Talk about a time you succeeded despite being under intense pressure. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

"I know that working in a high-pressure environment such as investment banking can be very stressful. Throughout my career in the financial sector, I have gained the skills that help me constructively deal with stress. (Situation) Last year, one of our Investment Managers retired, and she passed me one of her most important legacy accounts. I was thrilled to have the opportunity; however, this account was notorious for being high-pressure. (Task) I knew that onboarding this client would be challenging. It would take a great deal of diligence, research, and time on my end. I felt overwhelmed, but I knew that serving this account to the best of my ability would speak volumes about my firm and be a valuable addition to my portfolio. (Action) During this time, I sought out a mentor with more experience in the financial sector. This individual taught me incredibly beneficial approaches and tools for managing my time, controlling stress, and regulating my mindset under pressure. (Result) As a result, I successfully onboarded this new account and even received accolades from the client, which reached my leadership team. Now, when I feel immense pressure on the job and in my personal life, I lean on these mechanisms and techniques to get me to the finish line with focus and poise."

This question assesses how capable you are of working in high-pressure situations or environments. Your response should offer them insights into whether you have the mindset and tenacity to behave professionally and appropriately while working under pressure, as opposed to allowing your stress or emotions to govern and dictate your behavior and responses.

It is perfectly normal to feel a bit of stress in an interview, and even more natural to re-experience the emotions of a stressful memory upon recall. But when taking a HireVue assessment of any kind, it is important to remember that the algorithm will study your non-verbal cues, posture, choice of words, and tone for indications of stress or confidence. So, when considering what stories to relay when questions such as these arise, share examples you are proud of which you often relay with confidence, pride, and emotional maturity.

Goldman Sachs' recruiters offer some additional advice which would be useful to consider when answering this, and other stressed based questions. "We want to see your personality come through, and not with color, but actually with context. Breathe. Relax and be yourself. We'd rather see your personality come through naturally than hear you speed-read through your accomplishments. We can't wait to get to know you and hear what you have to say. Good luck!"

Use a recent compelling example where you exhibited poise under pressure. Be as specific as you can. Outline the situation, explain why you felt under pressure, and describe your actions. Your answer should include a story of a time when you were under a type of pressure related to this position's duties. Spotlight your thought process and what went into making calculated decisions unclouded by any feelings of stress, strain, or conflict. Detail the measurable impact of your actions and the results of those actions.

"I remember for one following on offering project I did in my current company, my supervisor asked me how much I can sell, I responded that I could handle $2 million by my calculation. But in the last two days before cutting off, one big client told me she couldn’t put enough amount as her original indication. So first, I made a phone to the client, and ask her why she couldn’t match the amount as her indication, she told me she got a situation, and she is too busy to have a phone call right now. After she hang off the call, I called my supervisor immediately and stated the situation we were facing, and I told my supervisor that I will call back to the client to figure out the reason. On the night of the same day, I called the client and finally figured out that the client wants to use the money to invest in a real estate project, as I knew she already had a lot of investments in real estate, as her financial advisor, I educated her that we should invest diversely, and as her investment object and risk tolerance is fit for IPO or follow-on offering project, I suggested her to switch the investment from real estate to the follow-on offering. In the end, the client took my suggestion, and I achieved my sales goal of $2 million."

Talk to us about your proudest achievement. Why was this achievement important?

"(Situation & Task) While working as an Investment Analyst with Company XYZ, I was responsible for supporting the Investment Management team through research and strategic recommendations. During the pandemic, we began to find that regulations were becoming more stringent, and investment banks were required to have greater safeguards against compliance breaches. This situation presented an excellent opportunity for our small firm to explore a more robust, more efficient tech stack. (Action) I began to research new tools, processes, and systems to boost our teams' efficiencies and safeguard us through a better-consolidated system. After a couple of weeks, I made solid recommendations to the Investment Management team. (Result) By spotlighting the upside of greater efficiencies and added security, I initiated smart and responsible change within the firm. My manager was very pleased with my initiative, and today, the firm has stronger processes for managing regulatory reporting demands."

Goldman Sachs wants to know which of your professional accomplishments you value the most. As suggested by their recruiters, some other examples of how this question might be phrased in your HireVue interview include, "What project or task have you recently completed that you are proud of?" "Describe a challenge you have faced and how you overcame that challenge." "In hindsight, what steps would you have taken to avoid that challenge?" "If given a new project that you were unfamiliar with, what would be your strategy to kick-start the project?" The goal of your response is to provide evidence that you are a strong hire. You can accomplish this by showcasing an exceptional accomplishment from the past, which aligns you with their values and culture.

When preparing to answer this question, consider the following advice given by some of Goldman Sachs' recruiters: "First, do your research, read a bit about us and the role and prepare some personal examples. The interviewer will probably ask questions to gauge your thought process and leadership skills. Prepare your answers for behavioral-type questions. You usually will be asked several general behavioral questions and then a question that relates to the role or roles you've applied for. When it comes to attire, there's no need to be overly formal, but you do want to feel confident. So make sure you find something that works for you."Use a solid and compelling recent example and be as specific as possible while remaining concise and on topic. Your answer should include a proud accomplishment that relates to the position and aligns yourself with Goldman Sachs' values.

It's important to remember that the hiring managers are looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your professional behavior in challenging interpersonal situations. When relating your example to this question, take advantage of the opportunity it presents for you to exhibit strong communication skills through structured storytelling. You'll want to make sure it has a beginning, middle, and end. Using the STAR method to form an engaging story-based response is a great technique for showcasing your proudest accomplishment. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Telling a story about your most significant achievement will give the hiring managers a definite idea of what matters to you. They'll aim to assess how your past accomplishments will provide indicators for the performance they can expect from you and for your future success. Showcase your personality, work ethic, diligence, and what motivates you. You should be proud of yourself for what you've accomplished so far, and it's okay to brag a bit when answering this question. But try to remain humble and confident, as opposed to coming across as overconfident and arrogant.

"One of my most significant achievements was during my internship at _________, where I was tasked with pitching a phase one modeling presentation for _____ to potential investors. Through extensive research and financial analysis, I gained the ability to dissect financial metrics and balance sheets, identifying crucial indicators of future growth. My presentation was not only well-received by the CEO but also proved to be an effective tool for attracting investor interest in ____. The CEO was so impressed that he facilitated an introduction to a senior executive at another company, which ultimately led to my internship at _____, where I continued to develop my financial skills and contribute to the success of the team."

How would your most recent leader describe you?

"In my last performance review and also in some casual discussions, my manager has described me as motivated, encouraging to others, and consistent. I strive to exceed expectations when I can, and I encourage my fellow team members to deliver their best work. My current manager is happy to speak on my behalf as a positive reference."

Your Goldman Sachs recruiter needs to ensure whomever they consider hiring is emotionally intelligent, gets along with those in positions of authority, and has a history of building positive relationships with previous leaders and employers. The goal of your response is to showcase the strength of your character, that you have built healthy relationships in your previous roles, and that your character aligns with the traits Goldman Sachs looks for in its team members.

When answering questions such as these, you'll want your words to align with your actions, such as how prepared you are for the interview and each question. This not only applies to doing your homework on the company and how to navigate the HireVue interview process but also to preparing your electronics and personal space for the interview as well.On Goldman Sachs' careers site, their recruiter offers the following advice: "What can I do ahead of time to get ready? Do your research. Ask your questions. Choose a quiet place without distractions. Test your technology. We all know how frustrating technical difficulties can be. Patience is key." HireVue also offers similar advice: "Virtual interviewing is similar to the video calls many of us have been using. You will use a computer, tablet, or mobile device to answer questions created by the company for the position you are applying for. Since you can interview from anywhere, make sure it's somewhere you're comfortable. Pick a spot free from distractions and noise. Ensure you've got the strongest Wi-Fi signal possible. And don't forget to check your lighting. Make sure it's in front of you. Lighting from behind makes it hard to see you. Just be natural! Get comfortable and be confident in yourself."

Regardless of whether your current leader is communicative with you and regularly expresses what they enjoy and appreciate about your work ethic, you aim to showcase your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. If possible, form your response around takeaways from your last performance review or a piece of feedback you have recently received from your leader. You can further solidify your answer by referring to reliable references, such as any LinkedIn recommendations on your profile.

Offer 1-3 of your best traits when you respond. Then support those traits with an example of when you emulated those behaviors. You can also provide details of a measurable accomplishment. For instance, if you received a 100% customer satisfaction survey result, talk about this achievement as supporting evidence. For example, you could say, "My most recent manager would say that I am customer-focused. In fact, I recently received a 100% customer satisfaction rating in our company's latest customer happiness survey."

Avoid guessing what your most recent manager thinks of you. If your response lacks confidence, your hiring managers may not feel confident in your abilities. For instance, rather than saying, "I think maybe my manager would describe me as dedicated to my work," try saying, "My manager would describe me as dedicated to my work because I deliver on deadlines and often make myself available after hours when my clients need me."

How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest? What actions would you take?

"Goldman Sachs leads with purpose and pride. I take pride in my work and would not tolerate dishonesty since it interferes with company goals and reputation. With a focus on honesty and transparency, I would feel obligated to report a coworker who was being dishonest. Of course, I would refer to any policy or guidelines available and speak to my leader to ensure that I appropriately handle the situation. I would desire to help bring a resolution without escalating the situation or introducing new conflict. One of Goldman Sachs' core values is integrity, and this is a value that I take seriously. If hired, I will hold myself and my peers accountable to the highest ethical standards."

