How to Get a Job in Quant Finance 2024

Summary

In this video, Demitri addresses the job market for fresh graduates in Quant Finance, emphasizing the importance of a specialized and targeted resume. He critiques common mistakes, such as resumes listing too many unrelated skills, and advises job seekers to tailor their resumes for specific roles. Demitri also discusses the competitive nature of the job market and the need for candidates to showcase not only technical skills but also personality and passion for the field during interviews.

Takeaways

• 📝 Tailor your resume for the specific job you're applying for, focusing on relevant skills and experiences.
• 🔍 Avoid listing too many unrelated skills on your resume, as it can make you appear unfocused and lacking in depth.
• 🚫 Don't include skills on your resume that you don't have substantial experience with, as recruiters will look for evidence of those skills in your work history.
• 📈 Highlight results and outcomes in your resume to demonstrate the impact of your work and projects.
• 💡 Include specific details and examples in your resume to show your thought process and problem-solving abilities.
• 📉 The job market for Quant Finance is competitive, with many applicants for each position, so standing out is crucial.
• 🌐 The current job market has seen some contraction in certain areas but remains strong, with opportunities for those who can demonstrate specialized skills.
• 🏢 Companies are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running and contribute effectively to their teams.
• 🤝 Personality and enthusiasm for the field can be as important as technical skills during the interview process.
• 🎓 While educational background is important, it's the application of knowledge and skills in real-world projects that truly counts.
• 🗣️ Practice discussing your resume and projects to ensure you can articulate your experiences and qualifications confidently during interviews.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Demitri's video?

The main topic of Demitri's video is discussing the job market for fresh graduates in Quant Finance, focusing on resume building and the hiring process.

What does Demitri suggest is the number one mistake on resumes he reviews?

The number one mistake Demitri suggests is that resumes are too generalized, listing too many skills without showing depth or coherence, which makes it hard for recruiters to assess the candidate's actual expertise.

What is Demitri's opinion on the term 'Quant Dev'?

Demitri dislikes the term 'Quant Dev', considering it 'kind of a trashy term' and not descriptive enough. He prefers the term 'implementation Quant' for roles that involve taking models from development teams and putting them into production.

According to Demitri, what are the two main skills needed for an implementation Quant role?

The two main skills needed for an implementation Quant role, as mentioned by Demitri, are computer science and mathematics.

What does Demitri advise against when listing skills on a resume?

Demitri advises against listing every possible skill on a resume, especially if they are not cohesive or cannot be demonstrated with experience, as it can make the candidate appear to know 'absolutely nothing' in depth.

Why does Demitri believe many resumes list skills like C++ without actual experience?

Demitri believes that many resumes list skills like C++ without actual experience due to the influence of financial engineering programs that teach a little bit of everything but do not provide depth, leading to graduates knowing 'absolutely nothing' in a specialized area.

What should a candidate do if they are applying for multiple types of jobs according to Demitri?

Demitri suggests that if a candidate is applying for multiple types of jobs, they should write separate, individual resumes tailored to each specific job type, focusing on the relevant skills and experiences for that role.

What does Demitri emphasize about the importance of having a specialized set of skills in the job market?

Demitri emphasizes that having a specialized set of skills is crucial in the job market due to high competition, and that candidates should avoid being generalists, especially if they do not have a deep passion or understanding of the Quant field.

What advice does Demitri give regarding the inclusion of results or conclusions in a resume?

Demitri advises that resumes should include results or conclusions for the projects listed, even if they are not numerical or significant. This provides a sense of completion and understanding of the candidate's role in the project.

How does Demitri describe the current state of the job market for Quant roles?

Demitri describes the job market for Quant roles as competitive but still strong, with some areas experiencing growth while others are scaling back. He mentions that there are many applications for each job posting, making it challenging for candidates to stand out.

What does Demitri suggest is an important factor in the hiring process aside from skills and experience?

Aside from skills and experience, Demitri suggests that personality and excitement about the field are important factors in the hiring process. He looks for candidates who are passionate about math, stats, programming, and Quant Finance.