OSTC's Recruitment and Selection FAQs

Each OSTC office recruits on an individual timetable. We recommend you sign up to our Global Network where you will receive our latest news and job alerts.

Closing date deadlines for each position are listed on our Vacancies page. Each position is recruited for on a group basis. Due to the volume of applications received, we recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

OSTC welcomes candidates from all degree disciplines as well as those who did not attend university. What we do require is that you have an interest in trading or market analysis and a passion to succeed.

You do not need to have previous professional trading/market analysis experience to apply; we provide in-depth training before you start trading/analysing on live markets.

We welcome applications from all candidates but there are legal restrictions in the countries in which we operate. We are unable to process applications that have visa or sponsorship requirements.

After submitting your CV and answering our questionnaire, the next stage will vary for each region.

Typically there is a video interview. This is followed by numerical reasoning, analytical or psychometric tests. If successful after these stages, an invitation to an assessment day will be arranged.

To undertake numerical reasoning tests, you will either be sent a link to an online test or invited to the office to complete depending on the circumstances. The tests are designed to test your numeracy agility and are not overly complicated.

It is important to be open and honest about your experience and aspirations. Think about how to answer questions that evidence your commitment to learning and progressing in a career in trading/market analysis.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSTC has looked at opportunities to increase remote working. As a newly appointed remote trader/market analyst, you will receive a work station kit before your start date, along with remote work guidance and all the information you need, including I.T. set-up help, contact details and other requirements and best practices. The relevant OSTC teams will also be contactable should you need any assistance. At the beginning of your job, you will take part in online training before entering real markets. You will need to be available and responsive during working hours from day one. Maintaining frequent and timely communication is very important for us, so you will be in constant contact with your training team, manager and other traders/market analysts. Your wellbeing is also crucial from the beginning, so we will provide useful recommendations to stay motivated, satisfied and happy in your job.

The simple answer is no. For many, finding a remote job that means not spending hours commuting or moving home to be nearer the office, can be a great way to keep your career on track. As a remote trader/market analyst, you will still go through the same thorough training and go live on the same markets as those based in the office. The only difference is that you will do it all from home. We have prepared a whole host of tools to help you stay connected with your team and manager, and keep you moving in the right direction.

OSTC pays salaries to all our traders/market analysts throughout their career including their training period.

We believe this demonstrates our commitment to the individual and our confidence in our training methods. The full remuneration and bonus structure will be discussed with you in detail during our hiring process, but we are confident that our bonus structure is one of the most generous in the market.

In order to create a sustainable high-performing workplace, OSTC operates two generous short and long term performance-based incentive plans. You will receive more information at the interview and employment offer stage.

Employees enjoy a range of benefits working for OSTC. It’s important to note that some of the ones listed below are dependent on your location and the markets you work on:

• A 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Bonus based on your performance
• Medical Insurance
• Pension Contributions
• Childcare Vouchers

You will progress from a junior trader/market analyst through to a senior trader/market analyst usually over a 3-4 year period. Some traders/market analysts also go into managerial roles, but it depends on the individual and capacity of the office.

Most regions welcome re-applying candidates as this demonstrates both persistence and commitment which are two key strengths in successful traders/market analysts.

Unfortunately not. OSTC provides comprehensive education and training which requires 100% commitment and occupies a successful candidate’s time for the full working week. Additional ‘after work’ time may also be needed for learning/revising reasons on occasion.

D&I is a core part of OSTC’s strategic priority and sits front and centre when it comes to how we approach and drive it. We have a group D&I and wellbeing manager designated to driving and shaping the future direction we take. We made good progress in our efforts in 2020 and have ambition to lead and positively influence the finance sector for the future.

Below is a selection of D&I initiatives that we are currently undertaking:

• Membership with Stonewall UK to focus on supporting our LGBTQ+ community and improving psychological safety.
• Partnership with Evenbreak to help OSTC attract more talented disabled candidates through their job board.
• Members of the City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA), helping to drive our wellbeing strategy. In 2020 nearly a third of OSTC employees took part in a mental health awareness training course, with an additional 18 colleagues trained as certified mental health first aiders.
• We have long-term employee gender diversity targets set up across the entire organisation.
• We provide online training courses to educate and support employees on the foundations of D&I, Psychological safety training, LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and unconscious bias training for hiring managers.

Yes, we have an excellent wellbeing manager at OSTC and your managers will be able to advise on your balance. There are also frequent opportunities to be trained in mental health awareness, and OSTC has an externally provided employee assistance programme that can help with any challenges you have either professionally or personally.