How to Prepare for Investment Banking HireVue/Video Interviews

HireVue and video interviews have become a standard part of investment banking recruiting at virtually every major firm. Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and other bulge bracket banks now use pre-recorded video interviews to screen candidates before inviting them to live interviews or Superdays.

Understanding how to excel in this format matters because most applicants receive HireVue invitations, but advancing to the next round requires strong performance. The video interview stage eliminates a significant portion of candidates, making preparation essential for anyone serious about breaking into investment banking.

This guide covers what HireVue interviews involve, how to prepare effectively, common questions at major banks, and strategies for delivering confident responses in pre-recorded formats. By mastering these techniques, you will approach video interviews with confidence and maximize your chances of advancing.

What is a HireVue Interview?

HireVue is a digital recruiting platform that enables companies to conduct asynchronous video interviews. Instead of scheduling live conversations, candidates record responses to pre-set questions on their own time within a specified deadline.

How the Format Works

When you receive a HireVue invitation, you will access a platform where questions appear on screen one at a time. For each question, you typically receive 30 seconds of preparation time to gather your thoughts, followed by 60 to 180 seconds to record your response. Once you begin recording, you cannot pause or re-record.

The exact timing varies by firm and question type. Goldman Sachs typically provides 30 seconds to prepare and approximately 2 minutes to answer. JP Morgan uses similar timeframes, though some questions may allow longer responses. The platform clearly displays time remaining during both preparation and recording phases.

After completing all questions, your recorded responses are submitted for review. Actual recruiters and hiring managers watch these videos, though some initial screening may involve algorithmic assessment of factors like speech patterns and response quality.

Why Banks Use HireVue

Investment banks receive thousands of applications for limited positions. HireVue allows firms to evaluate more candidates than would be possible through live interviews alone. The format provides several advantages for recruiters:

Efficiency: Recruiters can review video responses at their convenience rather than scheduling individual calls with hundreds of applicants.

Consistency: All candidates answer the same questions under identical conditions, enabling fairer comparison.

Scalability: Banks can screen large applicant pools without proportionally increasing recruiter time investment.

Flexibility: Candidates can complete interviews around their schedules, reducing coordination challenges.

What HireVue No Longer Does

Earlier versions of HireVue incorporated facial analysis and AI-driven assessment of non-verbal cues. This feature generated controversy and has been discontinued. Current HireVue interviews focus on response content and delivery rather than algorithmic analysis of facial expressions.

This means you should focus on your answers and communication style rather than worrying about gaming an AI system. Real people evaluate your responses, so approach the interview as you would any professional conversation.

The HireVue Interview Format at Major Banks

Understanding firm-specific formats helps you prepare appropriately.

Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs HireVue interviews typically include 3 to 6 questions with 30 seconds of preparation time and approximately 2 minutes to record responses. Questions heavily emphasize behavioral content, with approximately 60% of all Goldman Sachs interview questions being behavioral in nature.

Expect questions focused on teamwork, leadership, handling challenges, and motivation for Goldman Sachs specifically. The "Why Goldman Sachs?" question appears in roughly 13% of reported behavioral interviews at the firm, making it essential to prepare a thoughtful, specific answer.

Goldman Sachs is known as one of the most competitive banks, with acceptance rates around 4%, making thorough preparation crucial.

JP Morgan

JP Morgan HireVue interviews focus primarily on behavioral questions, though technical and business sense questions occasionally appear depending on the specific division and role. The firm draws from a pool of 100 to 150 possible questions, so exact content varies between candidates.

For investment banking analyst positions, expect heavy emphasis on fit questions exploring your interest in JP Morgan, relevant experiences, and how you handle workplace situations. The interview process typically takes around 4 weeks from application to final decision, though timing can extend to 2 months or longer.

Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley HireVue interviews typically include classic behavioral questions like "Why Morgan Stanley?", "Tell me about yourself," and scenario-based questions assessing problem-solving and teamwork. The format emphasizes understanding your motivations and evaluating how you would contribute to their culture.

Morgan Stanley places significant weight on demonstrated interest in the firm and understanding of their specific strengths and culture. Generic answers that could apply to any bank will not differentiate you.

Bank of America and Other Firms

Most major banks now incorporate some form of video interview in their recruiting process. While specific formats vary, the general approach remains consistent: behavioral-focused questions delivered asynchronously with limited preparation and response time.

Regardless of which firm you are interviewing with, the preparation strategies below will serve you well.

For context on what comes after video interviews, see our guide on how to prepare for investment banking Superday.

Common HireVue Questions

Preparing for likely questions significantly improves performance. These questions appear frequently across major banks.

"Tell Me About Yourself"

This opening question appears in virtually every HireVue interview. Structure your response to cover your background, why you are interested in investment banking, and what makes you a strong candidate. Keep the answer to 60 to 90 seconds maximum, highlighting relevant experiences without excessive detail.

