Barclays Graduate Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Barclays Graduate Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - General Interview:
  • Questions Asked: The interview focused on understanding my fit within the company rather than technical questions.
  • Your Approach: I researched the company’s values and culture to align my responses with their expectations.
  • Outcome: The interview went well as I was able to demonstrate how I fit into the company’s ethos.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s core values and culture to tailor your responses.
  • Focus on showcasing how your skills and personality align with the company’s goals.

Conclusion:
The interview was a positive experience, and I realized the importance of understanding the company’s culture beforehand. For future candidates, I’d advise thoroughly researching the company to ensure your answers resonate with their expectations.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: On-campus

Application Process: Applied through the on-campus placement process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

  • Questions Asked: The coding test included problem-solving questions to assess logical and coding skills.

  • Your Approach: Focused on understanding the problem first, then breaking it down into smaller steps before coding.

  • Outcome: Cleared the coding test and moved to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical + HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: A mix of technical questions related to problem-solving and behavioral questions to assess fit for the role. The interviewer also discussed the RISES framework.

  • Your Approach: Stayed calm, listened carefully, and answered questions methodically. For behavioral questions, used the STAR method to structure responses.

  • Outcome: The interview lasted 45-50 minutes, and the interviewer was very patient and friendly. Cleared the round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice problem-solving questions to improve logical thinking.
  • Familiarize yourself with the RISES framework as it might be discussed during the interview.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was very positive, especially because the interviewer was patient and encouraging. Being well-prepared with problem-solving techniques and the RISES framework helped a lot. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing coding problems and being confident during the interview.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: I applied through the company’s online portal after seeing the job posting on my university’s career portal. The process was straightforward, requiring a resume upload and a few basic details.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Role-Play Client Meeting:

    • Questions Asked: We were given a case study a week in advance, which involved a client scenario. During the interview, we had to role-play a meeting with the client, discussing their needs and proposing solutions.
    • Your Approach: I thoroughly analyzed the case study beforehand, prepared key points, and practiced my communication skills to ensure clarity and confidence during the role-play.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and received positive feedback on my ability to articulate solutions clearly.

  • Round 2 - Competency-Based Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions revolved around teamwork, problem-solving, and handling challenges. Examples included “Describe a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal” and “How do you handle tight deadlines?”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure my answers, providing specific examples from my academic and internship experiences.
    • Outcome: This round was also successful, and I was invited to the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies and role-plays to improve your ability to think on your feet.
  • Use the STAR method for competency-based questions to keep your answers structured and impactful.
  • Research the company’s values and recent projects to align your responses with their culture.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was comprehensive but well-structured. The role-play round was challenging but rewarding, and the competency-based interview allowed me to showcase my skills effectively. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for both aspects and stay confident throughout the process.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The interview process began with a pre-placement talk involving HR and technical staff from the company. Following this, candidates were required to take an online test on the HackerRank platform, which included multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and two coding problems.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test (HackerRank):
    • Questions Asked:
      • Multiple-choice questions covering technical topics.
      • Two coding problems to solve within the given time frame.
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on accuracy for the MCQs by revising core concepts beforehand.
      • Prioritized solving the coding problems efficiently, ensuring optimal time complexity.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the online test and proceeded to the next round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on fundamental technical concepts for the MCQs.
  • Practice coding problems on platforms like HackerRank to improve speed and accuracy.

Conclusion:
The process was well-organized, and the online test was a good measure of technical skills. Preparing thoroughly for both MCQs and coding problems is key to performing well in this round.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s online portal. The process included standard online assessments focusing on mental and personality traits, as well as numerical abilities. The personality test was notably longer and more detailed compared to industry standards.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Mental ability questions (logical reasoning, problem-solving).
      • Numerical ability questions (basic arithmetic, data interpretation).
      • Personality assessment (detailed and lengthy).
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared for numerical and mental ability sections using online resources and practice tests.
      • Attempted to answer the personality questions honestly, though the length was challenging.
    • Outcome: Did not pass the personality test.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on practicing numerical and logical reasoning questions beforehand.
  • Be prepared for an extensive personality test and ensure you answer consistently.

