Morningstar DBRS Interview Questions
& Process

The interview felt pretty laid-back and informal, like a conversation. It mostly revolved around my past experience and the work in my portfolio. They wanted me to go over a few projects, explaining how I came up with them and how I brought them to life, including what software I used.

I went through several stages in the interview process, starting with an initial screening, then an Excel test, and finally a technical interview. Honestly, the interviewers I met were the nicest and most respectful I've encountered. Communication was smooth, and the whole thing felt organized and professional. I was invited to the final round and asked for my availability, which I provided quickly and flexibly. After that, communication just stopped. I followed up multiple times over weeks, being told I'd hear back 'next week,' but nothing. The job stayed open for weeks, adding to the confusion. No one told me anything, no rejection, no update. I get that hiring can change, but leaving someone hanging after they put in serious effort, especially after a final round invite, is really disappointing and not professional. If you're not moving forward, just say so. Going silent after a final round invite really damages trust and makes candidates feel ignored.

The interview process at Morningstar DBRS is pretty laid-back and conversational, focusing on situational questions. You start by applying online. Then, HR might give you a call to chat about your background and why you're interested. After that, they might hit you with a technical assessment or a case study, possibly asking about things like financial analysis or credit risk. Next up are interviews with the team or your potential manager, where they'll check out your technical skills and how you solve problems. Sometimes, there's a final chat with higher-ups to see if you vibe with the company culture. They really like it when you're passionate, curious, and just yourself.

Sent in my resume online and a recruiter from Morningstar called me for about a 15-minute chat about my background and what I'm interested in. After that, I was invited to their office for interviews with four people from the NA CMBS team I'd be working with. There were two 30-minute interviews, each with two of those four people. They asked some overlapping questions, but the first interview was more about my knowledge of NA Commercial Real Estate and my interests, while the second focused on the organization and what the role entails. Overall, it was a really good experience, and everyone I met was very nice. I would have taken the job if I hadn't gotten another offer for a remote position with the same pay.