This interview process is for an Associate Software Engineer role at Goldman Sachs. It is designed to assess a candidate's technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the firm.
Rounds·4
Timeline·~14d
Experience·1 - 3 yrs
Comp band·US$90000 - US$120000
Interview time·195 min
Evaluation
Preparation
Tips
Study plan
Fig · Study plan — 05 phases
01 / 05Phase 01 of 05
Weeks 1-2: Data Structures & Operations. Practice problems.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on Data Structures (Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Graphs, Hash Tables) and their common operations and time complexities. Practice problems related to each data structure.
Phase 02 of 05
Weeks 3-4: Algorithms & Complexity. Practice problems.
Weeks 3-4: Focus on Algorithms (Sorting, Searching, Recursion, Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms, Graph Traversal). Understand the time and space complexity of each algorithm.
Phase 03 of 05
Week 5: CS Fundamentals (OS, DB, Networking).
Week 5: Review core Computer Science concepts like Operating Systems (processes, threads, memory management), Databases (SQL, ACID properties), and Networking (TCP/IP, HTTP).
Phase 04 of 05
Week 6: Behavioral Prep & Company Research.
Week 6: Prepare for behavioral questions. Use the STAR method to structure answers for common questions about teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and handling challenges. Research Goldman Sachs' values and culture.
Phase 05 of 05
Week 7: Mock Interviews & Refinement.
Week 7: Mock interviews. Practice coding problems under timed conditions and simulate behavioral interviews. Get feedback and refine your approach.
Questions
Locations
Fig · Regions — 03 locations
01 / 03Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Location
Interview focus
Common questions
Tips
Rounds
Expand a step for evaluation criteria, sample questions, and prep notes.
Technical Screening · 45 min · Software Engineer / Technical Screener
This initial technical screening round focuses on assessing fundamental computer science knowledge, particularly data structures and algorithms. You will be asked to solve coding problems, often on a shared online editor. The interviewer will evaluate your ability to write clean, efficient, and correct code, as well as your approach to problem-solving and your communication skills.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Given an array of integers, return indices of the two numbers such that they add up to target.
Implement a function to check if a binary tree is a valid Binary Search Tree (BST).
Find the kth smallest element in an unsorted array.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Behavioral Interview · 45 min · Recruiter / HR Manager
This round is typically conducted by an HR representative or a recruiter. It focuses on your background, career aspirations, and cultural fit with Goldman Sachs. You'll be asked behavioral questions to understand how you handle various work situations, your motivations for applying, and your understanding of the firm's values. Be prepared to discuss your resume in detail and why you are a good match for the Associate Software Engineer role.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about yourself and your background.
Why are you interested in this role at Goldman Sachs?
Describe a time you faced a significant challenge in a project and how you overcame it.
How do you handle working in a team environment?
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
System Design Interview · 60 min · Senior Software Engineer / Architect
This round focuses on your ability to design and architect software systems. You'll be given a high-level problem (e.g., design a social media feed, a ride-sharing service, or a rate limiter) and asked to propose a solution. The interviewer will probe your design choices, focusing on scalability, reliability, performance, and trade-offs. This is a crucial round for assessing your architectural thinking.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Design a URL shortening service like bit.ly.
Design a system to count the top K trending items on Twitter.
Design an API rate limiter.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
Managerial / Team Fit Interview · 45 min · Hiring Manager / Team Lead
In this final round, you will meet with the hiring manager or a senior member of the team you would be joining. This interview focuses on assessing your overall fit with the team, your understanding of the specific projects, and your potential to contribute. They will likely ask more in-depth behavioral and technical questions tailored to the team's needs. This is also your opportunity to ask detailed questions about the team's work, culture, and challenges.
What they look for
Evaluation
Sample questions
Tell me about a time you had to mentor a junior engineer.
How would you approach debugging a production issue with limited information?
What are your thoughts on code reviews and how do you provide constructive feedback?
Describe a project you are particularly proud of and your role in it.
Prep for this round
Common rejection reasons
DSA
Frequently reported on Goldman Sachs loops
Other guides
