From Webcam to Wall Street: How to Succeed in HireVue Interviews

HireVue interviews have become a common, yet often intimidating, part of the recruitment process in investment banking. The traditional in-person interview is no longer the only hurdle; instead, you might find yourself staring at a webcam, answering questions while a timer counts down. It’s a shift that can be unnerving, but with the right preparation, you can turn this digital challenge into an opportunity to shine.

In this guide, we’ll explore what HireVue interviews entail, why they’re used, and most importantly, how you can prepare effectively. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect and how to present yourself as the top candidate for the job.

Understanding HireVue Interviews

HireVue is a digital platform that allows companies to conduct video interviews with candidates remotely. In investment banking, it’s typically used in the early stages of recruitment, allowing firms to efficiently evaluate a large number of applicants. Instead of scheduling multiple interviews, banks can have candidates answer pre-recorded questions on their own time. The responses are then reviewed by both human recruiters and artificial intelligence.

During a HireVue interview, you’ll be asked to respond to a series of questions, often covering technical knowledge, behavioral insights, and situational scenarios. You’ll have a limited amount of time to think about each question before the camera starts recording, and then a set amount of time to deliver your answer. It’s a high-pressure situation that mimics the fast-paced environment of investment banking.

Why Banks Use HireVue

The adoption of HireVue by investment banks is driven by several factors. First, it ensures consistency; every candidate answers the same set of questions, which helps in making a fair comparison. Second, it’s efficient. With thousands of applications to review, HireVue allows banks to quickly narrow down the pool to the most promising candidates. Finally, it offers deep insights. The combination of AI analysis and human review provides a comprehensive evaluation of both your technical expertise and soft skills.

What to Expect During a HireVue Interview

When you sit down for a HireVue interview, you’re entering a new kind of testing ground. It’s important to understand the structure and what’s expected of you so that you can perform at your best.

The Setup

Your environment is more important than you might think. A quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background sets a professional tone. Ensure your computer, webcam, and internet connection are all functioning smoothly. The last thing you want is a technical glitch interrupting your interview. Dress professionally, as you would for an in-person interview. Even though you’re in a familiar setting, wearing professional attire helps you get into the right mindset.

The Questions

A typical HireVue interview will present you with 5-7 questions, focusing on different aspects of your potential role as an investment banker. You’ll likely encounter three types of questions: technical, behavioral, and situational.

Technical questions assess your knowledge of finance, accounting, and the markets. Instead of traditional questions like “Walk me through a DCF analysis,” you might be asked about the implications of recent regulatory changes on the banking sector or to discuss the impact of economic indicators on M&A activity. These questions test not only your understanding of key concepts but also your ability to apply that knowledge to current events.

Behavioral questions dig into your past experiences to evaluate soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. You might be asked to describe a situation where you had to mediate a conflict within a team or how you managed multiple high-pressure tasks at once. Banks want to see how you’ve handled challenges in the past because it’s a good indicator of how you’ll perform in the future.

Situational questions are hypothetical scenarios designed to see how you would handle situations you could encounter on the job. For instance, you might be asked how you would approach a client who is hesitant to proceed with a deal or what steps you would take if you noticed a discrepancy in a financial model just before a critical presentation. These questions assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Preparing for a HireVue Interview

Preparation is key to mastering the HireVue interview. While the format may be unfamiliar, the strategies for success are grounded in the same principles that apply to any interview.

Research the Firm

Before tackling any questions, make sure you have a deep understanding of the firm you’re applying to. Each investment bank has its own culture, focus areas, and recent achievements. Research their recent deals, particularly those in sectors that interest you, and be ready to discuss how they align with your career goals. Understanding the firm’s culture can also help you tailor your answers to reflect the qualities they value most.

