BlackRock is one of the world’s preeminent asset management firms founded by eight entrepreneurs who wanted to combine the best of financial leadership and technology. Their mission is to create a better financial future for clients and they are looking for the future leaders to push them forward.
From application to final assessment. The process varies slightly by programme and office.
A question in the style BlackRock sets. Pick an answer and the keyed option is shown.
One question tells you the style. A pack gives you the hour: blended, marked, with the working shown.
Founded in 1988, BlackRock is a US Investment and Asset Management company. Headquartered in New York, BlackRock has offices in 38 countries; it is considered one of the world’s largest asset management companies, helping investors invest their money to secure their financial well-being.
As an organization that employs over 15,000 people worldwide, there are diverse career opportunities at BlackRock for those at all experience levels. Those at university can join BlackRock on early career placement, internship, or graduate programs, depending on their year of study. Individuals with previous experience can apply to specific positions in one of the firm’s ten expertise areas according to their areas of interest and experience:
Human Resources
Finance and Internal Audit
Business Management & Strategy
Analytics & Risk
Business Operations
Investment
Technology
Marketing & Communications
Sales & Technology
Legal & Compliance
Individuals applying to BlackRock must demonstrate their commitment to a career at BlackRock, their career motivations for applying, and showcase their skills and abilities as relevant to the role they are applying for.
BlackRock looks for candidates who can be themselves in the workplace, valuing an inclusive and diverse work environment. This is carried through into the organization’s commitment to building deep client relationships.
BlackRock commits to understanding its client’s diversity and inclusion needs and ensuring these are considered alongside its investment objectives. Individuals applying to BlackRock must understand the organization’s five principles and be committed to them, understanding how to bring these values to the role they are applying for.
BlackRock runs a defined recruitment process that comprehensively evaluates candidates on the skills and attributes the organization looks for in its applicants.
The recruitment process is split into five steps:
Online application
Virtual cover letter
Aptitude tests
First interview
Final interview
Individuals applying for software engineering roles must also complete an online coding challenge.
All applications to BlackRock are taken online through its dedicated recruitment portal. Candidates must register on the careers page of the BlackRock website, search for their preferred vacancy, then create a personal recruitment account before applying.
BlackRock welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. Individuals wishing to apply to BlackRock’s internship and graduate programs can apply with any degree discipline.
The BlackRock online application form is standardized. Candidates must provide personal details such as contact information, educational background, and relevant work experience. Candidates must also upload an up-to-date copy of their resume supporting their application.
Upon completion of the online application, candidates complete a virtual cover letter. This takes the form of a virtual recorded interview. Candidates must answer two questions and record their responses to each.
The virtual cover letter process takes around 10 minutes to complete. Candidates are presented with a question, given three minutes to prepare, then record their responses which must last at most 90 seconds.
In responses to the two questions in the virtual interview, candidates’ responses should demonstrate their understanding of the role and why they are interested in the role, and why they have applied to BlackRock as an organization.
Candidates must also demonstrate commercial awareness, specifically their understanding of asset management and how BlackRock’s values align with theirs. Individuals also need to consider their skills and how they can be used in the role, showcasing their curiosity, passion for lifelong learning, and innovation in highlighting their suitability for the position.
The virtual cover letter must be completed within three calendar days of receiving the invitation to complete. Candidates must also complete their virtual cover letter recording in one sitting.
BlackRock uses various aptitude tests as part of its recruitment process, these are role dependent and include:
Candidates applying to technical roles are evaluated on their coding knowledge. The test lasts up to 90 minutes and comprises six coding questions.
Some candidates may need to sit a numerical reasoning test. This test evaluates individuals’ aptitude for using numerical information to solve problems. Questions are given as charts, graphs, or tables. Candidates must use their knowledge of basic mathematical principles (percentages, ratios, fractions) to solve numerical problems.
All candidates participate in a group assessment. This assesses an individual’s ability to work successfully in a group and communicate effectively with others.
Candidates work in small groups to discuss a solution to a business-related problem. Individuals are given a pack of information. They must prepare individually before discussing their rationale and views in the group.
Ensure to find a balance between speaking up and making your point but without dominating the group. You must show the assessor that you can work well in any situation, especially within a team as that is something that will be expected of you at the company.
This exercise evaluates candidates’ critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills. Candidates are given information on a business issue they are likely to face in the role. They must read, analyze and synthesize their rationale to approach the problem. Then, discuss this with the interviewer, clearly outlining the reasons for their approach.
You will be given information to analyse and present to the assessors, the length of which will be roughly 10 minutes. You will be given time to prepare and will be allowed to take prompts in with you. This will be assessing your public speaking and presenting skills. You will also be expected to answer questions following completion of your presentation. Ensure you read widely prior to the assessment centre about the organisation and industry.
Those successful at the application and virtual cover letter stage are invited to attend BlackRock’s first interview(s) stage.
All BlackRock interviews are held virtually. The first interviews comprise up to two interviews, each lasting 30 minutes, held with a member of the business team that candidates have applied to.
Interviewers will ask questions based on BlackRock’s five core principles:
One BlackRock: working collaboratively, having a diverse and inclusive workforce drawing on expertise to bring out the best in each other.
Passionate about performance: finding better ways to work with clients, being innovative, and constantly learning about the financial markets, technology, and the business world.
Take emotional ownership: having a sense of responsibility, responsible for our client’s futures, the firm’s success, and those we work with. Constantly upholding standards of excellence.
Committed to a better future: think about the long term, running a sustainable business, using innovation to find additional ways to serve clients, and helping others achieve financial well-being.
Fiduciaries: avoiding conflict of interest by putting the interests of our clients first.
Candidates are also asked about their qualifications and what makes them suitable candidates for the role.
Those applying for technical roles such as software engineering will be asked technical questions relevant to the role they have applied for.
Successful candidates at the first interview stage are invited to attend a virtual round of final interviews. This stage comprises several 30-minute interactive interviews, again with members of the business teams.
Candidates are asked several behavioral questions to determine their suitability for the role, using their past experiences to inform their responses. All behavioral questions are linked to the skills and attributes required for success in the role.
Those applying for technical roles will also be asked additional questions to ascertain their level of technical expertise.
What candidates ask us most often
BlackRock is an asset management firm focused on ensuring diversity and inclusion amongst its workforce. For its early career programs, BlackRock welcomes applicants from any degree discipline.
All candidates must complete and submit their virtual cover letter within the 72-hour deadline. Candidates’ applications will not be considered if the deadline isn’t met.
Individuals can submit a maximum of two applications for different positions each year. Applications should be for one program: graduate/ placement and for up to two business areas within the selected program.
Candidates must complete a virtual cover letter for every application they submit. No more than two applications can be submitted in any year.
BlackRock welcomes applications from those who have previously been unsuccessful in their application. All candidates re-applying must ensure they do not exceed the two applications per year limit and meet the requirements of the program they are applying to.
The recruitment process at BlackRock varies according to the role. The firm recruits on a deadline drive basis, candidates must check the careers pages of the BlackRock website for details on open and close dates for positions. Applications are generally not reviewed until the close date has passed.
Rated 5.0 out of 5 across 3 reviews:
It was very different from any general aptitude test. All the graphical representations, analyses and moreover different currency conversions need a lot of attention to solve with precision and accuracy.
I have never take a test like this before. While I cannot comment on the quality of questions with regard to what Blackrock normally asks, I can say that your test-taking interface was really good.
The questions were good, but they could be more tough.
BlackRock is a trademark of its respective owner. Practice Aptitude Tests is not affiliated with BlackRock and our practice tests are not endorsed by them. Visit BlackRock careers.
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