How to write a trading assistant job description

The wrong trading assistant can cause trouble for your business. They can make mistakes in executing trades, misinterpret market signals, fail to log trades correctly, and more – resulting in financial losses and missed opportunities. 

While a skills-based job description is the first step to preventing this, many businesses fail to capture the specific blend of hard and soft skills required for this role. This can result in lots of unqualified applicants – with no guarantee that you’ll find the right one. 

Below, we explain how to create an effective trading assistant job description that perfectly captures the specialized skills and attributes required for the job. This way, you can attract and hire a top-tier trading assistant for your business. 

What is a trading assistant? 

A trading assistant is a professional who supports the trading team. They facilitate the smooth operation of buying and selling securities, commodities, and other financial assets on behalf of a firm or its clients.

They serve as the backbone of the trading floor, ensuring that transactions are executed efficiently and information flows seamlessly.

Key skills to look for in trading assistants 

Below are some key skills to look for in trading assistant candidates.

Hard skills

• Quantitative analysis skills: Trading assistants can analyze market data, financial reports, and economic indicators that help make informed trading decisions.

• Financial acumen: They understand financial instruments, market mechanics, trading strategies, and risk management principles.

• Technical proficiency: They’re familiar with trading platforms such as Bloomberg Terminal and data analysis software like Microsoft Excel, Python, or R. They also know how to use financial modeling tools to process and interpret large volumes of financial data.

• Market research: They can conduct thorough market research, including fundamental and technical analysis, to identify trading opportunities and trends in the financial markets.

• Regulatory knowledge: A trading assistant has a strong grasp of applicable laws and regulations to ensure that trading activities comply with legal standards.

Soft skills

• Attention to detail: These professionals work meticulously and proactively to identify and address small errors that can lead to significant losses. 

• Resilience: They can make quick and sound decisions in high-pressure and high-risk environments.

• Communication skills: They can clearly and concisely convey information when communicating with traders, portfolio managers, and other stakeholders.

• Adaptability: They’re flexible and can adapt their working styles and strategies in response to constantly changing financial markets. 

• Teamwork: Trading assistants can work effectively with others to align trading activities and achieve common goals.

How to write an effective trading assistant job description

Follow these best practices to write a solid trading assistant job description and attract the best candidates for the job.

1. Emphasize the need to understand local regulations

Given the strict regulatory environment surrounding trading activities, your job description must stress the importance of regulatory knowledge. 

Candidates must understand current financial regulations and compliance standards. These include those set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in the US – or the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK. Non-compliance could result in legal challenges, fines, and reputational damage for your company.

2. Clarify expectations around working hours and flexibility

Be explicit about the working hours and degree of flexibility or rigidity the role demands. Trading markets operate across different time zones, which may require early starts, late finishes, or even work outside of traditional office hours to catch global market movements. 

Mentioning this in the job description helps set clear expectations for potential candidates about the commitment required. It can also help attract those who are genuinely prepared for and capable of working within such demanding schedules. It also reduces the likelihood of future misunderstandings or dissatisfaction related to work-life balance.

3. Highlight specific technical skills

Clearly outline the technical skills and software knowledge required for a trading assistant. Mention familiarity with specific trading platforms, such as Bloomberg Terminal, plus data analysis tools like Python or Excel. You can also ask for a strong willingness to learn.

Not doing so could result in attracting applicants who lack the required technical proficiency or are resistant to learning.

Trading assistant job description template 

Use the job description template below to get started with your trading assistant job description. 

Company introduction

Introduce your company, its mission, and its position in the financial industry. Also, mention when your company was established, why it's a frontrunner in the trading sector, and any accolades or recognitions it has achieved.

Benefits of working with [your company]

Highlight the advantages your company offers to its employees – for instance, a competitive salary and benefits package, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and opportunities for professional growth and skill development. 

Include specific benefits for trading assistants. An example might be "the chance to be part of a dynamic and skilled trading team, with opportunities for direct involvement in market strategies and decisions."

Trading assistant job brief

[Company name]

Job title: [Trading assistant]

Reports to: [For example, trading VP or senior stock trader]

Position type: [Full-time or part-time]

Location: [Remote, hybrid, or on site (include address if applicable)]

[Salary and benefits details]

Responsibilities and duties

• Execute trades accurately under the direction of senior traders, adhering to established trading strategies.

• Monitor financial markets and compile reports on market trends to inform trading decisions.

• Maintain and update trading databases and logs with precise transaction details.

• Conduct thorough market research using both fundamental and technical analysis to uncover trading opportunities.