HireVue assessment questions are drawn from their interviewer builder, which contains an interview question bank that can then be customized to a client's specific needs, culture, and values. Questions intended to assess your integrity are common in most HireVue interviews, and Goldman Sachs' video interview is no different. Part of every recruiter's job is to ensure anyone they consider hiring is honest and trustworthy and would adhere to their code of ethical conduct. So, HireVue's AI-driven assessment model will monitor your response for any verbal or nonverbal cues that might serve as an indicator of future performance. Your goal is to present your answers as sincerely as you can and to exude confidence when needing to discuss uncomfortable situations.

Integrity and honesty are interwoven throughout the company's culture. Goldman Sachs has four core values, and one is "Integrity." The company states: "We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, insisting on transparency and vigilance from our people as we learn from our experiences and make decisions that instill a sense of purpose and pride in our firm." Also, one of their business principles, which are the pillars of their company culture, states, "Integrity and honesty are at the heart of our business. We expect our people to maintain high ethical standards in everything they do, both in their work for the firm and in their personal lives."In addition, this is reiterated throughout their Business Conduct and Ethics, "It's the responsibility of every individual at the firm to escalate potential legal, regulatory, and ethical breaches, including violations of this Code as well as our core values and our Business Principles. We encourage you to speak up and say something to your colleagues. There can be significant ramifications for failing to identify and report suspicious activity. Failure to confront inappropriate behavior may suggest tolerance or endorsement. If there is any doubt, escalate."

Goldman Sachs operates in a highly sensitive sector where making ethical decisions and building trustworthy relationships are core to success. The company needs to make sure that they hire honest and reliable people. Since this question is phrased as "What would you do...", you can respond hypothetically. The Situation, Solution, and Benefit formula is helpful in this instance. Step 1) Situation: Express your understanding of the hypothetical situation (your coworker being dishonest).Step 2) Solution: Outline the solution you would introduce if you encountered dishonesty in the workplace.Step 3) Benefit: Highlight how your approach to confronting dishonesty will benefit Goldman Sachs when they hire you.

Talk about your ideal work environment.

"My ideal work environment is where I am working with supportive and positive people. We help each other achieve our goals and celebrate victories together when we work as a team. I find that the best work environment is when we empower each other by uplifting each other and rising together. From my research, I believe that Goldman Sachs provides an environment like this, and I look forward to learning more."

Part of a recruiter's job is to ensure whomever they consider hiring will be a sustainable long-term employee, and that the company will benefit from bringing that candidate onboard. But this needs to be a two-way street, and the candidate should stand to benefit from what they have to offer, ensuring a mutually beneficial fit for both parties. Therefore, the hiring authority needs to determine what it is about their work environment that suits you.

When determining how a company's work environment aligns with one's needs and desires, there are several factors that can come into play. Some value the training, mentorships, continual learning, development, and opportunities for advancing, the leadership style promoted at the company, and the style of the feedback offered. For others it might be the actual working environment, flexibility such as working from home or flexible hours, casual dress codes, open-air environment without cubicles or walled offices, ergonomics, and stand-up desks, or bringing your dog to work with you. For others, the type of innovation they promote and the collaborative teams might be what appeals to them the most. So, consider the following advice from Goldman Sachs' recruiters: "What can I do ahead of time to get ready? Take a step back and think about what's really most important to you. The overall culture of the firm. What are the long-term opportunities? Whether that's mobility, different business at the firm and what those opportunities look like over the course of a long career."

Familiarize yourself with everything Goldman Sachs' work environment has to offer. Choose two or three work environment factors that are important to you, and discuss why you value these factors. Once you have described your ideal work environment, draw connections between your desires and what you know/have heard about working for Goldman Sachs.

Why are you looking for a position?

"Accepting my most recent job was a misstep; however, I learned some important lessons from this experience. Last year, I joined Company XYZ - a start-up fintech company with a fantastic business idea. Unfortunately, the overall framework and business strategy did not match the reality of the work environment. I remained in the role for one year before giving my notice and staying on to help train my replacement. Now, I am approaching my next move with more care, ensuring that I make a fully informed decision. I am passionate about serving my employer and generating growth. When I learned that Goldman Sachs had this opening, I was thrilled. I understand that this position focuses on strategic growth and client satisfaction. I appreciate that Goldman Sachs' values include 'Integrity' - a factor that aligns with the values I bring to my personal and professional life."

This question is aimed at helping Goldman Sachs assess how truthful you are about the circumstances of your decision to leave your current or most recent position. The assessment model will study your behavior for clues as to whether you believe in your own statements by evaluating your verbal and non-verbal cues for signs of honesty, confidence, and the content of your message. Keep in mind, that in every situation, there are many truths. So, with the aim of remaining truthful and sincere, take time to choose your words carefully and meditate on what light would best serve you to frame your truth. The goal of your response is to show that you intend to move forward in your career with intention and thoughtfulness. If you can align your interests with the elements of what this opportunity offers, all the better.

It is important to understand the aims of your recruiter as well as the challenges their job presents. On Goldman Sachs' career site, one of their recruiters asks, "Have you ever wondered what recruiters are really thinking as they review your resume?" They later detail that what they love is "when I am able to find the information I am looking for really easily." So do what you can to make their job easier.

When forming your response, clearly outline how this new opportunity with Goldman Sachs aligns with your professional goals. Make the connection between your desires and how the company will benefit from choosing you.Try building your response using this 4-step framework:1. Set up the situation and mention the challenges you faced/currently face.2. Outline the positive actions you took/have taken to overcome these challenges.3. Highlight the transferable skills you have developed despite the situation.4. Discuss the benefits of these transferable skills and provide measurable examples of how these skills will ensure your success in this new role.Keeping an opportunity mindset, you can see why providing an opportunity-related response is the most effective approach.

When building your answer, avoid being too vague, speaking negatively about your current or most recent position, or giving a cliche response. - A vague response sounds like, "My current position is no longer a fit." Instead, help the decision-makers feel assured that the hiring company, and this new role, will meet your long-term desires. Suppose you are employed and looking for a fresh opportunity. In that case, the hiring authority will want to know precisely how this job at Goldman Sachs differs from the one you want to leave.- A negative response sounds like, "My current company has a toxic work environment, and my boss is awful." Even if a statement about a toxic environment or a bad boss may be true, it's best to keep that information to yourself and focus on the future. Think about what you want, and are not getting now, and how can you flip the delivery of your response into a positive tone.- A cliche response sounds like, "I am looking for a new job because I need to feel more challenged." Instead, discuss specific challenges that excite you the most. Express that you cannot gain this particular momentum with your current company, and touch on why that is the case. Then talk about why you believe Goldman Sachs can provide the challenges and growth you seek.

What are your short-term career goals?

"I have worked as a Finance Analyst for eight years now and have set my sights on earning a promotion to Finance Manager. I have committed to upskilling my mentorship and leadership abilities to achieve this short-term goal. I am taking an online course called 'Personality Types at Work,' provided by the University of Florida. My natural interpersonal skills helped me develop meaningful relationships with my peers. Now I'd like to learn more about personality types so that I can be an impactful leader when the opportunity arises. I understand that Goldman Sachs emphasizes the growth and development of its team members, and I look forward to achieving more leadership and mentorship-related goals with the company."

Goldman Sachs wants to understand what your immediate career goals are, and how this opportunity will help you achieve those goals. How you answer this question could also offer insights into how career-oriented you are, and how focused you are on your professional development. The goal of your response should be to touch upon your immediate and near-future career goals, the milestones you hope to achieve over the next month, six months, and year, and how they specifically align with what Goldman Sachs and this opportunity stand to offer.

Short-term career goals are targets you hope to accomplish, which you believe will help you achieve your long-term career objectives. They are realistic and motivate you on your journey towards your larger, long-term goals. They should help you meet specific work-related objectives over a shorter period, perhaps in 12 months or less. When aiming to align your goals with this opportunity, consider one of their business principles, which states, "We offer our people the opportunity to move ahead more rapidly than is possible at most other places. Advancement depends on merit and we have yet to find the limits to the responsibility our best people are able to assume."

When discussing short-term career goals, be sure that these goals are clear and related to the job opportunity. Being clear on your short-term goals is key to delivering a focused response. Your goals can be conventional or outside of the box. If you have difficulty coming up with a short-term goal, consider a few of these examples which might help you consider where you hope to take your career next: - Completing a new certification, workshop, or course- Improving soft skills such as communication or networking- Improving hard skills such as becoming a power user in a particular program- Reading more business books related to your industry or professionYou can also break down your response using this simple framework:"In the short term, I would like to (insert an achievable goal). So far, I have (describe the action steps you've taken so far). To meet this goal, I plan to (discuss the action steps you plan to take)."

What are your long-term career plans?

"In the long term, I would like to be a thought leader in the investment banking sector. I plan to become even more well-connected and trusted regarding the work and results that I deliver to my clients. To achieve this goal, I will take on every continual education opportunity presented to me with full enthusiasm. I plan to learn everything that I can from my leaders at Goldman Sachs and have already begun to seek a mentor."

This question aims to determine how career-centric of a professional you are, and whether you've mapped out long-term career goals for the next five years, or beyond. Your answer will help them determine whether you see this opportunity with Goldman Sachs as a long-term fit or a temporary solution. You'll want the goal of your response to reflect how your goals align with what the company claims to offer its target talent in its recruiting efforts.

