Frequently Asked Questions
New Trader
The best thing to do in preparing for an interview and possibly a career with KTG is to learn about the opportunity. We want to provide you with as much information as possible, so that you can decide if this opportunity is for you.
Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. KTG encourages all those considering trading with our firm to review these questions prior to applying for the position.
Where is Kershner Trading located?
Our main trading floor is in Austin, Texas. We have an affiliated company in Shanghai, China.
Do you accept college hires?
We welcome college hires and have found them to be some of our most successful traders.
Do I need a college degree and, if so, in what major?
A degree is not mandatory, but it is helpful. Individuals with an interest in the financial marketplace are usually attracted to trading.
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Do I need to have experience to be a trader?
Trading experience in not necessary, but a knowledge of the financial markets is very helpful in acquiring a position with us.
How do I apply?
- Read all of the frequently asked questions.
- Make sure that your resume is an accurate representation of your abilities, up-to-date, and in a professional format ready for submission.
- Write cover letter expressing why you are interested in the position.
- Submit your resume and cover letter to the U.S. Equities Trader position located on our job search site by clicking on the 'apply now' button
I have submitted my resume, cover letter, and questionnaire, what comes next?
The resume and questionnaire will be assessed based upon job requirements. If you are a selected candidate, we will conduct/schedule a 10-15 minute phone screen within 1-2 weeks of submitting your resume. If you do not receive a phone call, this means that you are not currently in consideration for an available trader opportunity.
We do, however, keep resumes and questionnaires in our database and reserve the right to contact you about future opportunities.
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What happens after the phone screen?
We will evaluate your fit for the position and our organization based on your application, questionnaire and phone screen responses. If you are a selected candidate, you will be asked to attend an on-site interview and undergo skills assessment testing.
What does Kershner offer that other trading firms do not?
We believe in a shared success model here, therefore we provide many resources for our new and experienced traders.
We have state of the art technology that is constantly being updated and enhanced by suggestions straight from our traders by a team of 30+ technologists.
We have on sight training before you begin trading and follow up classes with our professional trainer.
Our coaches and experienced traders are helpful and insightful while you are learning and asking questions.
We offer a benefits package after 6 months of association.
Most importantly, we give new traders the capital to trade.
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What is the skills assessment test?
The test is not something that you can study for. It is a test that measures your multi tasking ability, signal detection and reaction time, and recognition. There is also a short typing test.
What happens after I come in for the test and interviews?
Your interview and test scores will be assessed. If you are selected to move forward in the process, then you will be asked to take additional tests. After this process is complete, your overall candidacy will be assessed. If you are selected to move forward, then you will either interview with a coach or be considered for one of our new trader teams that begin every 3 months. More often than not however, an offer to trade at our firm is contingent on finding a coach that is accepting new members on their team.
If you are made an offer after the prehire processes above are completed, then you will receive an offer letter and a request for consent to a background and credit check. There will also be a membership application form to complete.
Upon joining a training class, you will also be required to sign our LLC documents, accepting your membership status in the firm.
How many coaches, and who needs team members?
We have 30+ active coaches on our floor, however, only a few of those coaches are looking for new team members at any given time of the year; there is limited space.
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What is the training that is offered?
When you receive an offer to join a team, and you have completed the licensing process, you will then come to our facility to begin a 2 week training course before joining your team on the trade floor. You will learn the proprietary software the first week and start live trading in the classroom environment the following week. There is one training camp per month that starts the first Monday of that month, pending no holidays.
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How long will it be before I make money?
There is no guarantee that you will make money at all. Historically a successful trader will typically start making money around 9-12 months.
You will incur losses from mistakes being a rookie trader. Losses as well as the costs of trading will have to be recovered you become profitable. Experience here has shown that determining success or failure take the full 9-12 month period for almost everyone.
How do people support themselves during the 9-12 month learning curve?
Most new traders will pick up a part time position to make ends meet while they learn to trade. Other times, people have been planning to pursue trading as a career and have built up a savings to support their endeavor. We highly recommend that new traders have another source of income to relieve the stress of paying bills while learning to trade profitably.
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What are my starting capital and share amounts?
Every trader that starts with our company is given $25,000 in capital to start and 100 share amounts to trade. Your capital and share limits will be incrementally increased, as determined by your coach, as your trading performance improves.
How many traders do you currently have?
We have 115+ traders in mid 2008.
How many people make it?
Our current ratio for success is 1 in 3 people are still trading after 2 years. Usually one drops out after the first year, because they never made any money. In the second year it is usually due to the trader not being as successful as they had hoped or a life changing event of some sort.
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What is the average income?
There is not an “average income.” Our traders range from $0-million+ dollars, but an average is not something that we can predict for any trader. The compensation structure is covered thoroughly in the interview process.
What skills will be helpful to becoming a successful trader?
Successful traders are able to process large amounts of information; are quick and accurate on the keyboard; are able to bounce back from adversity; and are disciplined and calm under pressure.
What type of technology is available at Kershner Trading Group?
We have our own trading platform, Gr8trade®, and other licensed software packages. We are committed to providing a technology edge to our traders and have a robust technology development program underway.
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What are the hours?
Pre-market trading begins at 6:30am CST Monday through Friday; our traders are usually in no later than 7:30 to begin preparation for the trading day. Most of our traders have concluded their post-market trading and evaluation and are ready to leave by 4 p.m. CST. Aftermarket trading is available.
Are pre- and post-market trading offered?
Traders do trade pre and post market, especially during earnings periods. New traders are discouraged from doing so because of the lack of liquidity during such times.
How are company gains and losses shared as Profit Sharing?
Based on the firm’s profitability, gains and losses are shared according to a payout percentage formula for each trader’s performance.
What is the dress code at Kershner Trading Group?
Kershner Trading Group has a casual dress policy.
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Instructions for applying for the position of trader:
- Read all of the frequently asked questions.
- Make sure that your resume is an accurate representation of your abilities, up-to-date, and in a professional format ready for submission.
- Write cover letter expressing why you are interested in the position.
- Submit your resume and cover letter to the U.S. Equities Trader position located on our job search site by clicking on the 'apply now' button
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