Interview Prep

Preparing for your Barclays interview?

To prepare for a Barclays interview, research the company thoroughly, practice role specific questions using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer. According to Orbyt's analysis, barclays interviews typically involve 3 to 5 rounds. Use Orbyt's free AI interview prep tool to generate tailored questions for Barclays and your specific role in seconds.

Barclays is known for its investment banking interviews testing financial modeling, credit analysis, and structured assessment center exercises with group presentations.

Get Barclays Questions

The Barclays interview process

Barclays uses assessment centers for graduate hiring, with group exercises, individual presentations, and panel interviews. Experienced hires go through phone screens and Super Days with three to four interviews. The process takes four to six weeks. UK and US processes differ slightly but both are rigorous.

What Barclays looks for

Barclays values analytical rigor, teamwork, and the ability to perform in structured assessment exercises. They seek candidates who can demonstrate financial acumen, communicate clearly under pressure, and collaborate effectively in group settings.

How to prepare

  1. Prepare for assessment center group exercises where you solve business problems collaboratively.
  2. Research Barclays' investment banking and corporate banking strengths in European and US markets.
  3. Practice financial modeling and valuation techniques for investment banking roles.
  4. Understand Barclays' purpose: 'deploying finance responsibly to support people and businesses.'

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not preparing for the group exercise format, which is a distinctive part of Barclays' assessment.
  • Dominating group discussions rather than demonstrating collaborative leadership and listening skills.

How it works

1

Enter your role

Tell us the position you applied for and we will tailor the questions to that specific job.

2

Click Prep Me

Our AI analyzes the company and role to generate relevant questions in seconds.

3

Get tailored questions

Receive 5 questions they will likely ask and 3 smart questions to ask them.

Barclays interview questions

Assessment centers typically include a group business case where you work with other candidates to analyze a problem and present recommendations, an individual presentation on a financial topic, and one on one behavioral interviews. Assessors evaluate both your individual contribution and how you collaborate with others. Strong performers balance sharing ideas with listening.

Barclays has significant operations in both London and New York, creating opportunities in cross border banking, European M&A, and transatlantic capital markets. Understanding how the firm bridges UK and US financial markets and being able to discuss relevant deals or trends on both sides of the Atlantic demonstrates the global perspective Barclays values.

Many Barclays roles include a technical component, though the format varies. Engineering roles may involve coding challenges or system design, while other positions focus on case studies, portfolio reviews, or domain knowledge assessments relevant to the team.

Most Barclays roles involve 3 to 5 interview rounds. This usually includes a recruiter call, a phone or video technical screen, and 2 to 3 on site or virtual loop interviews with the hiring team.

Strong Barclays candidates demonstrate both technical competence and alignment with company values. Prepare concrete examples of past impact, show curiosity about the team's challenges, and ask thoughtful questions that reveal your understanding of the role and company direction.

Barclays typically provides feedback within 1 to 2 weeks after final interviews, though timelines can vary. If you have not heard back, it is appropriate to follow up with your recruiter after 5 business days. Orbyt can help you track follow up timing automatically.

For Barclays, business casual is generally a safe choice for most roles. Tech and creative roles tend to be more casual, while finance, consulting, and executive positions lean toward business professional. When in doubt, ask your recruiter.

Also preparing for

More interview resources

Ready for your Barclays interview?

Get tailored questions in seconds. Free, no signup required.

Get Barclays Questions