Morgan Stanley Hirevue Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Morgan Stanley is one of the leading investment banks globally, alongside Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan. Morgan Stanley’s HireVue interviews are a vital part of their hiring selection process to review a candidate's technical knowledge, behavioral competencies, and cultural fit through recorded video responses. This digital interview helps Morgan Stanley screen thousands of qualified candidates quickly, it goes beyond a simple screening tool as it opens doors to achieving career goals.

This detailed guide and expert tips for answering Morgan Stanley HireVue questions will give insights into handling behavioral questions well, looking professional on camera, and structuring answers within the time limit.

Common HireVue Questions

Morgan Stanley conducts HireVue interviews that include several behavioral questions. Candidates get 30 seconds to prepare and 1.5 minutes to record their answers. The platform offers one retry chance for each question. Here is a list of some commonly asked questions, and a full breakdown of the three most popular.

Behavioral

• Why Morgan Stanley?
• Why investment banking? (or Why wealth management?)
• Tell me about a time when...
  • you faced and overcame a challenge
  • you had a disagreement with a coworker
  • you felt that something wasn't right
• How do you foster inclusive environments?
• If you don't land a role in investment banking, what alternative would you pursue?
• What perspective do you bring to the team?
• Why are you a good fit for this job?

Technical

• Pitch a stock
• How would you value a sport's team?
• Why would two companies in the same industry with the same growth and risk profile have different trading multiples?
• What business/finance/tech trends do you predict over the next 12 months?

Why are you interested in Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley's behavioral interviews include this question about 20% of the time. The key to answering this question is to be specific and personal. Your answer to this question should be hyper-personalized to your background, interests, and values. A good litmus test is: if anyone else could say the same answer, it's not specific enough. Instead of "Why Morgan Stanley?", think about the question instead as, "Why Morgan Stanley for you?"

Example Answer

I want to work at Morgan Stanley because its focus areas match my background and career goals. I studied finance at the University of Chicago and interned at a mid-sized investment firm where I helped on a portfolio management project. That experience showed me how important it is to understand both clients and markets. Morgan Stanley’s focus on data and global research fits well with what I’ve learned and what I enjoy doing.

I also have a minor in computer science and have followed Morgan Stanley’s work in using AI and machine learning in finance. I’m interested in how technology can improve decision-making and manage risk, and I’d like to be part of a team that’s applying those tools in a real-world setting.

Finally, I care about sustainable investing. I’ve volunteered with non-profits focused on economic development and saw how investment choices can help communities. Morgan Stanley’s sustainable finance work reflects that same thinking. I’m applying because I want to build a career where I can use my skills in both finance and technology, while contributing to a company that also supports long-term community impact.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the IB interview process as a whole (along with “Why investment banking?”). You should have a good answer prepared for each firm you're interviewing with that is unique to that firm.

Read: How to Nail the Second Most Common Investment Banking Interview Question ("Why This Firm?")

Tell me about yourself

There are a few different classic forms this question may take - "Walk me through your resume", "Tell me about yourself", "Can you introduce yourself?", and "Give me a brief background about yourself." In any form, the best answers to this question are concise and tell a cohesive story. They are not a regurgitation of your resume. The interviewer likely has your interviewer on hand, they know what positions you've held and where you went to school.

Instead, think about presenting a before, now, and after. Where have you come from? Who are you? What have you done? Where are you going? And what is the line that connects all that together? This is a great way to make sure that there is a structure and that it's easily understood.

Example Answer

I grew up in a family that valued both finance and technology, which shaped my interest in how these two areas work together. That interest led me to study finance at the University of Chicago, with a minor in computer science. During school, I developed my analytical skills and applied them during an internship at a mid-sized investment firm. One of my main projects involved building a portfolio management tool that used real-time market data and predictive analytics to improve how our team made decisions.

Now, I’m ready to move from academic and project-based work into a role where I can make a bigger impact. I want to combine my finance background and interest in tech to help create solutions that are efficient, practical, and support long-term goals. Morgan Stanley stands out to me because of your focus on sustainable finance and your use of AI in financial strategies, both are areas I care about and want to work on.

My long-term goal is to help improve how the financial industry serves people and businesses. I’m excited by the idea of working on projects that expand access to financial tools and push the industry forward. I believe my skills and perspective would be a good fit at Morgan Stanley, and I’d be proud to contribute to your work.

