If you passed the numerical online assessment, congratulations! The next step is the Arctic Shores assessment, an engaging online evaluation where you’ll participate in a series of interactive games. The games are designed to assess a wide range of cognitive skills and competencies.
Although the Arctic Shores assessment might feel less formal than traditional tests like the numerical test, it’s important to treat it with the same level of seriousness as any other stage in the interview process. The connection between the games and trading roles might not always be immediately apparent, which can sometimes lead to frustration—particularly if a candidate is disqualified based on what seems like a trivial task. To give yourself the best chance of success, choose a time when you are at your cognitive peak and fully alert.
Table of Contents
The Games
The following games are part of the Arctic Shores assessment:
- Direction (Arrows) Game
- Balloon Game
- Face Game
- Security Door Game
- Pattern Game
Direction (Arrows) Game
The Arctic Shores “Direction (Arrows)” Game is a psychological task designed to measure focus, attention, and problem-solving skills under pressure. In this game, you’re presented with three rows of arrows and must identify whether the middle arrow is pointing left or right. The challenge lies in the surrounding arrows, which can act as distractions by pointing in opposite directions or changing shapes. With 80 rounds to complete, the pace quickens as you progress, demanding heightened concentration and quick reactions. Errors occur if you respond too early or too late, emphasizing the need for precision. This task simulates focusing under stress and blocking out distractions, key traits for success in fast-paced environments such as the trading industry.
Balloon Game
The Arctic Shores “Balloon Game” is a task designed to assess pattern recognition, risk-taking ability, motivation by reward, and drive. In this game, you inflate a balloon to earn money, with the option to cash out and move to the next balloon at any time. The goal is to maximize your earnings across 45 rounds. The challenge lies in the risk: the balloon can burst with each pump, causing you to lose any money not yet cashed out. However, the explosions are not random; they follow identifiable patterns. Success requires recognizing these patterns, balancing risk and reward, and developing an efficient strategy for inflating balloons without popping them. This task evaluates your ability to learn from experience, manage risk, and remain motivated by rewards.
Face Game
The Arctic Shores “Face Game” is designed to evaluate emotional intelligence and workplace intelligence. In this task, you’re shown 50 pictures of faces displaying various expressions and must identify the emotion being conveyed from a list of seven possible options. The challenge lies in the subtlety of some expressions, which may appear vague or lack a perfect match in the provided choices. To excel, you’ll need to carefully analyze facial features and nuances, as rushing can lead to mistakes. Though it may seem straightforward, this game requires heightened attention to detail and a methodical approach to interpreting emotions accurately. Success in this task demonstrates strong interpersonal awareness and the ability to read subtle cues—a valuable skill in workplace interactions.
Security Door Game
The Arctic Shores “Security Door Game” is a task designed to measure reaction time, focus, and adaptability. In this game, you are presented with a code lock and must form the passcode by stopping a rotating area on the highlighted number. The game consists of 20 rounds, and you can exit at any time to move on to the next challenge. The difficulty lies in the changing rotation speed each round and the penalty for mistakes, as any error resets the lock. Success requires sharp focus, quick reactions, and the ability to adjust to new patterns in real-time. To excel, stay patient and persistent, prioritizing accuracy over speed. This game demonstrates your resilience, precision, and ability to adapt under pressure.
Pattern Game
The Arctic Shores “Pattern Game” is designed to assess pattern recognition, information processing, logical reasoning, spatial reasoning, and processing speed. In this task, you are presented with a series of squares, each containing shapes arranged in a sequence. Your job is to identify the next pattern in the sequence within a 17-minute time limit across 20 rounds. The challenge lies in the variety of possible patterns, which can involve changes in the number, size, color, position, or movement direction of the shapes. Each sequence is unique, so identifying one pattern doesn’t make the next any easier. Success requires analytical thinking and a methodical approach to deciphering rules.
To excel, carefully observe each sequence for multiple pattern types and avoid rushing. Familiarizing yourself with common rule types in advance can significantly improve your performance. This task demonstrates your ability to process complex information quickly and reason logically under time pressure.
