HireVue has become a standard part of the investment banking recruiting process, especially at bulge bracket banks. If you are applying to banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, or Bank of America, there is a good chance you will encounter a HireVue interview early in the process. While the format can feel awkward at first — you are recording video answers to pre-set questions with no live interviewer — with the right preparation, you can use HireVue to your advantage.
In this guide, we will cover how HireVue works, what questions to expect, and how to record answers that stand out from the hundreds of other candidates the bank is screening.
What Is a HireVue Interview?
HireVue is an on-demand video interviewing platform. Unlike a traditional interview where you speak with a live person, a HireVue interview presents you with pre-recorded questions (either in text or video format). You are given a short amount of time to prepare your answer (usually 30 seconds to two minutes) and then a set amount of time to record your response (usually two to three minutes per question).
Most IB HireVue interviews consist of four to eight questions and take 20 to 40 minutes to complete. You typically have a window of several days to complete the HireVue once it is assigned, and you can take it from any location with a computer and webcam.
Where HireVue Fits in the Recruiting Process
HireVue is typically used as an early-stage screening tool. The standard flow at most banks looks something like this:
- Step 1: Online application — You submit your resume and cover letter through the bank’s portal.
- Step 2: HireVue — If your application passes the initial screen, you receive an invitation to complete a HireVue interview.
- Step 3: Phone interview or first-round interview — If your HireVue goes well, you advance to a live phone interview or first-round interview.
- Step 4: Superday — If you pass the first round, you are invited to a Superday with multiple back-to-back interviews.
Some banks skip the phone interview step and go directly from HireVue to Superday, depending on the bank and the year. Either way, the HireVue is a critical filter — banks use it to narrow down a large applicant pool before investing time in live interviews.
Common HireVue Questions for Investment Banking
HireVue questions for IB roles typically fall into three categories: behavioral, technical, and situational. Here are the most common questions you should prepare for:
Behavioral Questions
- Walk me through your resume.
- Why investment banking?
- Why this bank?
- Tell me about a time you worked on a team to solve a problem.
- Describe a time you had to manage competing priorities.
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
Technical Questions
- Walk me through a DCF.
- How do the three financial statements link together?
- What is the difference between enterprise value and equity value?
- If you could only use one valuation methodology, which would you choose and why?
- What is WACC and how do you calculate it?
- What happens to the share price when a company issues debt to buy back stock?
Situational and Market Questions
- Tell me about a deal or transaction that interested you recently.
- If you were advising a company on an acquisition, what factors would you consider?
- What sector of the market are you most interested in and why?
How to Record Strong HireVue Answers
Recording yourself answering questions on camera is a different skill from answering questions in a live conversation. Here are the key principles for delivering strong HireVue responses:
1. Structure Your Answers
Every answer should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. For behavioral questions, use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For technical questions, walk through the concept step by step. Avoid rambling — if you find yourself going in circles, stop, take a breath, and get back to the point.
2. Look at the Camera, Not the Screen
This is one of the most important tips for HireVue. When you look at the screen, it appears to the reviewer as though you are looking slightly down or to the side. When you look directly at the camera lens, you create the impression of eye contact. It takes practice, but it makes a significant difference in how you come across on video.
3. Control Your Pace
Nervousness often causes people to speak too quickly. Slow down. Pause between sentences. A measured, confident pace communicates composure and thoughtfulness. If you finish early, that is fine — a concise, well-delivered answer is far better than a long, rambling one that fills the entire time limit.
4. Mind Your Setting
Choose a well-lit, quiet location with a clean, neutral background. Natural light from a window in front of you (not behind you) is ideal. Make sure your face is clearly visible and well-lit. Dress professionally — business casual at a minimum, though business formal is safer for banking HireVues.
5. Practice on Camera
The single best thing you can do to prepare for HireVue is practice recording yourself. Use your phone or laptop to record practice answers, then watch them back. You will quickly notice habits you want to correct — fidgeting, filler words (“um,” “like,” “you know”), looking away from the camera, or speaking too fast. Most people are uncomfortable watching themselves on video, but pushing through that discomfort is how you improve.
6. Use the Prep Time Wisely
When a question appears, use the preparation time to jot down three to four bullet points for your answer. Do not try to write out a full script — you will end up reading it, and that never sounds natural. Just note the key points you want to hit, in the order you want to hit them, and then speak conversationally from those notes.
Technical Tips for HireVue
- Test your equipment — Before the actual HireVue, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. HireVue typically offers a practice question to test your setup — always take advantage of this.
- Use a computer, not a phone — While HireVue allows you to record from a phone, using a computer with a stable webcam gives you a more professional setup and a more stable connection.
- Close other applications — Make sure no notifications pop up during your recording. Close email, Slack, and any other applications that might generate alerts or slow down your computer.
- Have a backup plan — If your internet drops or your camera fails, do not panic. Most banks allow you to contact recruiting to request a reset or extension.
Common HireVue Mistakes to Avoid
- Reading from notes — Reviewers can tell when you are reading. It comes across as scripted and impersonal. Use bullet points as a guide, but speak naturally.
- Poor lighting or background — A dark room, a messy background, or harsh overhead lighting all detract from your presentation. Take five minutes to set up your environment properly.
- Waiting until the last minute — Do not complete your HireVue on the last day of the deadline. Give yourself a buffer in case of technical issues.
- Over-rehearsing to the point of sounding robotic — You want to sound prepared but natural. If your answers sound memorized, it works against you. Practice the structure and key points, but let the delivery be conversational.
- Ignoring the time limit — If you are cut off mid-sentence, the reviewer sees an incomplete answer. Practice keeping your answers within the allotted time, with a few seconds to spare.
How HireVue Responses Are Evaluated
Banks typically have a team of analysts, associates, or recruiters who review HireVue recordings. They are evaluating:
- Content — Did you answer the question? Was your answer accurate (for technical questions) and compelling (for behavioral questions)?
- Communication — Were you clear, concise, and well-organized?
- Professionalism — Did you present yourself well on camera? Was your setting appropriate?
- Enthusiasm — Did you convey genuine interest in the role and the bank?
Some banks also use AI-based analysis tools to assess factors like word choice and response structure, though the weight given to these tools varies. Regardless, the fundamentals remain the same: know your content, communicate clearly, and present yourself professionally.
Preparing Your Technical Foundation
The technical questions on HireVue are typically foundational — they test whether you have the baseline knowledge to succeed in a more detailed interview. Make sure you are solid on the core concepts. Our technical cheatsheet covers the most commonly tested topics, and our free course walks through many of these concepts in detail.
For deeper technical preparation, review our guides on cost of equity, LBOs, and comparable company analysis.
Want Personalized Interview Coaching?
If you are serious about breaking into investment banking, the best thing you can do is work with someone who has been through the recruiting process and knows exactly what top banks are looking for. At Wall Street Mastermind, we have helped over 2,500 students land offers at every bulge bracket and elite boutique bank on Wall Street. Book a free strategy call to learn how we can help you prepare for your interviews and maximize your chances of landing the offer.
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