Citigroup: Sales and trading (graduate)*

Question

You got a very good marks in maths. Do you think you are good at maths?

Student's Answer

I like to be humble in interviews and pointed out that whilst I am quite good at maths and my course is very quantitative, I am sure a mathematics student would be much better than me. But in the end a trader doesn't need to do very complex maths, but rather simple maths very fast and highly accurate. This is something that levels the playing field between me and a maths student again.

Question

What stock would you go long in at the moment?

Student's Answer

I had read something about Research in Motion in the FT on the train that morning so I told him about the P/E ratio that showed it's undervalued compared to its peers, pointed out its new products in the tablet market, etc... . My interviewer didn't agree with me and said he thought Blackberries had little future. He recommended Nokia as a long.

Question

How do you view Citi?

Student's Answer

I told him that I have great respect for the company for several reasons. First I pointed out its history regarding Salomon Brothers, secondly I knew its quite strong in FICC and equities so I said it provides good opportunities for people who haven't settled on a product/desk yet. I reinforced this point by saying that I knew Citi's grad programme is rotational and so that would suit me too. Thirdly I have friends at Citi who rave about the culture there. However I didn't want to be all optimistic and did point out that I had concerns regarding the US government's stake (now sold) in Citi.

These questions were provided to us by a candidate claiming to have interviewed at the bank named above. We cannot guarantee that these were the actual questions asked.