MockQuestions

BlackRock, Inc. Interview Questions and Answers

Written by
31 Questions
11,005 Readers

Practice for your upcoming BlackRock, Inc. job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

First Question

31 BlackRock, Inc. Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   If hired for this role, what do you see as one initial hurdle you will have to overcome in your first weeks on the job?

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer wants to know that you are a quick learner and will proactively respond to challenges right off the bat. Your interviewer wants to hear that you will fit in well with BlackRock's hardworking team by viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Further, your interviewer wants to ensure you have the formal training needed to be successful on the job or if you'll need support to fill in training gaps. Similar to the 'greatest weakness' question, the key to answering this question is to point out a potential challenge and then share your plan for how you will overcome that challenge. If you can think of one off the top of your head, share with your interviewer an example of when you were confronted with a challenge at a new job and how you responded to this adversity.

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"Well, although I consider myself a friend to all, as a very approachable person, I don't expect everyone to be like me. So, a hurdle I will focus on overcoming is my relationship-building with the teams here at Blackrock. I want to be able to collaborate with everyone here, so I'll need to earn the trust of the introverts and the extroverts alike."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Answer Example

"Having put a lot of thought into this even before submitting my resume for this position, I realize that my greatest hurdle would be making the leap to a different industry. My five years of experience out of college have been focused on capital markets, but I feel that I've built a solid knowledge base to transition into a role focused on financial advising at BlackRock. If given the opportunity to join your team, my initial focus would be to jump right into learning all I can about the financial advising niche."

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

2.   How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team at BlackRock?

What You Need to Know

While hiring managers understand that you will need some time to get up to speed in your role, convey to your interviewer that you're ready to hit the ground running on day one. "We are building a culture where people can thrive. Where every person can contribute to helping drive innovation and performance for our company and our clients." Given the firm's name recognition and reputation, many candidates will probably be vying for an 'in' with BlackRock. With an abundance of qualified candidates, hiring managers want employees who will be productive in their roles right away and won't need excessive training.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I imagine that as soon I hit the ground running in immersing myself in the work environment and culture, including learning the ins and outs of the systems in place, my eagle eyes will be on the lookout for any and every opportunity to innovate and contribute, whether through collaboration or independently."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I plan to make an impact as soon as possible at BlackRock. I've already researched this position and have all the requisite skills outlined in the position description and proficiency in other relevant skills that would be useful in developing the XYZ project at BlackRock. As you can tell, I'm incredibly eager to get started, which is why I have created a 90-day impact plan I would like to share with you. After that, I'm interested in hearing from you about if there are any additional actions that I haven't included that I could take in the first week to be successful in this role."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

3.   Tell me about a time you showed a willingness to learn a new method or approach to solving a problem.

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer wants to hear that you're flexible and open to solving problems in new ways. BlackRock is all about innovation and finding new ideas to solve finance's most complex problems. "We are relentless about finding better ways to serve our clients and improve our firm. Since our founding, innovation has been at the center of how we deliver performance and stay ahead of our clients' needs." Hiring managers are looking for flexible, growth-oriented candidates rather than individuals already set in their ways. Use a relevant professional example to demonstrate that you're a quick learner who is open to doing things differently when needed.

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"That's an interesting question. I'm not the type to get stuck in my ways or think I have all the answers. I am always learning and always seeking out new information. Every question asked leads to more questions. So, if someone has a suggestion, I'll hear it out. Just the other day, a friend at work was looking at the system I'd developed for myself, and they offered to share their system with me in case I was interested. And, of course, I was. I complimented them on their method, but in the end, I had to admit, although I was impressed, the system I'd developed was better for me. But I was open to trying new things."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Answer Example

"My boss worked with a consulting firm last year to improve our business efficiency and increase revenue. New policies and SOPs came out of this, which my team and I had to quickly get up to speed on and apply to our current projects. As a result, I quickly learned a new financial analysis software that the consulting firm recommended. I saw greater productivity and efficiency in our team's work. I am always open to learning new and better ways of doing things."

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

4.   Think back over your career up to today and tell me about your most difficult day on the job. What made that day difficult, and how did you handle it?

