Given an one hour max written test consists of both conceptual and practical questions regarding database, UNIX, general programming and shell scripts. Being invited to 1:1 interviews after Fidessa confirms the written test was passed.
The first round of interview was done with a technical lead. Given a few pages of core java program, briefly tell as much as you perceived about the program. After that, we had an information exchange session on how my current development environment and experiences are, and a brief introduction to Fidessa development structure and environment, and questions were mostly technical oriented.
The second round of interview was then the business line head. Questions were mostly around financial market knowledge, industry exposure, soft-skills and problem handling, how a candidate responses to problems. For instance, describe, based on your perception, how securities trading system works? He then explains the details of job nature, environment and expectations, and a brief look at Fidessa's business.
The third round is a HR session which go through my resume in details, and discussing compensation. I was invited to interview with other development heads to explore other in-house development vacancies / opportunities as well.
All 3 rounds go in the same day. Perception of the firm is very positive: nice environment, massive opportunities with training and industry (trading system, FIX, connectivity, etc) exposure, the firm is friendly and outlook is promising. Managers are quite satisfied and happy with their time in Fidessa.