I saw a few posts online saying interviewers at GS may throw in unexpected questions like riddles or market sizing during interviews. Is that still true or more of a myth from a few years ago? If so, how should I prepare?
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Hey,
yes, Goldman Sachs sometimes still includes brainteasers or unexpected questions, especially in early rounds. It’s not the main focus, but they do want to see how you think under pressure.
Personally, I actually enjoy them. 😂 But I also like crosswords and any riddles. It’s a fun way to challenge yourself and build mental agility. If you want to try a few, there’s a great collection here: https://www.preplounge.com/en/brain-teaser
Rita
While brainteasers aren’t guaranteed in a Goldman Sachs interview, especially for IB roles, they do still surface occasionally to test your critical thinking. For example, you might be asked something like, “How many windows are there in New York City?” The interviewer isn’t expecting a precise number — they’re assessing how logically and calmly you break the problem down. Another common type is estimation, such as, “Estimate the market size for bottled water in the UK.” You’re expected to make reasonable assumptions and walk through your thought process clearly.
Some interviews may lean more into logic puzzles, especially in markets roles. A classic one might be, “Why are manhole covers round?” — it sounds quirky, but again, they’re testing your reasoning and creativity under pressure.
Still happens occasionally, especially in markets or trading roles at GS, but it's less common in IB these days.
That said, they might still test structured thinking with a light brainteaser or market sizing (maybe try PrepLounge's brainteasers as Rita suggested).
Best prep: practice staying calm, thinking out loud, and breaking problems down logically. Interviewers care more about your approach than getting the "right" answer!
Hey!
Goldman Sachs sometimes includes brainteasers or market-sizing questions, though they are far less common than general technical or behavioral questions. The goal is usually to see how you think through problems logically under pressure rather than whether you arrive at the “correct” answer.
To prepare, practice structuring your thought process aloud, breaking problems into clear steps, and estimating numbers conservatively when needed. Focus on explaining your reasoning clearly and staying calm, as interviewers are often more interested in your approach than the final result.