Hey {{first_name}} 👋!
The best messages I get aren’t “thanks for the CV template.”
They’re the ones that say:
“I finally understand why I failed that interview.”
Because most smart candidates don’t fail Goldman interviews due to a lack of intelligence.
They fail because they misunderstand what the firm is actually optimising for.
So I put together a short, sharp presentation (access it here) on how Goldman Sachs really assesses candidates for internships and graduate schemes (based on how interviews are actually run, not how they’re described).
This is not motivational fluff. It’s how decisions are made in real time.
What’s inside the deck:
1. What GS Really Optimises For
Not “well-rounded candidates.”
Not “passion for finance.”
But specific traits they quietly select for, and the ones they consistently reject (even when the candidate is very smart).
2. How Front-Office Candidates Are Tested
What skills are actually being assessed (technical, commercial, behavioural).
How questions are framed to trip people up.
And where candidates routinely misunderstand what they’re being asked.
3. Interviewer Decision Logic
How interviewers score answers as you’re speaking.
What separates a strong answer from an average one.
Why structure, judgement, and confidence matter more than “knowing the right thing.”
4. High-Probability Interview Scenarios
The 4–6 situations you’re most likely to face.
What each one is testing.
What most candidates do wrong, even at the final stage.
5. Red Flags That Kill Offers
The behaviours and answers that silently disqualify you.
The mistakes that are specific to this firm (not generic interview advice).
This is written for people who are capable, but underprepared.
If you’ve ever felt like you “didn’t do badly” but still got rejected, this will explain why.
If you’re serious about front-office roles, this is the kind of clarity you need before your next interview. Not after the rejection email.
Afzal
Founder, Finance Fast Track
Author, Breaking Into Banking
Ps. I’m inside Finance Fast Track daily helping students with their CVs, cover letters, applications and interviews. Learn more about the programme here and only join if you’re actually serious about a career in finance.