Quant interviews are among the most challenging in any industry. Unlike standard tech interviews, they test both your mathematical reasoning and programming skills simultaneously, often under intense time pressure.
Top firms like Jane Street, Citadel, Two Sigma, and HRT receive thousands of applications for each position. Standing out requires deliberate, structured preparation.
This guide covers everything you need to know about quant interview prep in 2026, from core topics to timeline recommendations to firm-specific strategies.
Core Interview Topics
Understanding what's tested is the first step to effective preparation. Here's the breakdown of topics by approximate weight in most quant interviews:
Probability & Statistics
~35%Expected value, conditional probability, distributions, Bayes' theorem, and classic puzzles.
Coding & Algorithms
~25%Data structures, algorithms, and system design. Python for research, C++ for systems.
Brain Teasers & Logic
~20%Puzzles testing logical reasoning, estimation, and creative problem-solving.
Mental Math
~10%Quick arithmetic, estimation, and numerical reasoning under time pressure.
Finance & Markets
~10%Options pricing, Greeks, market-making, and trading intuition.
Preparation Timeline
A structured timeline helps you cover all topics systematically. Here's a 16-week plan that has worked for successful candidates:
Foundation
Weeks 1-4- Review probability fundamentals
- Brush up on Python/C++ basics
- Read 'A Practical Guide to Quant Interviews'
- Start daily mental math practice
Deep Dive
Weeks 5-12- Solve 100+ probability problems
- Complete coding challenge sets
- Study options & derivatives basics
- Practice brain teasers daily
Interview Ready
Weeks 13-16- Do mock interviews (peer or professional)
- Review firm-specific question patterns
- Perfect your explanations and communication
- Rest and maintain confidence
The Interview Process
Most quant firms follow a similar multi-stage interview process. Understanding each stage helps you prepare appropriately:
Application & Resume Screen
1-2 weeks
Strong academics, relevant experience, and clear interest in quant finance.
Online Assessment
1-2 hours
Timed coding challenges, math problems, and sometimes personality assessments.
Phone/Video Rounds
2-3 weeks
2-3 technical interviews covering probability, coding, and brain teasers.
Superday/Onsite
Full day
4-8 back-to-back interviews. Mix of technical and behavioral questions.
Firm-Specific Tips
Each firm has its own interview style and focus areas. Here's what to expect:
Jane Street
Heavy on probability, market-making scenarios, and game theory. Known for collaborative problem-solving.
Citadel
Rigorous technical interviews. Strong emphasis on coding and system design for dev roles.
Two Sigma
Data science and ML-focused. Research roles emphasize statistical modeling and Python.
HRT
Low-latency systems focus. C++ expertise is crucial. Fast-paced technical interviews.
DE Shaw
Quantitative research emphasis. Strong math background valued. Long-term thinking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Jumping to solutions too quickly
Always clarify the problem and think aloud before coding or calculating.
Neglecting mental math practice
Spend 15-20 minutes daily on arithmetic speed drills.
Focusing only on hard problems
Master the fundamentals first. Easy problems build speed and confidence.
Not practicing under time pressure
Simulate real interview conditions with timed practice sessions.
Ignoring behavioral questions
Prepare stories about teamwork, challenges, and why you want to be a quant.
Memorizing solutions instead of understanding
Focus on the reasoning process. Interviewers can tell when you're reciting.
Best Resources for 2026
Books
- • A Practical Guide to Quant Interviews
- • Heard on the Street
- • Fifty Challenging Problems in Probability
Practice Platforms
- • MyntBit - Quant-specific problems
- • LeetCode - Coding practice
- • Brilliant - Math intuition
Courses
- • MIT OCW - Probability & Statistics
- • Coursera - Financial Engineering
- • QuantConnect - Algo Trading
Communities
- • QuantNet Forums
- • r/quant on Reddit
- • Blind - Quant channels