On their careers site, Goldman Sachs emphasizes that they are interested in recruiting those who are interested in advancing their growth, development, and careers within the walls of their company. They advertise that by furthering the professions of their employees through training that is in line with, and customized to their culture, they'll in effect advance their own goals. "At every step of our employees' careers, we invest in them and ensure their interests remain focused on the long term and closely aligned with those of our clients and shareholders. Our goals are to maximize individual potential, increase commercial effectiveness, reinforce the firm's culture, expand our people's professional opportunities, and help them contribute positively to their greater communities."

The hiring managers should feel confident that Goldman Sachs can support you and your career desires now and into the future. If you're unsure of what qualifies as a long-term career goal, consider a few of these examples: - Earning a degree or upgrading your existing education - Growing a network of followers through consistent thought leadership- Changing careers to a new industry that excites you- Figuring out your ultimate dream job and taking action steps to get thereThere are a few pitfalls to avoid when answering this question:- Giving an unrealistic response. For instance, "My long-term goal is to work my way up the ladder from Analyst to becoming the next CEO of Goldman Sachs."- Giving a response that's unrelated to the job. For instance, "My long-term goal is to live overseas teaching English."- Giving an answer that shows a lack of preparedness. For instance, "I'm not sure where I'd like to be in the long term. I mean, I definitely don't know the future."The decision-makers at Goldman Sachs want to be clear on how this job fits your long-term goals. Showing personal and professional clarity is the key to a great answer. Here is a simple framework to help you form a response: "In the long term, I would like to (insert your goal). So far, I have (describe the action steps you've taken so far). To meet this goal, I plan to (discuss the action steps you plan to take)."

Why this division at Goldman Sachs?

"I chose to apply to the Consumer and Wealth division of Goldman Sachs for a couple of important reasons. First, I read that the Consumer and Wealth Management division helps empower clients and customers worldwide to reach their financial goals. This advisor-led wealth management division provides financial planning, investment management, banking, and comprehensive advice to many clients, including ultra-high net worth and high net worth individuals. I also appreciate that this division provides digital solutions for consumers to spend better, borrow, invest, and save, a genuine passion of mine. Most of all, I understand that the growth of this division comes from its relentless focus on Goldman Sachs' people and clients. There will be many opportunities for me to contribute to the success and culture of the Consumer and Wealth team."

Goldman Sachs wants to know why you want to work for their firm and why you applied to this specific division. How you answer this question might offer clues as to how thoroughly you have explored the opportunities available at their company, or whether you applied to the first role you saw that aligned with your skills. Their ideal candidates will provide a compelling answer that highlights what excites them about this particular opportunity at their company. They are looking for not only skilled individuals but those who are engaged and passionate about the work they do.

Genuinely consider why you want to work for the division(s) to which you applied. Then, take the time to carve out a unique reason that reaches beyond the surface. A surface reason is that it aligns with your education. A compelling reason is that the purpose and goals of the division resonate with you and align with the career growth you desire.Their recruiters advise that "you should be ready to discuss why you are interested in the industry, locations, and divisions you have selected." On their careers site, they also suggest you explore their division and learn more about their firm and their teams. "Goldman Sachs provides a range of investment banking, investment management and securities services for our clients. These services are delivered by teams working across multiple functions."

Goldman Sachs has numerous divisions with multiple job opportunities. These divisions include: "Asset Management, Conflict Resolution Group, Corporate & Workplace Solutions, Corporate Planning & Management, Corporate Treasury, Engineering, Executive Office, FICC and Equities (Sales and Trading), Global Compliance, Global Investment Research, Human Capital Management, Internal Audit, Investment Banking, Legal, Operations, Platform Solutions, Risk, Tax, & Wealth Management."

"I chose to apply to Goldman Sachs for many reasons. In addition to your sparkling reputation in the investment banking sector, I appreciate Goldman Sachs's immense efforts to close the gender gap in the finance industry. The company's programs have trained thousands of women entrepreneurs in developing economies worldwide. Goldman Sachs knows that empowering women makes sound economic sense. This awareness is one of the most compelling reasons I want to become a part of this team. There will be many opportunities for me to contribute while being able to proudly say that I work for the most reputable and honest firm in the world."

There are many reasons why this question may be asked. How you answer could inform them of whether you want to work for their firm, or are trying to land any job anywhere. There are many high-end wealth management firms you could work for, and Goldman Sachs wants to know why they are the standout employer for you. The goal of your response is to provide a compelling answer that highlights what excites you about this specific company and the opportunity. This will help them determine your fit for their teams and culture.

Spend some time determining what it is about their culture, environment, and career advancement opportunities that appeal to you most. Also, when answering, take care to not roll answers into this question, which might be asked later on in the interview set, such as whether you have applied to any of their competitors. This will help you seem prepared for each question as it comes, keep your answers original, and keep you from sounding redundant.

Goldman Sachs' recruiters offer the following advice: "Ask all the questions. Where do you want to start your career? You do need to just step back and think, 'Where am I going to want to start my career as a professional and how is that going to get me to where I want to be?' You want to make an informed, holistic decision. Be sure to paint a full picture, and answer all parts of the question, but you don't need to use the full response time. If you're able to finish early, just move on to the next question."So, genuinely consider why you want to work for Goldman Sachs and take the time to carve out the unique reasons that align with your goals. A surface reason would be because you know someone who works there. A compelling reason is that Goldman Sachs' business principles resonate with you. So, before your interview, take some time to learn more about Goldman Sachs' core values, working environment, culture, and their business principles.

What makes Goldman Sachs different from others in the investment banking and finance industry?

"While preparing for this interview, I saw that Goldman Sachs has made significant strides in the past 12 months in efforts to close the gender investing gap. I appreciate that Goldman Sachs has identified that women-owned businesses often do not get the investments they deserve. I was thrilled to read about the company's initiative to invest millions into private, late-stage, women-founded, women-owned, or women-led companies. This example is just one of many that set Goldman Sacha apart from its competitors and why I am eager to join this thoughtful organization."

Your interviewer is curious about what you have to share, and how aligned your answer is aligned with how Goldman Sachs would answer. Every hire serves as a representative of the company, and it's the job of every recruiter to determine whether a candidate can be entrusted to represent the views of the company. So, when considering how you would navigate this question, research how Goldman Sachs distinguishes itself from its competitors. For example, one of their business principles states, "Our business is highly competitive, and we aggressively seek to expand our client relationships. However, we must always be fair competitors and must never denigrate other firms."

In most interviews, it isn't uncommon for a candidate to be asked several similarly phrased questions, but which have different denotations from each other. These questions often serve as a test of your attention to detail, and whether you can distinguish their denotations from their connotations. For example, in this same set, you'll be asked whether you have applied to any of their competitors. So, when answering this question, avoid oversharing. Just stick to the question asked.

The goal of your response should be to showcase that you've researched the organization and are excited about what differentiates Goldman Sachs from other potential employers in the investment banking and finance industry. Here are a few more of Goldman Sachs' purpose and value statements that could be applied to how they distinguish themselves in their industry. "Our people are our greatest asset. We say it often and with good reason. It is only with the determination and dedication of our people that we can serve our clients, generate long-term value for our shareholders and contribute to the broader public."And one of their business principles says, "We consider our size an asset that we try hard to preserve. We want to be big enough to undertake the largest project that any of our clients could contemplate, yet small enough to maintain the loyalty, the intimacy and the esprit de corps that we all treasure and that contribute greatly to our success."

Why should Goldman Sachs hire you?

"The Accounting Manager job posting mentions requiring an accountant with experience in audits and risk management. Having worked as a Senior Accountant for the past fifteen years, I've developed these skills and more. I am a Certified Accountant and am currently earning a certification in Internal Auditing. Should Goldman Sachs choose to hire me, I will work tirelessly while applying this knowledge and experience to meet your risk management needs."

If you've been asked why you want to work for Goldman Sachs, you've likely shared what you have to gain from this opportunity. However, this question asks what they have to gain from hiring you. How you answer will inform them of how thoroughly you've prepared for this interview, and whether you have identified how you're aligned with the talent, they are ideally trying to recruit. Goldman Sachs wants to hire individuals who are aligned with their culture, values, and business principles. The goal of your response is to spotlight how you will solve the company or department's most significant needs and position yourself as the top choice candidate.

Goldman Sachs is reportedly discerning regarding who they hire. So, your response should be original and unique, while also aligning yourself with the traits their hiring managers look for when choosing team members. As they state on their careers site, "We look for experienced professionals with a passion for excellence who believe in the power of the team, integrity, and leadership." So, take advantage of every leading edge you have. Also, make your answers actionable by showcasing the research you've done to prepare for your interview. For example, in the videos on their careers site, their recruiters offer the following advice: "We're looking for anyone who wants to be part of the firm. Don't be afraid to bring up experiences that make you who you are." Also, within their business principles, they state: "We make an unusual effort to identify and recruit the very best person for every job. Although our activities are measured in billions of dollars, we select our people one by one. In a service business, we know that without the best people, we cannot be the best firm."

