Goldman Sachs Research Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Goldman Sachs Research Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Application Process: I applied through IIM Jobs and was interviewed in June 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study Round:

  • Questions Asked: Given a Financial Statement and the need to tally the balance sheet.

  • Your Approach: I carefully analyzed the financial statement, ensuring all entries were correctly recorded and balanced. I cross-verified the numbers and explained my reasoning step-by-step.

  • Outcome: Successfully passed this round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Tell me about yourself.
    2. Why do you want to work as a Research Analyst?

  • Your Approach: For the first question, I highlighted my academic background, relevant skills, and experiences that align with the role. For the second question, I emphasized my passion for financial research, analytical skills, and how the role aligns with my career goals.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on financial statement analysis and ensure you understand the basics of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • Practice structuring your answers for behavioral questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why this role?” to make them concise and impactful.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The case study round tested my analytical skills, while the technical round focused on my motivation and fit for the role. I would advise future candidates to be thorough with financial concepts and practice articulating their thoughts clearly.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: [Location (if applicable)]

Application Process: [Brief description of how the student applied, e.g., campus placement, online application, referral]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Demonstrate excellent communication and presentation skills.
    • Solve mathematical problems to showcase critical-thinking abilities.
    • Explain problem-solving and analytical approaches to given scenarios.

  • Your Approach:

    • Prepared by practicing mathematical problems and case studies.
    • Focused on clear and concise communication during the interview.

  • Outcome: [Result of this round, e.g., passed to the next round]

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Discuss your understanding of the role of a Research Analyst.
    • Share examples of teamwork and leadership.

  • Your Approach:

    • Researched the company and role thoroughly.
    • Highlighted relevant experiences and skills.

  • Outcome: [Result of this round, e.g., received feedback or passed]

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice mathematical and analytical problems regularly.
  • Improve communication and presentation skills through mock interviews.
  • Research the company and role to align your answers with their expectations.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but rewarding. Focusing on problem-solving and clear communication helped me perform well. Future candidates should emphasize their analytical skills and prepare thoroughly for both technical and HR rounds.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Face-to-Face Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interest in the role, and basic technical concepts related to research analysis.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the job requirements and kept my answers concise and relevant.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Group Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Topics related to market trends, financial analysis, and teamwork scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I actively participated, shared my insights, and ensured I was collaborative while presenting my points.
    • Outcome: Made it through to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Written Test:

    • Questions Asked: Analytical and problem-solving questions, along with a few case studies.
    • Your Approach: I managed my time well, prioritized questions I was confident about, and double-checked my answers.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding financial markets and research methodologies.
  • Practice group discussions on current financial topics.
  • Brush up on analytical and problem-solving skills for the written test.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was a great learning experience. The interviewers were supportive, and the process was well-structured. I could have prepared more case studies in advance, but the experience was very enriching. For future candidates, I’d advise staying calm, being confident, and thoroughly researching the company and role beforehand.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: The selection process began with resume screening. Selected candidates were then called for interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Questions about the points mentioned in my CV.
      • Strengths and weaknesses.
      • Where do you see yourself in five years?
      • Views on relocation, working on weekends, and working in rural areas.
      • Willingness to move to Hyderabad.
      • Plans for pursuing an MBA (if any) and timeline.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, highlighting my adaptability and career goals. For relocation and work flexibility, I expressed openness but also asked for clarity on expectations.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions on Ratios, Formulas, and journal entries.
      • What is Eagle Investment?
      • Definitions of accounting terms.
    • Your Approach: I focused on clarity and precision in my answers, ensuring I covered the basics thoroughly.
    • Outcome: Cleared the technical round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be well-versed with current affairs as it can be helpful during interviews.
  • Brush up on fundamental accounting concepts, ratios, and formulas.
  • Practice articulating your career goals and strengths clearly.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth, and the interviewers were professional. I felt prepared for the HR round but realized I could have spent more time revising technical basics for the second round. My advice to future candidates is to balance preparation between behavioral and technical aspects, as both are equally important.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: The initial selection was done on the basis of resume. Selected participants were then called for interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: None (resume-based shortlisting).

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-structured and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the interview rounds.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • What are your interests?
    • Why should we select you?
    • Questions about family background.
    • Clarifications on topics mentioned in the CV.

  • Your Approach: Prepared a concise introduction, linked my interests to the role, and ensured I could explain all points on my CV clearly.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Accrued incomes.
    • Outstanding incomes.
    • Golden rules and principles.
    • Quasi rent (from economics).
    • Questions from the college curriculum.

  • Your Approach: Revised key accounting and economics concepts, especially those mentioned in the job description, and brushed up on college coursework.

  • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on building a strong resume with clear, relevant details.
  • Prepare a structured self-introduction and be ready to discuss your CV in depth.
  • Revise core accounting and economics topics, especially those directly related to the role.
  • Practice answering HR questions confidently and concisely.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough, with a good mix of HR and technical questions. Preparing my resume well and revising key concepts helped me perform confidently. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity in communication and ensuring a solid understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of the role.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: Hyderabad

Application Process: The application process began with submitting a resume, which was shortlisted for further rounds. The selection procedure comprised two main rounds: a technical interview and an HR interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: Resume was reviewed for qualifications and experience.

