The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at Goldman Sachs.
You’ll find what assessment tests Goldman uses, sample questions, tests duration and scoring.
Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessments tests, interviews and assessment center exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process.
Check here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests and video interviews to practice and prepare for Goldman Sachs recruitment.
If you are aiming to apply to Goldman Sachs or have a Goldman Sachs assessment test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.
Not sure if you should practice to prepare for your Goldman Sachs test? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A recent study (Bradley et al, 2019) found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers.
In a nutshell:
How to prepare for the Goldman Sachs assessment tests and process to get the job?
You should practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for banking and finance jobs. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.
Prepare for your phone or video interview by running mock interviews answering typical banking and finance interview questions. For Goldman Sachs interview practice, use:
Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions for banking and finance and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews (Hirevue, Pymetrics, Sonru). Always record your answers and watch them to develop your interview technique, timekeeping and words used. Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied.
Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times.
Goldman Sachs uses a variety of aptitude assessment tests. These may include:
You may get rejected already after your numerical and/or verbal tests. These tests sift out 50-80% candidates. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.
Prepare for your one-on-one interview with a senior manager. Expect and practice for behavioural and competency-based questions with our Question Identifier Tool (QIT). Aim to stand out. They have interviewed dozens or hundreds of candidates at this final stage.
Refine your technique for your final Goldman Sachs interview to showcase your:
For your final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering the banking and finance questions.
Continue reading to get answers to these critical questions:
Click or use your fingertips on the table below to practice assessments relevant to your Goldman Sachs assessments!
When you apply for Goldman Sachs, practice online aptitude tests and video interviews with us to improve your results and pass your application first try.
The Goldman Sachs recruitment process is made of four challenging stages; each requiring you to do your best and outperform your competitors if you want to land your dream job. Our step-by-step guide provides expert tips for each of Goldman’s 4 recruitment stages:
Goldman Sachs job application is the first part of the recruitment process and your first chance to set a good impression and stand out from your competition. You can register your details by creating an account or apply to a vacancy directly. The online form will ask you to provide:
Throughout your application, refer to Goldman Sachs’ competencies and make sure to explain how your personal interests and experiences reflect the following:
Goldman Sachs Key Tip: Make sure to adapt your CV and cover letter to the role’s description and do your research on Goldman Sachs to see if you match their culture and whether they’re the right fit for you. See if the company’s values and aims align with your own. Refer to these values during your application process and for the upcoming interviews.
How do I prepare my application to Goldman Sachs?
But what do I research about Goldman Sachs for my job application? Check out our short video to find out our best tips!
Keep a copy of all the information you have provided. Bring these with you, as you may be asked for details during the interviews. Know your CV inside out. If the information in your application and information shared during the interviews are different, your application may be rejected and disregarded for future processing!
You may be asked some motivational questions, depending on the business area you apply to (see below for some examples):
There may also be leadership questions to answer. Think of examples when you acted as a leader and carefully describe these following the STAR framework: explain the situation and the task you were confronted with, then describe the action you took and its result.
When answering motivational questions, be precise! Refer to unique facts about Goldman Sachs that motivate you to work there, such as special awards, CSR projects, etc.
When describing why you want to apply for this specific role, mention the core skills required for this position and how these match both your previous experiences and personal interests.
The second stage of the Goldman Sachs hiring process is a behavioral and competency-based interview (a.k.a. CBI).
What is a Goldman Sachs Competency-based Interview?
If you are successful with your application, you will be invited by email to a one-on-one 30 minute interview with a professional from Goldman Sachs. This interview will either take the form of a virtual interview or a face-to-face interview at the Goldman Sachs office. This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest and potential skills that make you suitable for the particular role that you applied to.
This interview will be competency based (CBI) and will be focused around your CV and personal motivations, so review your CV and prepare examples of how your motivations and aspirations align with Goldman Sachs vision, culture and values.
Check out our quick video below for the best tricks to answer CBI questions for your Goldman Sachs interview:
How To Pass Goldman Sachs Interview?
You should prepare examples of experiences where you have demonstrated the following key skills that Goldman Sachs is looking for:
Base your answers on the most common types of interview questions. These examples should be worked out in the comfort of your living room using STAR method and listing competencies Goldman refers to (see above in the Application section)
For your virtual interview, make sure you find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. Prepare notes on your key discussion points and experiences to use in your answers, and keep them close by your camera and computer. Ensure these will be succinct and easy to read for your interview.
