BlackRock Tests

Careers at BlackRock

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.

Online Application

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.

Virtual Cover Letter

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 Aptitude Tests

BlackRock uses various aptitude tests as part of its recruitment process, these are role dependent and include:

BlackRock Coding Challenge

Candidates applying to technical roles are evaluated on their coding knowledge. The test lasts up to 90 minutes and comprises six coding questions.

BlackRock numerical reasoning tests

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.