Goldman Interviews

I never got a technical question. Entirely fit, all three rounds. This was for FT.

They're looking for smart, motivated people, just like everyone else.

I was kinda thinking that they might like people who are slightly cockier than the average prospective monkey, because that is the vibe I get from everyone who works there. Is this true? Or do they just turn out that way after they get the job :)

Granted I interviewed for 2006 FT and 2005 SA positions, and had final rounds in both (no offers, thanks GS), the first round for SA positions is a generalist interview. It's a "feeler" out sort of thing, where if they like you they'll put you where you fit / where you want to go for a second round (this is how it used to work). The most technical questions I was asked in the four rounds I had (for SA and FT) was in this round. All three others there was nothing technical, all fit.

Goldman is famous for the "what stocks do you like / not like" question though. I must have gotten it every round. So brush up on that for sure.

And no, they do not take cocky kids. Perhaps working there gives them a big ego and makes them cocky, but most do not come in like that. They love people with different backgrounds with high GPAs that can speak socially... if you have that and go to a target / know things about the business world - you're set. If not, good luck.

Absolutely not. Goldman prides themselves on being humble. They may live and breathe their company, and may be some of the smartest people on the street in addition to possessing a strong presence and confidence... but they are by no means looking for someone who comes off cocky.

In fact, at an interview we were discussing Goldman culture and one of the interviewers told me that it's an automatic ding if you come off arrogant.

Thanks for the heads up on the cockiness, as well as the stocks question. I did not see that one coming, but I will prepare for it a lot.

Can you guys give me any other advice, specific or general? Anything would be really appreciated.

A lot of people I interview don't really have a coherent elevator pitch to sell themselves... I like hearing stories where I connect with the person, hear something interesting and am convinced they would be a great analyst. It's ok if you haven't wanted to be a banker since age 5, but convince me why you want to do this job more than anyone else I'm talking to.

Make sure your stories about how hard you work, how much you like finance etc. are very specific... a good story is all about the details.

If you don't have a finance background I wouldn't be too worried about finance questions... definitely know the basics but they're not going to ask you to explain an LBO model if you've never done banking before.

Honestly, it's like any other bank. The process isn't anything special and neither are the answers to the stock questions. Yeah, they have bright people, but they aren't rocket scientists. If they gave you an interview, they know you're competent. Now you just have to be personable.

Dosk17 and Baloogafish hit it right on the head. It's all about telling your story. Once you get an interview, focus on that and you will be golden.

Maybe my own experience, but Goldman was by far the most arrogant bank I interviewed with. One "kid" from my school told me he could work anywhere because he had a business card with Goldman on it. Great bank, but the younger people I met where very cocky about being Goldman yet really haven't done shit themselves. BBs are the pretty much all the same, find out where the fit is the best for you. For me it was not Goldman whatsoever, other people it might be.

I have gotten the feeling that many of the employees at Goldman (bankers, PWM, even HR) have been the some of the more arrogant people that I have ever dealt with. This comes with the Goldman name, in my opinion. Some feel that they are entitled to a certain status and "different treatment" because they work at Goldman. From what I've seen, these tend to be the "lower rate" Goldman employees. The Goldman bankers that are friendly, outgoing, and personable have tended to be the all-star banker types that you would imagine from a place of Goldman's credential.

My two cents after working at GS this summer:

I met and worked with some of the cockiest, most arrogant people I've ever met at GS, but I also worked with some of the most humble, well-rounded, all-around high quality people I've ever met. As a whole, GS definitely is NOT more arrogant than other banks and certainly don't put themselves on a pedestal. There is a lot of firm pride, of course, but most folks over there don't think they're the shit. There are cocky people at every bank...it's wall street. I did get a cocky vibe from HR though (or HCM)....

with regard to GS interviews: cocky is a big no-no; confident is a must

keep in mind the eye of the beholder...someone says they work at GS, just maybe one might be a bit more critical in deeming them arrogant?

I think suman brings up a very important point- everybody that you talk to from Goldman just seems to love it there. They really boast about being from Goldman because they are just so damn proud of it. Most other banks aren't like that- people will say where they work, and they'll go on with the conversation. Its something that I think just comes naturally with being the best bank on the street- firm pride.

Interesting. What would be a good response to why Goldman?

If you want a really good response to the Why Goldman question....... Read Goldman Sachs a Culture of Success.... Not only will it tell you why goldman..... but it could also give you some ideas about why banking or why sales and trading. The book also gives you a pretty good perspective of the firm especially following it throughout its history. Realizing that its written by an ex-goldman partner its obviously going to be a bit more pro-goldman..... id also suggest looking at When Genius Failed because you start to see a little bit more of the outside goldman perspective.... also ties in well with understanding the changes at the firm since their trading side of the business really grew into a much larger portion of their revenues...

Read those two books and not only will u do well in goldman interviews..... but also interviews for finance in general.... they do give a pretty good overview and understanding.....

Thanks for the advice everyone. Does anyone else have some more input?

Don't bring up anything remotely technical analysis if your doing S&T.

I'm going for IBD, but I'll still keep your advice in mind.

What is the Average age of an Analyst and/or an Associate at Goldman?

you do a thread search. There was a very comprehensive about goldman interviews in the 'get a job' section. i think it was like "Goldman interview- who's been through it" or something.

most of the advice here is solid. the two key messages that you need to get across are hard work/dedication and team oriented. be hungry but humble. they don't like prima donnas, no matter how smart, because you won't fit into the culture. different from every other large bank, the culture at GS really is the firm first, the individual second.

as for the why GS question, you probably want to talk about working with really good people and the team-oriented culture. you can mention how you want to go to an organization where the employees have the upmost respect for each other and for the institution. and obviously, you can talk about how GS's dealflow will maximize your experience and learning as an analyst.

Thank you ex-banker, that was really helpful.

Serendipity - I've already done quite a few searches and have that thread saved on my computer. Just trying to get as many perspectives as possible.

is this interview for IBD SA?

The people I interviewed with at Goldman were, on the whole, the most down-to-earth interviewers I came across. The main thing they are looking for is a true desire to work at GS. You will not see many technical questions (although expect a few), but expect to get asked "Why Goldman" and "Why specific division you are applying for." I was asked this in 5 interviews with them.

As for why Goldman, touch on team-orientation and the fact that Goldman will consistently challenge you.