Barclays Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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101

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

The interview process at Barclays for the Analyst role is described as straightforward and manageable. Here’s a breakdown based on the candidate’s experience:

  • Round 1 - [Not specified]:

    • Questions Asked: [Not specified]
    • Your Approach: The candidate found the process easy-going and mentioned that anyone could crack it with ease.
    • Outcome: The candidate successfully navigated the round.

  • Round 2 - [Not specified]:

    • Questions Asked: [Not specified]
    • Your Approach: The candidate noted that the management was good, though there was occasional pressure with workload.
    • Outcome: The candidate passed this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • The candidate did not provide specific preparation tips but emphasized that the process is not lengthy and is manageable for most candidates.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was positive, with the candidate highlighting the good perks offered, such as benefits for working on weekends and a good cafeteria. However, they also mentioned that the role can sometimes come with high-pressure workloads. The advice for future candidates is to stay calm and confident, as the process is designed to be accessible.

102

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The process began with an aptitude test followed by a coding round. Around 350 students appeared for the aptitude test, and approximately 100 were shortlisted for the next rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude and Coding:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Aptitude: Quants, verbal, and logical reasoning questions.
      • Coding: Two easy-level logic-based coding questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving the aptitude questions efficiently within the 1-hour limit. For coding, tackled the problems with basic logic and ensured correctness.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and was shortlisted for the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked technical questions, though the specifics weren’t mentioned.
    • Your Approach: Answered the questions confidently and engaged in a detailed discussion for nearly an hour.
    • Outcome: Felt positive about the performance but was surprised by the rejection later.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The HR round was very brief, with minimal questions.
    • Your Approach: Answered the questions concisely and professionally.
    • Outcome: The round was unexpectedly short, and the final result was rejection.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth, but the rejection after a strong technical round and a very short HR round was unexpected. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on both technical and soft skills, as the selection process can be unpredictable. Despite the outcome, it was a good learning experience.

103

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The process began with resume vetting, followed by a skill-based test. I managed to clear the initial rounds and proceeded to the panel interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Skill-Based Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included sections on Data Interpretation (DI), Logical Reasoning (LR), Verbal Ability, Statistics, and basic Quantitative Aptitude. The questions were not very basic and required a good understanding of the topics.
    • Your Approach: I focused on practicing DI and LR beforehand, which helped me tackle the questions confidently. For verbal and quant, I relied on my foundational knowledge.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Panel Interview (HR-Oriented):

    • Questions Asked: The interview was more HR-focused, with questions about my background, motivations, and basic situational scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I tried to keep my answers concise and aligned with the role. I also emphasized my interest in the company and the role.
    • Outcome: Unfortunately, I did not make it past this round.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was insightful. The skill-based test was challenging but manageable with proper preparation. For the HR round, I realize I could have been more articulate about my experiences and how they align with the role. My advice to future candidates would be to thoroughly prepare for both technical and HR rounds, ensuring clarity and confidence in responses.

104

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: Pune

Application Process: The application process involved multiple technical rounds, including telephonic interviews and an on-site technical interview at the Barclays office in Pune.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Telephonic Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were focused on technical concepts relevant to the Analyst role. Specific details about the questions were not provided.

  • Your Approach: Prepared by revising core technical topics and practicing problem-solving.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Telephonic Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, with a focus on technical skills and problem-solving.

  • Your Approach: Continued to build on the preparation from the first round, ensuring clarity on fundamental concepts.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

  • Round 3 - Technical On-Site Interview (Pune Office):

  • Questions Asked: This round was more in-depth, with practical problem-solving and technical discussions.

  • Your Approach: Focused on applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and demonstrating problem-solving skills.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Revise core technical concepts thoroughly.

  • Practice problem-solving and logical reasoning.

  • Be prepared to explain your thought process clearly during interviews.

Conclusion:

The interview process at Barclays was rigorous but well-structured. The telephonic rounds tested foundational knowledge, while the on-site round evaluated practical application. Preparing thoroughly and staying confident were key to clearing the rounds. For future candidates, focus on both theory and hands-on problem-solving to ace the process.

105

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: New York (NY)

Application Process: Applied online over the summer and was notified via email about my selection for the interview process in New York.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Superday (3 Back-to-Back Interviews):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Interview with VP: Questions focused on technical skills, problem-solving, and situational judgment.
    • Interview with Associate: More behavioral questions, teamwork scenarios, and case-based discussions.
    • Interview with HR Representative: General fit questions, career goals, and company culture alignment.

