We spoke to Lorenzo about his experiences with the application process at Bloomberg. Here you can find valuable tips to help you get off to a successful start at Bloomberg!
What struck you most about the company?
I worked with the Bloomberg terminal in my previous job and was impressed by the wealth of data and information. The feeling of being in the middle of the market and having an impact, as the markets would grind to a halt without the terminal, sparked my interest in working at Bloomberg. I also wanted to be part of an international and diverse organisation that offered many opportunities for growth and the chance to work in different areas and locations. This influenced my decision to apply to Bloomberg, as I valued the prospect of a diverse career and global experience alongside the fascinating world of financial markets.
How did you manage to make your application stand out?
My application stood out because I was authentic and honestly admitted when I didn't know something. I kept up to date with the latest news and developments in the market. Most importantly, I actively sought out contact with employees who had recently joined the company to ask questions and was open to feedback and any suggestions for improvement. This openness and willingness to develop characterised me as an applicant and showed my commitment to the company and my professional development.
Are there any strategies that have particularly helped you?
One effective strategy that proved to be outstanding was to answer questions using the star strategy: Situation, Task, Action, Result. I remained authentic and tried to adapt to the question. I never just started answering straight away but took time to think about the question and give a structured answer. The focus was on emphasising the important aspects and avoiding unnecessary details. Above all, however, it was important to be friendly and authentic in order to leave a positive impression.
What are your tips for tackling difficult interview questions?
I use the STAR method to answer difficult questions: situation, task, action, result. I take my time, write down notes and structure my answers carefully before answering targeted questions to understand every detail of the question. If I was unclear about something or didn't have a suitable answer, I always asked if I could come back later. This approach allows me to approach challenging questions calmly and methodically and not allow myself to be put under pressure.
Have you received any tips in the past that helped you with your application?
All the tips and tricks that I present here are mostly ones that I got from other people, then implemented them and tried to adapt and improve them to my personal needs. It is important to note that not everything works equally well for everyone. Therefore, it is crucial to test different approaches and find what works best for you. This flexibility and adaptability makes it possible to develop effective strategies that meet individual needs.
What three tips would you give to Bright Network members who want to follow in your footsteps?
The three tips I would pass on are:
- Ask questions and be curious to develop a deeper understanding of the problem.
- Take time to think about questions and provide structured answers.
- If you need to answer complex questions, avoid rushing into answers and take the time to formulate a thoughtful answer. Most importantly, be authentic because most interviewers can tell when you're faking or not being yourself.