Mastering Odds: My Challenging General Tech Interview at Optiver

optiver | Software Engineer | Interview Experience

Interview Date: Not specified
Result: Not specified
Difficulty: Not specified

Interview Process

The interview consisted of multiple rounds focusing on probability and problem-solving skills. Each round included questions that tested the candidate’s analytical thinking and mathematical reasoning.

Technical Questions

  1. Probability of Different Face Value
    Question: You throw one dice two times. What is the probability that the 2nd throw has a different face value than the first throw?
    Answer: 0.75

  2. Probability of New Top Card Being Red
    Question: Take a shuffled deck of 52 playing cards and throw the first top 10 cards in the bin. What is the probability that the new top card is red?
    Answer: 0.5

  3. Probability of Two Dice Summing to 11 or 12
    Question: You throw two dice. What is the probability that the two dice add up to 11 or 12?
    Answer: 0.1

  4. Probability of Same Outcome in Coin Flips
    Question: You flip a coin 3 times. What is the probability that the outcome is the same for all flips (all Heads or all Tails)?
    Answer: 0.25

  5. Probability of Winning a Prize
    Question: 61 coins are randomly put into 15 boxes. If any box contains more than 4 coins, you win a prize. What is the probability that you win a prize?
    Answer: 1

Tips & Insights

  • Focus on understanding probability concepts and practice solving related problems.
  • Be prepared for logical reasoning questions that require quick thinking and clear explanations.