Want to know what questions could come up in your interview? Go Essential with GF and discover potential Goldman Sachs interview questions with the Question Identifier Tool (QIT).
The third stage of the Goldman Sachs recruitment process will include completing aptitude tests. Be aware, as for some roles you will be required to take assessment tests before your first interview.
If you are applying for an engineering position, you will instead be tested on your technical skills through the HackerRank Goldman Sachs aptitude tests which we will go into further detail below.
If you are applying for roles outside of engineering, your Goldman Sachs aptitude tests will be divided into two rounds.
Goldman Sachs uses SHL CEB online assessment tests.
Depending on your line of business, the Round 1 of your Goldman Sachs Online Assessment test may consist of:
The Round 2 of the Goldman Sachs online test consists of:
The difficulty level of the Goldman Sachs online assessment will depend on the business area and position you applied to, so be sure to carefully read all the information in the aptitude test invite email.
The Goldman Sachs Aptitude test consists of 6 sections. The six sections are as follows:
Let us discuss what each of these assessment tests hold.
Since working at Goldman Sachs will require you to use numerical skills and ability to interpret data from tables and charts, the Goldman Sachs’ Numerical Computation and Numerical Reasoning Test will examine your ability to understand a previously unseen passage – as well as its data. You will be required to perform basic GCSE Maths calculations.
What is the Goldman Sachs Numerical Computation Test?
The Goldman Sachs Numerical Computation Test is a simple math test that assesses your ability to use basic principles such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication. They may also give you computations related to ratio proportion, percentage, simple interest, compound interest, average, etc.
What is the Goldman Sachs Numerical Reasoning Test?
Goldman Sachs Numerical Reasoning Tests are meant to assess your ability to process the given information in the form of tables, diagrams and graphs in order to draw answers to the questions given.
Do not worry if you have not done Math in a while! The complexity of this does not lie in the knowledge tested but in the time pressure and stress involved. When taking your Numerical Reasoning Test, you will have less than a minute to read each question, analyse data provided and perform the necessary calculations.
The only way to succeed is to take practice tests beforehand. This way you familiarize yourself with the types of questions and become more confident. Bradley et al, 2019 found that candidates who do not practice assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%).
For more hints on how to pass a Goldman Sachs numerical reasoning test, check out our video below full of example numerical reasoning questions with answers:
See if you can answer the below example numerical reasoning question in under a minute:
Check if you got the correct answer at the bottom of the page.
If you are looking for a Goldman-Sachs-style Numerical Reasoning Test with answers, worked-solutions and professional score reports including personalised tips based on your performance – then GF has you covered.
In the same way numerical reasoning test examines how confident a candidate is in his numerical calculations, Goldman Sachs Verbal Reasoning Test strives to identify whether a candidate can accurately extract the relevant information from a previously unseen passage of text to analyse whether subsequent statements are true, false, or impossible to say based on the information contained in the passage of text.
For more hints on how to pass a Goldman Sachs verbal reasoning test, visit our YouTube video below for example verbal reasoning test questions with worked solutions:
The Goldman Sachs Verbal Reasoning Test could potentially be more difficult for people who are not native-speakers in English. We suggest combating this by practicing Verbal Reasoning Test questions as much as possible, as this allows you to understand the specific way in which the texts are built and questions asked.
Remember, you will have around 45 seconds to answer questions like the following
Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.
If you are looking for more Goldman-Sachs-style Verbal Reasoning Test with answers, worked-solutions and professional score reports including personalised tips based on your performance – then we’ve got you covered!
The Round 1 of the Goldman Sachs Online Aptitude Test also consists of Logical Reasoning Tests. There are three kinds of logical reasoning tests used by Goldman Sachs to assess the potential hires:
Let us discuss these in detail and know how to ace Goldman Sachs Reasoning Tests.
What is the Goldman Sachs Logical Reasoning Test?
Goldman Sachs Logical Reasoning Test is a test consisting of typical logical reasoning questions which require you to use your problem-solving skills keeping in mind a set of rules that govern a scenario.
Check out our short video for all you need to know about logical reasoning tests!
Let’s look at an example of a Goldman Sachs Logical Reasoning question.
In this example, you’d have just 45 seconds to notice that:
Have you cracked it? Check out the answer at the bottom of the page.
Test your logical reasoning skills with our example questions with worked solutions in the video below!
Feeling confident? Register with GF and practise FREE Logical Questions and Answers similar to Goldman Sachs logical questions!
