1. I was contacted by a recruiter on LinkedIn to apply to partake in the Launch programme
2. Had to put together 3 written answers & give an experience summary. Researched a lot the company and role, especially the core values of client-centricity, and reflected passion for fintech, and the alignment of my skills with those required in the role.
3. Had to pass a PLUM cognitive assessment. One of those "you can't practice for." That being said I typically disliked cognitive assessments, and found this one to be okay.
4. Completed the Bloomberg Markets Concepts course (BMC), which they provided for free.
5. Completed the Insight week, engaged decently well during this process, asking questions and doing my best to increase visibility, as my launch cohort had about 80 people
6. Was then advanced to the pre-recorded interview stage, all the info and prep for this was garnered through the launch programme really
7. Was then advanced to the Team Lead interview stage. 2 Team leaders, from different backgrounds in the company. 1 hour long, a lot of questions to test how much you understand the role, overall to test how badly you want/fit the role. Have to be commercially aware, have to relate these answers to how they impact Bloomberg. Retain large impetus on client/customer service skills, being able to multitask efficiently, having passion for fintech, and being enthusiastic about other key bloomberg things such as charitable volunteering. Hardest question in this was probably stating 3 of my biggest challenges in the role - always found this tricky, but must identify a non-crucial weakness and spin it to reflect how you're working on it. Be sure to have questions ready to ask them at the end of the interview.
8. Was then advanced to the final stage. La finalissma. The assessment day began with talks and introductions etc. Then came a terminal demo, which we then had to physically replicate in a pseudo-analytics way, using actual bloomberg terminals. Had a networking lunch, was able to pick the brains of some analysts. Then had the final round interview with the head of analytics and head of sales (I believe). Similar questions to the TL stage interview, but now far more motivational. You have to sell you passion and enthusiasm, for fintech, the role, for Bloomberg, for the company culture/ethos - in a genuine and non-scripted manner. Another huge part within the entire assessment process is to relay your communication skills, to be effective, poised, professional, enthusiastic, with your words and your writing. Bear that in mind throughout the whole process. The questioning may get challenging but one must remain composed and rely on your understanding/practice to this point. It felt like a *low-temperature* grilling in a sense, but I personally wasn't asked any ridiculous or highly unexpected questions. However, if they do re-ask a question, that means your answer wasn't sufficient, so when you re-answer don't just give the same response, either expand or improve it. I tried to make the interview a bit more conversational and less formal where possible, although this won't always be entirely possible. I made a manchester united reference during my intro, and the sales lead picked up on this as a joking reference in one of his questions, a small win. At the end of the interview, be SURE to have a list of questions to ask them, I had 3, two of which were pre-prepared and the 3rd was based off a prior answer they gave, which showed my listening skills.
9. Months later, (in my case perhaps) I was offered the job. Longest application process I've ever been through in my life, but it was well-communicated every step of the way, and the launch programme really helped. The prep was challenging at points especially with practicing questions and their answers over and over. But nothing worthwhile comes easy, believe in yourself !