What Goldman Sachs Looks For
Goldman Sachs uses Taleo / Workday to pre-screen every application before a human reviewer sees it. Your CV must contain the right keywords and formatting to clear this first filter.
Target Sectors
- Investment Banking
- Global Markets
- Asset & Wealth Management
- Equities
- FICC
ATS Pre-Screen
Your CV is auto-scanned before any human sees it. Missing key terms or using non-standard formatting gets your application filtered before a recruiter reviews it.
8 firm-specific CV tips below
Taleo / WorkdayATS & Application Process at Goldman Sachs
Understanding how Goldman Sachs screens applications is the first step to getting your CV in front of a human reviewer.
ATS Platform in Use
Taleo / Workday
Goldman Sachs uses a combination of Taleo and Workday depending on the division and seniority level. In 2020–2022, Goldman merged its former Investment Banking Division and Global Markets Division into a single segment called Global Banking & Markets (GBM). This is now one of two reporting segments, alongside Asset & Wealth Management. Applications go through an automated keyword screen before reaching recruiters. GS receives tens of thousands of applications annually — ATS pre-screening is the first filter every CV must pass. The system flags CVs missing deal-relevant keywords (M&A, DCF, pitch book, IPO, FICC, underwriting) or using non-standard formatting (tables, columns, text boxes). Submit as a clean single-column PDF or Word document with no embedded graphics.
Key Divisions at Goldman Sachs
Each division has distinct ATS keyword requirements and CV expectations. Tailor your application to the specific division you are targeting.
Global Banking & Markets (GBM)
Goldman's consolidated institutional segment formed in 2020, encompassing investment banking advisory (M&A, ECM, DCM, restructuring), FICC sales and trading (rates, credit, currencies, commodities), Equities (cash, derivatives, prime brokerage), and financing. Consistently one of the top-ranked global IBs by fee revenue.
Asset & Wealth Management (AWM)
Manages over $3.1 trillion in client assets (Q4 2025) across public markets, alternatives, and private wealth. Serves institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Includes Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management and Marcus Invest.
Platform Solutions (Legacy Consumer)
Goldman's legacy consumer and fintech segment — now being wound down. Included Marcus savings, Apple Card (exiting by 2028 to JPMorgan), and GreenSky. Remaining platform and transaction banking assets are being consolidated into GBM or AWM. Limited hiring here in 2025–2026.
CV Tips for Goldman Sachs Applications
Apply these Goldman Sachs-specific tips before submitting your application. Each one directly addresses what their ATS and recruiters look for.
Lead your experience section with the largest transaction you have worked on — GS recruiters screen by deal size first.
Use the correct divisional terminology: GBM covers both banking and trading. Specify your sub-division (IB advisory, FICC, Equities) to match the exact role you are targeting.
Include GS-specific keywords: M&A, IPO, DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions, pitch book, CIM, FICC, underwriting, accretion/dilution.
Every bullet must end with a quantified outcome: deal value in $M/$B, AUM managed, P&L attribution, or percentage improvement.
Use a strict one-page format. GS senior bankers reviewing CVs expect one page for analyst and associate level regardless of years of experience.
Avoid non-standard formatting: no tables, no text boxes, no columns, no graphics — these break ATS parsing in both Taleo and Workday.
GS values academic excellence prominently — list your GPA if 3.7+ and include honours, awards, or scholarships near the top of your education section.
For AWM roles, quantify AUM managed, investment returns versus benchmark, and any CFA progress. For FICC and Equities, include P&L track record and asset class coverage.
Related CV Guides
Sector-specific guides with ATS keywords, formatting requirements, and tips tailored to Goldman Sachs's key business areas.
Goldman Sachs Resume FAQ
What ATS does Goldman Sachs use?
Goldman Sachs uses Taleo and Workday depending on the division. Applications are automatically scanned for deal-relevant keywords and proper formatting before reaching a recruiter. CVs with tables, columns, or embedded graphics frequently fail ATS parsing and are never seen by a human.
What happened to Goldman Sachs's Investment Banking Division?
In 2020, Goldman Sachs merged its former Investment Banking Division and Global Markets Division into a single segment called Global Banking & Markets (GBM). GBM is now one of two main reporting segments alongside Asset & Wealth Management. When targeting Goldman roles, specify whether you are applying to IB advisory, FICC, or Equities within GBM.
What does Goldman Sachs look for in an investment banking CV?
GS looks for quantified deal experience (M&A transactions with specific values and your role), proven financial modeling skills (DCF, comps, LBO for advisory), top academic credentials, and an ATS-compatible one-page format. Every bullet should begin with a strong action verb and include a specific dollar amount or percentage.
How long should my Goldman Sachs resume be?
Exactly one page for analyst and associate level. Two pages are only considered for experienced professionals at VP level or above with extensive transaction history. Senior Goldman bankers reviewing CVs expect concise, high-impact one-page documents.