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BlackRock·Software Engineer·Technical Phone Screen·Intermediate

Intermediate
May 2026

Summary

BlackRock software engineer interview with a verbal reasoning / critical thinking component. The question was a passage-based true/false exercise, which I wasn't expecting at all for a SWE role.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Read a short passage about a bank's Q2 performance metrics, then classify four statements as True, False, or Cannot Say based strictly on the text. For one borderline case, briefly explain your reasoning.

Product Analytics & MetricsRoot Cause Analysis
Author's notes

Tripped up on statement 3 for a second.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, read the passage carefully and identify the key metrics and their exact values. For each statement, locate the relevant text and determine if it is explicitly supported, contradicted, or not addressed. For the borderline case, explain why the evidence is ambiguous or insufficient, and justify your classification.

Pro tip: Pay close attention to qualifiers like 'approximately', 'more than', or 'all'—they often determine whether a statement is True, False, or Cannot Say. For the borderline case, explicitly state what additional information would be needed to make a definitive classification.

1. Skim the passage for key metrics

Quickly scan the passage to identify the main performance indicators (e.g., revenue, profit, customer growth) and their values.

2. Evaluate each statement individually

For each statement, find the corresponding text and check if it directly supports, contradicts, or is silent on the claim.

3. Classify as True, False, or Cannot Say

Assign the classification based strictly on the passage: True if explicitly stated, False if contradicted, Cannot Say if not addressed.

4. Analyze the borderline case

For the ambiguous statement, explain why it is borderline (e.g., implied but not stated, or requires inference) and justify your chosen classification.

5. Review for consistency

Double-check that your classifications are consistent with the passage and that no statement is misclassified due to overlooked details.

Key Points to Mention

  • Strict adherence to the text: avoid assumptions or outside knowledge.
  • Attention to numerical details and units (e.g., millions vs. billions).
  • Distinguishing between explicit statements and inferences.
  • Handling of comparative language (e.g., 'higher than', 'decreased').
  • For borderline cases, clearly state the ambiguity and the reasoning for the classification.
  • Time management: allocate appropriate time to each statement without overthinking.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.