Looking for even more questions similar to those in the Goldman Sachs logical reasoning tests, sign up with us today and:
We’ve got it all covered here at GF.
Keep reading to discover more about the next types of reasoning test that Goldman Sachs has for you: Diagrammatic Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning.
What are Goldman Sachs Diagrammatic Reasoning Tests?
Goldman Sachs Diagrammatic Reasoning tests are meant to assess your ability to understand concepts and information presented through diagrams. These can be quite similar to logical reasoning tests.
Discover the key differences and important facts about diagrammatic reasoning tests with our short video below:
The third type of reasoning test you may be required to take by Goldman Sachs is the Abstract Reasoning test.
What is the Goldman Sachs Abstract Reasoning test?
The Goldman Sachs Abstract Reasoning is a test of your abstract thinking as to how you understand and think with complex concepts.
Here’s our top 5 tips to prepare and practice for your abstract reasoning test:
Practice Goldman Sachs-style Abstract Reasoning questions with GF and ace your Abstract Reasoning section. Sign up TODAY!
What is the Goldman Sachs HackerRank assessment?
The Goldman Sachs HackerRank assessment is a 120 minute test of your programming and coding skills in a variety of programming languages: C, C++, Java 7, Java 8, JavaScript, Python 2 & 3 or Scala along with a 60 minute math assessment.
You will be emailed some practice resources shortly after your application. Make use of these!
Top Goldman Sachs HackerRank preparation tips:
After you’re done with the first round of the Goldman Sachs Online Aptitude test, you level up to the second round of the Goldman Sachs Online Aptitude Test.
The Goldman Sachs Online Aptitude test second round consists of a Subjective Writing Ability Test.
What is the Goldman Sachs Subjective Writing Ability Test?
The Goldman Sachs Subjective Writing test is a kind of Situational Judgment test in which you will be given 2 Situational Judgment questions to which you have to write answers in order to make your point in under 250 words. The time limit of this test is 15 mins.
The Goldman Sachs Subjective Writing Ability test aims to understand the candidate’s personality, their understanding and observances.
What is a Situational Judgement Test? Check out our video below to find out more!
How to ace your Goldman Sachs Subjective Writing Ability Test?
Practice writing for your Goldman Sachs Writing Ability Test with the help of our Goldman Sachs Subject Writing ability-style Situational Judgement Questions. Get ahead by Signing up TODAY!
Goldman Sachs Online Aptitude test (Summary):
Now how do you prepare for a Goldman Sachs interview?
The Goldman Sachs interview questions you may be asked will depend on the particular line of business and role you applied to. Since each position requires a certain set of skills and some prerequisite knowledge, make sure to do extensive research to know exactly what is required for this role.
Discover what your Goldman Sachs interview may be looking for with our short YouTube video:
The types of questions asked will examine you against the Goldman Sachs competencies, which we covered above.
What are the Key Examples of questions you may have in a Goldman Sachs Interview?
There are 5 types of example questions you may have in your Goldman Sachs interview which are:
Continue reading to find out about these types of example questions starting off with Teamwork questions.
Goldman Sachs Interview – Teamwork questions
To answer questions like these correctly you need to refer to some sort of conflict you were involved with; it is not sufficient to say you are not a problematic person and have never been in a conflict with anyone. Conflicts are a natural occurrence at a workplace.
Think of a situation where your opinion differed to someone else, explain the context and give reasons as to why you believed your idea was superior, but don’t be dismissive or arrogant. Show appreciation and understanding for other team members and describe how you managed to reach a conclusion, referring to skills such as communication skills, compromise, and professionalism.
In this question you need to show that you can use your emotional intelligence to be of support to your colleagues and other team members. Refer to your previous experiences where you helped out a colleague, or discuss a hypothetical situation and how you would react to it. It is important to stress that although your involvement and help to team members is appreciated, it cannot be forced to the extent that you’re invading someone else’s personal space.
Goldman Sachs Interview – Communication questions
The most common types of questions in this series will be “Tell us more about yourself”. Talk about your academic interests, extracurricular activities, as well as general passions and hobbies. Although these do not have to suit the position you applied to, make sure to stress specific skills you learnt or experiences you gathered. For example, if you competed in sports do not just focus on how much fun it was: stress the discipline and hard work it required, as well as the team skills it involved and developed, etc.
