Interview preparation

Maverick Derivatives Interview Guide

Last updated: Jun 28th, 2025

Pursuing a career at Maverick Derivatives means stepping into a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment where talent is developed through a structured and transparent recruitment process. This guide outlines each step of the Maverick Derivatives interview process and offers practical tips to help you succeed.


The Maverick Derivatives interview process consists of three main stages:


  1. Aptitude Assessment
  2. HR Interview
  3. Assessment Day


Maverick provides study materials throughout the process, so take advantage of the preparation resources offered at each stage.


Maverick office

Stage 1: Aptitude Assessment

After submitting your application, you will be invited to complete a multi-part aptitude test. This stage is designed to test a wide range of abilities and does not require perfection in every section. The assessment includes:


  • Mental Math: Fast-paced calculations, often under tight time constraints. Accuracy and speed are key.
  • Multiple Choice (Reasoning & Probability): These questions assess your logical thinking and understanding of basic probability theory. This assessment is timed and contains 10 questions.
  • Programming: Basic to intermediate challenges in Python and SQL. You do not need to be a software engineer, but you should be comfortable solving logic-based coding problems.
  • Finance: Expect questions about financial markets, instruments, and concepts relevant to trading.


Preparation Tips:


Stage 2: HR Interview

Candidates who pass the aptitude stage are invited to a video or in-person HR interview. This interview is designed to assess your motivation, cultural fit, and general communication skills.


Common Topics:

  • Why do you want to work at Maverick Derivatives?
  • How do you handle pressure?
  • What excites you about trading?
  • Tell us about a time you solved a difficult problem.
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?


Preparation Tips:

  • Be honest and clear in your communication.
  • Research Maverick's mission and values to understand what the firm looks for in its hires.
  • Reflect on past experiences that show resilience, curiosity, and a growth mindset.


Stage 3: Assessment Day

The most intensive part of the process is the in-person assessment day at Maverick’s office. Candidates face a full day of challenges designed to simulate the real work environment. This stage includes:


  • Brainteasers: These are classic problem-solving exercises. Speed is important, but so is a structured thought process.
  • Trading Games: Simulations of real-world trading decisions to test your intuition, risk appetite, and adaptability.
  • Programming Challenges: Coding problems that test your problem-solving skills and logical thinking, often focused on trading-relevant scenarios.
  • Individual Interviews: Multiple rounds with different team members, ranging from technical discussions to behavioral interviews.


An important note is that candidates are oftentimes shortlisted after lunch. If selected, you will continue into the final rounds of interviews later that same day.


Preparation Tips:

Closing Remarks

To succeed in the Maverick Derivatives interview process, you’ll need a strong mix of numerical ability, structured thinking, and genuine interest in trading. While the process is demanding, Maverick’s transparency and support materials help level the playing field. Use them.


Keep in mind that Maverick does not expect you to be perfect in every area. They are looking for people who are sharp, driven, and eager to learn. Make sure you showcase your ability to grow, stay calm under pressure, and contribute to a collaborative and intellectually intense culture.


Maverick is smaller and more specialized than many large trading firms. This means cultural alignment and team fit matter just as much as technical skill. If you understand and resonate with their philosophy, it will show, and that can set you apart.