  • Your Approach:

    • For the VP interview, I focused on demonstrating my analytical skills and ability to think critically under pressure.
    • With the Associate, I emphasized my teamwork and communication skills, using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
    • For the HR round, I highlighted my enthusiasm for the role and how my values align with Barclays’ culture.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared all three interviews and received positive feedback on my problem-solving and communication skills.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practiced technical questions and case studies relevant to the Analyst role.
  • Prepared for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Researched Barclays’ recent projects and company culture to tailor my answers.

Conclusion:
The Superday was intense but well-structured. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more case studies to feel even more confident. My advice for future candidates is to thoroughly research the company and practice both technical and behavioral questions.

106

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: Onsite

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal after attending a campus recruitment drive.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Explain the difference between SQL and NoSQL databases.
      • How would you optimize a slow-running SQL query?
      • Describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the SQL vs. NoSQL question, I highlighted the key differences in structure, scalability, and use cases.
      • For query optimization, I discussed indexing, query restructuring, and execution plans.
      • For the dataset question, I shared my experience using Python and Pandas for data analysis.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Case Study Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Analyze a hypothetical scenario where a client’s investment portfolio is underperforming. What steps would you take to identify the issue?
      • How would you present your findings to a non-technical stakeholder?
    • Your Approach:
      • I broke down the problem into potential causes (market conditions, asset allocation, etc.) and proposed a step-by-step analysis plan.
      • For the presentation, I emphasized simplifying technical jargon and using visual aids.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Why do you want to work at Barclays?
      • Describe a time you worked in a team under pressure.
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    • Your Approach:
      • I aligned my career goals with Barclays’ values and growth opportunities.
      • Shared a specific example of a tight-deadline project and how teamwork led to success.
      • Highlighted my ambition to grow into a leadership role within the company.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on SQL and database concepts, as they were heavily tested in the technical round.
  • Practice case studies to improve problem-solving and presentation skills.
  • Research the company’s culture and recent news to tailor your HR answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. The technical round was challenging, but my preparation paid off. I could have been more concise in the case study round. My advice: practice articulating your thoughts clearly and stay calm under pressure!

107

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through a standard hiring process, likely online or campus placement, as the experience reflects a professional and structured approach typical of large companies.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Screening Round:

    • Questions Asked: General screening questions to assess fit and basic qualifications.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and professionally, aligning responses with the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - First-Person Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More detailed questions about skills, experience, and situational responses.
    • Your Approach: Provided specific examples from past experiences to demonstrate capabilities.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the manager round.

  • Round 3 - Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: In-depth technical or role-specific questions, possibly case studies or problem-solving scenarios.
    • Your Approach: Focused on showcasing analytical skills and alignment with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Progressed to the hiring manager round.

  • Round 4 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: High-level questions about long-term goals, cultural fit, and strategic thinking.
    • Your Approach: Emphasized enthusiasm for the role and company, along with a clear vision for contributing.
    • Outcome: Moved to the final HR round.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Discussions about compensation, benefits, and logistical details.
    • Your Approach: Maintained professionalism while negotiating terms and clarifying doubts.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response and offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s values and recent developments to align answers.
  • Practice situational and behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Review technical or role-specific concepts thoroughly.

Conclusion:
The overall interview process was very professional and well-structured, typical of large corporations. Being prepared with specific examples and maintaining a professional demeanor were key to success. Future candidates should focus on aligning their responses with the company’s culture and role expectations.

108

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The application process involved multiple stages, starting with an online assessment followed by group discussions and face-to-face interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment (MCQ):

  • Questions Asked:

    • 15 questions on finance topics.
    • 45 questions on Java programming.
    • Logical and reasoning questions.

  • Your Approach: I focused on brushing up my Java basics and revising fundamental finance concepts beforehand. For logical reasoning, I practiced sample questions to improve speed and accuracy.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Group Discussion:

  • Questions Asked: The topic was related to current trends in the finance industry.

  • Your Approach: I actively participated, shared relevant points, and ensured I listened to others while maintaining a balanced discussion.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview (F2F):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Basic and advanced Java concepts.
    • Questions on financial terminologies and their applications.

  • Your Approach: I answered confidently, explaining my thought process for technical questions. For finance-related queries, I linked theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

  • Outcome: Cleared the technical round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview (F2F):

  • Questions Asked:

    • “Why Barclays?”
    • “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
    • Questions about my interest in finance.

