Barclays Graduate Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process was through campus recruitment. Candidates were shortlisted based on their resumes, followed by an interview. The overall process was straightforward and smooth.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlisting:

  • Questions Asked: No specific questions were asked in this round. The focus was on evaluating the resume for relevant skills and experience.

  • Your Approach: I ensured my resume was well-structured and highlighted my academic achievements, projects, and any relevant internships.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the interview round.

  • Round 2 - Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interview was a mix of technical and behavioral questions. Some of the questions included:

    • Tell me about yourself.
    • Describe a project you worked on and your role in it.
    • How do you handle tight deadlines?
    • Basic technical questions related to my field of study.
  • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing my resume thoroughly and practicing common behavioral questions. For technical questions, I brushed up on core concepts relevant to the role.

  • Outcome: Cleared the interview and received the offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on building a strong resume that clearly showcases your skills and experiences.
  • Practice common behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your projects in detail.
  • Brush up on technical fundamentals related to the role.

Conclusion:
The recruitment process at Barclays was well-organized and not overly stressful. I found the interview to be a great opportunity to showcase my skills and experiences. For future candidates, I’d recommend being confident, well-prepared, and authentic in your responses. It’s a great company to start your career with!

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: Applied online, expecting a video interview but encountered an unexpected assessment format.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment with Video Recording:
    • Questions Asked: Numeracy questions under timed conditions while being recorded.
    • Your Approach: Prepared for a traditional video interview but was taken aback by the assessment format. Found the experience uncomfortable and decided to discontinue after 5 minutes.
    • Outcome: Withdrew from the process due to dissatisfaction with the misleading format.

Conclusion:
The experience was disappointing as the process did not align with expectations. The automated and impersonal nature of the assessment, coupled with the misleading preparation, made it clear that the company’s approach wasn’t a good fit for me. Future candidates should be aware of the possibility of such assessments and prepare accordingly, though I personally wouldn’t recommend this process.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application was part of the campus placement process. The online test was conducted on cocubes.com, and 96 students appeared for it.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test (90 minutes):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Aptitude Test (60 questions, 60 minutes): Covered topics like permutation combinations, time-distance problems, similar image identification, syllogism, and easy verbal questions.
      • Coding Test (2 questions, 30 minutes):
        • Question 1: Memory-based problem involving array manipulation with simple if-else checks.
        • Question 2: Sorting a 2D array.
    • Your Approach:
      • For the aptitude section, I prioritized solving quant questions first due to their time-consuming nature.
      • For coding, I used a brute-force approach as optimization wasn’t required.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round; 38 students were shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical + HR Interview (45-60 minutes):

    • Questions Asked:
      • Technical questions related to my resume and projects.
      • HR questions about my background, interests, and why I wanted to join Barclays.
    • Your Approach:
      • I focused on explaining my projects clearly and linked them to the role.
      • For HR questions, I emphasized my enthusiasm for the company and the role.
    • Outcome: Awaiting results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Aptitude: Used indiabix.com for last-minute revision and RS Agarwal’s book.
  • Coding: Relied on geeksforgeeks.org for practice.
  • Interview: Reviewed my resume thoroughly and practiced common HR questions.

Conclusion:
The process was smooth, and the questions were manageable with proper preparation. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on the basics and not overcomplicating the coding problems. Stick to reliable resources like geeksforgeeks and indiabix for efficient preparation.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application process began with an online application where I submitted my resume and academic details. Barclays has specific eligibility criteria, including being a final-year CS or IT student with a minimum of 60% in class X, XII, and all engineering semesters.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Assessment:

