How to get hired for an operations role at Bolt: Tips from the recruiter

In this article, we’ll provide high-level insights regarding applications. For more detailed information on crafting a strong resume, check out this article.

Operations at Bolt is one of the most exciting and diverse teams to join. Whether launching new markets, solving daily supply-demand puzzles, or rolling out pricing strategies, our Operations team is at the heart of how Bolt runs and grows. However, with such a broad scope, no two operations roles are the same, making the application process a bit tricky.

To help you navigate it, we asked Britta, our Senior Recruitment Manager for Local Operations, to share insider tips on what recruiters look for, how to prepare, and how to avoid common missteps. This guide will help you approach interviews with confidence.

Jump to the relevant section:

• What do recruiters look for in candidates?
• Common mistakes candidates make during the hiring process
• Applying for Operations Specialist role vs. Operations Manager role 
• How to best prepare for an interview
• Assessing a candidate’s growth potential within the team
• Key takeaways
• Join Bolt’s Operations team!
• FAQ

What do recruiters look for in candidates?

Operations roles at Bolt can vary widely, making them one of the least straightforward positions to hire for. Britta, a recruiter specialising in operations hiring, explains why:

“Operations can mean so many different things. That’s why there’s no single ‘operations background’ — candidates can come from finance, sales, consulting, analytics, or other fields. Because of this, the hiring process is highly tailored. We work closely with hiring managers to define exactly what’s needed in each market, as different countries have unique needs based on factors like size, maturity, and regulations.”

Still, there are some traits that recruiters always look for:

• Analytical, strategic, and data-driven mindset.
• Industry knowledge (helpful but not always required).
• Hands-on, proactive approach.
• Fast-paced adaptability.
• Entrepreneurial ownership.
• Balance between strategy and execution.

Unlike roles in engineering or other specialised fields, there’s no strict educational requirement for operations positions at Bolt.

Common mistakes candidates make during the hiring process

Even strong candidates can make missteps during the hiring process. Here are some of the most common mistakes seen in operations hiring.

Not thoroughly reading the job description or researching the company

A surprising number of candidates apply without fully understanding the role or Bolt as a company. Taking the time to read the job advert carefully and research Bolt’s mission, services, and industry position can make a big difference in how well a candidate performs in interviews.

Misunderstanding what “operations” means at Bolt

Operations roles can vary significantly from one company to another. At Bolt, these positions require a mix of strategic thinking, data analysis, and hands-on problem-solving. Candidates who assume “operations” means the same thing everywhere may struggle to align their experience with what the role truly entails. 

If you want to learn more about something, check out the article about the Operations team at Bolt. 

Underestimating the importance of the home task

The home task isn’t just about getting the correct answer — it’s about demonstrating your thought process. Strong candidates clearly show their reasoning, methodology, and decision-making approach. Those who rush through it or don’t explain their logic miss a key opportunity to stand out.

Not realising how analytical the role is

Operations at Bolt are highly data-driven. Some candidates assume the role is mostly about execution and overlook the analytical side — but that’s a mistake. You’ll be expected to work with dashboards, spot trends, run A/B tests, or model the impact of pricing changes.

To stand out, highlight times you’ve used data to solve a problem, optimise a process, or support a business decision. In the interview or home task, walk through your approach: What data did you use? How did you analyse it? What did you learn, and what action did you take?

Applying for Operations Specialist role vs. Operations Manager role 

For both roles, we assess team fit, analytical skills, and operational capabilities. However, for an Operations Manager position, we emphasise leadership, strategic thinking, and team management. This makes the process slightly more challenging and typically adds one more interview step.

Another key factor is the specific focus of the role. Some operations positions are more general, while others are centred on managing supply, market share, or pricing. Understanding these nuances helps tailor the interview process and ensures we ask the right questions for each candidate.

The interview process typically includes:

1. A recruiter screening
2. Up to 3 additional interviews with the hiring manager and other team members;
3. A home task or business case assessment, depending on the seniority of the role.

For Operations Specialists and Managers, the home task primarily evaluates analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. All assessments are created in-house rather than using external testing.

How to best prepare for an interview

Preparation is key to standing out in any interview. Here are some essential tips.