  • Your Approach: I emphasized my genuine interest in finance and how Barclays aligns with my career goals. I also shared my research about the company’s history and values.

  • Outcome: Cleared the HR round.

  • Round 5 - Final HR Interview (F2F):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Behavioral questions like handling team conflicts.
    • Situational questions about work ethics.

  • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples from past experiences.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on Java programming basics and advanced concepts.
  • Revise fundamental finance terms and their real-world applications.
  • Practice logical reasoning and aptitude questions for the online assessment.
  • Research Barclays’ history, values, and recent achievements to answer HR questions effectively.
  • Participate in mock group discussions to improve communication skills.

Conclusion:
The overall process was smooth but thorough. Barclays evaluates not just technical skills but also your passion for finance. I could have prepared more situational questions for the HR rounds, but my genuine interest in the company helped me stand out. My advice to future candidates is to be well-prepared, stay confident, and show enthusiasm for the role and the company.

109

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: I applied through the company’s career portal. The process was straightforward, but it took quite some time, so I had to follow up regularly with the HR team to keep things moving.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my past experiences, how I could bring similar values to the role, and whether I could adapt quickly to the new environment.

  • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting relevant experiences from my past roles that aligned with the job requirements. I also emphasized my ability to learn quickly and adapt to new challenges.

  • Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:

  • Questions Asked: This round was a mix of technical and behavioral questions. The interviewer dug deeper into my past projects, asked situational questions, and tested my problem-solving skills.

  • Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions and ensured I explained my technical thought process clearly.

  • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your past experiences and how they relate to the role.
  • Be ready to explain how you can adapt quickly to new environments.
  • Practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Follow up with HR if the process seems slow.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward but lengthy. Staying patient and proactive with follow-ups helped me navigate the delays. My advice for future candidates is to thoroughly prepare for both technical and behavioral questions and to keep communication lines open with the HR team.

110

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process at my university.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Walk me through your CV and educational background.
      • Describe your previous work experience and key learnings.
      • Why do you want to join Barclays?
      • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the role. I also highlighted my enthusiasm for working in the financial sector and how Barclays’ values resonate with me.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for further interviews.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its values and recent initiatives.
  • Practice common HR questions and tailor your answers to the role.
  • Be ready to discuss your CV in detail, including any gaps or transitions.

Conclusion:
The HR round was a great opportunity to present myself and my fit for the role. I felt prepared, but I could have been more specific about how my skills directly align with the job responsibilities. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing with a friend or mentor to refine your answers.

111

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: This was a campus hiring process, so I applied through my college’s placement cell. The entire process, from the group discussion to the final interview, was completed within 3-4 hours.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Group Discussion:

  • Questions Asked: The topic for the group discussion was not explicitly mentioned, but it revolved around a current business or economic scenario. The focus was on assessing communication skills, teamwork, and analytical thinking.

  • Your Approach: I actively participated, ensuring I contributed meaningful points while also listening to others. I tried to maintain a balance between speaking and allowing others to share their thoughts.

  • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and moved on to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Interview with Senior Management (Directors):

  • Questions Asked: The questions were a mix of technical and behavioral. They asked about my understanding of the financial sector, problem-solving skills, and how I handle pressure. There were also situational questions to gauge my decision-making abilities.

  • Your Approach: I answered confidently, backing my responses with examples from my coursework and internships. For situational questions, I structured my answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

  • Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied with my responses, and I was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on current affairs, especially related to the financial sector.
  • Practice group discussions with peers to improve communication and teamwork skills.
  • Be ready to discuss your resume in detail, as the interviewers might delve into your past experiences.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth and well-organized. I felt the key to my success was staying calm and being myself during the interviews. For future candidates, I’d advise thorough preparation and confidence in your abilities. Good luck!

112

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The HR department shortlisted candidates based on their profiles and resumes. The selected candidates were then invited for a personal interview and face-to-face interaction with experienced staff members who had ten or more years of experience. The interaction was focused on normal communication and personal rapport.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Personal Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The questions were primarily about my resume, past experiences, and general communication skills. The interviewer also asked about my understanding of the role and why I wanted to join Barclays.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and relevant, highlighting my skills and experiences that aligned with the role. I also made sure to maintain a friendly and professional tone throughout the conversation.
    • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and moved on to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your resume and be prepared to explain any part of it in detail.
  • Practice general communication skills and maintain a confident yet approachable demeanor.
  • Research the company and the role to answer “Why Barclays?” effectively.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and professional. The interviewers were friendly, which helped ease the nerves. I could have prepared more specific examples from my past experiences to make my answers more impactful. For future candidates, I’d recommend being clear and confident in your responses and ensuring you know your resume inside out.