First, think about your best skills and qualifications. Ponder on a mix of your hard skills and soft skills.- Hard skills: Specific knowledge gained through training and education.- Soft skills: Traits you possess, such as emotional intelligence and sociability.If you can't think of ways you stand out, ask a few trusted friends, family members, or coworkers what sets you apart from others. Their observations may be helpful. If you already know your standout skills, that's great! Either way, don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your greatest advocate.Also, take your time reviewing the job description. It's essential to approach this question with less focus on your needs and more on Goldman Sachs' needs. Looking at the job description or job posting for the role, you can quickly dissect what the hiring managers are looking for in a candidate. Once you know the company/department's primary needs, you can frame a precise answer to this question. There are some simple ways to ensure that your answer stands out from other candidates:- Avoid giving a resume recap. Your response should highlight the best reasons why your achievements, skills, and characteristics are a match for Goldman Sachs' most pressing needs. Provide a snapshot, not a complete biography.- Think about value. Think of how you will add value to Goldman Sachs in the years to come. Help the hiring managers to picture you with the company for years to come. - Sprinkle in achievements. Mentioning specific numbers, percentages, awards, and accolades is an excellent way to grab the hiring manager's attention. These bits of "juicy information" will make you a memorable candidate. - Tell a story. Psychology tells us that offering a compelling, relatable story makes us more memorable and persuasive. Some studies show that telling a story makes us 22 times more memorable. If you could be 22 times more memorable than the next candidate, think of the impact it could make on your interview outcome!

Have you done any volunteer work or taken actions to get more involved in your community?

"I try to set a goal of putting in at least 50 hours of volunteer time a year. This, at a minimum, is four hours a month. I often exceed this, and sometimes life gets in the way and I am unable to meet this goal. But with everything I aim to accomplish, I feel it is important to manage my time well and set attainable and realistic goals. But the Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks program was a huge draw, and I would love to put in volunteer hours with entire teams from my work while getting to know them on a deeper level."

This question takes aim at how aligned your values are with theirs, and how familiar you are with Goldman Sachs' approach to, and definition of, service. "The people of Goldman Sachs have long valued their opportunity to give back through public service and volunteerism, humanitarian efforts and programs that foster economic progress in communities around the world." They also define this as part of their culture. "The Goldman Sachs culture values giving back to the communities we serve."

One of their recruiters suggests that they like to learn more about a candidate's volunteer experiences. "I like to know what other people have done to help out their community. What they're willing to do and how far they're willing to go to help others."Also familiarize yourself with the Goldman Sachs Community TeamWorks program, which in 2023 alone, over 22,000 of their employees completed more than 1,400 CTW volunteer projects totaling about 99,000 hours with more than 600 nonprofit partners. "The people of Goldman Sachs contribute their ideas, time and expertise to drive tangible progress in our communities. Launched in 1997, this signature volunteering initiative enables our people to work in partnership with nonprofit organizations around the world to make a meaningful difference."

Share any recent volunteering you've done, or causes you support. If you don't have any recent volunteer experiences, detail how you would look forward to being able to prioritize your time towards such pursuits, but how your focus on your career and on your work-life balance hasn't allowed for it.

Talk about your most important business principles and how they align with Goldman Sachs.

"I have taken the time to study Goldman Sach's 14 Business Principles. I appreciate all 14 principles, yet there are 3 that stand out the most to me as aligning with my professional values. The first is taking great pride in my professional work. My leaders consistently comment on the high quality of my work and that I can always be relied upon to deliver work free of errors. I also resonate with Goldman Sach's statement that integrity and honesty must be at the heart of everything we do. Honesty is at the core of who I am and the decisions that I make. I take pride in knowing that my integrity in this industry has never been compromised or questioned. Last, my clients always come first, as do the clients at Goldman Sachs. I make myself readily available to my clients and actively make decisions in their best interests. Should Goldman Sachs choose to hire me, I will wholeheartedly embody the organization's business principles and live out these promises to my clients every day."

This question is a test to determine how well you've prepared for your interview and is designed to determine whether you feel aligned with the key pillars of their culture. Only those who have done their homework on Goldman Sachs will be familiar with their 14 business principles. How you answer should inform them of your fit, whether you will be able to live up to their expectations, and how your professional principles align with theirs.

Before your interview, take some time to learn more about Goldman Sachs' 14 Business Principles. It's essential to study and understand these principles so that you can showcase the precise alignment between you and the company's culture. Yet, not all of these principles can be applied to any one individual, relating more so to their business, or to the group. So do your best to study all the principles, and memorize those, if you have the time, which you relate to the most.

Choose 2-3 business principles that feel most appropriate and relatable to you, and be prepared to discuss them. Share sincere and relatable examples where you put these beliefs into practice. Such as, "We stress creativity and imagination in everything we do. While recognizing that the old way may still be the best way, we constantly strive to find a better solution to a client's problems. We pride ourselves on having pioneered many of the practices and techniques that have become standard in the industry." And, "The dedication of our people to the firm and the intense effort they give their jobs are greater than one finds in most other organizations. We think that this is an important part of our success."

Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.

"(Situation) Last year, my Finance Director and I disagreed on the pending termination of one of my team members. (Task) As a manager, my philosophy is to ensure that I have trained and coached my team members to the best of my ability before I ever consider terminating them. (Action) I expressed my desire to spend additional time training this team member. I mentioned that it would be more costly for the company to replace this person than to invest in additional training. The Finance Director finally agreed that if the team member missed their targets for another 30 days, we would move forward with termination. After coming to a middle ground, I created a plan to spend five additional hours per week training this team member for three weeks. (Result) Remarkably, his performance improved by over 40%! This team member is still with us and often lands on our divisions' monthly Top 10 list for client satisfaction and performance. Because I respectfully disagreed with the Finance Director and stated my case with facts rather than emotion, we were able to move past the disagreement with ease."

In a HireVue interview, a great deal of the assessment will focus on the content of your message, what your choice of words conveys, and what your verbal and nonverbal cues communicate. So when answering questions such as these, it is important to communicate your answer in nondefensive terms. Also, avoid regressing to the emotions you may have experienced from the example you share, and avoid defensive posture, focusing on keeping your body language relaxed and open. You want to exude emotional intelligence and confidence.

When considering how to contextualize your example, try to align how you navigated the example you share in alignment with Goldman Sachs' company culture and values. For example, they state on their website when describing their people and leadership, "Our people are our greatest asset - we say it often and with good reason. It is only with the determination and dedication of our people that we can serve our clients, generate long-term value for our shareholders and contribute to the broader public." Additionally, one of their core values is Partnership: "We prioritize collaboration and believe in the strength of the collective, creating a culture that fosters teamwork and belonging in the pursuit of professional and personal growth."

Even though you may have great relationships with your coworkers, there will be times when you don't 100% agree. Think of a conflict or disagreement you had with a coworker where you responded professionally and worked toward a solution. When asked to "Talk about a time when...," it's important to remember that the hiring managers are looking for a specific story-based example that highlights your professional behavior in challenging interpersonal situations.

Talk about a time when you demonstrated exceptional care for your client. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

"When I was working as a bank teller for Bank XYZ, a customer came in to transfer funds between accounts. Unfortunately, she forgot her wallet and did not have her driver's license or bank card. I explained that since I could not verify her identity, I could not facilitate the transaction. She was frustrated but, of course, understood the security issue. Instead, I walked the customer through downloading our banking app, and we set up her mobile banking account together. In the end, she was pleased with the mobile service and could complete the transfer on her own through the app. I appreciate that Goldman Sachs is committed to always putting its client's interests first. While preparing for this interview, I read that one of the company's business principles states, 'If we serve our clients well, our own success will follow.' This sentiment is incredible and one that I agree with wholeheartedly. I will uphold this service standard every day in my work with Goldman Sachs."

This question assesses how aligned your approach to customer service is with Goldman Sachs' "Client Service." How you answer will potentially reveal whether they can trust you with their customers, while preserving the reputation they've worked so hard to build. Their approach to client service is interwoven throughout their purpose statement, their values, and their business principles.

Here is a collection of Goldman Sachs' statements advertising their dedication to their clients: "We aspire to be the world's most exceptional financial institution, united by our shared values of partnership, client service, integrity and excellence. For more than 150 years, a culture of teamwork and client service has defined our firm. Today, nearly 40,000 Goldman Sachs colleagues work together to serve our clients and communities around the world, building upon a rich history of innovative ideas from extraordinary people. Our clients' interests always come first. We serve them through a global network powered by partnership, integrity, and a shared purpose of advancing sustainable economic growth and financial opportunity. Our experience shows that if we serve our clients well, our own success will follow. We mobilize our people, culture, technologies, and ideas to advance the success of our clients, broaden individual prosperity, and accelerate economic progress for all."

The goal of your response is to show the hiring managers that your approach to client service is aligned with the company's most important business principles. Showcase your ability and desire to deliver exceptional client service through an example where you naturally went above and beyond for others, putting the client first.

Are you applying to work for any of Goldman Sachs' competitors?

"I am interviewing with two other organizations for similar roles and am in the third interview stage for one of these positions. I am eager to secure work shortly. However, I will wait for the right opportunity before accepting a job offer. I am interested to know the hiring teams' approximate timeline for this hiring decision. Perhaps we could cover this in our first face-to-face meeting."

Goldman Sachs wants to know if you are entertaining close competitors or discussing similar roles with other hiring companies. They also are curious about where you're at in your job search, and how competing offers might impact their hiring decisions. Keep in mind, although this is a similarly phrased question to what distinguishes Goldman Sachs from their competitors, what they want to know is whether you are applying to any of their competitors. They are also curious whether you are hoping to land a job with any of them, your preference, and if you want to work specifically with them. How you answer this will again allow them to gauge the sincerity of your previous answers to other questions.