• Collaborate with the trading team to develop and refine trading strategies.

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and adherence to internal policies.

Skills and qualifications

Here are some of the skills and qualifications you should look out for in trading assistants:

Required skills and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or a related field – or equivalent experience or training

• Proficiency in trading platforms and tools such as Bloomberg Terminal

• Solid understanding of financial markets, instruments, and principles of risk management

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure

Preferred skills and experience

• Master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to perform quantitative analysis and financial modeling 

• Experience with Excel, Python, or R for data analysis 

2 mistakes to avoid when writing a job description for trading assistants 

When crafting a trading assistant job description, avoiding certain pitfalls is crucial for attracting the right candidates. Here are two things to steer clear of.

1. Underestimating the importance of soft skills

Trading expert Yvan Byeajee once said, “Focus, patience, wise discernment, non-attachment – the skills you acquire in meditation and the skills you need to thrive in trading are one and the same.”

Because soft skills are so important to navigating the high-stakes, fast-paced trading environment, you shouldn’t focus solely on hard skills – such as market analysis and technical proficiency – in your job description. Neglecting to mention critical soft skills like patience and resilience can lead you to receive numerous applications from candidates lacking these skills.

Ensure your job description highlights soft skills. Also, explain how these skills contribute to the team's success and the efficient execution of trades.

2. Not specifying the need for tech-savviness 

The role of a trading assistant is increasingly technology-driven, with algorithms, automation, and sophisticated software becoming integral to trading strategies. Job descriptions often don’t detail the need for tech-savvy and adaptable candidates. A possible result? Mis-hires. 

Your job description must specify the need for familiarity with algorithmic trading systems, proficiency in programming languages relevant to financial modeling and analysis, and an understanding of how technology can be used to gain a competitive edge.

Next steps: Attract and assess trading assistants

A great job description helps to get talent through the door. But you still need to thoroughly vet and assess which candidates can excel in the job and at your company. Instead of screening resumes manually – which is both time-consuming and subjective – consider using a talent assessment platform like TestGorilla. 

TestGorilla offers various tests, which can enable quick, effective, and well-rounded candidate evaluations for your positions. 

You can combine two to five of these tests to create a custom talent assessment. Add your own questions to further tailor your assessment to your role. 

Here are the tests you might use for your trading assistant position.

Job-specific skills tests

• Our Financial Modeling test evaluates candidates’ abilities to build and maintain financial models in Excel.

• The Market Research test looks at their ability to carry out market research – from planning to presentation.

• TestGorilla’s Data Analysis Using R test is excellent for assessing candidates’ familiarity with the R programming language and using it for data analysis. Want more help writing job descriptions for trading roles? Check out our stock trader job description guide and our day trader job description guide.

• Our Attention to Detail (Textual) test determines if applicants can process textual information accurately – key for handling trading instructions or logs.

Situational judgment tests 

• The Business Ethics & Compliance test helps you determine if candidates have a strong ethical compass and work in line with company policies. It’s an especially useful starting point for preventing insider trading and other types of financial fraud.

Personality and culture assessments 

• Personality tests like the Enneagram Personality test provide insights into applicants’ core traits and attributes, helping you assess soft skills such as resilience and collaboration.

• TestGorilla’s Culture Add test lets you evaluate if a candidate’s values and working styles align with your company’s culture and practices. 

FAQs

Looking for more information? Check the answers to these frequently asked questions.

What’s the difference between a trading assistant and an apprentice? 

A trading assistant is someone who already has some trading knowledge and skills. They help execute trades, analyze markets, and manage data. An apprentice, on the other hand, is more of a beginner who’s learning the ropes of trading – usually through direct mentorship and training. They do less hands-on work until they gain more experience.

What’s the average salary for a trading assistant?

The average salary for a trading assistant varies widely depending on factors such as geographical location, experience level, education, and the employing organization's size and type. According to Indeed, as of the beginning of 2024, the average salary for trading assistants in the United States is $31.91 per hour.

Hire the best trading assistants with TestGorilla

Recruiting the wrong trading assistant for your company can lead to financial losses, missed opportunities, and legal problems due to non-compliance. It’s critical to source and select qualified candidates for this important job. Writing a well-thought-out job description is a good starting point.  

Once applications are in, TestGorilla’s talent assessments are the best way to screen candidates quickly and objectively. Choose from hundreds of tests – including role-specific skills tests, personality assessments, and more – so you can feel confident in hiring the right trading assistant for the job. 

Request a live demo or set up a free account to get started today.