For guidance on structuring this response, see our guide on walk me through your resume.

"Why [Bank Name]?"

Every bank asks why you want to work specifically for them. Generic answers about prestige or compensation will hurt your candidacy. Instead, demonstrate specific knowledge about the bank's culture, recent deals, areas of strength, or people you have spoken with through networking.

Reference something concrete: a particular transaction that impressed you, a conversation with a current employee that influenced your interest, or a specific aspect of the firm's approach that aligns with your values.

For detailed strategies, see our guide on why investment banking answer examples.

Leadership and Teamwork Questions

Banks frequently ask about experiences demonstrating leadership and collaboration:

These questions assess how you function in the team-intensive environment of investment banking. Prepare specific examples with clear situations, your actions, and measurable results.

Challenge and Problem-Solving Questions

Expect questions exploring how you handle adversity:

These questions reveal your problem-solving approach, resilience, and capacity for self-reflection. Choose examples that demonstrate growth and maturity rather than simply describing difficult situations.

Interest and Awareness Questions

Some HireVues include questions testing market awareness and genuine interest:

These questions are less common in HireVue format but do appear, especially at Goldman Sachs. Prepare by staying current on markets and having thoughtful perspectives ready to articulate.

Master interview fundamentals: Practice 400+ technical and behavioral questions including HireVue-style questions with our iOS app for comprehensive interview prep.

How to Prepare for HireVue Interviews

Effective preparation addresses both content and delivery.

Practice Under Realistic Conditions

The single most valuable preparation activity is practicing in conditions that replicate the actual interview. This means:

Generic practice helps, but nothing substitutes for simulating the exact experience you will face. Many candidates feel confident about their content but struggle with on-camera delivery until they actually practice recording themselves.

Prepare Your Physical Environment

Your recording environment affects both your comfort and how you appear to reviewers:

Lighting: Position yourself facing natural light or place a lamp in front of you (not behind). Poor lighting creates shadows that make you harder to see and can appear unprofessional.

Background: Choose a clean, uncluttered background. A plain wall works well. Avoid distracting elements or anything that could raise questions.

Camera position: Place your camera at eye level. Looking down or up at the camera appears awkward. If using a laptop, stack books underneath to raise it.

Audio: Test audio quality in advance. Background noise, echo, or poor microphone quality can undermine otherwise strong responses.

Internet connection: Use a reliable connection. Technical difficulties during recording create stress and may affect your performance.

Develop Your Story Bank

Before the interview, prepare specific examples from your experiences that demonstrate key competencies banks seek:

For each competency, have at least two different examples ready. This prevents awkwardly reusing the same story if multiple questions address similar themes.

Practice the STAR Method

The STAR method keeps responses organized and prevents rambling. In timed responses, structure is essential. Practice delivering examples in 60 to 90 seconds, which is shorter than most candidates initially expect.

Prepare for Firm-Specific Questions

Research the specific bank you are interviewing with and prepare tailored responses for the "Why [Bank]?" question. This requires:

Generic answers that could apply to any bank signal lack of genuine interest. Firms notice and penalize this.

For networking strategies that help with firm research, see our guide on networking guide for investment banking.

Delivery Strategies for Video Interviews

Strong content matters, but delivery determines how that content lands.

Maintain Eye Contact with the Camera

In video format, eye contact means looking at the camera lens, not the screen. This feels unnatural because you cannot see the person you are addressing, but it creates the impression of direct eye contact for viewers.

Practice looking at the camera while speaking. Place a small sticker or note near your camera as a reminder of where to focus.

Speak Clearly and at Appropriate Pace

Nervousness often causes candidates to speak too quickly or mumble. Consciously slow down and enunciate clearly. Brief pauses between points are better than rushing through material and appearing flustered.

Aim for a conversational pace that feels slightly slower than normal. What feels slow to you will sound natural to reviewers.

Show Enthusiasm Without Overacting

Your energy and enthusiasm should come through in your delivery. Banks want people genuinely excited about the opportunity. However, forced enthusiasm appears inauthentic.

Strike a balance: demonstrate genuine interest through tone and engagement without performing artificial excitement. If you are genuinely interested in banking and the specific firm, let that motivation show naturally.

Use the Preparation Time Wisely

The 30-second preparation window is valuable. Use it to:

Do not try to script every word. Bullet points keep you organized while allowing natural delivery. Reading from a script sounds robotic and disconnected.

Handle Mistakes Gracefully

If you stumble or lose your train of thought during recording, do not panic. Brief pauses to collect yourself are acceptable. Continuing confidently after a minor stumble demonstrates poise.