Conclusion:
The online assessment was thorough, especially the personality test, which was more detailed than expected. While I did well on the numerical and mental ability sections, the personality test proved to be a hurdle. For future candidates, I’d recommend dedicating time to understand the company’s culture to align better with the personality assessment.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The interview was scheduled through the company’s recruitment process, likely as part of campus placements or an online application. The details of the initial application were not specified.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical/HR Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Tell me about yourself.
      • What are your strengths?
      • Detailed discussion about your projects.
    • Your Approach: I prepared a concise introduction highlighting my background and key strengths. For the project discussion, I focused on explaining my role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.
    • Outcome: The interview was pleasant and lasted about 40 minutes. The interviewer seemed engaged, and the discussion flowed smoothly.

Conclusion:

The interview was a very enjoyable experience. Everything was well-organized and adhered to the schedule. The interviewer was friendly, and the conversation felt more like a discussion than an interrogation. For future candidates, I’d recommend being clear and concise in your answers, especially when discussing projects—focus on your contributions and the impact of your work. Overall, it was a positive and professional interaction.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Basic questions on OOPs concepts.
      • Questions on DBMS.
      • Questions on either Java or C++ (I chose Java).
      • Some questions were based on my projects.
      • Questions about SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle).
      • Discussion on new technologies.
    • Your Approach: I answered the questions to the best of my knowledge, focusing on clarity and relevance. For project-related questions, I explained my role and the technologies used.
    • Outcome: Unfortunately, I was not selected despite giving a decent interview.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on core concepts of OOPs, DBMS, and the programming language of your choice.
  • Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
  • Stay updated on new technologies and trends in the industry.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a good learning experience. I realized the importance of being thorough with fundamental concepts and being able to articulate my project work clearly. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on these areas and practicing mock interviews to build confidence.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The process was quick and efficient. I applied through the company’s online portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding + Ability Test:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Mental Ability: General aptitude questions.
      • Technical Questions: Basic technical concepts related to the role.
      • Coding: A couple of coding problems to solve.
    • Your Approach: I focused on accuracy and time management, ensuring I answered all sections within the allotted time.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Combined Technical + HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Technical: Questions about my projects, problem-solving, and technical skills.
      • HR: Behavioral questions, my motivation for joining Barclays, and career aspirations.
    • Your Approach: I balanced technical explanations with clear communication and emphasized my enthusiasm for the role.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
  • Brush up on basic technical concepts relevant to the role.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions by reflecting on past experiences and aligning them with the job requirements.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-organized. I felt the process tested both my technical and interpersonal skills. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for both coding and HR rounds to ensure confidence during the interview.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: I was selected for the interview after clearing a lengthy aptitude test. The process was quite competitive, and I was excited to move forward to the interview stage.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical & Personal Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was a mix of personal questions and basic domain-related topics, primarily focusing on economics and finance. Some of the questions included:
      • “Tell me about yourself.”
      • “Why do you want to work at Barclays?”
      • “Explain a basic economic concept you find interesting.”
      • “How would you analyze a company’s financial health?”
    • Your Approach: I started by introducing myself concisely, highlighting my academic background and interest in finance. For the domain questions, I used simple examples to explain concepts and linked them to real-world scenarios to make my answers relatable.
    • Outcome: The interview lasted about 25 minutes, and my interviewer was a VP. I felt confident about my responses, and later, I received positive feedback about my clarity and enthusiasm.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic economics and finance concepts, especially those relevant to the role.
  • Practice structuring your answers clearly and concisely.
  • Research the company thoroughly to align your responses with their values and work culture.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. I realized the importance of being well-prepared with both technical knowledge and personal insights. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be yourself, and focus on making your answers relevant to the role and the company.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: Campus Hiring (Location not specified)

Application Process: Applied through campus hiring process. The selection process included an aptitude test followed by two technical interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test had moderate difficulty, covering quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability.
    • Your Approach: Focused on time management and accuracy, especially in the quantitative section.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions on algorithms, trees, and data structures. Some basic computer engineering concepts were also tested.
    • Your Approach: Revised core concepts beforehand and practiced problem-solving on these topics. Tried to explain my thought process clearly.
    • Outcome: Found the round challenging but managed to answer most questions.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More in-depth questions on data structures and algorithms, with a focus on problem-solving and optimization.
    • Your Approach: Stayed calm and took time to think through the problems before answering. Asked for clarifications where needed.
    • Outcome: The round was tough, but I gave my best effort.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on core computer science topics like algorithms, data structures, and trees.
  • Practice aptitude questions to improve speed and accuracy.
  • Revise basic computer engineering concepts as they might come up in interviews.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was challenging but rewarding. The technical rounds were quite tough, so thorough preparation is key. I could have practiced more problem-solving to handle the in-depth questions better. For future candidates, I’d recommend dedicating ample time to revising core concepts and practicing mock interviews to build confidence.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The recruitment process was smooth. I applied through the company’s career portal, and the initial rounds were designed to assess both aptitude and technical skills effectively.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

