Futures First info Services Trainee Market Analyst Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

Round: Test
Experience: 1st test had only mathematical calculations, since it was only 6 minute test so I did not wasted my time in selecting the questions, I went on and solved the first 25 out of 40. 2nd test had math and DI questions for 30 minutes; I tried to do selected questions this time. Preparations for CAT helped me lot in doing this test. The company had an absolute cutoff in both the tests.

Round: HR Interview
Experience: “Why trading and not aerospace?” the very first question fired on me, I gave a positive answer stating why I find finance more interesting instead of saying anything negative about aerospace. What is 77^3, 141^2 etc some of the verbal calculative questions asked in between, although these are very uncomfortable questions I tried to kept my composure and gave an approximate answer to these questions which was acceptable. Some simple puzzles were asked. After some time the interviewer started pitching for me and telling me stuffs about the company, this is where I was almost sure of an offer. There was no 2nd of interview for me.

General Tips: At the beginning of the 7th sem I had made up my mind that I don’t want to do MS or Phd but I was still confused between MBA and job. So I decided to prepare for both, which later on I realized that there was a lot common in the preparation of the two. After deciding this, the next question that came to my mind was ‘what kind of job I want?’ To answer this question I needed to develop basic market knowledge about the various sectors and the companies in those sectors which I did by regularly updating myself through newspapers, internet, business magazines etc. At least a month before the placements I was sure that I
would apply only for consulting and finance profiles, since there were more than 5 companies on a single day so having a preference helped me focus better and do well in the interviews.

Resumes: It is the very first test of your creativity by any company and is equally important like any interview. I tried to add some spikes in my resume which is required for both consultancies as well as finance. I started making my resume in September and after hundreds of changes and feedbacks from the seniors (which is most important) and it took me more than a month, so start with resume as early as possible.

PPTs: The most important thing that you learn in ppts is the details of the work profile which you won't find anywhere else. It is the best place to get an answer to all the questions in your mind. So I would suggest you to try and attend as many ppts as possible not because of the compulsion in attendance but for its
benefits. In any ppt make sure that the company tells you the breakup of the compensation package as there are many hidden expenses included in the package.

Preparation: This is the most important input in getting a good job. This basically includes 3 things,

Group Discussions: We used to make a group of 8-10 within our department and sometimes in my wing and discussed on any topic for 15-20 minutes. It would be just like a bulla session but in English and an element of formality involved in it. After the GDs the participants gave the feedback to each other which was most important. For GDs try to keep yourself updated with the current affairs coz most of the times the topics are related to recent happenings. And one more thing don’t feel shy or left out, say whatever you want to say even if you think that the discussion is chaotic.

Case Studies: Make a group of 3-4 people one would be the interviewer, an interviewee and the rest to just watch and would give the feedback at the end. Take up any case from the numerous case books available on the LAN and conduct such sessions. How ever tough or easy the case may be you always learn how to structure the problems and the basic knowledge which is applicable in most of the cases. Do solve lot of puzzles, this will further add to your logical thinking. This can be best done while you go to the canteen every night because a discussion can add a lot dimensions to it.

Personal Interviews: The basic mantra for a PI is to show a positive body language, be cheerful and speak confidently. This basically involves the HR questions and questions related to the stuffs written in your resume. This round is conducted by every company irrespective of whether it is a core or a non core company. I prepared myself for general questions and also participated in various one on one interviews with my friends, initially I thought that such interviews with friends won’t be a formal one but I was wrong, it helped me a lot later on.

Workshops: There would be numerous workshops conducted by the companies and the SPO. Don't miss
out on any of them as it is the most easy and effective way to learn.
College Name: IIT Kanpur

Round: Test
Tips: No need of any preparation. Just speed math
Duration: 50 minutes

Round: Interview
Experience: Yes. First one was a stress interview. They wanted to see how I reacted when put under stress. Second was about finance, trading, the job and the like. The interviewer explained what the job entails, I was sure I got the job
Tips: Try taking part in Trade Moghul if you are really interested in trading. A lot of banks don't offer trading positions, so if you are interested in trading profile, it's a good place.

General Tips: In fact there are different skill sets each company expects. So try to emphasize the right skill set in your resume. Get this done by at least Septembert end.
College Name: IIT MADRAS

Round: Test
Experience: questions are easy. time constraint plays a critical role.
Tips: practice a lot of problems on similar lines. IndiaBix, etc sites have such problems for pratice
Duration: 29 minutes
Total Questions: 75

Round: Puzzle Interview
Experience: One gotta pay attention to whatever is being asked.
Tips: Relax a bit , hear and listen to the question properly. give some time. answer

Round: HR Interview
Experience: good interactive session
Tips: be yourself. a bit of exposure to these sort of questions helps

Round: Stress Interview
Tips: be calm. keep a smile on your face. don't over-react

General Tips: Regular practice. Soft Skill development. smile. stress handling capacity. good prep for HR questions. Confidence
Skills: Number Skills, to stay calm under pressure, Communication skills
College Name: NIT ROURKELA
Motivation: Lot to learn. Market Analysis is the base for any business. The entire process of preparing will get you acquainted with terms and theory that might help you in MBA interviews. Also MONEY! :D
Funny Moments: I was almost done with in 5 minutes as they were pretty tired and had almost rejected me. They asked me if i had any final questions.. I replied "Do you want to have an RJ in your company?"And the interview starts again. :)

Round: Test
Experience: I have a fetish for numbers. So, rather than a month long preparation, requisite effort was there for quite some time and a brief stint with Vedic Maths formulae sufficed. One can always start with the Vedic Math channels in YouTube
Duration: 29 minutes
Total Questions: 75

Round: Group Discussion
Experience: There were no GD

Round: Technical Interview
Experience: In the 1st round of interview, the interviewer asked question primarily based on my CV and the form they had asked us to fill up right before the interview

Round: Stress Interview
Experience: The 2nd round was basically, a stress interview. They test you by asking to multiply numbers in your head, in let’s say, 10 seconds. Or by giving you fictional scenarios.
Tips: I was in touch with our seniors in the company, who had suggested that, a brief idea about trading and markets would help. I have been following Investopedia for quite
some months. Also, I have been following YouTube channels of Lex Van Dam et al, to know about high pressured trading environments. Ultimately, they were quite helpful
and if you really have interest in knowing these things, you will enjoy the entire prep process

General Tips: I had no interest for going into any of the Core companies. So, I had made up my mind to go into anything but Core or IT. And after going through Futures First job profile and the reviews of some of our alumni placed in the company, it was one company that I was hoping for. So, yes, I am satisfied.
Skill Tips: NA
College Name: NIT ROURKELA
Motivation: Getting placed is more luck than anything else. But, a bit of preparation can always come in handy. I would suggest a constant study of the current happenings in the business world. Reading newspapers and books or following blogs can be of great help.For this company in particular, practicing speed maths is a must as some of us faced questions of 3-digit and 2-digit multiplication to be answered without pen and paper within, 10 seconds. Stay calm for interview, because the key, ultimately, is confidence. Just remember, no one gets anything more than one deserves and before the scheduled time. So, deserve, desire and chill.