Hedge Fund Trader

Here's an example of a sector trade: Fred is a long/short equity hedge fund manager whose primary trading strategy focuses on sector trades. Fred noticed that in the tech sector, Microsoft (MSFT) was a relatively cheap stock when compared with Oracle (ORCL). Fred purchases 100 shares of MSFT because MSFT is undervalued relative to the theoretical price (fair value) and the market is expected to correct the price. Simultaneously, Fred sells short 100 shares of ORCL because ORCL is overvalued relative to its theoretical price.

More SEC regulation, continued growth in institutional investing, and the potential of offering hedge funds to average retail investors are all key issues.

I suggest saying something like, "If my assumptions [discuss them here] about the effect of [insert catalyst] prove true than the market will realize ABC's intrinsic value of [insert valuation]." You can then speak about contingency valuations, etc.

This is more aimed at junior recruits and suggests that it's another opportunity to show what a great trader or portfolio manager you could become. In reality, it's more of a 'cultural fit' question, a chance to prove that a career in a hedge fund is for you and that you're in investing for the long-haul.

"You need to be succinct and demonstrate a passion for investing. You might have started trading on your personal account, or gained work experience from an early age," says Barry Seath, managing director of hedge fund focused recruiters Mirage Recruitment.

Here's an example of a sector trade: Fred is a long/short equity hedge fund manager whose primary trading strategy focuses on sector trades. Fred noticed that in the tech sector, Microsoft (MSFT) was a relatively cheap stock when compared with Oracle (ORCL). Fred purchases 100 shares of MSFT because MSFT is undervalued relative to the theoretical price (fair value) and the market is expected to correct the price. Simultaneously, Fred sells short 100 shares of ORCL because ORCL is overvalued relative to its theoretical price.

Yes, this is an obvious question generic to any job interview, but it's also a chance to sell yourself to the hedge fund. They want you to prove, by going through your skills and experience, that you can evaluate businesses, easily navigate your way through financial statements and analyst reports and, most importantly, have enough ability to be trusted with a large amount of money to put behind your trading ideas.

I suggest using a quantitative metric to show you did your homework here, such as, "ABC Industry has the ability to grow xyz% in the next 3-5 years. This is also a good place to highlight changing competitive dynamics, etc.

I suggest something like, "The business has sales of $30 in a $3000 industry representing a 3% market share despite being recognized as the product leader and having an exceptional management team.

What they don't want to hear is why a huge commonly followed stock is your choice (unless you're going against the consensus)," says Anthony Keizner, managing director at headhunters Glocap. "They want to hear good business logic and why the stock is over or under-valued, what the market is missing and what the catalyst is for the stock to hit your price target.

These funds comprise a couple of analysts, sector heads and one PM. In this fund type, people have direct access to the decision maker and generally, there is a good mentoring environment and less bureaucracy.

The processes are transparent and sometimes, the analysts even contribute to the core decision-making process. The single manager fund team usually don't have more than ten members.

The pay is varied with the PM getting about 50% of the total profits.

I was told and had heard of this firm's selectivity when interviewing candidates, and it seemed like the thorough process was meant to make sure that no matter what, the candidate would be a good cultural fit. Part of the cultural fit was the ability to handle oneself smoothly in an impossible situation.