    • Questions Asked: The test included aptitude questions, logical reasoning, and technical questions related to programming and problem-solving.
    • Your Approach: I focused on accuracy and time management, ensuring I answered the questions I was confident about first.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Technical + HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The majority of the questions were technical, covering topics like data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving. Some HR questions were also asked, such as “Why Barclays?” and “Describe a challenging situation you faced.”
    • Your Approach: For technical questions, I explained my thought process clearly and wrote pseudocode where applicable. For HR questions, I kept my answers concise and aligned with my experiences.
    • Outcome: The interviewers seemed satisfied with my responses, and I progressed to the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on core technical concepts like data structures and algorithms.
  • Practice problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
  • Prepare for HR questions by reflecting on your experiences and motivations.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was well-structured and gave me a good opportunity to showcase my skills. I could have practiced more coding problems under time constraints, but the experience was valuable. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for both technical and HR rounds to ensure confidence during the interview.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The hiring process included four rounds: a written test, group discussion, technical interview, and HR interview. The process was designed to assess logical and problem-solving skills.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test:

  • Questions Asked: Logical and problem-solving questions.

  • Your Approach: Focused on accuracy and time management.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Group Discussion:

  • Questions Asked: Topics related to current affairs and business scenarios.

  • Your Approach: Actively participated while ensuring clarity and relevance in points.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions on sampling techniques and regression analysis.

  • Your Approach: Explained concepts clearly and provided practical examples.

  • Outcome: Panel seemed satisfied with the responses.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Detailed discussion about internships and extracurricular activities.

  • Your Approach: Highlighted relevant experiences and skills.

  • Outcome: Positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on logical reasoning and problem-solving techniques.
  • Practice group discussions on diverse topics.
  • Revise technical concepts like sampling and regression analysis.
  • Be ready to discuss internships and extracurriculars in detail.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was thorough and insightful. The technical round was challenging but manageable with proper preparation. The HR round was more about showcasing personality and experiences. Future candidates should focus on clarity, confidence, and thorough preparation for each round.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Barclays visited our institute in November 2021 for campus placements. The selection process included a written test followed by interview rounds for shortlisted candidates.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Written Test (Aptitude and Behavioral):

  • Questions Asked: Aptitude questions covering quantitative, logical, and verbal reasoning. Behavioral questions focused on situational judgment and personality traits.

  • Your Approach: I practiced aptitude questions from previous placement papers and brushed up on behavioral concepts to align with the company’s values.

  • Outcome: Cleared this round and was eligible for the next coding round.

  • Round 2 - Written Test (Coding Round):

  • Questions Asked: Basic coding problems related to algorithms and data structures.

  • Your Approach: I solved problems from platforms like LeetCode and focused on optimizing my code for efficiency.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and moved to the interview phase.

  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions on Computer Networks (CN) and Data Structures. Some topics included OSI model, TCP/IP, linked lists, and trees.

  • Your Approach: I revised core concepts from my coursework and practiced explaining them clearly. I also solved problems on the spot when asked.

  • Outcome: Performed well and advanced to the HR round.

  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Basic HR questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Barclays?” and situational questions about teamwork and challenges.

  • Your Approach: I prepared answers aligning my skills with the role and researched Barclays’ values to tailor my responses.

  • Outcome: The interview went smoothly, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • For aptitude, practice from previous placement papers and focus on time management.
  • For coding, solve problems on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank.
  • Revise core technical subjects like CN and Data Structures thoroughly.
  • Prepare for HR questions by researching the company and practicing common questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was smooth, and the interviewers were supportive. I could have practiced more coding problems to feel even more confident. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and behavioral aspects equally and stay calm during the process.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application process for Barclays’ Graduate Analyst role was straightforward. It began with an online application, followed by a series of assessments and interviews. The process is quite similar to many other graduate schemes, starting with standard Situational Judgement Tests (SJT) and Numerical tests.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessments:

