Barclays Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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121

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The process began with an aptitude round on day one. Shortlisted candidates proceeded to a technical interview on day two, followed by an HR interview the same day for those who cleared the technical round.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Round:

  • Questions Asked: The aptitude test included quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability questions.

  • Your Approach: I focused on time management, ensuring I answered the easier questions first and then moved on to the tougher ones. I also double-checked my answers for accuracy.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round and was shortlisted for the technical interview.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions covered topics like data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving. There were also scenario-based questions to assess analytical thinking.

  • Your Approach: I explained my thought process clearly while solving problems and used examples to illustrate my points. For scenario-based questions, I broke them down into smaller parts to provide structured answers.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the technical round and moved on to the HR interview.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The HR round focused on my background, career goals, and fit with the company culture. Questions included “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Barclays?” and “How do you handle teamwork?”

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values. I also highlighted my relevant experiences and enthusiasm for the role.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and was selected for the Analyst position.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the aptitude round, practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Brush up on core technical concepts like data structures and algorithms for the technical interview.
  • Research the company thoroughly to answer HR questions confidently.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-organized. I felt prepared for each round, but I could have practiced more problem-solving scenarios for the technical interview. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be clear in your explanations, and align your answers with the company’s values.

122

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The application was part of the campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Pen Paper Test:

    • Questions Asked: General aptitude and logical reasoning questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving the questions systematically and managing time effectively.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Group Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Topic was “LPG Subsidy.”
    • Your Approach: Tried to present balanced arguments, listened to others, and contributed constructively.
    • Outcome: Performed well and moved to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: DBMS queries, project-related questions, and a few puzzles.
    • Your Approach: Explained my projects in detail, wrote optimized DBMS queries, and solved puzzles logically.
    • Outcome: Cleared the technical round.

  • Round 4 - Resume-Based Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my resume, internships, and technical skills.
    • Your Approach: Highlighted relevant experiences and linked them to the role.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 5 - Guesstimate Questions:

    • Questions Asked: Estimation-based questions to test problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: Used logical assumptions and structured approach to solve the questions.
    • Outcome: Performed well and received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice DBMS queries and puzzles regularly.
  • Work on improving logical reasoning and aptitude skills.
  • Be thorough with your resume and projects.
  • Practice group discussions on current topics.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and challenging. Preparing thoroughly for technical and aptitude rounds helped me perform well. I could have practiced more guesstimate questions to feel more confident. For future candidates, focus on clarity in communication and logical problem-solving.

123

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: Approached by a recruiter on LinkedIn. The process seemed professional initially, but communication broke down after the interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching the company and aligning my responses with the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A mix of technical questions related to the role and behavioral questions to assess fit.
    • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my skills and providing examples from past experiences.
    • Outcome: Felt confident about my performance, but no feedback was provided afterward.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process started well, but the lack of communication after the rounds was disappointing. It would have been helpful to receive feedback, even if the outcome wasn’t positive. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing thoroughly but also being prepared for potential gaps in communication from the company.

124

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Concepts of financial markets and accountancy.
      • Case-based questions to test conceptual knowledge.
    • Your Approach: Focused on explaining the fundamentals clearly and applying them to practical scenarios.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Family background and prior employment history.
      • Behavioral questions to assess social skills.
    • Your Approach: Answered honestly and confidently, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
    • Outcome: Cleared the HR round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on financial market concepts and accountancy basics.
  • Practice case studies to improve problem-solving skills.
  • Be prepared to discuss your background and experiences in detail.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, with a strong focus on conceptual clarity and interpersonal skills. I felt well-prepared for the technical questions but could have practiced more case studies. For future candidates, I’d recommend a balanced preparation of technical knowledge and soft skills.

125

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
      • Can you share some of your past experiences?
      • Which other companies are you applying for?
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, focusing on my key strengths and how they align with the role. For weaknesses, I mentioned areas I’m actively working on improving. I also shared relevant past experiences that showcased my skills. When asked about other companies, I kept it general without revealing too much.
    • Outcome: The interviewers seemed engaged, and I felt confident about my responses.

