Guide
Investment Banking HireVue: How It Works and How to Practice
An investment banking HireVue is a one-way video interview: a question appears, you get a short prep window (often 30 to 90 seconds), then you record an answer of around two minutes with no one on the other side. The best way to prepare is to rehearse under the same timer, on camera, until your answers land inside the time limit without sounding scripted.
What a banking HireVue looks like
Many large banks use a recorded video interview as the first screen after you apply. The format is consistent even when the questions change:
- Three to six questions, almost always opening with "Tell me about yourself" or "Why investment banking?"
- A short prep timer before each answer. Some banks give 30 seconds, some closer to 90.
- A fixed answer window, usually around two minutes. The recording stops when time runs out.
- Retakes vary. Some firms allow one retake per question, some allow none.
- Mostly behavioral and motivation questions, with an occasional light technical or market question at some banks.
Typical settings by firm
Formats change from year to year, and the invite email is always the final word. As a starting point, these are the settings ApexIB uses for its presets:
| Preset | Questions | Prep time | Answer time | Retakes |
|---|
| Standard | 4 | 60s | 2 min | 1 |
| Goldman Sachs | 4 | 30s | 2 min | 0 |
| J.P. Morgan | 4 | 60s | 2 min | 1 |
| UBS | 6 | 90s | 2 min | 1 |
| Bank of America | 5 | 60s | 2 min | 1, plus one technical |
The questions that come up most
- Tell me about yourself / walk me through your resume
- Why investment banking?
- Why this firm?
- Tell me about a time you worked on a team / led a team
- Tell me about a time you failed or made a mistake
- Tell me about a deal or market trend you have been following
Because the list is predictable, the difference between candidates is rarely the content of the question. It is whether the answer is structured, specific and the right length.
How to practice a HireVue
Practice with the real timer
The prep window is shorter than it feels. Practice outlining an answer in 30 seconds: one line for the point, two supporting examples, one line to close.
Record yourself on camera
Watching yourself back is uncomfortable and extremely useful. Look for filler words, looking away from the lens, and answers that trail off when the timer is not done yet.
Measure your pace
Most strong answers land around 130 to 160 words per minute and use most, but not all, of the window. Rushing to finish in 60 seconds reads as nervous; running out of time cuts off your conclusion.
Use retakes the way the real one does
If your target bank allows no retakes, practice with none. It changes how carefully you plan the first ten seconds.
ApexIB's HireVue simulator
ApexIB includes a HireVue simulator built around the presets above (rolling out now). It runs the real prep and answer timers, records you on camera, and transcribes your answer as you speak. Your video never leaves your device; only the transcript is used for grading. After each run you get a score for every answer plus delivery stats: speaking pace, filler words, and how much of the time window you used.
Frequently asked questions
Do banks use HireVue for investment banking?
Many large banks use a recorded one-way video interview, often through HireVue, as an early screen for summer analyst and full-time roles. Smaller firms and boutiques are more likely to go straight to live interviews.
How long should a HireVue answer be?
Use most of the window. For a two-minute limit, aim for roughly 75 to 110 seconds of content so you have room to finish your point cleanly.
Are there technical questions in a banking HireVue?
Usually they are behavioral and motivation questions. Some banks add one light technical or market question, so be ready to walk through a basic concept briefly.
Can I retake a HireVue answer?
It depends on the firm. Some allow one retake per question, some allow none. Check the instructions before you start and practice under the same rule.
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