I applied through college or university. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Bridgewater Associates (Wilton, CT) in Nov 2016
Interview
Initial application and several psychological tests/ personality quizzes. This was followed by an invitation to interview at bridgewater's offices, a short video interview, and 2 interactions on the super day
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
We were asked to discuss a philosophical question, first in a group, and then individually.
I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Bridgewater Associates (Washington, DC) in Oct 2021
Interview
The first round interview essentially consists of the interviewer meeting with a group of about 4 candidates. They give you one question and you all discuss it for about an hour. The interviewer will let the interview progress naturally and see how candidates interact with each other, and then add a new twist into it to see how you all respond.
The question had nothing at all to do with finance.
I didn't get invited for a second-round and was never given a reason, but I'd say I walked away feeling like I was given a fair shot. They seem to place a lot of emphasis on testing what's under the hood.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If you could press a button to go back to 1940, before nuclear weapons were invented, would you press it - bearing in mind that if you did humanity would never technologically advance past its current point?
There's a group discussion and then a one on one (or a two on one).
Minimal focus on actual finance (they believe they'll have to re-teach everything anyway), so the discussions are about broader socio-political or sometimes ethical questions. Focus is on the ability to systematically explain your thinking ("what's your framework?")
Having a super clear reasoning tree is helpful.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They actually let interviewees suggest their own questions sometimes.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Bridgewater Associates
Interview
Multiple rounds of debate-like moral and philosophical questions and a smattering of resume and behavioral questions. Mainly to test decision-making abilities and your overall argumentative skills rather than in-depth knowledge of finance or current affairs.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How to invest a certain amount of money from a government perspctive