Factset Interview Guide
Everything we know about interviewing at Factset: the process stage by stage, what each round tests, compensation by level, and reports from candidates who interviewed.
Interviewing at Factset
What the process looks like, and what Factset is really testing for.
Factset uses a structured loop that blends screening plus multiple technical stages, with a notable emphasis on finance and quantitative evaluation alongside classic programming and data topics. Across reported steps, you should expect live work like coding and Excel, plus discussion rounds that test how clearly you communicate your reasoning.
What the interviewers test is consistent with the extracted topic mix: Excel is extremely prominent, and core quantitative skills show up through Data Structures, coding interviews, SQL, and data interpretation. For role-relevant depth, candidates also see finance-focused topics such as cash flow analysis and fixed income securities, and for at least some roles there is emphasis on RAG-related material.
Timelines vary widely by candidate reports, with at least one account describing a roughly one to two week flow and others describing longer end to end timelines like about a month or more than two months. Outcomes in the aggregated candidate data show an offer rate of 0.0%, and candidate sentiment is largely positive, so the process can feel professional even when it does not end in an offer.
Excel and finance-specific quantitative topics appear with the highest prominence in the extracted interview topics (Excel at percentile 100, and cash flow analysis, fixed income securities, and RAG each at percentile 100), so you should prioritize those alongside SQL and DSA rather than treating finance as just background.
The Factset interview process
5 stages, based on 506 candidate reports.
Initial Screening
Day to 1-2 weeks (varies by candidate reports)You start with an initial screen to assess basic qualifications and fit for the role. Reports describe this as an HR or recruiter conversation about your background and interest, sometimes with guidance about what to review.
Technical Assessment
1-2 weeks (varies by candidate reports)You complete technical evaluation(s) that test relevant knowledge and skills. Depending on the role, this includes machine-learning related evaluation for at least some candidates, and for others it can focus on data engineering skills or general technical capability.
Technical Interviews and Live Work
Same day to 1-2 weeks (varies by candidate reports)You face in-depth technical interviews that may include live Excel testing, live coding, and discussion of previous projects. The extracted topics suggest heavy preparation for DSA and coding, plus strong Excel and SQL, and in at least some tracks finance-focused analysis like cash flow and fixed income securities.
Group Evaluation or Presentation
1 day (reported as part of later rounds)You may take part in a group interview or group evaluation that includes a presentation. The group interview format specifically includes a presentation where you teach a topic to the panel.
Behavioral and Case/Final Conversation
1 day to 2 weeks (varies by candidate reports)You complete behavioral interviewing to assess alignment with company values and collaboration, and you may also present case study findings. Final-stage interviews are described as deeper conversations with a Team Leader or manager and also interviews with team members and management to evaluate fit and collaboration.
What Factset evaluates
How often each skill shows up across reported interview loops.
Interview guides by role
Each guide has the questions Factset interviewers actually ask, the loop structure, and total compensation by level.
What Factset pays, by level
Estimated total compensation: base salary plus stock and annual cash bonus.
Insider tips
Patterns from candidates who got offers, and the mistakes that most often sink a loop.
Real interview experiences by role
Read what candidates said about interviewing at Factset: the loop, difficulty, and outcomes, straight from recent reports for each role.
Factset interview FAQ
Answered from real candidate and workplace data, marked up for rich results.
What people say about Factset
Verbatim snippets pulled from employee and candidate reviews.
FactSet offers excellent work-from-home flexibility, which varies by manager, along with great perks.
Candidates should be prepared to navigate management challenges despite the positive aspects of the company.
Great work-life balance, but toxic management issues need addressing.
Toxic management undermines an otherwise great work environment.
The work-life balance is excellent.
Growth opportunities appear to be slowing down at the moment.
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