What You Need to Know

We've all had our share of difficult days on the job, and how we handle those days, in particular, can make or break our success at a company. As Larry Fink, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Blackrock says, "Culture inspires employees to go above and beyond their responsibilities every day, to solve the most difficult problems, and to join together as One BlackRock." Think of a day that demonstrates your ability to handle adversity professionally without shutting down. A significant piece of your answer should be discussing the lessons you learned from that particular day moving forward that you still carry with you.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

1st Entry Level Example

"My company laid several people off, and I wasn't one of them. Some of these individuals were my friends, but they pushed me to try to help them by suggesting I quit if they didn't keep them on staff. I knew quitting wouldn't accomplish their goal, and I also knew they stood a chance of getting their jobs back in a few months, whereas if I quit, I wouldn't have that opportunity. Quitting was not an option for me. Unfortunately, this led to them directing their frustrations about their situation at me, which was a detriment to those friendships. That was a difficult day."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

1st Experienced Example

"It's funny that you ask this question because I can honestly say that my worst day on the job happened just a few weeks ago. Upon arriving at work, I learned that our entire network was down, and we couldn't work within our CRM or other programs that day. Many of my coworkers were visibly upset and questioning how we would do our jobs that day. Rather than joining the crowd and freaking out about the situation, I huddled our group to talk about solutions. While some colleagues called it quits and went home, I helped brainstorm how to keep our phone lines open, and my boss was very grateful for my efforts that day. Looking back, what made this the most difficult for me was seeing how others responded so negatively over an issue we had no control over."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

2nd Experienced Example

"Early in my career, my entire office came down with the flu one day, and I was left alone with the receptionist. At first, the receptionist and I went about our business. After being flooded with calls and in-person visits to our office, we connected again to discuss a plan moving forward. We discussed what types of calls she could handle and which ones I would handle, and she triaged from there. I contacted the clients I had scheduled that day to reschedule. If I couldn't answer a question for a client of one of my colleagues, I ensured they knew my colleague would follow up as soon as possible. Looking back, I learned that when you have to break routine as we did then, it is important to make a plan as early in the day as possible."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

5.   What do you consider the most attractive thing about this role with BlackRock?

What You Need to Know

As they state on their careers page, "At BlackRock, we believe we're at our best when our employees connect their personal purpose to their work and our firm's purpose." For this question, your interviewer is looking to gain insight into what you know and like about BlackRock and how they can help you meet your career goals. In your answer, stay focused on aligning your values with the organization's values and demonstrate that you've researched BlackRock and the job you are interviewing for.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I am attracted to the opportunities to advance my career with BlackRock's leadership development programs. I'm not interested in a dead-end job. I'm looking for a long-term career that offers stability and which will continue to challenge me. I have career goals, and it seems like BlackRock can help me accomplish them."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Answer Example

"Over the past few years, I've had an eye on pursuing a career with BlackRock because of its reputation for having a great company culture. In my current position as an analyst at XYZ company, we've partnered with BlackRock analysts to work on the XYZ project. My team and I greatly admire and enjoy working with the BlackRock analysts because they are motivated and easy to work with. I've had conversations with a few of them about their appreciation for your collaborative company culture and work-life balance, and both are priorities for me in this next career step."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

Experienced Example

"As a finance professional with over ten years of experience, I'm looking to align what's most important to me personally with the work I do professionally. Starting my career in IB, my job was to make the greatest profit for clients with little consideration of environmental, social, and corporate governance issues. I've deeply admired BlackRock's pivotal role as a giant in the ESG investing space and in creating a diverse and inclusive company culture. The opportunity to align my values with BlackRock's is attractive to me, and I look forward to contributing to BlackRock's mission if given the opportunity."

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

6.   What do you know about BlackRock's mission?

What You Need to Know

Make sure you've done your homework on BlackRock's history and mission. You should be well-versed in why they do what they do and how this mission applies to the role you're interviewing for.

Their mission statement on their website is quite simple: 'BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being.' Read their five guiding principles and reflect on how your professional and personal values fit into BlackRock's core values.

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

Entry Level Example

"BlackRock states their purpose as helping more and more people experience financial well-being. Together with BlackRock's clients, they're contributing to a more equitable and resilient world - today and for generations to come."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Experienced Example

"I know that your mission centers on working to provide people with financial well-being. Your core values stress long-term value, high standards of excellence, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and equity and inclusion within a diverse workforce. From your mission and reputation, I also know the importance you've placed over the years on putting your clients first. Having worked as a fund manager for the past five years, I take my fiduciary responsibility to my clients seriously and always put their interests first in my work. Furthermore, I'm drawn to BlackRock's mission because environmental sustainability and socially responsible investing are fundamental to me, and I know that BlackRock has been an international leader in those areas."