    • Questions Asked: The online assessment included aptitude questions, logical reasoning, and basic technical questions related to programming and data structures.
    • Your Approach: I practiced aptitude and logical reasoning questions from online resources and brushed up on core programming concepts like arrays, strings, and linked lists.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round and was shortlisted for the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Technical + HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The technical part involved questions on data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving. The HR part focused on my background, motivation for joining Barclays, and situational questions like handling teamwork challenges.
    • Your Approach: For the technical part, I revised key concepts and practiced coding problems on platforms like LeetCode. For the HR part, I prepared answers for common questions and reflected on my past experiences to align with the role.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback. I was selected for the Graduate Analyst role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on strengthening your aptitude and logical reasoning skills for the online assessment.
  • Revise core programming concepts and practice coding problems to ace the technical round.
  • Prepare for HR questions by understanding the company’s values and aligning your answers with them.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and well-structured. Barclays’ recruitment process is thorough but fair. I would advise future candidates to prepare systematically for each round and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application process for Barclays’ Graduate Analyst program was a mix of online tests, assessment centers, presentations, and interviews. It was a structured yet laid-back process, focusing more on soft skills than technical challenges at the interview stage.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test:

  • Questions Asked: The online test included a mix of aptitude and situational judgment questions.

  • Your Approach: I focused on staying calm and reading each question carefully, ensuring I understood the scenarios before answering.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Assessment Center:

  • Questions Asked: This round involved group activities, case studies, and presentations.

  • Your Approach: I actively participated in group discussions, listened to others, and contributed ideas clearly. For the presentation, I structured my points logically and practiced beforehand.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the final interview round.

  • Round 3 - Final Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The interview was more conversational, with questions about my experiences, problem-solving skills, and how I handle teamwork.

  • Your Approach: I answered honestly, using the STAR method to structure my responses where applicable. I also asked questions about the role and company culture.

  • Outcome: Successfully secured the position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on developing your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  • Practice situational judgment tests and case studies to get comfortable with the format.
  • For presentations, rehearse your delivery and ensure your content is clear and concise.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was positive and less stressful than I anticipated. Barclays emphasized soft skills and cultural fit, which made the process feel more like a conversation than an interrogation. My advice to future candidates is to be yourself, stay confident, and prepare for the behavioral aspects as much as the technical ones.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process:
My initial communication with the company was very professional and positive. I was encouraged by the understanding they had of my situation and asked direct questions to get a deeper understanding of my experiences. Feedback was provided at every stage and was very useful.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

    • Questions Asked: Direct questions about my experiences and background to gauge my fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly and provided examples from my past experiences to showcase my skills.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and received constructive feedback.
  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: A mix of technical questions related to the role and behavioral questions to assess my problem-solving and teamwork skills.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing technical concepts and practiced answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
    • Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next round with positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company and role thoroughly to understand what they are looking for.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Review technical concepts relevant to the position.
  • Take feedback seriously and use it to improve in subsequent rounds.

Conclusion:
Overall, my experience with Barclays was very positive. The interviewers were professional and supportive, and the feedback at each stage helped me improve. I would advise future candidates to prepare well, stay confident, and use feedback constructively.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: Applied through the company’s online portal for the Graduate Analyst position.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Case Study & Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The round primarily focused on a case study. The instructions mentioned not to prepare a presentation or materials beforehand.
    • Your Approach: I followed the instructions and did not prepare any props or additional materials for the case study. I focused on analyzing the case and presenting my thoughts verbally.
    • Outcome: Unfortunately, I received feedback that the lack of props or visual aids was a deciding factor in their decision not to move forward with my application.

Preparation Tips:

  • Even if instructions say not to prepare materials, consider having a basic structure or visual aids ready, as they might still be expected.
  • Practice presenting case studies with and without props to be adaptable.

