How to pass investment banking HireVue video interviews

Modern HireVue platforms use AI to assess not just what you say, but how you say it—analysing everything from facial expressions to vocal tone. As an ex-recruiter who has worked professionally with candidates from Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan and now works with candidates aiming for such elite bulge bracket firms (and for other elite careers like PE and Corporate Law), I’ve seen many applicants fail due to delivery issues rather than weak credentials. Below are three core steps to help you stand out.

1. Lay the foundation: Smiling and structure

Smiling at the start of each response conveys warmth and confidence, which the AI also recognises in its analysis of facial cues. It sets a positive tone for everything that follows. Next, organise your answer around three concise points. For instance, if you’re asked “Why Investment Banking?”, you could mention:

(a) your passion for deep financial analysis,

(b) an investment banking mentoring programme you completed, and

(c) a financial modelling course you mastered.

This structure ensures you address the question clearly and memorably.

2. Deliver with effective vocal tonality

Speaking slowly and clearly prevents you from rushing through key insights, which in turn helps both the AI and any human reviewers follow your points. Avoid a monotone delivery by varying your pitch. Emphasise achievements or critical statistics to hold attention and convey genuine enthusiasm.

3. Practise in realistic conditions

Record yourself answering typical questions within the same time constraints you’d face in a real HireVue scenario. Watch for signs of low energy, excessive pausing, or muddled phrasing. Keep refining until your delivery feels natural yet confident. It also helps to show your recordings to friends or mentors who can flag any distracting habits.

A real-world example

I coached a student from the University of Oxford who possessed strong credentials but struggled during HireVue interviews. She spoke too quickly and ignored both structure and tonality. By deliberately slowing her delivery, offering a brief smile at the start of each response, and breaking down each answer into three logical points, she made a complete turnaround. She soon passed a demanding HireVue round for a prominent European investment bank and secured multiple final round interviews.

Final thought

In investment banking, how you present yourself can be just as critical as your technical acumen. By focusing on structure, vocal variety, and a genuine smile, you’ll resonate more strongly with AI-driven assessments and human reviewers alike. The key is to remember that clarity, confidence, and a welcoming demeanour set you apart in a competitive field.

Note: This article was researched by Faisal Ali, based in England.