Interview questions for Goldman Sachs Risk Analyst
Hi everyone, this topic is for sharing Preparation guidelines and interview experience for Goldman Sachs Risk Analyst
The Risk Analyst at Goldman Sachs involves a multi-stage assessment and interview process, designed to evaluate both technical skills and business proficiency. Below is a summary of the process and key points from the interviews you provided:
Technical/Domain: Risk Concepts
What is credit risk?
What is counterparty credit risk?
Technical/Tools: Power BI and Data Visualization
Explain Power BI visuals and their use cases in risk analysis.
Given a risk scenario, which Power BI visuals (e.g., heat maps, trend lines) would you use and why?
Technical/Coding and Algorithms
Solve two medium-level coding problems (LeetCode-style) and explain your approach.
Analyze and justify the time and space complexity of your solutions.
How would you optimize your solution further while balancing time vs. space complexity?
Aptitude/Quantitative and Logical Reasoning
Answer basic aptitude questions (quantitative and logical).
How would you approach an assignment that applies credit risk concepts to real financial products?
Assessment Test Rounds:
Round 1: Coding Test
Two medium-level coding questions; emphasis on correct logic and optimal time/space complexity.
Round 2: Aptitude Test
Basic quantitative and logical aptitude questions; puzzle-type items possible.
Interview Rounds:
One-on-one Round (Tools/BI)
Discussion on Power BI visuals and their practical application to risk scenarios.
Technical Interview (Risk Concepts)
Focused on foundational risk topics such as credit risk and counterparty credit risk.
Assignment Round
Apply knowledge of credit risk and financial products to a practical task (details varied).
Final Interview
Discussion-based; specifics not provided.
Interview Preparation Tips:
Practice medium-level DSA coding problems and be ready to explain time/space complexity.
Prepare basic aptitude and logic puzzles (e.g., from GeeksforGeeks).
Understand core risk concepts, especially credit risk and counterparty credit risk; review common financial products.
Brush up on Power BI and be able to justify which visuals best convey specific risk insights.
Stay composed; avoid panicking and articulate your reasoning clearly.
If you have attended the process from your campus, pls share your experiences here; Please follow [guidelines](https://discuss.boardinfinity.com/t/interview-transcript-guidelines/22428?u=abhay-gupta-ebaf4123)
Your Approach: Focused on solving the problems efficiently, ensuring optimal time and space complexity.
Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
Round 2 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: Basic aptitude questions.
Your Approach: Stayed calm and tackled each question methodically.
Outcome: Cleared the round.
Preparation Tips:
Prepare puzzles from GFG (GeeksforGeeks).
Stay composed and avoid panicking during the interview.
Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, with a focus on coding and aptitude. Practicing puzzles and staying calm were key to clearing the rounds. For future candidates, I recommend thorough preparation and maintaining confidence throughout the process.
Application Process: Applied via the company website in February 2024.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Walk me through your resume.
Why Goldman Sachs?
Your Approach:
For the first question, I highlighted my academic background, relevant coursework, and any internships or projects related to risk analysis. I kept it concise but ensured I covered key points.
For the second question, I focused on Goldman Sachs’ reputation in the financial industry, its global presence, and how my skills align with the company’s values and the role of a Risk Analyst.
Outcome: The round went well, and I felt confident about my responses. I was able to articulate my interest in the role and the company clearly.
Preparation Tips:
Research the company thoroughly, especially its core values and recent developments in the risk management sector.
Practice structuring your resume walk-through to highlight relevant experiences succinctly.
Prepare a strong answer for “Why this company?” by linking your skills and aspirations to the company’s goals.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of being concise and clear in my answers. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing common behavioral questions and tailoring your responses to reflect genuine interest in the company and role.
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
Questions Asked:
Power BI visuals and use case.
Your Approach: Discussed the importance of Power BI visuals in risk analysis, highlighting specific visuals like heat maps and trend lines to represent data effectively.
Outcome: Cleared the round with positive feedback on the practical application of Power BI in risk scenarios.
Preparation Tips:
Focus on understanding Power BI and its applications in risk analysis.
Practice explaining how specific visuals can be used to represent risk data.
Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience, and I realized the importance of being able to articulate the practical use of tools like Power BI in risk analysis. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on data visualization tools and their relevance to the role.
Location: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
Application Process: Applied via campus placement at IIT Mumbai before February 2023.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Aptitude Test:
Questions Asked: The round included machine learning (ML) problems.
Your Approach: Focused on solving ML-related aptitude questions, ensuring a strong grasp of fundamental concepts.
Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Round 2 - One-on-One Round:
Questions Asked:
Q1. An ant is on one corner of a cube. In how much time can it reach the opposite side?
Your Approach: Applied logical reasoning and spatial visualization to solve the problem, breaking it down into manageable steps.
Outcome: Answered the question and progressed further in the process.
Conclusion:
The interview process was structured and tested both technical and logical skills. Preparing for ML-related aptitude questions and practicing spatial reasoning problems would be beneficial for future candidates.
Application Process: Applied via the company website in September 2022.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:
Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)
Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.
Round 2 - One-on-one Interview:
Questions Asked:
Difference between Hedge Funds & Private Equity.
Why people around the world are anticipating a recession.
Why did the 2007 Financial Crisis happen?
Types of Financial Statements and Ratios.
Name any one Indian company which went bankrupt recently.
Questions about my current job profile.
Your Approach: Answered confidently, treating the interview as a conversation. For technical questions, I provided clear and concise explanations.
Outcome: [Not specified]
Preparation Tips:
Be confident and treat the interview as a conversation.
Brush up on financial concepts like hedge funds, private equity, financial crises, and financial statements.
Stay updated with recent financial news, such as bankruptcies or economic trends.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. Being well-prepared and confident helped me navigate the questions effectively. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on clarity in answers and staying calm during the interview.
Application Process: I applied through the company website and was interviewed before November 2019.
Interview Rounds:
Round 1 - Technical Interview:
Questions Asked:
What is credit risk?
What is counterparty credit risk?
Your Approach: I explained credit risk as the potential for loss due to a borrower’s failure to repay a loan or meet contractual obligations. For counterparty credit risk, I described it as the risk that the other party in a financial transaction may default before fulfilling their obligations.
Outcome: I passed this round.
Round 2 - Assignment:
Questions Asked: Details of the assignment were not specified.
Your Approach: I focused on applying my knowledge of credit risk and financial products to complete the assignment.
Outcome: I progressed to the next round.
Round 3 - Interview:
Questions Asked: No specific questions were mentioned.
Your Approach: I ensured I was well-prepared with a deep understanding of financial products and credit risk concepts.
Outcome: The final outcome was not specified.
Preparation Tips:
Read about all financial products and the basics of credit risk.
Practice explaining key concepts clearly and concisely.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was challenging but rewarding. I realized the importance of thoroughly understanding financial products and credit risk concepts. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on these areas and practicing how to articulate your knowledge effectively.