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume highlighted relevant skills and experiences for the role.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next rounds.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell us about yourself.
    • Talk about your long-term and short-term goals.
    • Do you wish to pursue an MBA? If yes, then when?
    • Questions about strengths and weaknesses.
    • Relocation and working in Hyderabad.
    • General questions about college life.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and confidently, aligning my goals with the company’s expectations.

  • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Questions on ratios, formulae, and journal entries.
    • What is Eagle Investment?
    • Definitions of accounting terms.

  • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly by revising accounting concepts and staying updated with current affairs.

  • Outcome: Performed well and advanced further.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be well-versed with accounting fundamentals, especially ratios, formulae, and journal entries.
  • Stay updated with current affairs as it can be beneficial during interviews.
  • Practice answering HR questions like “Tell me about yourself” and goal-related questions confidently.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was insightful and challenging. The HR round was more about fit and aspirations, while the technical round tested my subject knowledge. I could have prepared more thoroughly for the technical questions, but staying calm and confident helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on both technical and HR aspects equally and ensuring clarity in communication.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: Not specified

Application Process: The selection procedure consisted of two interview rounds. All students were allowed to sit for the first interview, and 50-60 students were selected for the first round. Students were required to carry their CVs.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: Not applicable (resume-based shortlisting).
    • Your Approach: Prepared my CV meticulously, including personal information, educational qualifications, awards, achievements, academic accomplishments, and participation in college and high school clubs/cells/societies. Highlighted leadership and teamwork skills. Mentioned my internship with PTC India Financial Service Ltd.
    • Outcome: Shortlisted for the first interview round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Basics of microeconomics/macroeconomics.
      • Meaning/difference of financial terms.
    • Your Approach: Answered questions confidently, focusing on fundamental concepts.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round (15 students selected).

  • Round 3 - Personal Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Family background, interests, hobbies.
      • What value you will add to the organisation?
      • Questions about myself.
      • Are you interested in the job profile?
      • Why do you want to join our organisation?
      • Technical questions related to census, stocks and shares, capital markets, etc.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and enthusiastically, aligning my skills and interests with the job profile. For technical questions, relied on my academic knowledge.
    • Outcome: Final selection results not specified.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on building a strong CV that highlights leadership, teamwork, and relevant experiences.
  • Revise fundamental concepts in economics and finance.
  • Be prepared to discuss your background, interests, and how you can contribute to the organisation.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth but competitive. Preparing a detailed CV and brushing up on basic financial and economic concepts were crucial. I could have practiced more technical questions related to stocks and capital markets to feel more confident. Future candidates should focus on both their resume and subject knowledge to stand out.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs
Position: Research Analyst
Location: Hyderabad
Application Process: Applied through campus placement at Lady Shri Ram College.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: Resume was reviewed for selection into the next rounds.

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next rounds.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell us about yourself.
    • Talk about your long-term and short-term goals.
    • Do you wish to pursue an MBA? If yes, then when?
    • Questions about strengths and weaknesses.
    • Relocation and working in Hyderabad.
    • General questions about college life.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and confidently, aligning my goals with the company’s expectations.

  • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Questions on ratios, formulae, and journal entries.
    • What is Eagle Investment?
    • Definitions of accounting terms.

  • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly by revising accounting concepts and staying updated with current affairs.

  • Outcome: Cleared the technical round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be well-versed with accounting fundamentals, including ratios, formulae, and journal entries.
  • Stay updated with current affairs as it helps in interviews.
  • Practice answering HR questions like “Tell us about yourself” and goal-related questions confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. Being prepared with both technical and HR questions helped me perform well. I would advise future candidates to focus on clarity in their responses and stay calm during the interview.

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Company Name: Goldman Sachs

Position: Research Analyst

Location: Not specified

Application Process: The selection procedure consisted of two interview rounds. All students were allowed to sit for the first interview. Students were required to carry their CVs. 50-60 students were selected for the first interview round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Experience: I prepared my CV on my own, mentioning personal information, educational qualifications, awards, achievements, academic achievements, prizes won in competitions like debates, and activities in various college clubs/cells/societies. I also included my internship with PTC India Financial Service Ltd. The key was to highlight leadership and teamwork skills.

  • Outcome: 50-60 students were shortlisted for the first interview round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Basics of microeconomics/macroeconomics.
    • Meaning/difference of financial terms.

  • Your Approach: I answered the questions confidently, focusing on clarity and relevance.

  • Outcome: 15 students advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Personal Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Family background, interests, hobbies.
    • What value you will add to the organisation?
    • Questions about myself.
    • Are you interested in the job profile?
    • Why do you want to join our organisation?
    • Technical questions related to census, stock and shares, capital markets.

  • Your Approach: I answered honestly and tried to align my responses with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.

  • Outcome: Not specified.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on building a detailed and well-structured CV that highlights leadership, teamwork, and relevant experiences.
  • Brush up on basics of economics and financial terms.
  • Be prepared to discuss your background, interests, and how you can contribute to the organisation.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was insightful. I learned the importance of a strong CV and being well-prepared for both technical and HR questions. For future candidates, I’d advise thorough preparation and confidence in presenting your skills and experiences.