Ready to embark on a career journey with one of the most respected and powerful companies in the world? Excellent! You've come to the right place. Working for Berkshire Hathaway isn't just about a job; it's about joining a diverse and decentralized family of businesses, each with its own unique culture and opportunities. Let's get started on your path to a career under the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella.
Step 1: Understand the Berkshire Hathaway Empire
Before you can even think about applying, you need to understand something crucial: Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is not a traditional company with a single HR department and a centralized job board for all its employees. It's a vast conglomerate, a holding company that owns a multitude of businesses across a wide range of industries. This is a common misconception, and understanding this is your very first and most important step.
What does this mean for you? It means you don't apply to "Berkshire Hathaway" as a whole. You apply to one of its many subsidiaries. Think of Berkshire Hathaway as a giant parent company with over 60 children, each running its own household. You need to find the specific "household" that aligns with your skills and career goals.
Where can you find these subsidiaries? You can find a comprehensive list of the Berkshire Hathaway operating companies on the official Berkshire Hathaway Inc. website. The industries are incredibly diverse, from insurance and railroads to consumer products and real estate. Do you want to work in finance? Look at GEICO or National Indemnity Company. Are you a manufacturing expert? Check out Precision Castparts Corp. or Marmon Holdings. Passionate about retail? See's Candies, Dairy Queen, and Borsheims Fine Jewelry are all part of the family.
Your first action item is to visit the official website and explore this list. Don't skip this step! It will save you a lot of time and help you focus your search. Identify the industries and companies that truly excite you.
Step 2: Research and Align Your Skills
Once you have a list of potential subsidiary companies, it's time to dive deeper. This is where you become a detective, and your mission is to find the perfect match.
Sub-heading: Deep Dive into Subsidiary Websites
Visit the specific company's website: Each subsidiary has its own website, and more importantly, its own careers or "join our team" page. This is where you will find the job listings, learn about the company culture, and understand the specific roles available.
Look for their values and mission: Does their culture resonate with you? Berkshire Hathaway as a whole emphasizes integrity, decentralization, and a long-term perspective. See how these values are reflected in the individual subsidiaries. For example, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance highlights its "purposefully non-bureaucratic and perpetually entrepreneurial" culture.
Identify specific job openings: Search for positions that match your skills, experience, and interests. Be realistic. If you're a recent graduate, look for entry-level positions or internship programs. If you're an experienced professional, seek out roles that leverage your expertise.
Sub-heading: Tailor Your Application Materials
Customize your resume and cover letter: This is absolutely critical. Do not send a generic resume. For each application, tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description.
Write a compelling cover letter: Use your cover letter to explain why you are interested in that specific subsidiary and how your skills can contribute to their success. Show that you have done your research. Mention specific projects, achievements, or even their mission statement to demonstrate your genuine interest.
Step 3: The Application Process
This is the practical part, where you turn your research into action.
Sub-heading: Online Application
Apply through the subsidiary's career portal: As mentioned, the application process is handled by the individual companies, not a central Berkshire Hathaway portal. You will need to create an account on their specific careers site.
Be meticulous: Fill out the application form completely and accurately. Upload your tailored resume and cover letter. Double-check for any typos or errors. A sloppy application can be a quick trip to the rejection pile.
Complete any assessments: Some companies may require you to complete online assessments, such as aptitude tests, personality quizzes, or situational judgment tests. Take these seriously and follow all instructions.
Sub-heading: Network Effectively
Leverage your network: Connect with people who work at the specific subsidiary you are interested in on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Reach out to them (politely!) for informational interviews to learn about their experiences and the company culture.
Attend career fairs or events: Keep an eye out for any events or career fairs where these companies might be recruiting. This can be a great way to make a personal connection and learn more about opportunities.
Step 4: Ace the Interview
If your application is shortlisted, congratulations! Now is the time to prepare for the interview. The interview process can vary widely between subsidiaries, from a simple phone screen to multiple rounds of in-person interviews with different stakeholders.
Sub-heading: Prepare Your Answers
Master the STAR method: For behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you faced a difficult challenge"), use the STAR method: describe the Situation, the Task you had to accomplish, the Action you took, and the Result. This provides a clear and structured answer.
Anticipate questions: Prepare answers for common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want to work here?", and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?".
Demonstrate your knowledge of the subsidiary: The most impactful part of your interview will be your ability to show you understand their business, not just Berkshire Hathaway as a whole. Discuss their products, services, or recent news. This shows genuine interest and proactiveness.
Sub-heading: Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare questions for the interviewer: At the end of the interview, you will be given a chance to ask questions. This is your opportunity to show your engagement and gather information. Ask about the team culture, professional development opportunities, or a specific project the team is working on.
Examples of great questions: "What do you enjoy most about working here?" "What are the biggest challenges facing this team in the next year?" "What does success look like in this role?"
Step 5: The Follow-Up
A strong follow-up can leave a lasting positive impression.
Send a thank-you note: Within 24 hours of your interview, send a personalized thank-you email to everyone you spoke with. Reiterate your interest in the position and mention a specific point from your conversation to show you were listening.
Be patient: The hiring process can take time. Follow up politely if you haven't heard back within the specified timeframe, but avoid being pushy.
By following these steps, you will significantly increase your chances of securing a position within the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. Good luck!
10 Related FAQs
How to find a job at Berkshire Hathaway?
You can find jobs by visiting the careers page of the specific Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary you are interested in, such as GEICO, Fruit of the Loom, or BNSF Railway. The Berkshire Hathaway Inc. corporate website provides a list of its operating companies.
How to apply for an internship at a Berkshire Hathaway company?
Look for "internship" or "early careers" sections on the websites of individual subsidiaries. Many of them, especially in insurance, energy, and finance, have structured internship programs.
How to prepare for a Berkshire Hathaway interview?
Research the specific subsidiary's business and culture, practice behavioral questions using the STAR method, and be ready to discuss your skills and how they align with the company's needs.
How to find out which companies are owned by Berkshire Hathaway?
You can find a comprehensive list of Berkshire Hathaway's operating companies on the "Links to Berkshire Operating Companies" page on the official berkshirehathaway.com website.
How to network with employees from Berkshire Hathaway companies?
Use professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with employees. Attend industry-specific events or webinars where employees from these subsidiaries might be present.
How to get a job at the Berkshire Hathaway headquarters in Omaha?
Jobs at the corporate headquarters are extremely limited. The main hiring occurs at the subsidiary level. The corporate office has a very small team. Your best bet is to look for jobs at a subsidiary based in or near Omaha.
How to write a resume for a job at a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary?
Tailor your resume for each specific job by highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that match the job description. Quantify your achievements with numbers and data whenever possible.
How to get a job at GEICO, a Berkshire Hathaway company?
Visit the GEICO careers website directly. They have a large workforce and a wide variety of roles, from claims adjusters and sales representatives to IT and actuarial positions.
How to demonstrate a good cultural fit for a Berkshire Hathaway company?
Showcase your integrity, a strong work ethic, and a long-term perspective. Be prepared to discuss situations where you took personal ownership and acted in a non-bureaucratic manner to solve a problem.
How to find out about the benefits of working for a Berkshire Hathaway company?
Benefits packages are determined by each individual subsidiary. You can typically find information about benefits on the careers page of the specific company's website or by asking during the interview process.