Careers at Bloomberg
Bloomberg is a global conglomerate serving institutional, commercial, and private investors with round-the-clock financial news, data, analysis, and research.
It was founded in 1981 as a revolutionary service, the Bloomberg Terminal. This gave those dealing in the financial markets unprecedented access to key information, and remains a market leader to this day, with around 325,000 subscribers worldwide.
Complemented by Bloomberg News in 1990, and Bloomberg Tradebook in 1996, it now offers a vast range of innovative solutions, designed and delivered by more than 19,000 employees in 176 offices.
Entry-level roles at Bloomberg exist in customer support, supply chain, client financial services, global data, and analytics and sales.
To be successful in your application, you'll need to show a keen interest in, and understanding of, the financial markets, as well as a range of key skills and attributes that prove you're the right fit for this forward-thinking organisation.
Bloomberg Application Process
While each role is unique, applicants for entry-level posts and internships can expect to take part in a fairly standard recruitment process.
This consists of four or five stages, with success at each one required for progression to the next. To help you prepare, these stages are outlined below.
Bloomberg Online Application
Once you've found a role of interest, you'll need to submit an online application through the Bloomberg careers page. You'll be asked to fill out standard personal details, as well as to upload your CV.
You'll also be asked several long-form questions about the role on offer and Bloomberg itself. To answer these effectively, do your research.
Make sure you fully understand the job requirements and the role of the department you'll be working in. You should also refer to Bloomberg's objectives and its core values of:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Innovation
- Philanthropy
- Sustainability
Bloomberg Aptitude Tests
Bloomberg Aptitude Tests (BAT) is an online assessment that measures things like your cognitive abilities and behavioral traits.
The type of questions you're likely to come across in this assessment include:
Verbal reasoning - these test your critical thinking skills, and require you to analyse written information to form conclusions.
Numerical reasoning - these ask you to work with data representations, using the numerical information provided to solve a given problem.
Logical reasoning - here you'll work with abstract information, and put your problem-solving skills into practice by identifying rules and relationships.
Situational judgement - this type of question will ask you to select the most appropriate response to a hypothetical scenario, and is a measure of your typical workplace behaviour.
These types of questions give Bloomberg insight into your natural aptitude. They are not designed to be overly complex, but can be tricky if you're not used to them - so take plenty of practice tests in each area before you begin your assessment.
This section of the process should take around 25 minutes to complete.
Bloomberg Pre-Recorded Video Interview
If your application and assessment are successful, you'll be sent a link to a video interview. This will be a set of predetermined questions to which you'll need to record your responses to.
The questions will allow you to expand on your experience, your knowledge of Bloomberg, and your understanding of the role you've applied for. This is also your opportunity to let your personality shine through.
Treat it as you would a face-to-face interview. Revisit your research and the job description, and prepare for any questions you think will crop up.
You'll need to set around 15 minutes aside to complete the video interview.
Bloomberg Phone Interview
In some cases, you may also take part in a phone interview. This is a chance for the recruiter to clarify certain information and ask for more detail where required.
It's also a chance for you to ask any questions you may have at this point, so use it wisely.
Bloomberg Assessment Day/Super Day
The final stage of recruitment is attendance at an assessment day. These generally take place at the Bloomberg office you'd be working at if hired.
The length and structure of your assessment day will be determined by the role applied for, but some activities you can expect to take part in include:
- Individual skills-based assessments - this could include written exercises or job-specific skills tests.
- Group activities - here you'll work with fellow applicants on a set task, showing your teamwork and collaborative skills in action.
- Interviews - face-to-face sessions with team leaders or departmental managers.
- Job shadowing - you may get the opportunity to observe a relevant employee at work, or you may complete a job simulation exercise.
- Networking - you'll get a chance to chat with the staff at various levels of seniority, and find out what life as a Bloomberg employee is really like.
The purpose of an assessment day is twofold. It gives the hiring team a chance to meet you in person, and further assess your skills. It also gives you a chance to experience the realities of working for Bloomberg, and determine if it's the right fit for you.