Research the company and industry

Candidates should take time to understand Bolt’s mission, recent growth, and industry position. For Rides Operations roles specifically, it’s beneficial to:

• Understand how a two-sided marketplace functions, including the dynamics of supply and demand.
• Familiarise yourself with industry trends and competitors.
• Think critically about the challenges Bolt might face in different markets.

Structure your answers clearly

Well-structured answers stand out from an interviewer’s perspective. A good approach is using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to communicate experiences and problem-solving processes clearly. This helps demonstrate not just what you did but also how you approached challenges and what impact you had.

Assessing a candidate’s growth potential within the team

While growth potential is always valuable, it’s not the primary focus in most operations hiring decisions — except in cases like Expansion Operations roles. When hiring for a new market, we need people who can build Bolt’s presence from the ground up, which requires strong foundational skills and the ability to grow into more senior roles.

To assess this, we look beyond just hard skills. The key indicators of growth potential include:

• Ability to learn and adapt: Candidates should provide concrete examples of situations in which they had to learn new skills quickly or solve unfamiliar challenges.
• Resilience under pressure: Operations roles have a fair share of high-pressure situations. We assess how candidates handle adversity: Do they stay calm and problem-solve? Do they know when to ask for help? Or do they panic and make hasty decisions?
• Proactive mindset: Strong candidates don’t just follow instructions — they figure things out independently and take ownership of challenges.

Key takeaways

If you’re considering applying for an operations role at Bolt, here are the most important things to keep in mind throughout the process:

• Tailor your application. Each Ops role is different — align your experience with the role’s focus and market needs.
• Highlight both strategy and analysis. Show that you can think big and back your decisions with data.
• Take the home task seriously. It’s not just about the answer — your structure, logic, and clarity matter most.
• Demonstrate ownership and adaptability. We look for people who take initiative, solve problems, and learn fast in a fast-paced environment.

Keep these tips in mind when applying and preparing — they’ll help you stand out and show us why you’re a great match for the team.

Apply to Bolt’s Operations team!

Now that you’re armed with insider tips, it’s time to put them to work and turn them into your next big move.

If you’re considering a career in Operations at Bolt, get ready for fast growth, real impact, and hands-on challenges — all in a dynamic, ever-evolving environment where your ideas matter and your growth is a priority.

Now, all that’s left to do is browse our careers page, find your perfect Ops role and hit apply!

FAQ

What’s the difference between an Operations Specialist and an Operations Manager?

Both roles are part of the same team and share a focus on data, efficiency, and problem-solving — but they differ in scope and responsibility.

Operations Specialists focus on the day-to-day performance of Bolt’s services in a city or region. They monitor operational data, tackle on-the-ground issues, and roll out improvements to boost efficiency and growth. It’s a hands-on role with a strong focus on execution and continuous optimisation.

Operations Managers take on a more strategic role. They lead operational efforts in broader markets or specialised focus areas like pricing, supply, or market share. In addition to analysing data and solving high-level challenges, they often manage teams and collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders. Leadership, strategic thinking, and ownership are key.

What degree do I need to apply for an Operations role?

There’s no single background or degree we look for. Successful candidates come from diverse fields like consulting, analytics, finance, sales, or even startups. What matters most is your problem-solving ability, adaptability, and hands-on mindset.

Do I need to speak the local language for a market-specific role?

In most cases, yes — especially if the role is tied to a specific market. Language skills help you work effectively with local partners, drivers, couriers, and stakeholders.

What skills are needed for operations management? 

Operations management at Bolt requires a mix of analytical thinking, strategic decision-making, and hands-on problem-solving. Other key skills include:

• Data analysis.
• Project management.
• Adaptability.
• Communication.
• Ownership and initiative.
• Leadership (for senior roles).

Is there a standard home task format?

Not exactly — it depends on the seniority and focus of the role. However, all home tasks are designed in-house and evaluate your analytical skills, structured thinking, and decision-making process.

Can I apply for multiple roles at once?

Yes, but make sure your experience genuinely aligns with each one. Tailoring your application to each specific role will increase your chances of success.

What’s the typical timeline for the hiring process?

While timelines can vary, most processes include a recruiter screening, up to 3 interviews, and a home task. We aim to move quickly while giving candidates time to prepare.