Conclusion:
The experience was insightful, and while I followed the given instructions, the feedback highlighted that sometimes expectations can differ from what’s communicated. For future candidates, I’d recommend balancing adherence to instructions with being prepared for unexpected expectations.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process. The initial step was an aptitude test, followed by technical interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability questions.
    • Your Approach: I practiced previous years’ aptitude questions and focused on time management during the test.
    • Outcome: I cleared the aptitude test and was shortlisted for the next round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The questions were dynamic and based on my responses. Some topics covered were data structures, algorithms, and basic programming concepts. They also asked about my understanding of Barclays’ business operations.
    • Your Approach: I stayed calm and answered honestly, ensuring I linked my technical knowledge to real-world applications, especially in the financial sector.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I advanced to the final round.
  • Round 3 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round focused on my motivation for joining Barclays, my career goals, and how I handle teamwork and challenges.
    • Your Approach: I emphasized my research about Barclays and aligned my answers with the company’s values and culture.
    • Outcome: I received positive feedback and was selected for the role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude tests thoroughly, as they are the first filter.
  • Brush up on core technical concepts, especially those relevant to the financial sector.
  • Research Barclays’ business model, recent news, and their role in the industry to answer HR questions confidently.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth but required thorough preparation. I realized the importance of aligning my answers with the company’s expectations. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on both technical and company-specific knowledge to stand out.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied online, which involved submitting my resume and cover letter. After the initial application, I had to complete numerical and verbal reasoning tests. Following this, I was invited for a phone interview and later an assessment day.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Tests (Numerical and Verbal Reasoning):

    • Questions Asked: The numerical test included data interpretation and problem-solving questions, while the verbal reasoning test assessed comprehension and logical reasoning skills.
    • Your Approach: I practiced similar tests beforehand to get comfortable with the format and timing. For numerical, I focused on accuracy, and for verbal, I made sure to read the passages carefully.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the phone interview.
  • Round 2 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: General behavioral questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why Barclays?” and situational questions like “Describe a time you worked in a team.”
    • Your Approach: I prepared by researching Barclays’ values and aligning my answers with them. I also used the STAR method for situational questions.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and was invited to the assessment day.
  • Round 3 - Assessment Day:

    • Activities: The day included numerical and verbal reasoning tests (again), a 1:1 interview, a financial case study, a group exercise, and a final interview with senior management.
    • Your Approach: For the case study, I focused on structuring my thoughts clearly and justifying my recommendations. In the group exercise, I ensured active participation while being collaborative. For the final interview, I emphasized my fit with Barclays’ culture and my long-term goals.
    • Outcome: Cleared all activities and received an offer for the Graduate Analyst role.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice numerical and verbal reasoning tests under timed conditions.
  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its values and recent news.
  • Use the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • For case studies, practice structuring your thoughts and presenting them clearly.

Conclusion:
The process was rigorous but well-structured. What worked well for me was thorough preparation and staying calm under pressure. If I could do anything differently, I would practice more case studies to improve my confidence. My advice to future candidates is to prepare early and stay authentic in your responses.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The process began with an online test consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and 2-3 coding questions. After successfully clearing the test, I was shortlisted for the technical interview round and eventually selected for the Graduate Analyst role at Barclays.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test:

    • Questions Asked:
      • MCQs covering topics like logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and basic programming concepts.
      • Coding questions focused on problem-solving and algorithmic thinking.
    • Your Approach: I practiced coding problems from various online platforms and brushed up on my logical reasoning skills to tackle the MCQs.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and was shortlisted for the technical interview.
  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions on data structures and algorithms.
      • A few scenario-based questions to assess problem-solving skills.
      • Discussion on previous projects and internships.
    • Your Approach: I revised core concepts of data structures and algorithms and prepared to explain my projects in detail.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received the offer for the Graduate Analyst position.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on practicing coding problems regularly.
  • Revise core concepts of data structures and algorithms.
  • Be prepared to discuss your projects and internships in detail.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth, and the interviewers were supportive. Practicing coding problems and being thorough with my projects helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on problem-solving and clear communication during interviews.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: On-campus

Application Process: Barclays was hiring on-campus. The process began with resume shortlisting followed by a basic test.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlisting and Basic Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test included sections on Quants, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability.
    • Your Approach: I focused on brushing up my basics for each section and practiced sample questions to improve speed and accuracy.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.
  • Round 2 - Group Discussion:

