Lazard · HireVue
Lazard's HireVue eliminates more candidates than any other round. One take, no do-overs, scored by humans against a rubric. Below: the real questions Lazard asks, what they're testing for, and how to practise the format until it feels easy.
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The format
A timed cognitive test (CCAT) plus a 5-question, fit-only HireVue. Practice timed reasoning; prepare tight why-Lazard answers.
A short prep window (around 30 seconds).
Around 90 seconds to 2 minutes per answer.
Recorded answers reviewed by recruiters and the hiring team for structure, clarity, motivation and fit.
Invitation timing. Issued with the online assessment early in the process; about 3 days to complete both.
Completion window. A few days from the invitation.
Retake policy. Generally one take per question.
Volume context. A high-volume early screen alongside the aptitude test.
Recent changes. Remains five fit/motivation questions, not technical.
Question categories
The HireVue rotates across distinct question types. For each, what the firm is screening for, plus a weak answer signal and a strong one drawn from past applicant accounts.
The core of the Lazard HireVue: why this firm, why advisory or restructuring.
“Why Lazard?”
What they test. Specific, researched motivation
Weak answer. It is prestigious and pays well.
Strong answer. Lazard's independent model and its flagship US restructuring practice attract me because the mandate is won on capital-structure judgment, not balance sheet, which is the work I want to learn.
“Why advisory, and why restructuring?”
What they test. Understanding of the model
Strong answer. I want to focus on advice and complex distressed situations rather than financing, and Lazard is one of the best places to learn restructuring.
Behavioral prompts delivered to camera.
“Walk me through your resume.”
What they test. Concise narrative
Strong answer. A tight 60-90 second story connecting your background to advisory.
“Tell me about a time you solved a complex analytical problem.”
What they test. Structured thinking and impact
“Tell me about a deal or situation Lazard has worked on.”
What they test. Genuine research
How it is scored
Recorded answers reviewed by recruiters and the hiring team for structure, clarity, motivation and fit.
Response time. 1-2 weeks to the phone screen.
Feedback policy. No individual feedback.
How to practise
Same 30-second prep timer. Same recording window. Same one-take pressure. Plus a scored report after every answer so you can fix what's weak before the next run.
Lazard · HireVue practice
Your question
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Free, no card. Your transcript stays private.
Free practice question, scored. Full report unlocks with the Pack.
Why candidates fail
Specific failure patterns documented across past applicants. Most are avoidable with disciplined preparation.
Generic motivation
A why-Lazard answer that could be pasted onto any bank fails at a firm this specific.
Rambling to fill time
Unstructured answers that run to the buzzer read worse than a tight 75-second response.
Weak setup
Poor lighting, noise or a distracting background undercuts good content.
What works
Concrete moves drilled by candidates who clear the cut-off, drawn from applicant accounts and recruiter feedback.
Lead with the point
State your conclusion first, then support it.
Name something specific
A Lazard practice or US mandate proves genuine research.
Rehearse to the timer
Practice to camera against the real limits.
From past applicants
Anonymised candidate accounts of how recent Lazard applicants approached the HireVue. Each covers preparation, the experience, and the outcome.
Financial Advisory, Summer Analyst (NY)
Prep. Wrote and rehearsed answers to why Lazard, why restructuring and a resume walk-through; practiced to camera against a 90-second timer.
Experience. Five fit questions, about 30 seconds prep and up to two minutes each. The why-Lazard question came first; I led with the US restructuring angle and gave one concrete example.
Outcome. Progressed to the analyst phone screen about a week later.
What gets you through
FAQ
No. It is five fit and motivation questions: why Lazard, why advisory or restructuring, a resume walk-through and a behavioral example. The technical questions come at the phone screen and superday, so focus here on tight, specific, well-delivered answers.
The other rounds
HireVue is one of four rounds. The Pack covers all four end to end.
Lazard Pack
Real Lazard questions, identical timer, scored after every run. One Pack covers HireVue, online assessments, live interviews and the superday.
Get the Lazard Pack · $89Intervyo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lazard or HireVue. Question text is sourced from past applicants and the firm's published guidance; verify timings on the firm's official careers site before applying. The sector context above is Investment Banking.
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