  • Round 2 - Behavioral Interview (with multiple interviewers):

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, with slight variations in phrasing.
    • Your Approach: I maintained consistency in my answers while adapting slightly to the different interviewers’ styles.
    • Outcome: The rounds went smoothly, and I felt I built a good rapport with each interviewer.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward and focused on behavioral questions. I think being genuine and prepared with examples from my past experiences helped. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing common behavioral questions and being ready to discuss your career goals and fit for the role.

126

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The process began with a phone screening, followed by an interview with a manager from the team.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Screening:

    • Questions Asked: Basic behavioral questions—nothing technical.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching the company and practicing common behavioral questions to ensure I could articulate my experiences clearly.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More behavioral questions focused on teamwork, problem-solving, and alignment with the company’s values.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and tied my responses back to the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: The interview went smoothly, but I never received feedback or any communication post-interview, despite being told I’d hear back within a week.

Conclusion:
While the interview process itself was straightforward, the lack of follow-up communication was disappointing. It’s important for companies to respect candidates’ time by providing timely updates, even if it’s a rejection. For future candidates, I’d recommend preparing thoroughly for behavioral questions but also managing expectations regarding communication timelines.

127

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical/HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical/HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Details not provided]

  • Your Approach: [Details not provided]

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

Conclusion:

The interview process took approximately 3-4 weeks, and I cleared all rounds. However, after the HR round for salary discussion, I was informed that my salary expectations couldn’t be approved due to budget constraints. They offered only a 10% hike on my current package, which was disappointing. The entire process took about 2 months, and I felt it was unprofessional of the HR team to not clarify budget limitations earlier. My advice to future candidates would be to confirm salary expectations upfront to avoid such situations.

128

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: Not specified

Application Process: The application process involved interactions with production support management from the US, UK, and Australia, as well as discussions with the hiring manager and two local matrix managers.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Management Interaction:

  • Questions Asked: Not specified

  • Your Approach: Engaged in discussions with the production support management teams from different regions to understand their expectations and the role’s requirements.

  • Outcome: Successful interaction, leading to further discussions with the hiring manager.

  • Round 2 - Hiring Manager Chat:

  • Questions Asked: Not specified

  • Your Approach: Focused on aligning my skills and experience with the role’s expectations and the company’s goals.

  • Outcome: Positive feedback, followed by discussions with local matrix managers.

  • Round 3 - Local Matrix Managers Discussion:

  • Questions Asked: Not specified

  • Your Approach: Addressed how my background and expertise could contribute to the team’s success and the broader organizational objectives.

  • Outcome: Successful round, leading to further consideration for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s global operations and the specific role’s responsibilities.
  • Prepare to discuss your experience in a way that aligns with the company’s goals and the role’s requirements.
  • Be ready to engage with stakeholders from different regions and time zones.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough and involved multiple stakeholders from different regions. It was a great opportunity to understand the company’s expectations and showcase my skills. My advice for future candidates is to be well-prepared for discussions with diverse teams and to clearly articulate how their experience aligns with the role.

129

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds, starting with a telephone interview, followed by face-to-face interviews with a manager and director, and concluding with a team culture fit assessment and HR discussion for salary and offer.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interest in the role, and basic technical knowledge relevant to the Analyst position.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing my resume and brushing up on key technical concepts. I also practiced answering common interview questions to ensure clarity and confidence in my responses.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interview (Manager and Director):

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth technical questions, problem-solving scenarios, and behavioral questions to assess my fit for the role and company culture.
    • Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my problem-solving skills and aligning my answers with the company’s values. I also made sure to ask thoughtful questions about the team and role.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback and advancement to the culture fit round.

  • Round 3 - Team Culture Fit Assessment:

    • Questions Asked: Informal discussions with the team to gauge my compatibility with their work environment and dynamics.
    • Your Approach: I engaged naturally, showing enthusiasm for the role and asking about team projects and collaboration styles.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed this round and proceeded to the final HR discussion.

