Sanford C. Bernstein Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 13 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Sanford C. Bernstein.
Sanford C. Bernstein
Research Associate
Senior Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Case
The first interview was on campus with two interviewers. They asked me background questions, some behavioral questions, and a market sizing question. There were also follow-up questions about the market sizing, like how a new product could affect the market size and the reasons behind it.
Confirmed questions5 questions
- Can you tell me about your strengths and weaknesses?
- Could you give an example of a time you showed intellectual curiosity?
- What's the market size of the US TV market?
Sanford C. Bernstein
Research Associate
Entry Difficult Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Case
I did an interview with the recruiting firm first, and then a month later, the internal HR person emailed me for an interview that same week. It was a mix of fit and case questions with the HR rep and another research associate. The fit stuff was typical like 'why Bernstein', 'why equity research', 'best/worst qualities'. The case questions were simple market sizing, like asking how many widgets were sold in the US in 2008.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Estimate the number of jeans sold by Gap Corporation in 2008.
- What were Anheuser-Busch's beer revenues in 2008?
Sanford C. Bernstein
Research Associate
Entry Difficult Positive experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
I applied through my school's career center. The first round was an on-campus 1-on-1 interview. After about a week, I had an interview with HR, who then called me in to their office for a superday. The second round (superday) consisted of six 1-on-1 interviews in one afternoon. I met with 4 senior research analysts, 1 junior associate, and 1 office manager.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Can you estimate the market size for Kindle sales in 2012?
- I was asked a lot of market sizing questions.
Sanford C. Bernstein Research Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Sanford C. Bernstein interview reports.
“What's the market size of the US TV market?”
Read reports →“What were Anheuser-Busch's beer revenues in 2008?”
Read reports →“How much cement would be required to build a wall between Mexico and the US?”
Read reports →“Can you estimate the number of iPods sold in 2009?”
Read reports →“Can you estimate the number of Uber rides taken annually in New York City?”
Read report →“Can you estimate the total sales in dollars for potato chips within the United States?”
Read report →“Can you estimate the market size for Kindle sales in 2012?”
Read report →“As a brain teaser, how much concrete would be needed to build the wall between the US and Mexico?”
Read report →“How would a new product impact the current market size?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 13 Sanford C. Bernstein interview reports.