HireVue not only assesses your answers, and your verbal and nonverbal cues to each answer but also compiles all of its findings in a candidate's insights report. So you want to make sure your answers are consistent throughout your interview. Be filtered in your response while avoiding giving the impression that you are only counting on this particular opportunity. You want to express your genuine interest while showcasing your professionalism and remaining open to other opportunities.

You are never obligated to reveal the names of the companies you're entertaining, so it is up to you to share only what seems appropriate to reveal. Also, consider the advice of their recruiters here. "Be respectful and act with integrity. We just ask that you would be truthful and honest with us throughout the process so that we can try to help you come to a decision that's in your best interest. You do need to just step back and think, 'Where am I going to want to start my career as a professional and how is that going to get me to where I want to be.' When you are navigating two competing offers, you definitely need to do your homework and to really think about where you can see yourself. Who will invest the most in you? Decide what firm is right for you before you get in there. I would want to go to the firm that would invest the most in me. Can I come to work here every day and spend my day at this company working with these people? So that's would I would ask. I would be upfront with both and say I have an offer from two firms."

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

"In my spare time, I love to bake. I have been taking baking lessons at our local culinary school every Saturday for the last six months and have learned some interesting baking techniques. My ultimate goal is to master the art of making macarons. When I make a new creation that I'm proud of, I will bring the treats to my family or work - a fun way to share my passion and knowledge with others."

How you answer this question will help Goldman Sachs determine how well balanced your personal and professional life is, or whether you are more of a one-dimensional finance professional who centers your entire life around your work. Having interests outside of work and allowing yourself time to recharge will ensure you are less likely to burn out on the job and thereby be a more sustainable employee. So take advantage of this opportunity to showcase something unique and relatable about yourself, which could spark conversation and make you a more memorable candidate.

Goldman Sachs provides a range of wellness services and programs designed to support the personal health and well-being of their employees. From on-site fitness centers, fitness club memberships, childcare and family care, medical advocacy services for employees and family members facing critical health situations, and counseling and referral services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). They provide Global Medical, Security, and Travel Assistance and a Workplace Ergonomics Program. They also offer state-of-the-art on-site health centers in certain offices. They also are known to offer part-time schedules, job sharing, telecommuting, and alternate hours.

Having hobbies and interests outside of work is incredibly helpful for maintaining your health and happiness. Talk about a passion or interest that you have. Although you should always be yourself, you also want to be relatable. Your answer should be memorable for the hiring managers who review your HireVue video submission.

Tell us about yourself.

"(Past) I am thrilled to have had the privilege to raise my children for the past ten years. Although being a stay-at-home parent took me out of the traditional workforce, I kept myself busy and relevant in many ways. (Present) Currently, I volunteer for the Parent-Teacher Association, where I facilitate the building of healthy relationships between parents, teachers, and schools. However, as my kids get older and more independent, I find myself seeking more. (Future) I have developed exceptional skills in recruiting volunteers, giving presentations, managing documentation, problem-solving on the fly, and persuading others to collaborate. These skills align with the qualities Goldman Sachs seeks for this Team Assistant opportunity. I am ready to step into the next phase of my career and would be happy to apply these skills with this esteemed organization."

Goldman Sachs may use this question as an icebreaker to start the interview. The way you answer this question may help them determine the flow of your discussion or even the direction your interviewer takes with subsequent interview questions. The goal of your response is to give the hiring managers a glimpse into who you are as it relates to the job opportunity. You also want to spotlight the factors that make you the best candidate.

On the Goldman Sachs careers site, they offer a breakdown of what a HireVue interview is, along with several other videos offering insights, tips, and tricks to guide you through the interview process. "A video interview can take several forms. In this case, it's responding to predefined interview questions through your computer, phone, or tablet. We use video interviewing so that you can interview on your own time no matter where you are in the world, and you only have to do it once, even if you've applied to several roles. Thanks to video interviewing, more candidates than ever are able to interview with Goldman Sachs - from every corner of the world. Our number one piece of advice is to treat this like a regular interview. Although it may feel a little different, a lot of the fundamentals remain the same."A HireVue interview may not always ask the question "Tell us about yourself" using this exact wording. Other forms of asking this question include: - Take a couple of minutes to talk about your career journey. - Please walk us through your resume. - Talk to us about your career. - Take us through an overview of your professional background.When answering queries of this nature, there are a few things to consider: - Keep your answer work relevant. Keep your points job-related as much as possible. You can discuss competitive sports, educational achievements, or volunteer work if you are new to your career.- Avoid overly personal statements. You can add a splash of personal information; however, choose "I love to read science fiction books" versus "I was recently diagnosed with..."- Be sure to qualify yourself. To qualify yourself means to add a sentence or two regarding your strengths and why you are a good match for the role. Generally speaking, you can fit this into the future portion of your response. - Remember to talk about your goals. It is essential to discuss what you want to achieve in your career and how the interviewing company fits into those goals. - Sprinkle in some achievements. Interviewers love to hear quantifiable statements, including numbers, percentages, and measurable accomplishments. For instance, rather than saying, "I am the best salesperson," you could say, " was awarded Top Sales Rep for three consecutive months."- Show your passion for the company's mission. Try bringing in words from the company's job description, vision statement, or core values. Show the interviewer that your goals align with the company.- Practice your response. You will want to avoid sounding robotic or rehearsed; however, the more you practice the past, present, and future framework, the easier it will become to develop a natural-sounding response.

The past, present, and future framework can help you build a memorable answer to questions that ask you to review your resume, talk about your background, or introduce yourself. This is a brief breakdown of how to apply this approach: - Past: Discuss how you got to where you are today. - Present: Paint a picture of what you are currently doing. - Future: Discuss what you are seeking for your future, and qualify how a career with Goldman Sachs aligns with these goals.

Please provide a brief overview of your understanding of diversity and inclusion, and explain why you believe they are important in the workplace.

"Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important topics to me, so I actively seek opportunities to build relationships with people of many different cultures, beliefs, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This year I started volunteering at a non-profit organization helping our underserved communities and senior veterans. The people I interact with while volunteering have helped me become more aware of any unconscious bias that I have held toward the underserved. This exposure has helped me become more aware of the needs of others and has guided me to develop a greater sense of empathy that translates into my personal life and my professional interactions. Goldman Sachs has many DE&I efforts, such as Inclusion Networks and Diversity Awards. These efforts excite me. Should I be chosen to join the Goldman Sachs team, I would love to become as involved as possible in supporting and growing these efforts."

Goldman Sachs places a great deal of emphasis on their commitment to promote diversity in the workplace. It is one of their business principles, and they also describe it as an essential mission of their firm. "At the crux of our efforts is a focus on cultivating and sustaining a diverse work environment and workforce. For us to be successful, our men and women must reflect the diversity of the communities and cultures in which we operate. That means we must attract, retain and motivate people from many backgrounds and perspectives. Being diverse is not optional; it is what we must be. It lets us remain at the edge of innovation, respond to the needs of our clients, and ensure that our people can work at their maximum potential. HireVue also emphasizes that they "actively work to prevent the introduction or propagation of bias against any group or individual" and claim their assessments focus on skills and competencies, not age, race, or gender. "We also continue to advance our abilities to monitor, detect, and mitigate bias. We strive to build teams from diverse backgrounds with diverse knowledge, experiences, and perspectives to best represent the people our systems serve."

On their website, Goldman Sachs states, "We are committed to making progress toward racial equity, advancing gender equality, and increasing representation at every level of our firm." Therefore, their recruiters need to ensure whomever they consider hiring will be able to work well with the rest of their teams while contributing to and aligning with their culture and priorities. So, before your interview, do your research and reflect your understanding of how important these initiatives are while showcasing your cultural competence.Goldman Sachs wants evidence that you are keen on supporting societal change, justice, and equality. The goal of your response is to show the hiring managers that you are active in your DE&I efforts and that you understand how important these initiatives are to Goldman Sachs.

It is important to be self-aware of how others might perceive you, or misinterpret your body language in a recorded interview. Conveying cultural competence requires interest, openness, and curiosity. Nonverbal indicators for these emotions are smiling and making eye contact (with the camera), relaxing, keeping your body language open, leaning in, and tilting your head as you speak. Signs of discomfort and avoidance could be interpreted as indicators of negative bias and antipathy. Such nonverbal cues include decreased positivity, less eye contact and more gaze aversion, fewer smiles, greater interpersonal distance, and increased blinking. Consider these points when formulating your answer.

How has your education prepared you for this role with Goldman Sachs?

"My degree has equipped me well. I did a deep dive into collecting data, analyzing it, and writing reports based on my findings through my dissertation. Outside of my degree, I take part in mentoring and volunteering opportunities. These experiences have evolved my ability to communicate effectively and have improved my listening skills."

This question invites you to provide context to your educational experience, going deeper than the basic details outlined on your resume. Also, whether your answer rambles on in a roundabout manner or comes across as more structured will serve as another assessment of your communication skills. How you answer will offer them more insight into your background and help them assess your fit and whether they can "maximize your potential." As they state on their website, "We take a person-by-person approach to talent development and foster an environment that values different perspectives, challenges conventional thinking and maximizes the potential of all of our people."