To be prepared for the individual interview processes you may encounter, also check out our interview guides:
👉 Goldman Sachs Interview Guide
👉 Investment Banking Interview Guide

Master Technical Knowledge

Investment banking is all about precision and expertise. Make sure you’re firm in core concepts like valuation techniques, financial statements, and the latest market trends. But don’t stop there – practice applying this knowledge to real-world scenarios. For instance, you might prepare to discuss how a rise in interest rates could affect corporate borrowing costs and, in turn, influence merger and acquisition activity. Practicing with mock interviews can help you refine your answers and gain confidence in your technical skills.

👉 Get started by taking a look at our Guide on Technical Questions in the Investment Banking Interview for practice questions and answers.

Craft Your Behavioral Stories

Behavioral questions are all about storytelling. Think about your past experiences in internships, school projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate qualities like leadership and teamwork. Develop clear, concise stories that highlight these skills, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you stay on point and make a strong impression.

Practice in Front of a Camera

One of the biggest challenges of a HireVue interview is delivering your answers on camera. This can feel awkward, especially if you’re used to face-to-face interactions. To get comfortable with the format, practice answering questions while recording yourself. Pay attention to your body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. Watching the recordings will help you identify areas for improvement, such as speaking too quickly or appearing nervous. The goal is to come across as confident and engaged.

Plan for the Unexpected

No matter how much you prepare, there’s always the possibility of encountering a question that catches you off guard. When this happens, it’s important to stay calm. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. If the question is particularly challenging, think out loud to show the interviewer your thought process. This can be just as important as the final answer.

Common HireVue Questions in Investment Banking

While it’s impossible to predict every question you’ll face, being familiar with common themes can give you a head start. Here are some examples of questions you might encounter:

Technical Questions:

1. “How would you analyze a company’s financial health if you only had access to its balance sheet?”
2. “What effect would a change in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy have on the equity markets?”
3. “Explain how you would value a startup with no revenue but significant growth potential.”
4. “What are the key considerations when deciding whether to pursue an IPO or a private placement?”

Behavioral Questions:

1. “Describe a time when you had to lead a team under a tight deadline. How did you ensure success?”
2. “Tell me about a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle it?”
3. “What’s a mistake you’ve made in a previous role, and how did you address it?”

Situational Questions:

1. “Imagine a client expresses concerns about the valuation of their company. How would you address their concerns?”
2. “How would you approach a scenario where you have to prioritize conflicting tasks from different senior team members?”
3. “If you discovered a major error in a report shortly before presenting it to a client, what steps would you take?”
   

On the Day of the Interview

When the day of your HireVue interview arrives, keep these final tips in mind to help you perform your best:

Start by testing your technology one last time. Ensure that your camera, microphone, and internet connection are all functioning correctly. Log in a few minutes early to get comfortable with the platform and reduce any last-minute stress.

As you begin the interview, remember to stay calm and focused. Maintain eye contact with the camera to simulate the engagement you would have in a face-to-face interview. Speak clearly and confidently, and try to keep your answers concise and to the point.

If you find yourself struggling with a question, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to think before responding. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Show that you can think on your feet and remain composed under pressure.

After the Interview: What to Do Next

Once your HireVue interview is complete, you might feel a mix of relief and anxiety. The waiting period can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to stay proactive.

First, take a few moments to reflect on your performance. What went well? What could you improve if given another chance? This reflection can be valuable as you continue your job search and prepare for future interviews.

If you have a contact at the firm, consider sending a brief thank-you email. While this isn’t always necessary for digital interviews, it can be a nice gesture that reinforces your interest in the position.

Finally, start preparing for the next steps in the recruitment process. If your HireVue interview goes well, you may be invited to participate in a phone interview, an in-person interview, or even a Superday. Continue refining your technical knowledge and practice answering questions under pressure to ensure you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Final Thoughts

HireVue interviews are a unique challenge in the investment banking recruitment process, but with the right preparation, they can also be an opportunity to stand out. By understanding the format, practicing your responses, and staying calm under pressure, you can manage this digital interview with confidence.

Remember, every interview is a chance to learn and grow. Whether or not you land the job, the experience you gain from preparing for and completing a HireVue interview will serve you well in your future career. So take a deep breath, trust in your preparation, and give it your best shot.