113

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I got selected for Barclays through the campus selection process. Initially, there were 90 candidates after the online coding round. The selection process involved two interviews: technical and HR. After each round, candidates were eliminated, and finally, 30 people were recruited.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were focused on technical skills, likely covering topics relevant to the Analyst role. Unfortunately, specific questions weren’t provided.

  • Your Approach: I prepared by revising core technical concepts and practicing problem-solving. During the interview, I tried to stay calm and articulate my thought process clearly.

  • Outcome: I cleared this round, and 50 candidates were selected for the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The HR round likely included behavioral questions, situational questions, and discussions about my resume and motivations.

  • Your Approach: I focused on presenting my strengths, aligning my answers with the company’s values, and being honest about my experiences.

  • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round, and 30 candidates, including me, were recruited.

Preparation Tips:

  • Revise core technical concepts relevant to the role.

  • Practice problem-solving and coding if the role requires it.

  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and aligning them with the company’s values.

  • Stay confident and articulate during interviews.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was smooth, and the elimination process was transparent. I could have prepared more thoroughly for the technical round by practicing more problems. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as both are equally important in the selection process.

114

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral & Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Mostly behavioral questions, with a few technical questions about equity markets. Interviewers were more focused on getting to know me as a person rather than testing deep technical knowledge.
    • Your Approach: I answered the behavioral questions honestly, focusing on my experiences and how they align with the role. For the technical questions, I kept my responses concise and relevant to the equity markets.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Behavioral & Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, with a mix of behavioral and light technical questions. Two of the interviewers seemed unprepared and disinterested.
    • Your Approach: I maintained a positive attitude and tried to engage the interviewers despite their lack of enthusiasm. I reiterated my interest in the role and the company.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round, though the experience was mixed due to the interviewers’ demeanor.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your experiences in detail.
  • Brush up on basic equity market concepts, but don’t stress too much about deep technical knowledge.
  • Stay confident and adaptable, as interviewers’ attitudes can vary.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward but somewhat inconsistent due to the varying levels of engagement from the interviewers. Most of them have since left the firm, so the culture might have changed. My advice is to stay genuine and prepared for a mix of behavioral and light technical questions.

115

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions on DBMS, OS, OOPS, and CNS.
      • Detailed questions about projects mentioned in the resume.
      • In-depth queries about programming languages.
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on explaining core concepts clearly.
      • Highlighted hands-on experience with projects.
      • Emphasized problem-solving skills during programming discussions.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round with positive feedback on conceptual clarity.

  • Round 2 - HR and Behavioural Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • General HR questions about teamwork, challenges faced, and career goals.
      • Situational questions to assess problem-solving and adaptability.
    • Your Approach:
      • Answered honestly and aligned responses with the company’s values.
      • Used the STAR method for situational questions.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly revise core subjects like DBMS, OS, OOPS, and CNS.
  • Be prepared to discuss projects in detail, including challenges and solutions.
  • Practice coding problems to explain logic clearly.
  • Prepare for HR questions by reflecting on past experiences and aligning them with the role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. Focusing on core concepts and being honest in the HR round worked well. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing problem-solving aloud and being confident in your answers.

116

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview:
    • Questions Asked: Insightful questions were asked, fostering a productive discussion. The interviewer showed genuine interest in my responses.
    • Your Approach: I approached the questions with clarity and confidence, ensuring my answers were well-structured and relevant.
    • Outcome: The round was positive, with a welcoming atmosphere that made the experience enjoyable.

Conclusion:

The interview at Barclays was a great experience overall. The interviewer’s clear communication and engaging questions made the process comfortable and insightful. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly and approach the interview with confidence, as the environment is very supportive.

117

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: [Details not provided]

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: [Details not provided]

Work Experience:

  • Issues Faced:

  • Personal belongings were stolen.

  • Confidential information was shared with coworkers.

  • Received racial insults (e.g., being told to leave the country) via BlackBerry messages.

  • Experienced daily passive-aggressive bullying.

  • HR Involvement:

  • Reported the issues to HR, which resulted in retaliation and wrongful termination.