Goldman Sachs wants to know how your education or training has prepared you to succeed in the job. The goal of your response is to highlight your experiences, education, and training, and to connect the knowledge you gained to this opportunity.As Goldman Sachs' recruiters explain, even though they want you to lead "with your education and any key details around your studies, followed by any relevant experiences, be it internships, or other jobs that you've held," what you learned in your college experience can expand beyond your studies. This can pertain to valued advice from a mentor, or leadership experiences gained from your clubs or extracurricular activities. "The interest part is actually a great opportunity to highlight something you're passionate about outside of the classroom. It lets us consider far more candidates from different schools, experiences and backgrounds."

Your education shouldn't be restricted to your formal scholastic, college, university courses, or grad work. So avoid underestimating the training you've received. Consider any certifications you've earned, private courses, seminars, or conferences you've attended. Anything self-taught can be included, as well as valuable mentorships or notable on-the-job training, volunteering, or any relevant experience. Ultimately, Goldman Sachs wants assurance that you have the training, knowledge, and background required to do the job successfully.

What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve this weakness?

"One weakness I'm improving is my ability to be concise when I send email updates to the department. Brevity has not always been my strongest point; however, I have been practicing by writing a first draft and then asking myself which words can be deleted. So far, I have noticed a marked improvement; however, I believe that clear communication is a work in progress and can always be improved."

This question is similar to exploring your failures, where the aim is to assess your emotional intelligence, self-awareness, integrity, and level of experience. Being aware of, and admitting to, your shortcomings is a sign of confidence, strength, and experience. Additionally, by sharing those weaknesses which you are currently working on, Goldman Sachs' recruiters will have a better sense of whether you actively take charge of your own development, and how they can help you grow from here. If you go into your interview already knowing how they can help you grow and improve, all the better. The goal of your response is to show the hiring managers that you are self-aware, reflective, and can identify areas for improvement, with a clear vision of where you aim to grow next.

Goldman Sachs wants you to be honest about your weaknesses. At the same time, the company wants to see that you are proactive in improving yourself. As their recruiters suggest, "Being able to articulate your strengths and weaknesses, as well as which experiences and skills, make you a good fit for the job. Consider preparing examples which could set you apart from other applicants. Interviewers like to understand what motivates you, why you are interested in their company and why your experiences make you their ideal candidate."So, choose a weakness that is not a core skill for the position. For instance, if you are interviewing for an administrator role, your greatest weakness should not be your Excel skills. Perhaps you are watching YouTube tutorials to gain skills in a particular area. Maybe you are reading the latest and greatest books on the skills you wish to improve, or perhaps you are taking an online workshop to bridge a skills gap. When discussing your most significant weaknesses, you must display your interest in professional growth. Be sure to maintain a positive tone, show confidence in your ability to improve, and demonstrate a desire for improvement.

Avoid talking about weaknesses that are a red flag or potentially point to a more significant issue. For instance, if time management is a weakness, the interviewer might wonder if you can meet your deadlines or if you are frequently late to work. For this reason, it's best to choose weaknesses that will not impact your ability to succeed in the role.It's also essential to give a thoughtful response. Avoid cliche or overused statements like:- I work too hard- I am a perfectionist- I am a workaholic- My weaknesses are also my strengths- My greatest weakness is chocolate (insert uncomfortable chuckle)

In HireVue's interview builder, they break a candidate's experience level into five categories: novice, developing, intermediate, advanced, and expert. Someone with an intermediate skill level or above in any particular category is someone who holds themself accountable for their setbacks while identifying and admitting to their weaknesses, limitations needed adjustments, and mistakes. Someone more experienced considers areas where there is room for improvement as a growth opportunity rather than a weakness or debilitation. And someone who takes ownership of a growth opportunity isn't afraid to share it, which in itself is a show of strength.

Talk about a time when you failed at work. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

"(Situation) My former employer put me through a last-minute advanced Excel course that I failed. (Task) I was unprepared for the course's challenging content and should not have agreed to begin with an advanced-level course. (Action) I told my manager that I was not excelling in the class. We discussed this failure together and realized that I was not yet ready for the advanced-level coursework. I was more of an intermediate-level user. To fix the situation, I studied online for a few weeks and then retook the course when I felt more prepared. (Result) This approach worked much better, and I finished with 92% the second time around."

This question centers around how you recover from your failures and setbacks, and whether you take ownership of them. The goal of your response should not singularly focus on the failure itself. Instead, it's to showcase your ability to exhibit integrity, learn from the situation, and recover from the failure. Your answer should highlight your tenacity, dedication, and drive, even when things don't go as planned.

Most successful leaders will attest that failure is a necessary stop on the journey toward success. As David Solomon, the Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs once said, "Success is not a given. Sometimes we fall short, sometimes we don't execute, but we always learn and adapt." So, when discussing how you navigated your failures, it is important to frame it against Goldman Sachs values, one of which is Integrity: "We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, insisting on transparency and vigilance from our people as we learn from our experiences and make decisions that instill a sense of pride in our firm."

We all fail occasionally, and there is no need to be ashamed of defeat. Suggesting you haven't failed or cannot think of examples will only communicate a lack of experience or a lack of integrity. But taking ownership of those important life lessons and showcasing what you learned from them should be your aim here. The magic is in the lessons we learn from these situations. Speak about the outcome of a project/task that was not what you wanted it to be, but you were able to recover. Perhaps you were better off in the end or learned a valuable lesson. Behavioral-based interview questions that begin with "Talk about a time when..." are best answered using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Organizing your response using this storytelling framework will ensure that you provide the hiring managers with the right amount of information and detail. Outline the roadblock you faced, and share how you approached the situation to ensure a good recovery. Discuss your level of dedication, even in the face of failure, and how you will make an impact in this new role.

"I remember when I was working in China Merchants Securities, I was leading a team of about 10 teammates to compete with other teams for a one-month sales performance, and the reward would be 5000 Chinese currency and a champion flag. Because one of our strong teammates got sick that month, we lost the competition. I didn’t blame my teammates, including the one who was sick. I told my team that we could’ve won the competition if we had the full team in the battle. And we could keep competing for it in the next round. Meanwhile, I held a meeting with all team members to analyze what good or bad we did in the competition, and complimented teammates who made huge contributions or had huge improvements in this fight. My team didn’t feel disappointed, because we knew we would win back in the future."

What are your greatest strengths, and how will they be a fit for Goldman Sachs?

"My greatest strengths include my ability to boost the confidence of my team members. I like to excite the team at the beginning of the day with my enthusiastic, go-getter attitude. I am also self-aware and a mindful listener, which helps me gain the trust of my team. I easily relate to others and get to know them and their needs. My employee retention rates are the second-highest in my company due to these interpersonal strengths. I understand that Goldman Sachs is seeking a Transaction Manager who can nurture excellent team relationships, and I am confident that my interpersonal skills will be a fit."

The recruiters at Goldman Sachs are curious about what you consider your most significant strengths, and what you feel it is about your strengths that give you a competing edge. More specifically, what does Goldman Sachs have to gain from your strengths? For example, take note that one of their core values is "Excellence: We aspire to nothing less than excellence, striving for exceptional performance and superior results for our clients, our shareholders, and our communities." The goal of your response is to highlight your belief that the company's needs, principles, and values are a match for your strengths, skills, and what you have to offer personally and professionally.

Avoid overused generic responses such as, "I am an excellent communicator," or "I am a hard worker." The interviewer wants to see how you stand out from other candidates. Your strengths can be skills or qualities that help you overcome difficult circumstances or accomplish challenging tasks. Consider including:- Hard skills such as technical expertise or project management skills- Soft skills such as time management and critical thinking- Personality traits such as being adaptable, kind, and self-sufficient- Knowledge-based skills such as speaking multiple languages

Speak specifically about the strengths you possess that will make you good at the role with Goldman Sachs. When deciding which strengths to mention, it's essential to carefully review the job posting to uncover the company/department's greatest needs. Then, you can talk about which strengths you possess that align with those needs. Here is a 4-step approach to help you prepare a response: 1. Look through Goldman Sach's job posting, website, social media posts, and other online resources.2. As you comb through these resources, write down which strengths you believe Goldman Sachs needs most in a team member.3. Go through your list and consider which of those strengths you possess. Pick out a couple of strengths that will contribute to your success in the job and with the company.4. Draft a response highlighting the strengths you chose from your list. Tie these strengths into Goldman Sachs' needs and support your answer with an example from your life or work history.

"My greatest strengths can be broken into Collaboration, Organization, and Creativity.I enjoy and thrive within diverse groups, and I believe I can seamlessly boost confidence in individuals who also communicate with thoughtful enthusiasm and encourage initiative-taking. I work best in cross-collaborative environments and prefer working directly with others in exploring design objectives and consensus-forming. From my research, Goldman Sachs is indeed a unique environment for this collaborative development culture. Organization is how I refer to my communication as well as analytical confidence. I believe how I use data and objectives to arrange my own judgment and communicate them simply comes down to mental organization. Valuing salience while respecting the details is how I've been able to produce intuitive and simple roadmaps, build complex visual models, or create compelling content that actually succeeds at identifying client digital needs, such as in my Program Manager work at ___, or Directorship at _____. This position's work in Product Management and Marketing needs the organization of sound analysis and communication to promote the best quality and tailoring of Goldman Sachs' products and offerings. Finally, creativity is one of my greatest strengths by how I have learned to leverage curiosity to rethink, and sometimes retool, the development of a product. Client needs are always changing, a standard that I have seen across technology spaces, as well as asset management and variety of institutional banking services. Creativity is what I use to employ research diligence and user testing to promote wider approaches to a product's purpose. Pushing innovative content requires this form of sincere interest in the consulting phase, which I believe this role demands."

