Goldman Sachs Aptitude Test, HireVue & Superday Guide 2026–27

Goldman Sachs is consistently ranked among the most selective employers in the world. Its recruitment process is longer, more technically demanding, and more interview-heavy than most other financial services or professional services firms. Competing for a Goldman Sachs offer — particularly in Investment Banking, Sales & Trading, or Asset Management — requires preparation across multiple distinct dimensions simultaneously.

Goldman Sachs hiring is built around a recorded HireVue video interview followed by a live "Superday" of back-to-back interviews with bankers and senior leaders. Candidates also report online assessments for some programs and regions; the format varies, so confirm it in your invitation. The Superday is where most selections are made and where preparation depth matters most.

Goldman Sachs recruits across multiple divisions with different technical requirements, interview styles, and aptitude emphases. Understanding your target division shapes what you prepare for beyond the SHL tests.

Where Goldman uses online aptitude tests, candidates most often report numerical, verbal and inductive reasoning in the SHL style. Goldman does not publish cut scores, so aim for consistently strong practice results rather than a borderline pass. Numerical reasoning is the one to prioritize for finance roles.

Yes, Goldman Sachs uses HireVue: candidates report a pre-recorded video interview before the Superday, with questions on screen, limited preparation time and a time limit per answer. Details vary by program and region, so check your invitation and practice with a timer.

Common HireVue Question Types at Goldman

• "Why Goldman Sachs — specifically?" — The answer must reference Goldman's specific positioning (bulge bracket scale, global client relationships, partnership culture, specific division strength). Generic prestige answers are transparent and weak.
• "Why [Investment Banking / S&T / Asset Management]?" — Demonstrate genuine knowledge of the division's function, client types, and what day-to-day work looks like. Show you understand the difference between divisions.
• "Walk me through a deal/trade/investment you found interesting." — Have a real example ready — a recent M&A transaction, an IPO, a macro trade thesis, or an investment case you've followed. Be able to explain the rationale clearly.
• Competency questions (STAR format): "Tell me about a time you worked in a high-pressure team." Use specific examples with measurable outcomes.
• Market/macro questions (S&T divisions): "What is your view on [current market event]?" Have a well-reasoned, data-supported view prepared on 2–3 current market themes.

The Superday is the final and most demanding stage of the Goldman recruitment process. It is a full-day event at a Goldman office where you complete several back-to-back interviews (often around 30 minutes each) with professionals from across your target division — from analysts to managing directors.

Each interviewer evaluates a different set of competencies. Some focus on technical knowledge, some on behavioral fit, some on market views. The cumulative result across all interviewers determines your offer outcome.

Goldman Sachs is more technically demanding in its interviews than most other employers — including other investment banks and the Big Four. The level of technical depth expected varies significantly by division.

Investment Banking (IBD) — Core Technical Topics

• Valuation methods: DCF (free cash flow, WACC, terminal value, sensitivity analysis), comparable companies (EV/EBITDA multiples, selection criteria), precedent transactions.
• LBO fundamentals: How an LBO works, sources and uses of funds, return drivers (leverage, multiple expansion, EBITDA growth), IRR calculation concept.
• Enterprise value vs equity value: Bridge from equity value to enterprise value, treatment of debt, cash, minority interest, and preferred equity.
• Accounting: Three financial statement linkages, impact of transactions on each statement, working capital mechanics.

Sales & Trading — Core Technical Topics

• Brain teasers and probability: Market-making brain teasers (bid/ask quotes), probability puzzles, expected value calculations. Practice reasoning aloud — the thinking process is assessed, not just the answer.
• Options basics: Call vs put payoffs, delta, gamma, vega at a conceptual level. Not required to price options quantitatively but conceptual understanding expected.
• Market views: Have data-supported views on 2–3 current macro themes — interest rates, FX, commodities, or equity markets. Know current central bank positioning.

• Online assessments, if invited (3–4 weeks before): Build consistently strong practice scores using our free timed practice tests. Review every incorrect answer, especially numerical reasoning, which matters most for finance roles.
• HireVue (2 weeks before): Prepare and record answers to 10–15 common Goldman questions. Have a specific deal or trade you've followed ready to discuss. Practice recording yourself and watch playbacks. Research Goldman's recent major transactions, hires, or market positions.
• Technical preparation — IBD (4–6 weeks before): Work through a technical interview guide (Investment Banking by Joshua Rosenbaum, or Mergers & Inquisitions guides). Be able to walk through a DCF in 3 minutes cold. Practice accounting linkage questions. Know at least one live deal in your sector of interest.
• Technical preparation — S&T (4–6 weeks before): Practice mental math and probability problems daily. Read Goldman's research publications. Follow macro developments across rates, FX, and equities. Form and defend a view on 2–3 current market themes.
• Superday stamina (week before): Run mock sessions of several consecutive 30-minute interviews to build endurance; fading in later interviews is a real risk without practice.
• Goldman-specific research (2 weeks before): Know Goldman's recent major deals, strategic initiatives, and market positioning. Read the Goldman Sachs annual report. Have specific reasons — beyond prestige — for why Goldman over other bulge brackets.