CoderPad is Goldman Sachs’s preferred coding interview platform. This guide, based on real candidate experiences, covers preparation, question types, andstrategies to help you succeed.
I. Pre-Interview Preparation
- Company & Tech Research: Understand GS business areas (trading, risk, data) and stack (Java, Python, C++).
- Practice on CoderPad: Get familiar with its interface—running code, debugging, commenting, shortcuts.
- Review Core CS Fundamentals: Data structures (lists, trees, hash tables) and algorithms (sorting, searching, DP). LeetCode & Niuke drills are recommended.
II. Question Types
1. Algorithm
Medium-to-hard problems with real-world twists (e.g., find all non-repeating subarrays summing to a target). Use hash maps + two-pointer, explain approach first, then code cleanly with comments.
2. Data Structures
Design tasks like an LRU cache require combining linked lists & hash tables for O(1) operations. Choose structures and explain complexity.
3. Code Optimization
Given slow code (e.g., nested loops), propose optimizations: reduce redundant work, choose better structures, improve time/space.
4. Finance-Related Scenarios
Simulate order matching in a trading system: process creation, matching, cancellation. Demonstrate technical design aligned with business needs,including reliability and concurrency.
III. Sample Interview Questions
Algorithm & DS
Example: Find all non-repeating subarrays summing to target in an integer array. Leverage prefix sums (hash map) + two-pointers for O(n).
Programming
Example: Convert Excel column number to title (e.g., 27 → “AA”). Handle base-26 without zero, use loops and modulus.
Behavioral
Use STAR to answer:
- Describe a challenging goal you set and achieved.
- Share a team conflict and how you resolved it.
Ready for Goldman Sachs?
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