"Some of my greatest strengths are the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while thinking clearly under pressure and excelling in relationship building. Being placed in an environment that requires quick thinking, I find my work to be efficient and productive. One aspect of this type of environment that is critical is the ability to work in a team and collaborate efficiently. One example would be"

How do you keep up-to-date on your knowledge of investment banking?

"Building client trust is crucial to Goldman Sachs, which is a value we share. One of the most important steps in building trust is being a voice that the client looks to when the market changes or they have an important question about their investments. Every quarter I provide my prospects and clients with a free, in-depth market report. I research and write the report myself, positioning myself as a thought leader and someone they can trust. If big news is released, I aim to be the first person in their inbox, offering them tips on how to protect or grow their investments. One of my favorite resources for remaining in the know has been listening to 'Exchanges at GS,' the podcast published by Goldman Sachs. I listened to one episode recently about Europe's digital economy and what's driving its tech acceleration. I found it fascinating to learn more about Europe's supportive government policies and the recent surge of private capital investments in the tech sector. If hired by Goldman Sachs, I will continue to provide immense value to our clients by continually tapping into the content provided by GS."

This question is directed to your passion for staying abreast with the trends, current events, and developments in your industry and your company. Your answer should prove informative whether you could serve as a trusted resource of information while serving as a representative of their company. They need to rely on anyone they consider hiring to be informed while accurately reflecting the views and preserving the reputation of the company, especially when engaging with their clients.

Clients trust Goldman Sachs with billions upon billions of dollars, so they need to know that you have the knowledge required to be of service to these clients.As a professional in the wealth, finance, and investment industry, you must be capable of quickly instilling a feeling of confidence in your clients. You can build this trust by having the most up-to-date industry information since your knowledge will help your clients protect their money and grow their investments. Provide Goldman Sachs with details of how you remain up-to-date with your market knowledge. Talk about what you do to show your clients that you have the knowledge needed to help them make sound financial decisions.

Among their business principles, they state: "We constantly strive to anticipate the rapidly changing needs of our clients and to develop new services to meet those needs. We know that the world of finance will not stand still and that complacency can lead to extinction." They also offer other ways to connect with them at the bottom of every web page, such as connecting with them on their social media channels, or to "Sign up for BRIEFINGS, a newsletter from Goldman Sachs about trends shaping markets, industries and the global economy."Goldman Sachs publishes a multitude of insights on its website. These insights include:- "Overview" where Goldman Sachs economists and experts share insights on macro trends shaping the global economy.- "Talks at GS" where the company convenes leading thinkers to share insights and ideas shaping the world.- "Exchanges at Goldman Sachs," a podcast where experts from around the firm discuss developments shaping industries, markets, and the global economy.- "Top of Mind" where Allison Nathan of Goldman Sachs Research dives into macro developments that are top of mind for investors, executives, and policymakers.- Articles that provide an in-depth exploration of markets, sustainability, technology disruption, and economics.- "Goldman Sachs Research," featuring original insights on the economy, markets, and industries, drawn from research teams worldwide.When responding to this question, you can stand out from other candidates by speaking about a new piece of knowledge you gained from one of Goldman Sachs' helpful resources.

The goal of your response is to showcase your industry knowledge, highlight how up-to-date you are, to touch on the resources you lean on for current industry information while showing the hiring authorities at Goldman Sachs that you value staying informed. Additionally, you'll want to touch on the news and media service they offer, and that you already are capable of voicing and mirroring the views and positions of Goldman Sachs, as advised by Goldman Sachs' recruiters. "It's a good idea to review the employer's careers website and read business-focused websites, magazines and newspapers to stay abreast of economic and political news."

Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?

"I have natural leadership tendencies; however, I am easy to coach and mentor at the same time. In my previous position, I managed a small team of administrators. As an Analyst, I collaborate with and encourage my team without being in an official management position. Should I be offered a leadership opportunity with Goldman Sachs, I will lead my team members by example. I will guide with respect and foster a collaborative environment where all ideas are encouraged. The beauty of being a true leader is that I don't need to be in an official management position to exude leadership qualities."

This question is aimed at helping the assessment model evaluate your leadership potential. How you answer will help them evaluate whether your leadership style aligns with their approach. Goldman Sachs wants to hire people who will work well with their teams, would work well with their mentors, and have the potential to mentor others. Regardless of whether the job is a leadership role or not, the goal of your response is to show the hiring authorities that your approach to being a leader and a team player will be a fit for their existing team.

Rather than thinking about this question one-dimensionally, consider that this query refers to your character and nature as a leader, not just your practical experience. Regardless of whether you've held a formal leadership role, you can still exhibit your leadership skills through instances where you led your team to success, took initiative, or took charge of your own development. Robin Sharma says, "Leadership is not about a title or designation. It's about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results; influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work."With that said, keep in mind that it is not a negative thing to be a follower. You may not be the person to take charge of a situation or command a room, which is okay! A good follower is good at following directions and working hard to accomplish tasks. Rodger Adair says, "A follower shares in an influence relationship among leaders and other followers with their intent to support leaders who reflect their mutual purposes." A follower is an incredibly vital role to play at times, as well.

Whether you're applying to a leadership role with Goldman Sachs or not, you'll want to mention some of your strengths as a leader and a follower and showcase your adaptability. As Goldman Sachs recruiters advise, "Talk about your skills. Be prepared to draw upon your experiences and demonstrate your skills in the following areas: leadership, teamwork, professional and academic accomplishments, communications skills and your ability to overcome obstacles and challenges."Perhaps you have led a club at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. At the same time, maybe you have been an exceptional team player who readily takes guidance and learns well from others. Your response should show the hiring managers that you have a natural ability to lead others while also being a reliable team player, and following their business principles. "The importance of principled leadership is a key to understanding Goldman Sachs."

"I consider myself a versatile professional who can both lead and collaborate effectively. During my internships in financial services, I had the opportunity to lead small project teams. In these roles, I learned the importance of setting clear goals, delegating tasks, and motivating team members to achieve our objectives. I believe in leading by example, fostering open communication, and creating a positive work environment. At the same time, I understand the value of being a strong team player. I actively seek feedback, embrace different perspectives, and readily follow directions when necessary. Whether in a leadership role or as a supportive team member, my goal is always to contribute to the team's success and create a culture of collaboration and excellence."

How would you describe your work ethic?

"I am a very dedicated and loyal employee. On the Goldman Sachs website, I saw that the organization values Client Service, Excellence, Integrity, and Partnership. My work ethic aligns with these values. I work hard for my employer every day and deliver excellent client service. For instance, in my current role, I am often the last to leave because I am committed to returning every client's voicemail and email before I leave for the day."

This question is aimed at determining whether you are career-driven, eager to develop your skills professionally, and to what degree you go above and beyond. How you answer will offer them an idea of whether you prefer to cruise along with the status quo meeting expectations, or if going above and beyond, consistently exceeding expectations is your status quo. This will help the recruiters at Goldman Sachs gain a clearer idea of what drives and motivates you. As their recruiters advise, "Any experience is really good experience. What have you done? What are some of the activities you've been involved with? Where have you shown leadership? Leverage those experiences and quantify them to make them impactful."

Work ethic describes the moral principles that you apply to your work. When Goldman Sachs asks about your work ethic in a HireVue interview, they are looking for specific wording to which they can relate. Goldman Sachs has four core values: - Client Service - Excellence - Integrity - PartnershipWhen you read the company's job posting, check for the mention of particular principles and values. When you respond, clearly outline how those principles align with your work values.

One of the categories HireVue's assessment model will evaluate a candidate for is their personality, work style, and ethics. They'll do this by classifying the candidate's personality according to the "big five personality traits." After outlining your work ethic, share an example of when you demonstrated those characteristics and traits in the workplace. Storytelling impacts hiring managers because it provides evidence of your ethics and personal character. The goal of your response is to show the hiring managers that your moral principles and ethics will be a match for the company. Tell a story about your ethics in action.

When facing a difficult situation, how do you react? Describe your approach and the course of action you would take.

"(Situation) I understand that encountering difficult situations in the workplace is common, especially in an industry where regulation and compliance are so strict and constantly evolving. (Solution) When a difficult situation arises, my first instinct is to take a step back and absorb what just happened. I then go into 'brainstorm' mode, jotting down potential ways to resolve the situation. I might use a pros and cons list to determine the best course of action for a fast and amicable resolution. (Benefit) I read that one of Goldman Sach's core values is taking pride in the professional quality of the company's work. Rest assured, should Goldman Sachs hire me, I will take pride in every aspect of my work. Even in difficult situations, I will maintain an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in everything I undertake. I appreciate that Goldman Sachs would rather be the best than the biggest. Part of being the best is carefully assessing and finding solutions to difficult situations."

Goldman Sachs wants to know if you react decisively to problems, and if your response to such situations reflects maturity and professionalism. Within their business principles, they state, "We take great pride in the professional quality of our work. We have an uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in everything we undertake. Though we may be involved in a wide variety and heavy volume of activity, we would, if it came to a choice, rather be best than biggest." So, the goal of your response is to show the hiring managers that the way you react in difficult situations is in alignment with their team and the company's values.

