Goldman Sachs First Interview
This first interview is conducted by a senior manager of the concerned department and is almost 30 minutes long. It tests your competency by focusing on your past achievements and experiences and determines if you are a cultural fit for the company or not.
There are also some industry-specific questions that will test your knowledge about Goldman Sachs, its products and services, its role in the industry, competitors, clients, and many more.
Goldman Sachs Aptitude Tests
After the first interview, there is a numerical and verbal test. Candidates applying for technical jobs also have to go through a technical test. These tests combine the questions of Goldman Sachs and SHL (Saville & Holdsworth Ltd).
Goldman Sachs Numerical Reasoning Test: This test consists of 20 questions and has to be completed in 20 minutes. Pen and paper are provided but no calculators are allowed. While other assessment tests have questions from Goldman Sachs and SHL, the numerical tests are completely prepared by the former. It consists of fractions, percentages, and decimal problems.
Goldman Sachs Verbal Reasoning Test: This test is also 20 minutes long and consists of a short text and statement that is related to the text. You have to decide if the related statement is true/false/cannot say. Since there is a time limitation, quick and efficient work is required in this test.
Goldman Sachs Technical Test: For candidates applying for technical roles, there will be a written assessment which will be based on computer code. The time to complete this test is one hour and 20 minutes for various coding questions.
C#, C++, SQL, and Java are covered in these questions. Since this test is time-pressured, a clear head is important. You can practice for this test by trying to work under pressure in similar situations.
Goldman Sachs Final Interview
If you qualify for the first interview and the aptitude assessment, then you will be called in for a second interview with Goldman Sachs India. This second-stage interview can consist of a number of interviews depending upon the job position you have applied for. There can be as many as 10 final-stage interviews which are more technical in nature than the first interview.
These questions will directly relate to the position applied for. The key competencies of Goldman Sachs India, mentioned above, should be kept in mind while answering the questions. Here are some of the common topics covered in the interview:
Skill Set Questions: Each job position at Goldman Sachs India requires you to have a specific skill set. The interview is focused on determining whether you have that skill set. You need to deeply research the skills needed for the position and try to inculcate them.
There will be questions such as what skills do you possess that make you a good fit for the job role? Or, what skills must be developed for the position?
Teamwork Question: The company has a huge focus on employing candidates that are great at teamwork and integrity. They look for team players who can easily collaborate and work with peers. At Goldman Sachs India, teamwork is part of the daily routine so there will be questions related to that.
For example, if you notice a stressed colleague, then what would you do? Or, what would you do if you get into conflict with a colleague?
Communication Questions: Communication is also an important skill that Goldman Sachs India looks for. You will have to portray yourself as a confident and effective communicator. STAR method of structuring answers helps here.
The most common question here is when asked to speak about yourself. While answering this question, real-life experiences and Goldman Sachs India competencies should be kept in mind.
Commercial Awareness Questions: Commercial awareness of Goldman Sachs and the banking industry as a whole is important. You can look for answers to questions such as Goldman Sachs’ place in the industry, general awareness about Goldman Sachs, its competitors, and how it is different from them.
When you answer these questions in the interview it must reflect that you have a real interest in Goldman Sachs India.
Case Study Questions: You can be asked questions like the difference between two clients. You will have to identify the differences between the companies like a case study.
Brain Teasers: When the interviewer, after asking the standard questions, starts asking bizarre questions, it is a good sign. It means you are doing well and the interviewer wants to test you further.
One of such questions can include the assumption that you have been thrown in a blender after being shrunk to the size of a pencil. The question is how will you get out of such a situation? Although odd, the interviewer is trying to understand your thought process and creativity. Preparation and confidence are the keys in these interviews.
There can be questions where you need to guesstimate (guess and estimate) your answers. Such questions are like how many barbers are there in the UK? To answer such questions, you need to challenge your thought process and help the interviewer understand how you can face problematic situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Goldman Sachs exam?
The Goldman Sachs exam is the assessment test taken for acquiring talent at Goldman Sachs India. It consists of an online application, first interview, aptitude tests, and a second interview.
Is the Goldman Sachs exam easy?
The Goldman Sachs assessment test cannot be said to be easy, but with the right preparation and continuous practice, one can definitely succeed.
Is the Goldman Sachs exam proctored?
The Goldman Sachs India exams are proctored by proper invigilators and each candidate is thoroughly checked before entering the examination hall.
What is the eligibility criteria for the Goldman Sachs exam?
60% or 6.0 CGPA or above is required in both the 10th and 12th exams to appear for the Goldman Sachs India test. Plus, graduation (BE/B.Tech) or post-graduation (ME/M.Tech) is required.
How do I prepare for Goldman Sachs off-campus?
You can take an online aptitude assessment test and practice interview questions and brain teasers online to prepare for this test.
Is there negative marking in the Goldman Sachs exam?
Negative marking is not present in the Goldman Sachs test but guessing answers will affect your accuracy score.
How difficult is the Goldman Sachs aptitude test?
It is considered to be of very high difficulty and known as one of the toughest exams in the world.
How do I prepare for a Goldman Sachs interview?
You can go through this article and get familiar with the kind of questions asked in the interview and prepare yourself accordingly.
How is the Goldman Sachs aptitude test?
The Goldman Sachs aptitude test is difficult with numerical and verbal reasoning questions. Technical reasoning is also required for technical posts. Enough practice will help you understand the nature of these tests and strong preparation can help you crack them.
Conclusion
Competition for a job position or role at Goldman Sachs India is very tough, but the right preparation and practice can help you succeed. Going through an in-depth analysis of the whole assessment process of Goldman Sachs India can help you prepare for it better.
Goldman Sachs tests and interviews not only focus on your financial and awareness skills but also on how you have prepared yourself on the technical front. So, an all-around preparation can really help your chances of getting selected after the assessment tests and final interview. You can also consider our Aptitude Course to give your career an edge over others.
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