    • Questions Asked: The topic was not highly technical, but it required confident communication.
    • Your Approach: I made sure to actively participate, articulate my points clearly, and listen to others to build on their ideas.
    • Outcome: Managed to clear this round as well.
  • Round 3 - Face-to-Face Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The questions were technical, likely related to the role of a Graduate Analyst.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by revising core technical concepts and practiced answering behavioral questions.
    • Outcome: Unfortunately, I got rejected at this stage. The next round would have been an HR interview.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the basic test, practice Quants, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability questions from standard resources.
  • For Group Discussion, work on speaking confidently and logically structuring your thoughts.
  • For the technical interview, ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamentals relevant to the role.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was insightful. I realized the importance of thorough preparation, especially for the technical round. For future candidates, I’d advise dedicating ample time to technical revision and practicing mock interviews to build confidence.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application was submitted online through the company’s career portal. After the initial screening, I was invited for the interview rounds.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

    • Questions Asked: Basic Java DSA questions were given to solve.
    • Your Approach: I focused on writing clean and efficient code, ensuring all edge cases were covered. I practiced similar problems beforehand, which helped me during the test.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Questions on Collections and Multithreading in Java.
      2. Questions related to DBMS and Operating Systems.
    • Your Approach: For the Java questions, I explained the concepts clearly and provided examples where necessary. For DBMS and OS, I linked theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received positive feedback on my understanding of the topics.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems, especially in Java, focusing on Data Structures and Algorithms.
  • Revise core Java concepts like Collections and Multithreading thoroughly.
  • Brush up on DBMS and OS fundamentals, as they are commonly asked in technical rounds.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared due to my consistent practice and revision. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on core concepts and practicing problem-solving regularly to build confidence.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement before February 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

    • Questions Asked: Coding test with 2 questions, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and a MySQL coding test.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving the coding problems efficiently and ensuring accuracy in the MySQL queries.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.
  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about Barclays, details from my resume, and general HR scenario-based questions.
    • Your Approach: Prepared thoroughly on topics mentioned in my resume and researched Barclays’ values to align my answers.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and progressed further in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Prepare well on topics mentioned in your resume.
  • Conduct some research on Barclays’ values to align your answers with the company’s culture.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I found it helpful to be well-prepared on both technical and company-specific topics. Researching the company’s values and aligning my responses accordingly made a positive impact. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on your resume details and understanding the company’s ethos to stand out.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through campus placement and was interviewed before July 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

  • Questions Asked: Dynamic programming and graph problems, along with Java and C++ questions.

  • Your Approach: I focused on solving the problems efficiently, ensuring my code was optimized and error-free. I also brushed up on core concepts of Java and C++ beforehand.

  • Outcome: I cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Introduce yourself.
    2. Explain your project.
    3. Questions on projects.
  • Your Approach: I prepared a concise introduction highlighting my skills and experiences. For the project questions, I explained the technical aspects clearly and how they contributed to the project’s success.

  • Outcome: The round went well, and I was able to articulate my thoughts clearly.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems, especially dynamic programming and graph-related ones.
  • Revise core concepts of programming languages like Java and C++.
  • Be ready to discuss your projects in detail, focusing on your contributions and the technologies used.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and I felt well-prepared. I would advise future candidates to focus on problem-solving skills and clear communication during the interview.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: The application process involved multiple rounds of interviews, starting with telephonic rounds where detailed questions about my CV were asked.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Detailed questions about my CV, including my finance courses, financial engineering, accounts, and project finance.
    • Your Approach: I thoroughly reviewed my CV and prepared detailed explanations for every point, especially focusing on my finance-related coursework and projects.
    • Outcome: Passed this round as I was well-prepared.
  • Round 2 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Further in-depth questions about my CV, with a focus on my understanding of financial concepts and practical applications.
    • Your Approach: I revisited key financial theories and linked them to my coursework and projects to provide comprehensive answers.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
  • Round 3 - Telephonic Interview:

