you're about to graduate and have a different reason to apply for the internship, feel free to do so.
The Graduate Traineeship is held twice per year in February/March and August/September. Our Trading School is held over 6 weeks, followed by a local traineeship held over 6 to 14 weeks, depending on which office you join. Our Development School is held over 5 weeks and FPGA School over 3 weeks.
The internship start dates will vary between offices. APAC summer internships will take place over the Australian summer in a 10-week programme. Europe summer internships will run from the beginning of July until the end of September in a 12/13-week programme. US internships typically run from the second week in June until the third week in August in a 10-week programme. India internships run for nine weeks, starting in July.
We only offer off-cycle (i.e. non-summer) internships in our Amsterdam office. Once per year, each office will host a large group of students that follow a more structured, 3-month programme. If you want to start at another time of year, we would still love to hear from you. We can offer internships between 12 weeks and 6 months, with flexible starting dates. If you do an off-cycle internship, you'll be assigned to a mentor who will oversee your work.
As an intern, you'll work on real projects that are intended to be used long-term at IMC.
Given that most trading at IMC is automated, a significant part of a trader’s role is to optimise our trading strategies and system. A trader spends significant time using Python skills for data analysis to understand where systematic improvements to trading can be made. Additionally, they work very closely with software engineers. Therefore, it’s important for a trader to be able to effectively communicate the technical aspects required to implement new trading features.
In some cases, traders are called 'quant traders' because they spend most of their time conducting analyses (using quantitative and technical skills) to improve trading and capture more opportunities in the market.
