The Interview process is broken up into 5 pieces.
1. You first start off with your standard phone interview. They just want you to describe your background and want to know why you want to work at BBR. The HR team there is very nice and friendly.
2. After the phone interview, you are sent a case study in which you have to basically rearrange a portfolio (asset allocation) and explain your reasoning behind why you made your choices. They let you make assumptions. It's done with Excel and PowerPoint.They also have you write a roughly one-paper outline on what you feel is going on in today's markets.
3. Once you submit your case study, they will either approve or deny it. Upon approval, I was then told I would have to present it over Zoom to one of their VPs and explain my reasoning, and then also be interviewed by the same VP. After this, if you do well, the VP moves you on to the next round.
4. In this round, the HR team will reach out and have you do four Hogan Assessments. The four tests are: (1) the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI) assesses your normative personality, (2) the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) measures your personality under duress, 930 the Motives, Values, Preferences Inventory (MVPI) examines your core goals, values, drives, and interests and (4) the Hogan Business Reasoning Inventory (HBRI)
A challenging test that measures problem-solving abilities through 24 questions that test numerical reasoning, logic and verbal reasoning, and abstract reasoning. The HBRI focuses on business-related problems and assesses a test taker's ability to use business information to make accurate decisions. BBR doesn't let you know what you score, but after completing that, if they like what they see (I'm assuming as in my case), they reach out for part 5.
5. Part 5 was a round of interviews. I was originally told I was going to have 3 interviews, but upon arrival, I was thrown a curve ball and told they wanted me to do 4. I did 4 interviews back to back; each one in succession of the previous. The first with a Director, second with a VP, then next with another Director, and then last with another VP. It's kind of like a hot seat, lol. This was a series of behavioral and technical questions. I.e. "Explain the difference between a stock and an ETF" or "Explain a GRAT (Grantor Retained Annuity Trust) and how it works". It's definitely a lot, so be prepared. If you know your stuff, the questions are really a breeze, but if you are not knowledgeable about these things, I would highly suggest informing yourself. They are a MFO, after all. I was in the interview room for a while, 2 to 2 and a half hours, I would say, with those 4 different interviews right after another. I wasn't asked if I needed to use the bathroom until the end. I don't think it was intentional, but you should be prepared. Also, bring a water bottle. You'll do a lot of talking, so you'll want to keep your throat hydrated. I prepared heavily in advance with my own questions, brought a book, and took notes while they talked.
I was told that they would get back to me in two weeks, and they did. I was not offered the role. In my circumstance, they decided to go with someone who they decided their background was more aligned with the Advisory role, so they went with that person. I was told, however, that I was a great fit for BBR in general, so if you are applying, know that even if you do proceed with all the steps and do excellent and demonstrate excellent capability, you may not be suited for the role. Background plays a key experience. While I did answer every question exceptionally (not my word, theirs), they did ask about a lot of previous experience in finance or anything related to Wealth Management. I would keep this in mind when applying or wondering what the stakes look like in the process. They are looking for someone who is accurate, can execute, and can plan ahead.