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

7.   We've had a lot of interest in this position. Why should we hire you?

What You Need to Know

BlackRock is a highly sought-after company for finance professionals. Thus, you will probably be competing against many qualified candidates for a position at BlackRock, making it all the more important for you to stand out as an applicant. Spend time researching the company and the qualities they value and promote in their employees. Then, think about what makes you different professionally and align them with the qualities they celebrate. Some keywords on their site include integrity, trust, emotional ownership, commitment, and passion.

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

Focus Your Answer On

Don't just point out the reasons why you're qualified. Instead, reflect on how your unique experiences will make you the best person for the job and convey that confidently to the interviewer. This question is the time to highlight why you're different from other qualified candidates.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"You should hire me because I have a strong sense of character, pride myself on my integrity, and am trustworthy. I am emotionally intelligent and take ownership of my involvement, my work, and my actions. I am committed and passionate about the work I do."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Experienced Example

"As you know from my resume and what we've discussed so far today, I'm confident that I have the formal training and experience needed to be successful in this role. What makes me different as an applicant is my experience with shareholder engagement, ESG investing, and sustainable portfolio management. In my last role at (XYZ) company, I increased company shareholder engagement by 30% and averaged 10% returns for clients while managing their sustainable portfolios. As you can see, I'm passionate about these important issues and have a proven track record of success."

Written by Rachel Hills on August 4th, 2021

8.   Talk to me about a challenging situation you had to handle on the job that involved another colleague. How did you handle that situation?

What You Need to Know

BlackRock takes pride in fostering a positive, inclusive environment for its employees. At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to hear how you use solid interpersonal and relationship-building skills to diffuse a difficult situation with a coworker. "We are building a culture where all voices - not just the loudest or the most familiar - can contribute to help our clients achieve their goals. This approach creates room for each employee to bring their whole self to every conversation."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

How to Answer

No matter what situation you talk about, focus on the steps you took to turn a potentially hazardous situation into a good one. Demonstrate your understanding of their values so the interviewer knows you will fit in well at BlackRock. Make sure to highlight lessons learned from that situation that you keep with you to this day on the job.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"A coworker lost their voice and was out sick. They needed me to field some questions from a demanding and pushy client. So I had to have a chat thread with them and relay our communications back and forth. I was transparent with the client, and the situation required quite a lot of patience. The client grew frustrated at several points, but my teammate continually assured me they were that way, no matter the situation. It was a long process with a lot of challenges along the way, but in the end, everyone was happy, and the client felt well cared for."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Experienced Example

"A few years ago, we hired a junior advisor on our team, and I was tasked with being his mentor. Having mentored several other thriving junior advisors before him, I was excited about the opportunity. Within his first week on the job, I overheard a colleague talking openly about his disdain for this new advisor. I decided to speak to my colleague in a private office about my concern over his words toward the new advisor. Having been a part of the interview process and his early mentorship, I knew that he had the skills to succeed, and I reiterated that to my colleague. After agreeing to back off his critique of the new advisor, I learned that direct conversations are the best way to handle workplace conflicts. The junior advisor went on to be quite successful at the firm. I learned from this experience the importance of open communication and friendly assertiveness when working with my colleagues. I know that BlackRock is known for its positive company culture and team environment, and I think the style I've developed to effectively work with team members would align well with BlackRock's values."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

Answer Example

"A couple of years ago, I approached a colleague who had missed a deadline on a big audit we were conducting, and she completely blew up at me during our conversation. At first, I was taken aback by her response because I had never witnessed that from her in many years of working together. I remained calm and allowed her to vent to me, and it turns out that she was going through a lot of things in her personal life that were impacting her work. While keeping our project deadlines in mind, I also took a personal approach to let her know that she could bring these issues to me as a colleague and a friend and work through them together in the future. Through this experience, I learned the importance of treating all clients and colleagues as multifaceted humans, often with a lot going on. It's made me a better listener and team member in the workplace."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

9.   I want to be sure that I'm hiring a motivated individual. What motivates you in your daily work and your career?

What You Need to Know

Your interviewer asks this question to see what motivates you to excel in your career. "We are committed to a better future. We are long-term thinkers, focused on helping people build a better tomorrow." A prestigious company like BlackRock wants to ensure their candidates have a strong personal motivation to succeed in your work.

