What makes for a strong interview at Point72? It’s about showing us how you think, learn, and make decisions.

We spoke with recruiters across our businesses – the people who run these interviews every day – to get their perspectives on what makes a candidate stand out and how to prepare. Here’s what they shared:

What do you look for on a candidate’s resume?

• “Make sure it’s up to date and accurate. Do not embellish, omit jobs, or misrepresent any details – that is an immediate deal breaker. Beyond capability, hiring is about trust.” Reid, Equities Business Development EMEA
• “I want to see not just what a candidate has done, but how they’ve done it. Where permissible, naming specific tools and programs, quantifying results, and demonstrating impact helps me understand what methods they’ve used to apply their skillset in past work. Your resume is your first opportunity to tell your story, so don’t shy away from getting into the details.” Jordan, Investment Services
• “Relevant experience is always helpful, but we are equally drawn to candidates who show genuine interest in the field – whether through independent research, internships, or self-driven projects. We look for demonstrated curiosity and a track record of meaningful contributions. Attention to detail also goes a long way.” Alyssa, Cubist and Global Macro
• “It’s great to see extra-curricular activities such as investment clubs, debate clubs, stock pitch competitions, entrepreneurship, and any elements of risk taking.” Enrica, Point72 Academy APAC

What qualities do you often see in strong candidates?

• “Being thoughtful about the decisions you have made is an important quality. I always look at how people answer questions like why they chose their school or major. There isn’t a right answer. It’s more about demonstrating that your choices were made with intention.” Somyah, Equities Business Development
• “In the role of an investment analyst, there is always another piece of information to uncover. We want to hire people who are good at asking questions rather than someone who thinks they have all the answers. Curiosity matters – it shows you like to ask the ‘why of the why.’” Kelli, Point72 Academy
• “Good candidates have an energy about them that is always forward-looking. We want you to demonstrate that you’re not just a passive receptacle of information, but that you are able to turn information into action.” Reid, Equities Business Development EMEA
• “When people are articulate, succinct, and confident in their answers, that really stands out. I also think strong candidates ask questions that go beyond the high level.” Allie, Investment Services

How should a candidate prepare for the interview?

• “The firm has a lot of resources to help educate people on the firm. I recommend listening to the Point72 Academy podcast, attending our marketing events, and thinking of smart questions to ask the interviewer” Enrica, Point72 Academy APAC
• “Come to the interview with a very succinct summary of your work experience and where you can contribute and provide the most value in your next role. Spend some time thinking about why you’re a great candidate for the role based on what you know about it.” Allie, Investment Services
• “Have a good answer regarding why you want to work at Point72 and why the specific role or opportunity is interesting. If you are in later stages, you should be able to cite something you have learned or observed through the process.” Reid, Equities Business Development EMEA
• “I love to ask candidates how they would learn a new skill on the job. It shows me how they think about learning and what resources they would use.” Jordan, Investment Services
• “I’m happy to educate candidates about Point72, but I never want to convince someone to work here once they have all the information. Before the interview, make sure you’ve thought through why you’re interested in the firm and the role – that motivation has to come from you.” Somyah, Equities Business Development

What mindset should you bring to the interview?

• “Be prepared but don’t rely on memorizing a script. The interview can take many different paths depending on how you answer one question. If you have too firm of a script, you will be thrown off by the time you get to the third question.” Kelli, Point72 Academy
• “Every person you meet is hopeful that your candidacy is a good match for the role. If we didn’t think so, you wouldn’t have made it to this stage. The recruiter, hiring manager, and interviewers involved all want you to succeed.” Jordan, Investment Servies
• “Interviews are an opportunity for you to get to know us, too. We want to make sure that you find the right fit. Don’t hesitate to ask us anything that will help you make an informed choice. Many candidates assume interviews are only about getting the ‘right’ answer, but we care just as much about your approach.” Alyssa, Cubist and Global Macro
• “You should show you’re passionate. Passion doesn’t have to mean you’ve followed stocks since you were 10. It’s about being intellectually curious and understanding why you are drawn to this job.” Somyah, Equities Business Development

How do you think a candidate should approach a challenging question?

• “It speaks highly of a candidate when they can acknowledge what they don’t know and take responsibility for needing to brush up on something or learn more. Interviewers don’t expect you to have every answer. Honesty and self-awareness are often more impressive.” Alyssa, Cubist and Global Macro
• “A lot of questions that I ask don’t have a right or wrong answer. If you feel like you made a mistake, have the humility to identify the mistake. It shows you’re self-aware and there is nothing wrong with learning as you go.” Allie, Investment Services
• “It’s okay to ask for 30 seconds to think on an answer before you start spewing details on something that is not well thought out. Tell us you’d like a minute to formulate your answer.” Kelli, Point72 Academy
• “You can be upfront and say ‘I don’t know,’ but follow that with how you would approach finding the answer. It really shows your logic and ability to handle ambiguity.” Enrica, Point72 Academy APAC