Tell me about a time...

When you get a "tell me about a time" question in a Morgan Stanley HireVue interview, the key is to deliver a response that not only demonstrates your qualifications but also highlights your problem-solving skills and ability to achieve results under pressure. This type of question is designed to assess your behavioral and situational handling capabilities through specific examples from your past experiences.

To prepare for this question, brainstorm 3-5 stories that you could flex into different scenarios. For example, maybe you worked on a project where you led a challenging initiative, had a disagreement with a colleague, and needed to work with lots of stakeholders, so you could use that example for a couple different variations of the question. You can't predict exactly what "tell me about a time..." questions you'll get, so having examples that you can adapt is key.

Last, it can be powerful to end this question with a brief reflection. What did you learn from the experience and how has it better prepared you for similar situations in the future?

Example Answer

During my internship at a mid-sized investment firm in Chicago, I led a project to build a portfolio management tool that used real-time market data and predictive analytics. Early on, we ran into a problem. The tool wasn’t adjusting well to real-time market changes, and the predictions were inconsistent. This created a risk for any decisions based on the model.

I worked with my team to review the data and the way our model was set up. We found that it relied too much on short-term trends, which made it react too strongly to market shifts. I suggested a change: we should include both short-term and long-term data to make the model more stable. I partnered with a senior data scientist to update the algorithm, improve our testing methods, and make sure the tool worked better under different conditions.

Fixing the tool gave us better results and also taught me something important: you have to be flexible and think ahead when working with financial data. It showed me how strong analysis and planning can solve real problems. That experience shaped the way I now handle challenges and is something I plan to carry with me at Morgan Stanley.

For more, read: How to Nail “Tell Me About a Time…” Interview Questions

How to Prepare for a Morgan Stanley HireVue Interview

A strategic approach with research, practice, and organized responses will help you ace Morgan Stanley's HireVue interview. The digital interview approximately takes 30 minutes to complete, with 3-5 questions.

1. Really research the company

To get ready for your Morgan Stanley HireVue interview, it’s helpful to learn more than just the job description. Start by reading the company’s official website, focus on the “About Us,” “Investor Relations,” and “Newsroom” pages to understand what the company does, what it values, and what’s been happening recently. You can also check trusted financial news sites like Bloomberg, the Financial Times, or The Wall Street Journal for updates on Morgan Stanley’s business and the industries it works in.

Next, check LinkedIn to learn more about the company culture. Look at the profiles of people who work or used to work there and read their posts to see what kinds of projects the company is sharing. You can also learn a lot by reading earnings call transcripts and analyst reports, which show how investors and experts view the company’s performance.

One of the most helpful ways to prepare is to speak with someone who has worked at Morgan Stanley, especially if they were in the same type of role you're applying for. They can give you a real sense of the day-to-day work and help you prepare strong answers for common questions like “Why do you want to work here?” or “Why this team?”

2. Practice your video interviewing skills

HireVue interviews happen online, so you need specific ways to prepare. Morgan Stanley recommends practicing several times before the actual interview or during your free time, including recording practice sessions and seeking feedback on lighting, setting, and sound quality. You should focus on these key areas:

• Make sure your technical equipment works perfectly
• Get your lighting and background right
• Look directly at the camera when speaking
• Record yourself practicing and review it
• Ask others to watch and give feedback on your delivery

3. Prepare for mostly behavioral questions

Morgan Stanley has expanded their HireVue questions beyond the traditional 2-3 format since 2022. Most questions focus on behavioral scenarios, while technical questions remain nowhere near as common for entry-level positions. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) works best especially when you have to structure your responses to behavioral questions. If there are technical questions, they will likely be higher-level. For example, "How would you think about valuing X?", "What is a sector of business that interests you?", etc.

4. Provide concise, structured answers

Each question allows 30 seconds of preparation time and 1.5 minutes for response, with one retry chance. Time management is significant in delivering effective answers. Provide clear and concise responses that showcase qualifications that work best within the time limit. Short, focused answers are preferred over lengthy explanations. You also don't need to use all the allocated time, a well-structured, thoughtful answer isn't necessarily the longest one.

Responses should come naturally instead of using memorized answers. This helps you stay authentic and shows your professional communication skills. A good balance between preparation and natural delivery ensures your answers feel genuine rather than rehearsed.