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

How to Answer

Offer one to two specific examples that emphasize your motivation in your day-to-day work. You might include an anecdote that explains why you got into this field in the first place. Perhaps a previous manager has even commented on your motivation, which you should include in your answer. While money, top-notch benefits, and the reputation that comes with a career at BlackRock may all be motivators, don't focus on these aspects in your answer. Instead, focus your answer on intrinsic motivation, mostly removed from external factors like money, status, or external validation.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"I love what I do and am therefore good at it; otherwise, I might not love it. I am motivated to beat my personal best. When I don't meet my expectations, I grow more determined to succeed. I want to be the best I can be, and that motivates me. So I am committed to constantly improving and growing. I focus on long-term goals as much as the short term, and I am eager to help others do the same for themselves."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Answer Example

"I find myself most motivated on the job when I am being challenged and when I can continue learning new things. From what I've learned in talking to others that currently work here at BlackRock, the fast-paced environment and continuous changes in the industry would keep me on my toes. This is important to me in a company because I never want to get bored in a role."

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 24th, 2023

10.   How will you ensure accuracy in your work with BlackRock?

What You Need to Know

Keen attention to detail is paramount within the financial space. Your interviewer needs to know that you can be trusted when validating and drawing conclusions from data, especially if you present your findings to upper-level leadership or clients. Assure the interviewer that you are diligent in submitting good, clean work. An example that demonstrates your attention to detail will strengthen your answer.

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Entry Level Example

"That's not a problem for me. I can be a bit obsessive-compulsive and have wired my brain to look at the finer details. Typically, my work is near perfect before I look it over. The real problem for me is letting go. I'm working on knowing when to stop fine-tuning things and recognizing it was perfect a while ago."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

Answer Example

"I always double-check my work when drawing conclusions from data. Through three years of work as a data scientist at (XYZ) company, I have my data validation process down to a science. During my mid-year review with my supervisor this year, she commented on how impressed she was with my contribution to a recent acquisition. I worked quickly but carefully pulled financial data on a competitor and then presented my findings to the acquisitions team. This informed their overall strategy and resulted in a successful acquisition that brought in $10 million in revenue."

Written by Kevin Downey on February 24th, 2023

More Interview Practice

BlackRock, Inc. Logo

BlackRock, Inc. HireVue

Start Mock Interview

Allied Irish Banks Logo

Allied Irish Banks

Start Mock Interview

Westpac New Zealand Limited Logo

Westpac New Zealand Limited

Start Mock Interview

SVB Silicon Valley Bank Logo

SVB Silicon Valley Bank

Start Mock Interview

Federal Reserve Bank Of St. Louis Logo

Federal Reserve Bank Of St. Louis

Start Mock Interview

Quicken Loans, Inc.

Start Mock Interview

City National Bank Logo

City National Bank

Start Mock Interview

EY Logo

EY

Start Mock Interview

Interactive Brokers LLC Logo

Interactive Brokers LLC

Start Mock Interview

Merrill Lynch Logo

Merrill Lynch

Start Mock Interview

Charles Schwab Corporation Logo

Charles Schwab Corporation

Start Mock Interview

Credit Suisse Logo

Credit Suisse

Start Mock Interview

Barclays Leveraged Finance Logo

Barclays Leveraged Finance

Start Mock Interview

BMO InvestorLine Inc. Logo

BMO InvestorLine Inc.

Start Mock Interview

Northwestern Mutual Logo

Northwestern Mutual

Start Mock Interview

Farmers Insurance Logo

Farmers Insurance

Start Mock Interview

Bank For International Settlements Logo

Bank For International Settlements

Start Mock Interview

SGI Canada Logo

SGI Canada

Start Mock Interview

TSB Bank Logo

TSB Bank

Start Mock Interview

M&T Bank Logo

M&T Bank

Start Mock Interview

SEI Investments Company Logo

SEI Investments Company

Start Mock Interview

Capital One Bank Logo

Capital One Bank

Start Mock Interview

Mi5, Inc. Logo

Mi5, Inc.

Start Mock Interview

Deutsche Boerse AG Logo

Deutsche Boerse AG

Start Mock Interview

Truist Logo

Truist

Start Mock Interview

First National Financial LP Logo

First National Financial LP

Start Mock Interview

HSBC Bank Logo

HSBC Bank

Start Mock Interview

BB&T Bank Logo

BB&T Bank

Start Mock Interview

AAA Logo

AAA

Start Mock Interview

Lloyds Bank Logo

Lloyds Bank

Start Mock Interview