Avoid calling attention to mistakes by apologizing repeatedly or starting over mentally while still recording. Push forward and finish strong. Reviewers evaluate overall impression, not perfection.

Get the complete guide: Download our comprehensive 160-page PDF covering behavioral interview preparation with the IB Interview Guide.

Technical Setup and Day-of Preparation

Proper setup prevents avoidable problems.

Test Everything in Advance

Before your interview window opens:

Technical failures create unnecessary stress and can derail otherwise strong performance.

Choose Your Interview Time Strategically

If the deadline allows flexibility, schedule your HireVue when you will be most alert and comfortable. Avoid times when you might be tired, distracted, or rushed. Morning often works well when energy is highest.

Complete the interview well before the deadline. Waiting until the last minute invites technical problems and increases pressure.

Dress Professionally

Wear professional attire as you would for an in-person interview: suit and tie for men, professional business attire for women. Dressing professionally affects your mindset and ensures you present appropriately if any part of your appearance is visible on camera.

Avoid patterns that create visual distortion on camera. Solid colors in professional tones work best.

Eliminate Distractions

Turn off phone notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and ensure you will not be interrupted. Brief your housemates or family that you need uninterrupted time. Close doors and minimize background noise.

The goal is complete focus on the interview without competing demands for attention.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from others' errors helps you perform better.

Appearing Overly Scripted

Reading prepared answers word-for-word sounds robotic and disconnected. Reviewers notice immediately. Instead, prepare key points and examples, then deliver conversationally.

Know your material well enough that you can discuss it naturally without reading from a script or reciting memorized text.

Giving Generic Answers

Answers that could apply to any candidate or any bank fail to differentiate you. Specificity matters. Reference particular experiences, concrete examples, and firm-specific knowledge that demonstrate genuine engagement.

"I want to work at Goldman Sachs because it is a prestigious firm" tells reviewers nothing about you. "I want to work at Goldman Sachs because my conversation with [analyst name] about their approach to [specific area] resonated with my interest in [relevant topic]" demonstrates actual engagement.

Rambling Beyond Time Limits

Failing to conclude before time expires leaves answers incomplete and suggests poor organization. Practice delivering complete responses within time limits. Aim for 80-90% of available time to allow a buffer.

If you have 90 seconds, your response should conclude by around 75-80 seconds, leaving margin for error.

Ignoring Non-Verbal Communication

Slouching, fidgeting, looking away from the camera, or displaying nervous habits undermines strong verbal content. Sit upright, remain relatively still, and project confidence through body language.

Recording practice sessions helps identify non-verbal habits you may not notice otherwise.

Neglecting Firm Research

Insufficient knowledge about the specific bank suggests you are mass-applying without genuine interest. Reviewers notice when candidates cannot articulate specific reasons for wanting to work at their firm.

Invest time in meaningful research and networking before the interview. This preparation pays dividends across all questions, not just the direct "Why [Bank]?" question.

After the HireVue Interview

Completing the interview is not the end of the process.

What Happens Next

After submission, recruiters and hiring managers review your responses. Timeline varies, but expect to wait 1 to 4 weeks before hearing about next steps. Some candidates receive invitations to Superday, others receive rejections, and many hear nothing for extended periods.

If you do not hear back within 4 weeks, following up politely with your recruiting contact is appropriate.

Preparing for What Comes Next

If your HireVue goes well, you will advance to live interviews or Superday. Begin preparing immediately rather than waiting for confirmation. Live interviews involve more in-depth technical and behavioral questions that build on HireVue foundations.

For Superday preparation, see our guide on how to prepare for investment banking Superday.

Key Takeaways

HireVue interviews are standard in investment banking recruiting, used by Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and most major banks to screen candidates before live interviews.

The format involves 3-6 pre-recorded questions with 30 seconds preparation and 60-180 seconds to respond, focusing primarily on behavioral content.

Effective preparation includes practicing under realistic conditions, preparing a bank of STAR-structured examples, researching firm-specific content, and setting up a professional recording environment.

Strong delivery requires maintaining camera eye contact, speaking clearly at measured pace, showing genuine enthusiasm, and handling minor mistakes gracefully.

Common mistakes include appearing scripted, giving generic answers, rambling beyond time limits, neglecting non-verbal communication, and insufficient firm research.

After completion, expect 1-4 weeks before hearing next steps, and begin preparing for live interviews immediately.

Final Thoughts

HireVue interviews feel unnatural because you are speaking to a camera rather than a person. This discomfort is universal. The candidates who succeed are those who prepare thoroughly, practice realistically, and approach the format with confidence despite its artificial nature.

Remember that real people watch your responses. Speak as you would to a professional contact who genuinely wants to understand your background and interest in their firm. Authenticity and preparation together create compelling video interviews that advance candidates to the next stage.