Goldman Sachs Interview Process

Goldman Sachs Interview Process‍

This article will provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect when applying to Goldman Sachs as a Summer Analyst and entry-level Full-Time Analyst. We will briefly elaborate on Goldman’s general interview structure, followed by an overview of how the interview process differs for Summer Analysts (front office divisions and internal divisions) and entry-level Full-Time Analysts.

Before applying to Goldman Sachs, all candidates must understand 1) why they want to work in the position they are applying for and 2) why they want to work at Goldman Sachs. Mastering these two why questions in a manner that is personal to the candidate will make the interview process more straightforward for the candidate.

What To Expect

Goldman Sachs’ interview process varies across roles, divisions, and regions. However, a general structure exists of what can be expected during the interview process.

#1 Online Application – Resume and Cover Letter‍

The general structure of Goldman Sachs’ interview process starts with applying on the Goldman Sachs website and attaching your Resume (CV) and Cover Letter (Motivational Letter) to the application. Goldman Sachs recruiters look at profiles that stand out in non-traditional ways. With this being said, recruiters look at applicants who are honest about their experiences and can show expertise and passion towards business activities and personal activities. Hence, participating in competitive sports, learning multiple languages, creating your start-up, and completing unusual extracurricular (Ex. Ironman Competition) – make your Resume and Cover Letter stand out!

The online application consists of filling in the following personal information:

• Contact information (phone number, email, address)
• Education history currently enrolled and previous (including GPA, awards, if any, and examination results)
• Language proficiency
• Cover Letter / Motivational Letter (up to 300 words)
• Resume / CV (Microsoft Word or PDF, and not password-protected)

Note:

‍Applicants can choose up to two divisions to apply and up to three locations. For example, suppose an applicant decides to apply to the Asset Management Division and the Investment Banking Division (IBD). In that case, they can choose two locations for the Asset Management Division and one for IBD or vice versa.

Also, note that the candidate can only include one Motivational Letter in their online application process. Therefore, the Motivational Letter should reflect a strong interest in one specific division or two different divisions depending on the applicant’s choices.

#2 HireVue Interview‍

Once a candidate's CV and Motivational Letter have caught a recruiter's eye, they are invited to complete the HireVue Interview. The HireVue Interview signifies advancement to the next stage and the formal beginning of the interview process. Candidates can expect a preparation time of up to 48 hours to complete the HireVue Interview.

HireVue Interviews are a set of predetermined interview questions conducted online where the digital interview platform records your answers live. The set of predetermined questions varies across divisions. A common feature of the questions is that they are primarily behavioural and competency-based.

Depending on the instructions of the HireVue, candidates can expect a set of 4-6 questions that can take a maximum of 2 minutes to answer. Moreover, candidates have 30 seconds to think through how they can respond to the question before the live recording starts for each question. The HireVue Interview process focuses on how the candidates think on the spot and react to scenarios while evaluating the candidate's speech patterns and body language.

A general tip is to practice with the test trial HireVue option. This can be found on the platform site just before you start the official HireVue Interview. Candidates need to ensure that they are in a quiet location and will not be interrupted during the interview by any means, as there is no re-try version once the official interview starts.

Tips for the HireVue Interview include:

• Address all parts of the question and give complete responses
• Dress appropriately in business attire
• Practice before starting the actual HireVue Interview
• Let your personality shine and be yourself
• Focus on your body language and enthusiasm

For more tips on perfecting your HireVue, check out this article: Goldman Sachs Video Interview Tips.

#3 Final Interviews vs. Superday‍

After completing the HireVue Interview, it can take up to a few months to hear whether candidates have landed an official Superday Interview or Onsite/Online Final Interview round. The difference between the type of interview the candidate receives after completing the HireVue Interview depends on the type of position the candidate is applying for (i.e., Summer Analyst or Entry-level Analyst).

Candidates for the Summer Analyst positions must complete a Superday. A Superday is an assessment centre day and the final interview round for Summer Analyst candidates applying to Goldman Sachs. Superdays typically evaluate candidates by having three individuals interview candidates, each 30 minutes maximum. These interviews can include individuals such as Analysts, Associates, and often Vice-Presidents asking candidates questions on their motivations for application. Depending on the division, Superdays can also consist of tests, focus groups, and case studies.

