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:
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Human Resources
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Finance and Internal Audit
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Business Management & Strategy
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Analytics & Risk
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Business Operations
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Investment
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Technology
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Marketing & Communications
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Sales & Technology
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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 EMEA early-careers route includes an online application and a pre-interview assessment or coding assessment, followed by interviews for selected candidates. The combination depends on the function.
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.
Pre-interview assessment
After applying, candidates receive a link to the assigned pre-interview assessment. This is a recorded video response; use the invitation to confirm the questions and instructions.
The pre-interview assessment takes under 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 your recorded responses, 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 EMEA pre-interview assessment must be completed in one sitting within five days of submitting your application.
BlackRock Aptitude Tests
BlackRock uses various aptitude tests as part of its recruitment process, these are role dependent and include:
BlackRock Coding Challenge
BlackRock’s EMEA FAQ lists a coding assessment for Software Engineering and Analytics & Modelling roles. The coding portion typically takes about 60 minutes and is followed by one video question. Candidates have five calendar days to complete the coding portion. Use your invitation for the assigned format.
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.
BlackRock Group Exercise
If your invitation includes a group task, prepare for 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.
BlackRock Case study
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.
BlackRock Presentation
You will be given information to analyse and present to the assessors, with the length specified in your invitation. 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.
First Interview
Those successful at the application and pre-interview assessment stage are invited to attend BlackRock’s first interview(s) stage.
The invitation confirms whether interviews are virtual or in person, how many sessions to expect and how long they last.
Interviewers will ask questions based on BlackRock’s five core principles:
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One BlackRock: working collaboratively, having a diverse and inclusive workforce drawing on expertise to bring out the best in each other.
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Passionate about performance: finding better ways to work with clients, being innovative, and constantly learning about the financial markets, technology, and the business world.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Final Interview
Successful candidates may be invited to further interviews with members of the relevant business team. Follow the schedule supplied by the recruiter.
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.