    • Questions Asked: The first round consisted of a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) and a Numerical test. The SJT assessed decision-making skills in workplace scenarios, while the Numerical test evaluated basic quantitative abilities.
    • Your Approach: I practiced similar SJT and Numerical tests beforehand to get familiar with the format. For the SJT, I focused on aligning my responses with Barclays’ core values. For the Numerical test, I brushed up on basic math concepts and timed myself during practice.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Interactive Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This was a video-based interview where I was presented with situational and behavioral questions. Some examples included: “Describe a time you worked in a team under pressure” and “How would you handle a disagreement with a colleague?”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure my answers. I also made sure to highlight skills relevant to the role, such as teamwork and problem-solving.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and was invited to the Assessment Centre.

  • Round 3 - Assessment Centre:

    • Questions Asked: The Assessment Centre included a group exercise, a case study, and a final one-on-one interview. The group exercise involved discussing a business scenario, while the case study required analyzing data and presenting recommendations. The final interview was more in-depth, covering technical and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach: For the group exercise, I focused on collaboration and active listening. For the case study, I practiced structuring my analysis clearly and concisely. In the final interview, I prepared by reviewing common technical questions related to the role and refining my behavioral responses.
    • Outcome: Cleared the Assessment Centre and received an offer for the Graduate Analyst role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice SJT and Numerical tests to get comfortable with the format.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions to keep your answers structured.
  • Brush up on basic math and analytical skills for the Numerical test and case study.
  • Research Barclays’ values and culture to align your responses during the interview.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was well-structured and gave me a good understanding of what Barclays looks for in candidates. Practicing beforehand and staying calm during the assessments were key to my success. I’d advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly and approach each round with confidence!

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst (Advanced Analytics Graduate Scheme)

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the company’s online portal for the Advanced Analytics Graduate Scheme. The process involved multiple stages, including online tests, video interviews, and an assessment centre.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Reasoning and Behavioural Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included logical reasoning, numerical ability, and situational judgment questions. The behavioural section assessed alignment with Barclays’ values.
    • Your Approach: Practiced similar reasoning tests beforehand to get comfortable with the format. For the behavioural part, I focused on aligning my responses with the company’s core values.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Video Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions were a mix of competency-based (e.g., “Describe a time you worked in a team”) and motivational (e.g., “Why Barclays?”).
    • Your Approach: Prepared STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses for competency questions and researched Barclays’ culture for motivational answers.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed and invited to the assessment centre.

  • Round 3 - Assessment Centre:

    • Part 1 - Interview with Hiring Manager(s):

      • Questions Asked: Technical questions related to analytics, problem-solving scenarios, and behavioural questions.
      • Your Approach: Combined technical knowledge with practical examples to demonstrate problem-solving skills. Used the STAR method for behavioural questions.
      • Outcome: Feedback was positive, and I advanced to the next part.

    • Part 2 - Preparing Presentation (Customer Churn Case Study):

      • Task: Analyze a customer churn case study and prepare a presentation within 1 hour.
      • Your Approach: Structured the presentation clearly, focusing on key insights and actionable recommendations. Practiced time management to ensure all points were covered.
      • Outcome: Prepared a concise and data-driven presentation.

    • Part 3 - Presenting and Q&A:

      • Questions Asked: Questions focused on the rationale behind my analysis, assumptions made, and how I would implement recommendations.
      • Your Approach: Stayed calm and confident, backed my answers with data, and clarified any assumptions when questioned.
      • Outcome: The hiring managers seemed satisfied with my responses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice reasoning tests online to get familiar with the format.
  • Use the STAR method for competency-based questions.
  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its values and recent projects.
  • For case studies, focus on structuring your thoughts clearly and justifying your recommendations with data.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared for most parts, but I could have practiced more case studies beforehand to improve my confidence during the presentation. My advice to future candidates is to start early, practice consistently, and stay calm during the assessment centre—it’s as much about how you think as what you know.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process consisted of 4 stages spread over 3 months, from initial application to receiving the offer.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - SJT/Numerical Test:

  • Questions Asked: Situational Judgment Test (SJT) and Numerical Test.

  • Your Approach: Focused on understanding the scenarios in the SJT and practiced numerical problems beforehand.

  • Outcome: Passed and moved immediately to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Case Study & Video Interview:

  • Questions Asked: A case study followed by a video interview.

  • Your Approach: Prepared for the case study by reviewing business scenarios and practiced articulating my thoughts clearly for the video interview.