Tips for Succeeding in Your Morgan Stanley HireVue

A candidate's presentation and technical setup will define success for a Morgan Stanley HireVue by a lot. The virtual interview format needs a professional appearance and proper environmental factors that create the best possible impression.

Dress professionally

A professional appearance plays a significant role in virtual settings. Candidates should avoid loud colors and busy prints, opting instead for dark blue and other subtle solids that appear best on camera. Morgan Stanley expects a business professional dress code, and Morgan Stanley recruiters specifically emphasize the importance of a polished appearance. Your comfort matters during home interviews, but your professional image should match Morgan Stanley's corporate culture.

Choose a quiet, well-lit location

Creating the perfect interview environment is important for making a great impression. Start by choosing a quiet, private room free from distractions, with a clean, neutral background to maintain professionalism. Ensure your internet connection is strong and stable to avoid interruptions. Lighting plays a key role as well, opt for professional lighting by positioning table lamps about three feet from each side of your screen for balanced facial illumination. Avoid sitting in front of windows with direct sunlight or under overhead lighting that creates harsh shadows. A well-lit, distraction-free setup helps you stay focused and appear polished during your interview.

Look directly at your camera

Your virtual presence hinges on how you position your camera to create an engaging and professional appearance. Set the camera slightly above eye level, aligned with the top of your head, and tilt it downward for a flattering angle. Keep reminder notes near the camera at eye level to maintain a natural gaze and move or resize your screen image closer to the webcam to enhance eye contact. These simple adjustments help create a polished and confident impression.

Speak clearly and confidently

Morgan Stanley emphasizes authenticity in communication and encourages candidates to "be themselves" while maintaining a professional demeanor. The interview consists of 3-5 questions and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Here are the key speaking points candidates should consider:

• Share ideas with energy and a positive attitude
• Take natural pauses and avoid rushing through responses
• Stay authentic while keeping it professional
• Speak clearly with proper pacing (usually slower than you think you need to go)

Success comes when candidates create a comfortable setting that lets them focus on their responses. This means verifying technical elements like wifi strength and removing distractions before starting. Morgan Stanley seeks people who bring their authentic selves to work, so prepare well but keep responses natural and genuine.

What to Expect After Your Morgan Stanley HireVue

Morgan Stanley follows a well-laid-out recruitment process once candidates complete their HireVue interview. The HireVue is just the first interview; though it depends on the role, you can typically expect at least two – if not three to five – interviews after, usually some combination of technical and behavioral. The HireVue interview is one step beyond a resume check: it weeds out candidates and tries to identify those with the highest potential.

The Bottom Line

Success in the Morgan Stanley HireVue interview just requires you to focus on several key elements, from full company research to refined video presentation skills. The best candidates blend their deep knowledge of Morgan Stanley's values and operations with genuine responses. A strong foundation to move forward in the selection process comes from professional presentation, technical preparation, and well-laid-out answers within time limits.

As you approach the finish line of your investment banking preparation, don't leave your success hanging on the coat rack. Take the next step and get expert guidance from an investment banking coach who can help you fully prepare for your interviews.

Next, check out these resources:

• How to Answer the "Why Investment Banking?" Interview Question
• The Different Types of Buy-Side Firms–and How to Choose One
• How to Break Into Investment Banking–What to Do From Freshman to Senior Year
• The Best MBA Programs for Investment Banking
• The Top 20 Most Frequently Asked Investment Banking Technical Interview Questions

FAQs

What questions are asked in Morgan Stanley HireVue?

• Morgan Stanley HireVue questions often include: “Why Morgan Stanley?”, “Tell me about yourself,” “Describe a time you overcame a challenge,” and scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving and teamwork skills.

What questions are asked during HireVue?

• HireVue interviews commonly ask behavioral questions such as “Describe a time you worked on a team,” “How do you handle failure?” and role-specific questions to evaluate your fit for the position.

How to pass Morgan Stanley HireVue?

• To succeed, research the company, practice common behavioral questions, prepare concise answers using the STAR method, and record yourself for timing and clarity.

What questions are asked at the digital VEA Morgan Stanley interview?

• The digital VEA interview typically includes questions on attention to detail, data analysis, teamwork experiences, and your understanding of the Virtual Engagement Associate (VEA) role.