Getting a job at Berkshire Hathaway is a goal for many professionals, but it's often seen as a mystery. The company, led by the legendary Warren Buffett, is known for its unique culture and decentralized structure. This isn't your typical corporate giant with a single, centralized hiring portal. Instead, it's a conglomerate of over 60 diverse subsidiaries, each with its own hiring process and needs.
So, how hard is it, really? The answer is: it's highly competitive and depends heavily on the specific subsidiary and role you're targeting. While getting a job directly at the small, core team in Omaha is incredibly rare, securing a position within one of its many companies, like GEICO, BNSF Railway, or Clayton Homes, is a more achievable, yet still challenging, endeavor.
Let's break down the process into a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate this unique hiring landscape.
Step 1: Discover Your Fit within the Berkshire Hathaway Universe
Before you even think about submitting a resume, you need to understand that "Berkshire Hathaway" is not a single entity in the hiring sense. It's a vast ecosystem of companies. Think of it like this: are you trying to get a job at the central brain, or are you aiming for a specific limb or organ?
Engage with the Berkshire Hathaway ecosystem: Take a moment to explore the extensive list of Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries. You might be surprised to find companies you've known for years, like Duracell, Dairy Queen, or Brooks Sports, are part of the family. Go to the official Berkshire Hathaway website and look at the "Links to Berkshire Hathaway Sub. Companies" page. This is your treasure map.
Identify your target industry and company: Do you have a background in insurance? Then GEICO or Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance might be a good fit. Are you an engineer? Look at BNSF Railway or Precision Castparts Corp. Are you in retail? Explore See's Candies or HomeServices of America. Your career path at Berkshire Hathaway almost always starts with one of its subsidiaries.
Research the target company's culture and values: While the overall Berkshire Hathaway ethos is rooted in integrity, long-term thinking, and decentralization, each subsidiary has its own specific culture. For example, a railroad company's culture will be different from a candy company's. Look for their mission statements, values, and employee testimonials. This research will be crucial for the interview stage.
Step 2: Master the Application and Networking Process
Since there is no central HR department for the entire conglomerate, you need to apply directly to the subsidiaries.
Sub-heading: Finding Job Openings
Don't search for "Berkshire Hathaway jobs": This will likely lead to a handful of roles at the parent company, which are extremely competitive. Instead, go to the career pages of the specific subsidiaries you identified in Step 1.
Leverage professional networking sites: Use platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to search for job openings at companies like "GEICO," "BNSF Railway," or "Clayton Homes." Set up job alerts for these companies to be notified as soon as a new position is posted.
Explore company websites: Many of the subsidiaries have a dedicated "Careers" or "Employment" section on their websites. For instance, Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Berkshire Hathaway Automotive have clear portals for job seekers.
Sub-heading: Crafting a Winning Application
Tailor your resume and cover letter: Don't use a generic application. Highlight experience and skills that are relevant to the specific subsidiary and role. If you are applying to GEICO, emphasize your customer service or analytical skills. If you are applying to a manufacturing company, focus on your operational expertise.
Showcase the Berkshire Hathaway ethos: While you're not applying to the parent company, demonstrating an understanding of the overall culture can set you apart. In your cover letter, you could subtly mention your admiration for their long-term value creation or decentralized management style. Mentioning how your personal values align with theirs, such as integrity and accountability, can be a powerful differentiator.
Step 3: Navigate the Multi-Stage Interview Process
The interview process at a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary can be rigorous and varies greatly by company and position. However, there are some common stages you can expect.
Sub-heading: Initial Screening and Assessments
The phone screening: This is often the first step, where a recruiter will assess your basic qualifications and motivation for the role. Be prepared to talk about your resume and your interest in the company.
Online assessments: Many companies use online tests to gauge your skills. This could include aptitude tests, personality assessments, or situational judgment tests. These are used to narrow down the candidate pool, so take them seriously.
Sub-heading: Deep Dive into Interviews
Technical and behavioral interviews: Expect multiple rounds of interviews. These can be with hiring managers, team members, or directors. You will likely face a mix of technical questions related to your field and behavioral questions. Remember the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions effectively.
Case studies and presentations: For certain roles, especially in finance or management, you may be asked to present a case study or a project you've worked on. This is your chance to showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
The final interview: This is often with a senior leader or hiring manager. This conversation will be more in-depth and will focus on your alignment with the company's values and your long-term career goals.
Sub-heading: The Importance of a Cultural Fit
Be prepared for questions about integrity and accountability: Berkshire Hathaway companies value trustworthiness and a strong work ethic. Be ready to share examples of situations where you demonstrated these qualities.
Show your long-term perspective: This is a company that values longevity. Express your desire for a long-term career, not just a stepping-stone job.
Step 4: Ace the Final Hurdles
Once you've made it through the interviews, there are a few more steps before you can celebrate.
Background check and reference checks: Like most large companies, Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries will conduct thorough background checks and verify your references. Be sure to provide accurate information and inform your references that they may be contacted.
Negotiate and accept the offer: Once you receive a job offer, review it carefully. The compensation and benefits packages are generally competitive, but you should always feel empowered to negotiate.
While getting a job at Berkshire Hathaway is a challenge, it's not an impossible one. It requires a strategic and targeted approach, a deep understanding of the conglomerate's unique structure, and a strong alignment with its core values. By following this step-by-step guide, you can significantly increase your chances of joining the legendary team.
Related FAQs
Here are 10 quick answers to common questions about getting a job at Berkshire Hathaway.
How to find job openings at Berkshire Hathaway? You should search for jobs on the career pages of Berkshire Hathaway's individual subsidiary companies (e.g., GEICO, BNSF Railway) rather than on a single Berkshire Hathaway careers page.
How to apply for a job at Berkshire Hathaway? Applications are typically submitted directly through the websites of the subsidiary companies. You need to identify the specific company you want to work for and follow their application process.
How to prepare for a Berkshire Hathaway interview? Research the specific subsidiary's business and culture, practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method, and be ready to discuss your commitment to integrity and a long-term perspective.
How to get a job at Berkshire Hathaway's headquarters? Getting a job at the small, central Omaha office is extremely difficult due to very low employee turnover. It's often reserved for senior-level executives with long-standing relationships with the company.
How to get an internship at Berkshire Hathaway? Most subsidiaries do not offer formal internships. However, some may have seasonal or entry-level positions available. You should check the career pages of individual companies for such opportunities.
How to showcase a cultural fit during the application process? In your cover letter and interview, emphasize your values of integrity, accountability, and a long-term outlook, which are central to the Berkshire Hathaway culture.
How to get a job in the investment arm of Berkshire Hathaway? These roles are incredibly rare and are typically filled by a very small, close-knit team. This is not a common entry point for external candidates.
How to know which subsidiary is right for me? Explore the diverse portfolio of companies listed on the Berkshire Hathaway website. Research each one's business, industry, and employee culture to find a fit that aligns with your skills and interests.
How to stand out from other candidates? Demonstrate a deep understanding of the specific subsidiary's business, show a strong alignment with the company's values, and highlight your ability to be a responsible, autonomous employee in a decentralized environment.
How to know if a Berkshire Hathaway background check is required? Yes, most Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries require a background check and often a drug screening as part of the hiring process. This is a standard step for successful candidates.