  • Round 4 - HR Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: Salary expectations, benefits, and other administrative details.
    • Your Approach: I researched industry standards beforehand and negotiated politely while remaining flexible.
    • Outcome: Received a formal offer for the Analyst position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to discuss every detail.
  • Brush up on technical skills relevant to the role.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company culture and values to align your answers accordingly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. The key to success was preparation and authenticity. I made sure to showcase my skills while also being myself during the culture fit round. For future candidates, I’d recommend researching the company well and practicing both technical and behavioral questions.

130

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: London

Application Process: I applied for the internship through the company’s official portal. The process was straightforward, requiring a resume submission and a brief statement of interest.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

  • Questions Asked: The assessment included aptitude questions, logical reasoning, and a few basic technical questions related to data analysis.

  • Your Approach: I focused on accuracy and time management, ensuring I answered all questions within the allotted time. For the technical part, I brushed up on basic data analysis concepts beforehand.

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

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my previous projects, my understanding of financial markets, and a few problem-solving scenarios related to data analysis.

  • Your Approach: I discussed my projects in detail, emphasizing my role and the outcomes. For the financial markets questions, I relied on my coursework and recent readings.

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

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: This round focused on my motivation for joining Barclays, my long-term career goals, and how I handle teamwork and challenges.

  • Your Approach: I was honest about my aspirations and shared examples of teamwork from my academic projects.

  • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was offered the internship.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic aptitude and logical reasoning skills.
  • For technical roles, revisit fundamental concepts related to the job profile.
  • Prepare to discuss your projects in detail, highlighting your contributions.
  • Research the company and its core values to align your answers during the HR round.

Conclusion:
My internship at Barclays was a fantastic learning experience. The interview process was well-structured, and the questions were relevant to the role. I would advise future candidates to be thorough with their basics and stay confident during the interviews. London, as a location, added to the excitement, making the entire experience memorable!

131

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were based on Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) and financial reporting.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly by revising key concepts related to Ind AS and financial reporting. Focused on clarity and accuracy in responses.
    • Outcome: Passed the round. The interviewer provided positive feedback on the technical knowledge.

  • Round 2 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions revolved around situational handling, such as how to deal with challenging scenarios at work.
    • Your Approach: Used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure answers. Emphasized problem-solving and teamwork.
    • Outcome: Passed the round. The interviewer appreciated the structured responses and practical examples.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the technical round, focus on understanding Ind AS and financial reporting thoroughly.
  • For the behavioral round, practice the STAR method and prepare examples of past experiences.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the environment was comfortable. However, the HR process was delayed. Overall, it was a positive experience. For future candidates, I recommend being well-prepared for both technical and behavioral aspects to ensure confidence during the interview.

132

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
  • Questions Asked: Questions focused on basic financial concepts like delta, beta, and other fundamental metrics. Also, was asked to create graphs and justify certain financial scenarios.
  • Your Approach: Tried to stay calm and answered the questions to the best of my knowledge. For the graph, I took my time to ensure accuracy.
  • Outcome: Passed the round. The interviewer appreciated my clarity on basics.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be very clear with your basics, especially financial metrics like delta, beta, etc.
  • Practice creating graphs and justifying financial scenarios.
  • Stay mindful and composed during the interview.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great learning experience. I realized how important it is to not overlook basic concepts. Staying composed and mindful helped me perform well. For future candidates, my advice is to thoroughly revise fundamentals and practice justifying your answers.

133

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Why Barclays?
    • Describe a time you worked in a team and faced a conflict. How did you resolve it?
    • Basic technical questions related to financial markets and analysis.

  • Your Approach:

    • Prepared a concise introduction highlighting my academic background and relevant projects.
    • Researched Barclays’ values and recent initiatives to align my answers.
    • Used the STAR method for behavioral questions.
    • Revised financial concepts and current market trends.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Super Day (6 Interviews):

  • Questions Asked:

    • Case study on market trends and investment strategies.
    • Technical questions on financial modeling and valuation.
    • Behavioral questions like teamwork, leadership, and handling pressure.
    • Hypothetical scenarios to test problem-solving skills.

  • Your Approach:

    • Practiced case studies beforehand and focused on structured thinking.
    • Reviewed financial modeling techniques and valuation methods.
    • Prepared examples for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
    • Stayed calm and logical during hypothetical scenarios.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer for the Analyst role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on financial concepts and market trends.
  • Practice case studies and technical questions regularly.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Research the company thoroughly to align your answers with their values.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. The key was thorough preparation and staying composed during the Super Day. I would advise future candidates to focus on both technical and behavioral aspects and to practice articulating their thoughts clearly.

