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Goldman Sachs is a company that prides itself on its strong culture and values. The company's culture is built around teamwork, innovation, and integrity.
Goldman Sachs' values are reflected in its approach to business, where collaboration and open communication are key. This is evident in the company's emphasis on teamwork, with employees encouraged to work together to achieve common goals.
At Goldman Sachs, innovation is highly valued, with employees encouraged to think creatively and come up with new ideas. This is reflected in the company's commitment to research and development, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from new products and services.
The company's commitment to integrity is also a core part of its culture, with a strong focus on ethics and compliance.
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Hiring and Onboarding
Goldman Sachs' hiring process is rigorous and involves multiple interviews. The ideal candidate is a team player who fits well into the company's culture and demonstrates intelligence, wit, a willingness to work hard, and a consistent striving for perfection.
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The process typically starts with an online first round, followed by a Superday on site at the main headquarters, where you'll go through three 20-minute interviews. Callbacks are generally the next day, and the firm is looking for candidates who know where they fit within the context of the firm and are very focused.
Here are some key characteristics Goldman Sachs looks for in a candidate:
- Hardworking
- Curious
- Organized
- Intelligent
- Can express ideas concisely and with impact
- Strong interpersonal skills
For undergraduate hires, the process typically involves a phone interview, a video interview, and an in-person Superday. The firm is looking for someone who has done their homework on the company and division, has a strong drive and hustle, and is willing to put in the time and effort to succeed.
Getting Hired Here
The interview process at Goldman Sachs is rigorous, with multiple interviews and a Superday on site at the main headquarters. This is where you'll go through three 20-minute interviews that assess different aspects of your candidacy.
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To succeed, you'll need to demonstrate intelligence, wit, and a willingness to work hard, while consistently striving for perfection in everything you do. It's not just about being a team player, but also about fitting well into the firm's culture.
You can expect a first round of online interviews, followed by a Superday on site, and possibly even a round of video interviews for interns. The firm is looking for candidates who know where they fit within the context of the firm and are very focused.
Here's a breakdown of the typical interview process:
- Phone or video interview
- Superday on site at the main headquarters
- Video interviews for interns
To increase your chances of getting hired, make sure you've done your homework on the firm and division you're applying to, and can express why you want this job and the specific location you're interviewing for. A strong drive and hustle are also essential, along with a willingness to put in the time and effort to succeed.
You Need Advocates
Having an advocate in the company is crucial for new employees. This is because they need people who can guide them through the onboarding process and help them understand the company culture.
According to research, new employees are actively encouraged to follow mentors and culture carriers. This means that having a clear system in place for matching new employees with advocates is essential.
A good advocate can make a huge difference in a new employee's experience. They can provide valuable insights and help them navigate any challenges they may face.
In fact, research suggests that having an advocate is so important that it's considered a key factor in a new employee's success.
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Work-Life Balance
At Goldman Sachs, you're not just expected to be good at your job, you're expected to be adaptable. This means being willing to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances, as Lloyd Blankfein emphasizes the importance of being "nimble and flexible".
In order to thrive in this environment, you need to be able to think on your feet and navigate the complexities of the company, the business, and the industry. This requires a broad range of knowledge and a willingness to learn and grow.
Fitness First
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At some workplaces, being in shape is a must. Goldman Sachs employees are expected to be in shape and practice sports with colleagues.
Exercise is not just about physical health, but also mental well-being. Flabbiness is a sign of weakness, perhaps.
Many companies prioritize employee fitness, recognizing its benefits for work performance and overall health.
Flexibility for Survival
Being flexible is crucial for survival in today's fast-paced work environment. Lloyd Blankfein emphasizes this point, stating that you must be "nimble and flexible" to succeed.
Knowing the company, business, and industry is key to being adaptable. It's not just about being a subject matter expert, but about understanding the bigger picture.
Goldman Sachs' approach to hiring is a great example of this. They don't value people who are only experts in one area, but rather those who can think on their feet and adjust to new situations.
Being flexible also means being open to learning and growth. It's about being willing to take on new challenges and adapt to change.
In today's rapidly changing business landscape, flexibility is a must-have skill. It's not just about surviving, but about thriving in a competitive market.
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Career Development
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Every social occasion, from a casual inter-office ping pong game to a weekend getaway, is seen as an opportunity for career advancement. You're expected to "spontaneously know how to behave inside and outside the firm" once you're up to speed on the company's cultural values.
To succeed, you need to understand the firm's cultural values and adjust your behavior accordingly. This means being aware of the expectations and consequences of your actions, even in seemingly innocent social situations.
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Work Environment
Goldman Sachs is known for its demanding work environment, where employees often put in long hours.
The company's culture emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, with many employees working closely with colleagues from different departments.
Long hours are a reality at Goldman Sachs, with employees often working 12-hour days, 6 days a week.
The firm's emphasis on teamwork is reflected in its use of "deal teams" to manage large transactions, which brings together employees from various backgrounds and expertise.
Goldman Sachs employees are expected to be adaptable and flexible, with frequent travel and long hours often required.
The company's culture values innovation and creativity, with employees encouraged to think outside the box and develop new ideas.
Related reading: How Long Have You Been Working in This Company?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 pillars of Goldman Sachs?
Goldman Sachs' business model is built on four key pillars: Investment Banking, Global Markets, Asset Management, and Consumer & Wealth Management. These pillars drive the firm's global operations and services.
Sources
- https://vault.com/company-profiles/commercial-banking-and-investment-banking/goldman-sachs-co
- https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/2016/03/ten-handy-hints-fitting-goldman-sachs
- https://hrexecutive.com/cappelli-what-the-goldman-sachs-scandal-can-teach-hr-about-culture/
- https://tolerosolutions.com/in-goldman-sachs-we-trustor-do-we/
- https://www.efinancialcareers.com/news/2019/09/what-its-like-to-work-for-goldman-sachs
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