Prepare for the Goldman Sachs HireVue Interview in 2024

The online application has several opportunities to make a great impression. You are asked to provide your basic details and academic and work history. 

Apart from the basic application, there is a second section, which asks you to detail your leadership experience, and a third, where you can include a motivational letter. Here are a few tips that can be useful:

• Leadership Experience - In this section, you must answer questions about your previous experience. Example questions include: how did your leadership contribute to the team’s success and questions about what, why, and how you led.
• Real-life examples - We highly advise you to think of real-life examples you might have from work or school. Even experience on a sports team can be useful. Structure your answers in this section using the STAR method and keep the Goldman Sachs competencies in mind.
• Language skills - Goldman Sachs likes employees with strong foreign language skills, so highlight those if you have them.
• Motivations for Applying Letter - On other applications, this section is referred to as a cover letter. Goldman Sachs calls it motivations instead of applying letters because they want your letter to be focused. Think about your reasons for applying specifically to Goldman Sachs.

Ultimately, keep in mind what about the company stands out as unique to you. Give reasons and evidence for your answers; in addition, mention qualities you can bring to the business. Make sure to link your answers to the position for which you're applying.

The first interview you have with Goldman Sachs will be different from the later interviews. This first interview is 30 minutes long and your interviewer is a senior manager from the department for which you are applying.

The interview is competency-based, which focuses on your past experiences, achievements and whether or not you are a cultural fit for Goldman Sachs.

You should also be prepared for industry-specific questions. Give yourself a boost with the interview preparation package.

Some sample interview questions include: 

• What do you know about Goldman Sachs?
• Why have you applied to work for us and for the particular programme?
• Why are you the best person for the job?
• What are our main products and services?
• What do you understand about the role Goldman Sachs plays in this industry?
• Who are our competitors? What are the differences between them and us?
• What are the biggest issues facing our industry?
• Who are our clients?

Each position at Goldman Sachs requires a specific skill set which the interview is looking for by asking this question.

Before the interview, make sure to fully research the position and understand what skills you need.

Be prepared for questions such as what skills have you learned that make you a good fit for this job? Or what skills would you need to develop for your role at Goldman Sachs?

Skill sets by department:

• Human Capital Management and Technology Division - Technical Skills
• Finance Division - High motivation
• Global Compliance Division - Sound judgment
• Operations Division - Innovative and driven

As you already know from the Goldman Sachs competencies, the company puts a big focus on teamwork. They are looking for team players who can collaborate with peers and show integrity.

Working at Goldman Sachs involves working as part of a team every day. Be prepared for questions such as what would you do if you noticed a colleague getting stressed? Or have you ever been in a conflict with a colleague? How did you handle it? 

Another key competency for Goldman Sachs is communication. In this interview you want to come across as an effective and confident communicator so it’s a good idea to use the STAR method to structure your answers.

A common question in this section is the notorious ‘Tell me about yourself’. Think about the Goldman Sachs competencies and real life examples when planning out your answer.

At Goldman Sachs, commercial awareness means understanding the banking industry and the culture of Goldman Sachs. The only way to do this is through research.

As you prepare, go through some questions about the company such as:

• What do you know about Goldman Sachs?
• What do you understand about the company’s place in the industry?
• Who are Goldman Sachs’ competitors? What are the differences between the companies?

In your answers, show that you have a real interest in the company and a focus on the division you have applied to.

During your interview, you may be presented with a question such as ‘What is the difference between client X and client Y?’ You are expected to be able to identify these companies and their differences. 

Apart from the more standard questions, you may be faced with bizarre questions from a Goldman Sachs interviewer. These questions, although difficult, are a sign that you are doing well in the interview. An example of one of these brain teasers is: Imagine you are shrunk down to the size of a pencil and thrown into a blender. How would you get out?

This question may seem odd, but assessors are looking at your thought process, creativity and ability to work under pressure when answering these questions so take them seriously. It is important to arrive at these interviews prepared and confident.