For more tips and tricks to answering this interview question, don’t miss our short video below:
Goldman Sachs Interview – Commercial Awareness questions
In this section you will be tested on your knowledge and appreciation of the company, and its position in the market. By this point you should have already done your research about Goldman Sachs’ history and culture, sustainability projects, recent developments and technological changes in the industry, and should have a good understanding of its competitors. Potential questions can include:
Find out more about how to answer this interview question and research Goldman Sachs with our video:
Goldman Sachs Interview – Case Study Questions
The Goldman Sachs Case Study questions require you to read case studies of two different clients/ companies and compare them in order to figure out the more profitable investment.
Goldman Sachs Interview – Brain teasers
These types of questions are usually considered to be the most difficult – mainly because they are very abstract and as such, there is little advice you can get besides the old cliché – “be yourself”.
Assessors are looking to see how you think when confronted with puzzling questions, and to assess your logical thinking ability, including your ability to understand the given assumptions and be able to present conclusions on the spot.
In short, brain teaser interview questions aim to assess your:
You may be assessed on your creativity in answering thought-provoking questions like:
Before you answer these types of questions, give yourself time to think. You don’t have to answer them immediately! Consider the question first and explain your thought process out loud as you go. The interview is interested in how you solve problems and critically assess a scenario on the fly.
For these questions, the interviewer is NOT looking for the right answer. They are assessing how you analyze the problem and the way in which you come to a conclusion.
Your Goldman Sachs final interview is also a great opportunity for you to ask your own questions to discover more about the company, such as the team you may be working with and the culture.
Asking interesting questions can also help you stand out from the other candidates and impress the interviewer by showing your genuine interest and motivation in learning more about the company!
What thought-provoking questions can I ask? Here’s our top 5 questions that you can ask your interviewer to help you stand out!
So, this is all the Goldman Sachs has to offer as their assessment procedure. Now, it’s up to you! Prepare using the resources provided to you by GF and practice for your upcoming Goldman Sachs assessment. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up with GF and start your practice for Goldman Sachs aptitude tests!
If you are in college and wish to build a career with Goldman Sachs you should apply for the Goldman Sachs Student programmes.
So what are these opportunities? Let’s find out!
There are many opportunities that Goldman Sachs offers undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus to give them the perfect platform to kickstart your career.
Keep reading to discover more about 3 of the many America-based and Global graduate programmes that Goldman Sachs currently provide that you can apply for!
How to apply to the Goldman Sachs student programmes?
The 2023 Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Internship programme is an 8-10 week internship programme for undergraduate students where you will be immersed in the day-to-day activities of a particular division of the firm, including training and support for the responsibilities of the division members.
Divisions
Application deadline
Applications are now open!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply as early as possible to increase your chances!
Requirements to be eligible
Locations
The 2023 New Analyst Internship Programme is a full time program for students who have graduated from a bachelors or masters degree with little or no postgraduate work experience. As a part of the New Analyst Internship Programme you will have unlimited access to training, guidance and skill-development to help prepare you for the next level.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so make sure to apply as early as possible to increase your chances!
Eligibility Requirements
Goldman Sachs is offering a full time program for those with 2 to 5 years’ work experience and has an advanced degree. As a new associate, you will have the opportunity to become integral to the products and clients of Goldman Sachs. You will receive personalized training, skills and support to enhance your professional growth and network.
Application Deadline
Be aware, as application deadlines will vary depending on the school. Ensure you check with your school career services for your specific deadline!
Practice for your Goldman Sachs interviews and assessment tests with GF today!
The online application form for the student programs can take around 15-20 minutes to complete.
Although it may vary for professional role applications, most candidates for student programmes should hear a response to their application within a few weeks after the relevant deadline has ended for their applied role.
Candidates can check the status of their application at any time by logging into the application system.
The New Analyst program is a full-time opportunity for final year university students to work and develop their skills at Goldman Sachs. New Analysts can develop their own skills and knowledge whilst building their professional network across the many divisions and locations.
For professional roles, candidates may apply to multiple locations and divisions at any time, however students can apply to up to 3 separate Summer and Full-time New Analyst roles.
Candidates cannot apply for both a Summer Internship position and a New Analyst/Associate position during the same recruitment period.
The hiring process duration may vary depending on the role, division and location. On average, Goldman Sachs’ recruitment process takes around 54 days. If you are well suited for the role and do well in your application, you may hear back from the company within 2 weeks.
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Correct answers to example questions:
Numerical Reasoning Test: D
Verbal Reasoning Test: B
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