134

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The interview process began after a screening of my resume. There were two rounds in total: a technical round and an HR round with some technical aspects.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • SQL queries (joins, subqueries, and optimization).
      • Basic algorithms (sorting and searching).
    • Your Approach:
      • For SQL, I focused on writing efficient queries and explaining my thought process.
      • For algorithms, I discussed time complexity and potential optimizations.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next.

  • Round 2 - HR + Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Puzzles (logical reasoning).
      • Some technical questions related to my resume projects.
      • Behavioral questions (teamwork, challenges faced).
    • Your Approach:
      • For puzzles, I took my time to think aloud and explain my reasoning.
      • For technical questions, I linked my answers to real-world applications from my projects.
      • For behavioral questions, I used the STAR method to structure my responses.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice SQL thoroughly, especially joins and subqueries.
  • Brush up on basic algorithms and their complexities.
  • Prepare for puzzles by practicing logical reasoning problems.
  • Be ready to discuss your resume projects in detail.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical aspects but could have practiced more puzzles to improve my speed. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as Barclays values a balanced approach.

135

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The application process began with an initial aptitude and coding test, followed by technical and HR interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude/Coding Test:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Two coding questions were given, one of which ran successfully, and the other partially ran.
      • Aptitude questions were straightforward and easy to solve.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving the coding questions efficiently and double-checked the logic for the partially running code. For aptitude, ensured accuracy by taking time to understand each question.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Detailed technical questions related to the role of an Analyst.
      • Some problem-solving scenarios were presented.
    • Your Approach: Answered the technical questions confidently and discussed the problem-solving scenarios logically.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • General HR questions about my background, motivation, and fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: Stayed honest and enthusiastic while answering, aligning my responses with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the HR round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems thoroughly, especially focusing on logic and edge cases.
  • Brush up on aptitude topics to ensure quick and accurate problem-solving.
  • For technical interviews, understand the role-specific concepts and be prepared to discuss them in detail.
  • For HR rounds, research the company culture and align your answers accordingly.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-structured. The coding test was a bit challenging, but with practice, it was manageable. The technical interview required a deep understanding of the role, and the HR round was more about fit and motivation. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing coding problems and understanding the company’s expectations for the role.

136

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: I applied through an external recruitment agency, and the entire process was quite smooth.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Pre-screening:

  • Questions Asked: Standard pre-screening questions to verify qualifications and experience.

  • Your Approach: I ensured my resume was up-to-date and highlighted relevant skills.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Shortlisting:

  • Questions Asked: Basic questions about my background and interest in the role.

  • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned with the job requirements.

  • Outcome: Moved to the telephonic round.

  • Round 3 - Telephonic Interview (1st Round):

  • Questions Asked: Technical and behavioral questions related to the Analyst role.

  • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing common interview questions and practiced articulating my thoughts clearly.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the Skype interview rounds.

  • Round 4 - Skype Interview (2nd Round):

  • Questions Asked: More in-depth technical questions and case studies.

  • Your Approach: I focused on problem-solving and structured thinking.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round and proceeded to the next.

  • Round 5 - Skype Interview (3rd Round):

  • Questions Asked: Advanced technical scenarios and situational judgment questions.

  • Your Approach: I relied on my preparation and stayed calm under pressure.

  • Outcome: Successfully passed and moved to the final HR round.

  • Round 6 - HR Interview (Salary Negotiation):

  • Questions Asked: Discussions about salary expectations, benefits, and company culture.

  • Your Approach: I researched industry standards and was transparent about my expectations.

  • Outcome: Final offer extended.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review common technical and behavioral questions for Analyst roles.
  • Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially for telephonic and Skype interviews.
  • Research the company and role thoroughly to align your answers with their expectations.

Conclusion:
The entire process was smooth, and the difficulty level was manageable with proper preparation. I would advise future candidates to focus on clarity in communication and thorough preparation for each round.

