Hedge Fund Interview Questions

One of the first things you will learn during your hedge fund interview is that you are competing with a lot of other people who want the same job. It can be nerve-wracking trying to impress everyone and really stand out from the crowd, so it is important that you know exactly what you need to do in order to be a great fit for the company.

So, what you need to understand before you ever get to an interview is how the business works, including the long/short portfolio management strategies that they follow. Most candidates don't realize this, but pitching a long/short portfolio management strategy is probably the most important aspect of the entire interviewing process. Portfolio managers nearly universally agree ‐I am here to earn money, period. There is no other reason I should have to make my living doing this work.

That doesn't mean that you are stuck doing everything the way they tell you, however. You need to learn how to be successful on your own and develop your own strategies. That's why it is important to have the right tools. One such tool that is often overlooked but is vital to successful hedge fund management is your prepared presentation.

A prepared presentation is absolutely crucial if you want to make an impression during your interview as you will be asked to provide examples and scenarios in which you were able to provide exceptional performance. A professional presentation will help you build confidence, show that you know how to communicate your ideas clearly, and will also allow you to provide strong evidence for your specific goals.

One of the key questions that you will be asked is why hedge funds choose to use portfolio management systems in the first place. While you certainly have the talent to manage your portfolio, many times it isn't enough to simply decide to do so. You need to learn the basics and be able to answer specific questions related to what the business is all about.

That is why having an experienced lawyer or investment banker with experience in the business of hedge funds will be critical during the interview process. If you have the right information and a well-prepared presentation prepared, you can get an edge on your competition when it comes to getting the job of your dreams.