Ready to join one of the most respected and successful companies in the world? Applying to Berkshire Hathaway isn't like applying to a typical company. As a massive conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway is a collection of over 60 diverse companies, and the key is to understand that there is no central HR department for the entire entity.
So, if you're thinking, "I'll just send my resume to Warren Buffett's office," you'll need to adjust your strategy. Instead, you need to target the specific subsidiary that aligns with your skills and career goals. Let's break down the process step-by-step.
Step 1: Understand the Berkshire Hathaway Ecosystem
First things first, you need to get a grip on what Berkshire Hathaway actually is. It's not a single company with a single product. Think of it as a holding company, a giant umbrella that covers a vast range of businesses, from insurance (GEICO, National Indemnity) to manufacturing (Lubrizol), retail (See's Candies, Dairy Queen), and even real estate (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices).
Your first task is to identify which subsidiary aligns with your experience. Are you a real estate agent? Then Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is your target. An insurance professional? Look at GEICO or GUARD. A tech specialist? You might find opportunities in the IT departments of various subsidiaries.
Don't just look for "Berkshire Hathaway" jobs. That's a common mistake. Instead, search for jobs at GEICO, NV Energy, Duracell, BNSF Railway, or any of the other dozens of companies under the Berkshire Hathaway banner.
Think of it this way: You're not applying to the head of the empire; you're applying to one of the many kingdoms within it.
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| How To Apply To Berkshire Hathaway |
Step 2: Research and Find the Right Subsidiary
This is the most crucial part of your application journey. You need to become a detective and find the right place to send your application.
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Sub-heading: A. Dive Deep into the Subsidiaries
Visit the Berkshire Hathaway Inc. website: While it's famously simple, it has a list of its key subsidiaries. This is a great starting point.
Use a search engine: Search for "Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries list" or "companies owned by Berkshire Hathaway." This will give you a comprehensive list.
Categorize by industry: Once you have a list, group them by industry. This will help you narrow down your search. For example:
Insurance: GEICO, General Re, National Indemnity Company, etc.
Utilities & Energy: Berkshire Hathaway Energy (and its many sub-companies like NV Energy, PacifiCorp).
Manufacturing: Marmon Holdings, Precision Castparts Corp., Lubrizol.
Retail & Consumer Products: See's Candies, Dairy Queen, Fruit of the Loom.
Real Estate: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
Sub-heading: B. Find Their Individual Career Portals
Once you've identified a subsidiary, your next step is to find their career page or employment portal. This is where the actual job listings will be.
Go to the subsidiary's website: For example, go to the GEICO or Berkshire Hathaway Energy website.
Look for "Careers," "Jobs," "Join Our Team," or "Employment" links. These are typically found in the footer or a dedicated section of the website.
Create an account: Most of these portals will require you to create a user account to apply. This is a standard procedure and allows you to track your application.
Step 3: Tailor Your Application
This step is about making your application stand out from the crowd. Remember, you're not just a number. You are a potential contributor to a highly respected and successful organization.
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
Sub-heading: A. Craft a Stellar Resume and Cover Letter
Customize for each subsidiary. This is non-negotiable. Don't use a generic resume. Highlight skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the job you're applying for at that specific company. For instance, if you're applying to GEICO, emphasize your customer service and sales experience. If you're applying to a manufacturing company, focus on your operational or engineering expertise.
In your cover letter, show you understand their business. Mention the subsidiary by name and briefly explain why you are a good fit for their specific team. Mentioning a little about the company's products or services shows you've done your homework.
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Sub-heading: B. Showcase Your Alignment with Berkshire Hathaway's Culture
Berkshire Hathaway is known for its unique culture, largely shaped by Warren Buffett's philosophy. While you're applying to a subsidiary, understanding this culture can give you a significant edge.
Highlight integrity and a strong work ethic. These are core values. Mention instances where you demonstrated honesty, accountability, and a willingness to work hard.
Emphasize a long-term perspective. Berkshire Hathaway is known for its long-term investments. If you have a track record of stability or a desire for a long-term career, mention it.
Demonstrate a focus on value. Think like an owner. Show how you can add value and contribute to the company's success.
Step 4: The Application and Interview Process
Once you've found the right portal and tailored your documents, it's time to apply.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Sub-heading: A. The Application Itself
Fill out the application thoroughly. Don't leave any gaps.
Be honest and accurate. Background checks are a common part of the process.
Be prepared for assessments. Some companies may use online assessments to test your skills or personality traits.
Sub-heading: B. Preparing for the Interview
Research the subsidiary and the role in depth. Know their products, services, and recent news.
Be ready to discuss your past accomplishments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your answers.
Show your passion for the company and the industry. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Be prepared for behavioral questions. They'll want to know how you handle challenges and work with others.
Remember the decentralized nature. Be ready to discuss how you would thrive in an environment with autonomy and personal responsibility.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 quick answers to some common questions about applying to Berkshire Hathaway:
How to find job openings at Berkshire Hathaway? You need to search for job openings at the individual companies owned by Berkshire Hathaway, not a central "Berkshire Hathaway" career site. Each subsidiary, like GEICO or BNSF Railway, has its own employment portal.
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
How to get hired by Warren Buffett? While you won't be hired directly by Warren Buffett, you can get hired by one of his subsidiaries. The key is to demonstrate a strong work ethic, integrity, and a long-term perspective that aligns with the values he promotes.
How to know which subsidiary is hiring? Visit the career pages of the specific companies you're interested in, such as Berkshire Hathaway Energy or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. You can also use job search websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter and search for jobs at those specific company names.
How to create a standout resume for a Berkshire Hathaway company? Tailor your resume to the specific job and subsidiary. Emphasize relevant skills and accomplishments, using keywords from the job description. Highlight instances where you demonstrated accountability and a focus on long-term value.
How to prepare for a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary interview? Research the subsidiary's business model, culture, and recent news. Prepare to discuss your experience using the STAR method. Be ready for behavioral questions and show your alignment with the company's values.
How to apply for an internship at Berkshire Hathaway? Berkshire Hathaway's central office does not offer internships. However, many of its subsidiaries, such as Berkshire Hathaway Energy, offer internship programs. You need to check their individual career websites for listings.
How to find out about the company culture? Research the specific subsidiary's values and mission statement on their website. Look for employee reviews on websites like Glassdoor and Indeed to get a sense of the day-to-day culture. The culture is often described as decentralized, with an emphasis on autonomy and accountability.
How to get a job in finance at Berkshire Hathaway? Look for finance or accounting roles at subsidiaries with a strong financial presence, such as GEICO, National Indemnity Company, or the various units within Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
How to get a job in real estate with Berkshire Hathaway? Apply directly to a local Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices office or franchise. They have their own hiring processes and portals, often looking for licensed real estate agents and support staff.
How to check the status of my application? You will typically need to log in to the career portal of the specific subsidiary where you applied. The status of your application will be available in your user account.
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