Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

Background checks at Goldman Sachs

Hi everyone, quick question: do bulge bracket banks like GS usually run background checks before sending the official offer letter? I got a verbal offer and was told the written one should arrive early next week. Just a bit anxious, so is there any chance it could fall through at this stage?

4
800+
20
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Rita
Coach
on Aug 29, 2025
Excel in Finance | FREE 15 Minutes Intro Call | Personalised Preparation

Hi there,

Congrats on your verbal offer!😊 At Goldman (and most bulge brackets), background checks are standard, but they usually happen after you’ve received the written offer. These checks typically cover things like education, employment history, and sometimes a criminal record check.

Unless there are major discrepancies, it’s very rare for an offer to fall through at this stage. So I’d stay positive and prepare for your next steps!

All the best,
Rita

Binika
Coach
on Sep 13, 2025
9+ years in Finance, Consulting and Strategy, Corporate Development|Accenture| Coach Finance Candidates to Ace Interview

Hey!

At Goldman Sachs, as with most bulge bracket banks, background checks are a standard part of the hiring process and typically occur after a verbal offer but before the official written offer is finalized. These checks usually cover employment history, education verification, and sometimes a credit or criminal record review depending on the region and role. 

The purpose is to confirm the information you provided during the application process rather than to re-evaluate your candidacy.

While it’s natural to feel anxious, it is rare for a background check to cause a verbal offer to be rescinded unless there are discrepancies or issues that weren’t disclosed. To minimize risk, ensure all information on your resume, references, and application forms is accurate and consistent. 

Most candidates move from verbal to written offer smoothly, so focusing on preparing for your start and being ready to respond to any verification requests is the best approach.

Nitesh
Coach
on Sep 21, 2025
9+ yrs of work ex in finance/consulting - Barclays/ x-Citi. 500+ hrs coaching exp. MBA IIM Ahmedabad, Engg IIT Kharagpur

Hey!

At Goldman Sachs and most bulge bracket banks, it’s standard practice to conduct background checks before sending a formal offer. These checks typically cover employment history, education verification, criminal records, and sometimes credit history. While it’s rare for an offer to be rescinded at this stage if everything is accurate, any discrepancies or issues discovered could delay or affect the formal offer.

To stay proactive, ensure all the information you provided during the interview process is accurate and up to date. If you’re concerned, you can politely confirm with your recruiter about the timeline and any documents you should prepare, which shows diligence and helps reduce anxiety.

Simon
Coach
on Sep 11, 2025
Mastering Deals and Strategy | Seasoned coach

I agree with Rita. Once you’ve got the verbal offer, the written one almost always follows. The background check is typically just a formality to confirm your records, so unless there are major inconsistencies you don’t need to worry.