Once a candidate makes it to the final stage of the interview process, the candidate must prepare for success. Tips to ensure a successful final round of interviews or Superday include:

• Listen carefully to what the interviewer asks, and do not be afraid to ask questions or clarify if needed.
• Bring a positive attitude to the interview. The interviewer has taken time from their work to listen to you.
• Do not get overwhelmed by other candidates. You have worked hard to get here. Play your strengths!
• Always arrive early to the interview. If the Superday is online, arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview begins. It is always acceptable to be early, and you can turn your camera off until the interview starts. If a recruiter is managing the call, kindly greet the recruiter before waiting for the discussion to start.
• If you are nervous, take three deep breaths before the interview. Remember that you have been chosen among thousands for this interview. Interviewers want to listen to what you have to say.

• Read any global business publication and have something ready to say when asked about recent macroeconomic or business-related events.
• Know your resume! It is essential that you can summarize your most meaningful experiences. If asked to walk the interviewer through your resume, relay your resume concisely and let them ask follow up questions if necessary.
• Ask questions to the interviewers! They may have been Summer Analysts at some point in their past and they have likely learned a lot since their start with the firm!
• Research Goldman Sachs thoroughly. Check their financial reports and news articles. Know their values and goals. Check all information you can find on your application division(s). If you know anyone in this division or with experience with it, ask them questions ahead of the interviews. It does not hurt to know ‘too much’ about the company.
• If you are multilingual, ensure this information is on your CV or elaborate on it if given a chance.
• If you do not know the answer to a question, think about how you can best approach answering it or ask the interviewer if they can clarify the question for you.
• Network before the Superday! Learn more about Goldman Sachs through its events, such as information sessions or workshops. You can register for this at My GS Events on their webpage.
• Have a strong presence during your interview. Be confident, charming, and kind. Do not come off arrogant. Remember your interviewer’s name, and smile throughout the interview. Remember that the interviewers also want a pleasant conversation!

Next, we will elaborate on the interview process for Summer Analyst candidates, including how to prepare for Superday interviews.

Timeline of the Interview Process

Regardless of the position and division candidates apply to, the timeline of the interview process differs for everyone.

Some successful candidates may experience a faster application process than others. Despite the differences, it is always best to apply as soon as possible, as candidates’ profiles are looked at in a first-come, first-serve manner. The following graphic outlines a rough timeline based on the experience of several successful candidates.

Summer Analyst Interview Process for Front-Office Divisions

The interview process for Summer Analyst candidates applying to Front-Office Divisions can differ from the Summer Analyst interview process for internal divisions. The main areas of difference are the HireVue Interview questions and the Superday assessment format.

For front-office division applicants, the HireVue Interview might involve more division-specific questions. Instead of mainly covering behavioral and competency-based questions, there can be macroeconomic and banking fundamental questions that test what the candidate knows about the business.

Expected Questions:

• Competency: Describe a situation where you led a team. Elaborate on the process.
• Behavioral: Describe an obstacle you overcame and how?
• Banking fundamentals: Explain what an investment bank does in your own words.
• Business-specific: What do you expect from an investment banking internship?

Besides possible differences in the HireVue Interview questions, there may also be differences in the Superday format. Depending on the front-office division, it may be the case that a division such as Investment Banking requires more finance questions and a different assessment format than the Executive Office division. Regardless of the differences, recruiters will inform candidates what they should expect for their Superday assessment.

For example interview questions and answers, check out this article on Goldman Sachs Interview Questions.

Summer Analyst Interview Process for Internal Divisions

Summer Analysts applying for engineering roles must complete a HackerRank Assessment. Candidates for other internal divisions must focus on the HireVue Interview and Superday.

Unlike the front-office divisions, internal divisions tend to skip technical and macroeconomic-related questions during the HireVue and Superday interview process. The internal divisions focus primarily on competency and behavioural questions that test the candidate’s analytical and thinking capabilities.

Nonetheless, candidates should still familiarize themselves with banking fundamentals and division-specific questions that may appear during the Superday interviews.

Additional Resources

If you're looking to better your chances at securing a competitive internship or full-time role at Goldman Sachs, you'll likely want to level up your technical finance knowledge to better prepare for your interviews. If this sounds like you, we strongly recommend you check out our Complete Finance & Valuation Course and more using the get started button below!

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• Goldman Sachs Video Interview Tips
• Must Know Finance Interview Questions
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