Conclusion:

The experience at Barclays was extremely challenging due to the hostile work environment and lack of support from HR. Despite reporting the issues, the situation escalated, leading to wrongful termination. This experience highlights the importance of workplace culture and the need for effective HR policies to address such issues. Future candidates should thoroughly research the company culture and consider speaking to current or former employees before joining.

118

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The interview invite was sent out only the day before the interview, which was a bit stressful. The application process details (e.g., campus placement, online application, referral) were not specified.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - General Interview:
    • Questions Asked: Mainly “Tell me about yourself” and other straightforward questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared a concise and relevant introduction about myself, focusing on my background and why I was interested in the role.
    • Outcome: The interview went smoothly, and the questions were manageable.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice answering common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” to ensure clarity and confidence.
  • Stay calm and composed, even if the interview invite is sent last minute.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview experience was straightforward and manageable. The last-minute invite was a bit stressful, but being prepared helped. For future candidates, I’d recommend staying flexible and ready for unexpected timelines.

119

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: On-campus (Undergraduate recruitment)

Application Process:
I applied through my university’s on-campus recruitment process for a summer internship. The internship was structured to potentially lead to a full-time job offer upon successful completion.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

  • Questions Asked: The assessment included aptitude questions, logical reasoning, and basic coding problems. There were also a few situational judgment questions.

  • Your Approach: I practiced aptitude and coding problems beforehand and made sure to manage my time effectively during the test. For the situational questions, I tried to align my answers with the company’s values.

  • Outcome: I cleared this round and was shortlisted for the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my projects, data structures, and algorithms. There were also scenario-based questions to test problem-solving skills.

  • Your Approach: I focused on explaining my thought process clearly and used examples from my projects to demonstrate my technical skills. For the scenario-based questions, I broke down the problem into smaller parts before proposing a solution.

  • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my answers, and I moved to the final round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: This round was more about fit and motivation. Questions included “Why Barclays?”, “Tell me about a time you worked in a team,” and “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

  • Your Approach: I researched Barclays’ culture and values beforehand and tailored my answers to reflect alignment with them. I also prepared specific examples to highlight my teamwork and career aspirations.

  • Outcome: The conversation went smoothly, and I received an offer for the summer internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude and coding problems regularly.
  • Brush up on data structures and algorithms, especially for technical rounds.
  • Research the company thoroughly to answer HR questions convincingly.
  • Prepare examples from past experiences to demonstrate skills and fit.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was well-structured and challenging. I felt prepared because I had practiced extensively and researched the company. If I could do anything differently, I would focus more on improving my speed in the online assessment. For future candidates, my advice is to stay calm, be yourself, and prepare thoroughly for each round. Good luck!

120

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst (Technology Analyst)

Location: Pune

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process at my university. Barclays was hiring extensively for their Pune office, and I was interviewed by three different teams within Barclays Capital simultaneously.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The questions were relatively simple compared to other investment banks. They covered basic programming concepts, data structures, and problem-solving. Some questions included:
      • Explain the difference between an array and a linked list.
      • Write a simple program to reverse a string.
      • How would you optimize a given SQL query?
    • Your Approach: I focused on clarity and simplicity in my answers, ensuring I explained my thought process step-by-step. For coding questions, I wrote clean and efficient code.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next set of interviews.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview (Team-Specific):

    • Questions Asked: This round was more specific to the team I was being considered for. Questions included:
      • Describe a project where you worked with databases.
      • How would you handle a scenario where a critical system goes down?
      • Basic questions about Java and Python.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant project experience and emphasized my problem-solving skills. I also made sure to ask clarifying questions when needed.
    • Outcome: I performed well and was shortlisted for the final round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round focused on behavioral and situational questions, such as:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • Describe a time you worked in a team under pressure.
      • Why do you want to join Barclays?
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values. I also shared specific examples to demonstrate my teamwork and adaptability.
    • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was offered the position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic programming concepts, especially data structures and algorithms.
  • Practice explaining your thought process clearly during coding problems.
  • Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, focusing on your contributions and learnings.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and aligning them with the role’s requirements.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process at Barclays was smooth and well-structured. The technical questions were simpler than I expected, but the key was to communicate my answers effectively. I would advise future candidates to focus on clarity, practice coding problems, and be prepared to discuss their projects in detail. The HR round is equally important, so don’t overlook behavioral preparation!