137

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: Applied through campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical & Fit Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Why did you choose your major?
      • Can you explain your work experience in detail?
      • A technical question that did not require extensive finance knowledge or calculations.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the fit questions, I focused on aligning my academic and professional journey with the role’s requirements.
      • For the technical question, I took a structured approach, breaking it down into manageable parts.
    • Outcome: Passed the round. The interviewer was helpful during the technical portion despite being somewhat reserved.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly, as many fit questions will stem from it.
  • Practice explaining your academic and professional choices clearly and concisely.
  • Brush up on basic technical concepts, even if they don’t require deep finance knowledge.

Conclusion:
The interview was a mix of fit and technical questions, with the latter being more straightforward than expected. While the interviewer wasn’t very warm, they were helpful during the technical part. I’d advise future candidates to focus on resume-based questions and stay calm during the technical portion.

138

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Challenging mathematical questions and puzzles. Programming questions focused on algorithms and C++.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by revising core algorithms and practicing problem-solving in C++. Tried to stay calm and think logically during the puzzles.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - Interaction with Senior Management:

    • Questions Asked: Informal discussion about career goals, interests, and general fit with the company culture.
    • Your Approach: Kept the conversation professional yet relaxed, showing enthusiasm for the role and company.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback and an invitation for a casual beer with the team.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on strengthening your problem-solving skills, especially in mathematics and algorithms.
  • Practice coding in C++ or any other language you’re comfortable with.
  • Be prepared for both technical and informal interactions, as the process can include a mix of both.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was challenging but enjoyable. The technical round tested my problem-solving abilities, while the informal interaction with senior management gave me a glimpse of the company culture. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for technical questions but also to relax and be themselves during the informal parts.

139

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: The application process was thorough but slow. The HR manager provided good feedback throughout, though the timeline for decisions and scheduling was longer than expected.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, motivation for applying, and understanding of the role.
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my skills and experiences with the job description and emphasized my enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback from the HR manager, moved to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about analytical skills, problem-solving, and a few technical scenarios relevant to the role.
    • Your Approach: I tackled the problems methodically, explaining my thought process clearly. For technical scenarios, I drew from past experiences and coursework.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied with my responses, but the decision timeline was delayed.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on technical skills relevant to the role, especially problem-solving and analytical tasks.
  • Practice articulating your thought process clearly during interviews.
  • Be patient, as the process might take longer than expected.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview experience was positive, with constructive feedback from the HR team. The only downside was the slow decision-making process. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing well for technical rounds and being prepared for a potentially lengthy timeline.

140

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Analyst

Application Process: After completing the online application, Barclays reviewed the submissions and contacted shortlisted candidates. The process began with a phone interview, followed by an invitation to a 1:1 interview. The final stage was an Assessment Centre (AC), a half-day event consisting of three parts: a group activity, a competency-based interview, and a prioritizing interview. Offers were reportedly given within four hours of the AC session ending, which was highly efficient.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, interest in the role, and basic competency-based questions.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching Barclays and the role, and I practiced answering common interview questions to ensure clarity and confidence.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed and was invited to the next round.

  • Round 2 - 1:1 Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth competency-based questions, situational judgment questions, and discussions about my previous experiences.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and provided specific examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the Assessment Centre.

  • Round 3 - Assessment Centre (AC):

    • Activities:
      • Group Activity: A collaborative task to assess teamwork and problem-solving skills.
      • Competency-Based Interview: Focused on behavioral and situational questions.
      • Prioritizing Interview: A task to evaluate decision-making and prioritization skills.
    • Your Approach: I actively participated in the group activity, ensuring clear communication and teamwork. For the interviews, I remained calm and structured my responses clearly.
    • Outcome: Received an offer within four hours of the session ending.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research Barclays and the role thoroughly.
  • Practice competency-based questions using the STAR method.
  • Prepare for group activities by focusing on teamwork and communication.
  • Stay calm and structured during interviews.

Conclusion:
The entire process was smooth and efficient, with clear communication from Barclays. The Assessment Centre was intense but well-organized. I would advise future candidates to prepare extensively for competency-based questions and to actively engage in group activities. Overall, it was a great learning experience!