  • Outcome: Received feedback after about 2 weeks and passed to the next stage.

  • Round 3 - Telephone Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Comprehensive interview lasting almost 50 minutes.

  • Your Approach: Researched the company thoroughly and prepared answers for competency-based questions.

  • Outcome: Passed after about 2 weeks.

  • Round 4 - Business Meeting & Face-to-Face Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Case study (sent in advance) and a 40-minute interview.

  • Your Approach: Prepared extensively for the case study and rehearsed potential interview questions.

  • Outcome: Received an offer after 5 days.

Conclusion:

The recruitment experience with Barclays was very positive. The process was well-structured, and each stage was clearly communicated. Preparing for the case studies and practicing interview questions were key to my success. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation for each stage, especially the telephone interview and case study, as they are quite comprehensive.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the company’s graduate program. The process involved an initial online video test, followed by a data analysis task and an interview with the director.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Video Test:

    • Questions Asked: Numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared by practicing similar reasoning tests online to improve speed and accuracy.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.

  • Round 2 - Data Analysis Task:

    • Questions Asked: Analysis of provided data to derive insights or solve a problem.
    • Your Approach: Focused on understanding the data thoroughly before jumping into analysis. Used logical reasoning and basic statistical tools where applicable.
    • Outcome: Successfully completed the task and advanced to the final interview round.

  • Round 3 - Director Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General conversation about my background, interest in the role, and how I approach problem-solving.
    • Your Approach: Kept the conversation natural, highlighting my enthusiasm for the role and aligning my skills with the job requirements.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and the feedback was positive.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice numerical and verbal reasoning tests beforehand to get comfortable with the format.
  • For data analysis tasks, brush up on basic analytical skills and logical reasoning.
  • Be prepared to discuss your background and interest in the role in a conversational manner.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth despite some initial HR complications. The key was staying calm and prepared for each stage. I’d advise future candidates to focus on understanding the requirements of each round and practice accordingly. The director interview was more about fit and enthusiasm, so being genuine goes a long way.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: I applied online for the Graduate Analyst position at Barclays. About a month later, I received an invitation for the first round, which was a video interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Video Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The video interview consisted of 8 to 12 competency-based questions. Each question was pre-recorded, and I had about 10 seconds to prepare before the recording started. I was required to answer each question within 30 seconds to 2 minutes while being recorded.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching common competency questions and practicing my responses to ensure clarity and conciseness. I also made sure to stay calm and composed during the recording.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and received an invitation for the panel interview two weeks later.

  • Round 2 - Panel Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Details about the panel interview were not provided, but it typically involves a mix of technical and behavioral questions.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing my technical knowledge and practicing behavioral questions to articulate my experiences effectively.
    • Outcome: Awaiting results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice answering competency-based questions within a time limit.
  • Research the company’s values and culture to align your answers.
  • Stay calm and composed during video interviews to present yourself confidently.

Conclusion:
The process was smooth, and the video interview was a unique but manageable challenge. Practicing timed responses and understanding the company’s expectations were key. I’d advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for competency questions and stay confident during the interview.

20

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application process involved filling out an online form, followed by a series of tests. After clearing the initial stages, I was invited for a phone interview and later an assessment centre.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Tests:

    • Questions Asked: The tests included numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning sections.
    • Your Approach: I practiced similar tests beforehand to get comfortable with the format and timing.
    • Outcome: Cleared the tests and moved to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This was a competency-based interview with questions like “Tell me about a time you worked in a team” and “How do you handle deadlines?”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, focusing on specific examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed and was invited to the assessment centre.

  • Round 3 - Assessment Centre:

    • Activities: The assessment centre included group exercises, a presentation, and interviews with two individuals. There was also a general presentation about the firm.
    • Your Approach: For the group exercise, I made sure to contribute ideas while also listening to others. For the presentation, I prepared thoroughly and practiced my delivery.
    • Outcome: Overall, it went well, and I felt confident about my performance.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning tests to get comfortable with the format.
  • Use the STAR method for competency-based questions to structure your answers clearly.
  • For group exercises, focus on teamwork and communication.

Conclusion:
The entire process was well-structured and gave me a good insight into the company. I would advise future candidates to prepare thoroughly for each stage and stay calm during the assessment centre. It’s also helpful to research the company beforehand to align your answers with their values.