The hiring managers at Goldman Sachs look for candidates who can avoid feeling defeated in challenging situations. You can show the interviewer that you have tenacity and excellent problem-solving abilities by discussing how you approach and overcome complex problems. Because this question asks, "What would you do if...," you can respond hypothetically. The Situation, Solution, and Benefit formula is helpful in this instance. Step 1) Situation: Express your understanding of the hypothetical situation.Step 2) Solution: Outline the solution you would introduce in this hypothetical situation.Step 3) Benefit: Highlight how your approach to resolving the customer conflict will benefit the hiring company.

To guarantee a higher proficiency rating from HireVue's assessment models, consider your work history and document your past strategies for approaching challenges you've faced, both mentally and procedurally. Describe how you direct your focus, objectify most situations, handle your emotions, and prevent stress from controlling your behavior while reacting decisively. Detail your systematic approach and your contributions to the positive morale of your teams. Make sure you can confidently explain how you handled difficult situations in the past and your confidence in handling them in the future.

What are your salary expectations?

"I am currently making $98,000 per year with two bonus opportunities based on company profits. I am looking for a compensation plan aligned with the role that provides an opportunity for growth. I look forward to discussing the details of this role so that we can determine a fair compensation plan."

Goldman Sachs would like an idea of what you want to see in a job offer. They are also curious whether you've received other job offers from other companies you're interviewing with, and what your priorities are. The goal of your response is to show the hiring managers that you know what you're looking for, and that you're ready to support your professional worth by backing it up with well-founded research and quantifiable data. To do this, you'll need to be fully aware of what Goldman Sachs might be willing to offer you in this position. So substantiate your professional worth by showcasing the homework you've done on everything Goldman Sachs, from the values to their business principles, to their benefits, and how they compensate their employees. "From waiting on an offer to deciding if you will accept; our recruiters are here to help. Take a step back and think about what's really most important to you. The overall culture of the firm, what are the long-term opportunities, whether that's mobility, different business at the firm, and what those opportunities look like over the course of a long career. Your compensation will be reviewed annually and may consist of salary, discretionary compensation, and certain local allowances, where applicable. Compensation is determined by a number of factors, including the firm's performance, divisional performance and individual performance. We spend a great deal of time ensuring that people are compensated appropriately and we aim to provide highly competitive pay levels over the long term."

Overall, be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise. For you, salary may not be the most crucial factor. In addition to compensation, there are many other factors in a fulfilling career. These other factors may include:- Work-life balance - Amount of travel required - Overall medical and health benefits - Additional perks such as car allowance, cell allowance, or a spending account - Your level of interest in the industry - The amount of vacation time offered - The type of clients you would be working with - The office location - Future career growth opportunities - The size of your new team or department - The overall company culture

Before forming your ask, take your time to list the most important factors to you when considering a new job. Then, do your research. You'll want to find answers to a few essential questions:- How competitive is the job market for this role? - What's the market range for this kind of role in the finance industry? - Does compensation vary geographically? - What financial organizations pay more than Goldman Sachs? - Does Goldman Sachs have a reputation for paying above-market value?When you deliver your compensation ask, lean on your skills and accomplishments as justification. It's compelling for a hiring manager to hear about your achievements versus only saying that you're worth every penny because that's the going range in the industry.If you are providing Goldman Sachs with precise compensation numbers, offer a range so that you leave room to negotiate.

It's not recommended to discuss pay negotiations in a recorded assessment video, so avoid providing a specific number or pay range to conclude the negotiations. Instead, prove your professional value with quantifiable data. If you feel comfortable, share your current salary and benefits, and how they compare to theirs, and where they may be lacking. Include your anticipated earnings from your next pay review as well. If your current employer offers you incentives to stay, it's a testament to your professional value and worth sharing. Consider other factors that affect your cost of living and determine if they should be included. Lastly, wrap up by sharing your future career goals for the next year or two, emphasizing your qualifications, and expressing your interest in continuing the discussion face-to-face.

Talk about a time you successfully contributed to a team goal. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

"(Situation) As Finance Manager with Company XYZ, my team must successfully collaborate during our busy year-end season. We put in overtime shifts and bring our clients' books to a close together as one cohesive team. (Task) During year-end, I take the role of the project lead. (Action) I work diligently to ensure streamlined processes and that each team member feels like a valued contributor. My approach during these high-demand times is to encourage the team to deliver their best work while being a helpful resource to their team members. (Result) This year, our team completed its year-end work with such incredible efficiency that we shaved an entire day off our schedule. The experience was nearly flawless. Team conflict was minimal, despite the mental strain everyone felt. Goldman Sachs lists Partnership as one of its core values. If hired, I will prioritize collaboration and actively contribute to the culture of inclusiveness and teamwork."

Another factor any hiring manager has to take into consideration is how well a candidate will get along with the rest of the teams. Therefore, the AI assessment models will sort their findings into different categories. The algorithm will analyze the candidate's attributes, such as composure, compassion, dependability, adaptability, willingness to learn, drive for results, initiative, and safety and compliance. One category is how well a candidate works with others. It will also measure their capacity for building relationships, working collaboratively, and investing in the growth of their coworkers and teams. Then, it will detail in the candidate's insights report how aligned you are with their culture. It is worth mentioning here that one of their business principles centers around teamwork. "We stress teamwork in everything we do. While individual creativity is always encouraged, we have found that team effort often produces the best results. We have no room for those who put their personal interests ahead of the interests of the firm and its clients."

Goldman Sachs has four core values: 1. Client Service 2. Excellence 3. Integrity 4. PartnershipWhen you form your response, be sure to touch on the core value of Partnership. Goldman Sachs describes this value by stating: "We prioritize collaboration and value diversity, creating a culture that fosters inclusiveness, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial mindset in the pursuit of professional and personal excellence."

As some of Goldman Sachs' recruiters advise, "Give us examples of teamwork. Give us examples of problem solving and critical thinking. You're doing your due diligence on the research and the team will appreciate that as well." So, the goal of your response is to outline the role that you take in a team and highlight how your approach to teamwork is a fit for the company and the hiring department. So, use a solid and compelling example of your willingness and desire to be a team contributor. Your answer should include a story of a time when you contributed to a team effort related to this position. Be sure to describe a recent scenario. At the end of your response, explain how your teamwork abilities will ensure your success and fit with this team and the Goldman Sachs culture of partnership.

Goldman Sachs HireVue Interview Questions

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1. Talk about a time you succeeded despite being under intense pressure. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.
2. Talk to us about your proudest achievement. Why was this achievement important?
3. How would your most recent leader describe you?
4. How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest? What actions would you take?
5. Talk about your ideal work environment.
6. Why are you looking for a position?
7. What are your short-term career goals?
8. What are your long-term career plans?
9. Why this division at Goldman Sachs?
10. Why Goldman Sachs?
11. What makes Goldman Sachs different from others in the investment banking and finance industry?
12. Why should Goldman Sachs hire you?
13. Have you done any volunteer work or taken actions to get more involved in your community?
14. Talk about your most important business principles and how they align with Goldman Sachs.
15. Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.
16. Talk about a time when you demonstrated exceptional care for your client. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.
17. Are you applying to work for any of Goldman Sachs' competitors?
18. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
19. Tell us about yourself.
20. Please provide a brief overview of your understanding of diversity and inclusion, and explain why you believe they are important in the workplace.
21. How has your education prepared you for this role with Goldman Sachs?
22. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve this weakness?
23. Talk about a time when you failed at work. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.
24. What are your greatest strengths, and how will they be a fit for Goldman Sachs?
25. How do you keep up-to-date on your knowledge of investment banking?
26. Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?
27. How would you describe your work ethic?
28. When facing a difficult situation, how do you react? Describe your approach and the course of action you would take.
29. What are your salary expectations?
30. Talk about a time you successfully contributed to a team goal. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.

Goldman Sachs HireVue Interview Questions

1. Talk about a time you succeeded despite being under intense pressure. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

2. Talk to us about your proudest achievement. Why was this achievement important?

3. How would your most recent leader describe you?

4. How would you react if you knew a team member was being dishonest? What actions would you take?

5. Talk about your ideal work environment.

6. Why are you looking for a position?

7. What are your short-term career goals?

8. What are your long-term career plans?

9. Why this division at Goldman Sachs?

10. Why Goldman Sachs?

11. What makes Goldman Sachs different from others in the investment banking and finance industry?

12. Why should Goldman Sachs hire you?

13. Have you done any volunteer work or taken actions to get more involved in your community?

14. Talk about your most important business principles and how they align with Goldman Sachs.

15. Tell us about a time you disagreed with a coworker. Describe the situation, your approach, and the outcome.

16. Talk about a time when you demonstrated exceptional care for your client. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

17. Are you applying to work for any of Goldman Sachs' competitors?

18. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

19. Tell us about yourself.

20. Please provide a brief overview of your understanding of diversity and inclusion, and explain why you believe they are important in the workplace.

21. How has your education prepared you for this role with Goldman Sachs?

22. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve this weakness?

23. Talk about a time when you failed at work. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the result.

24. What are your greatest strengths, and how will they be a fit for Goldman Sachs?

25. How do you keep up-to-date on your knowledge of investment banking?

26. Do you consider yourself a leader or a follower?

27. How would you describe your work ethic?

28. When facing a difficult situation, how do you react? Describe your approach and the course of action you would take.

29. What are your salary expectations?

30. Talk about a time you successfully contributed to a team goal. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.