    • Questions Asked: More detailed CV-based questions, along with situational questions to assess my problem-solving skills in finance.
    • Your Approach: I practiced situational questions beforehand and ensured I could articulate my thought process clearly.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
  • Round 4 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Technical questions related to financial engineering, accounting principles, and project finance.
    • Your Approach: I revised core financial concepts and practiced solving problems to demonstrate my technical knowledge.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round with confidence.
  • Round 5 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Advanced technical questions, including case studies and real-world financial scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I analyzed case studies and practiced explaining my solutions logically.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.
  • Round 6 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Behavioral and situational questions to assess cultural fit and soft skills.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by reflecting on my experiences and aligning them with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly review your CV and be ready to explain every detail.
  • Brush up on core financial concepts, especially those mentioned in your coursework.
  • Practice situational and behavioral questions to articulate your thought process clearly.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but manageable with thorough preparation. I ensured I was well-versed in every aspect of my CV and could confidently discuss financial concepts. My advice to future candidates is to prepare meticulously and practice articulating your knowledge and experiences clearly.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I was recruited through my college placement drive. The process included an online test, a group session, a technical interview, and an HR interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test had aptitude questions and two coding problems, which were relatively easy.
    • Your Approach: I focused on solving the aptitude questions quickly to allocate more time to the coding problems. For the coding part, I ensured my solutions were efficient and passed all test cases.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Group Session:

    • Activity: We were tasked with building a castle using cards. The goal was to assess teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving under time constraints.
    • Your Approach: I actively participated, suggested ideas, and ensured everyone in the group had a role. I also kept an eye on the time to meet the deadline.
    • Outcome: The evaluators seemed satisfied with my contribution, and I advanced to the next round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my projects, data structures, and algorithms. There were also some scenario-based questions to test my problem-solving skills.
    • Your Approach: I explained my projects in detail and discussed the thought process behind my solutions. For the scenario-based questions, I broke them down logically before answering.
    • Outcome: The interviewer provided positive feedback, and I moved to the final round.
  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Typical HR questions about my background, strengths, weaknesses, and why I wanted to join Barclays.
    • Your Approach: I answered honestly, highlighting my skills and aligning my career goals with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I received an offer for the Graduate Analyst role.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the coding round, practice basic data structures and algorithms.
  • For the group session, focus on teamwork and communication.
  • For the technical interview, be prepared to discuss your projects in detail.
  • For the HR round, research the company and prepare answers for common HR questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The group session was unique and tested practical skills. I could have prepared more for the technical interview by practicing more problem-solving questions. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be confident, and prepare thoroughly for each round.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune

Application Process: Applied via campus placement at Cummins College of Engineering for Women, Pune. The interview process took place before March 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

  • Questions Asked: HackerEarth coding round.

  • Your Approach: Prepared by practicing coding problems on platforms like HackerEarth and LeetCode. Focused on data structures and algorithms.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: Mostly situation-based questions.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and tried to relate my experiences to the situations presented.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: Common questions about weaknesses and strengths.

  • Your Approach: Highlighted my strengths with examples and acknowledged my weaknesses while showing a willingness to improve.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the final round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding problems regularly, especially on platforms like HackerEarth.
  • Be honest and concise in HR rounds; relate your answers to real-life experiences.
  • Prepare for common HR questions like strengths and weaknesses beforehand.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. The coding round tested my problem-solving skills, while the HR rounds assessed my communication and situational awareness. Practicing coding and preparing for HR questions in advance helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both technical and soft skills to ace the interview.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test:

  • Questions Asked: The test included aptitude questions and 2 coding questions.

  • Your Approach: Prepared by practicing coding problems and aptitude questions beforehand. Focused on time management during the test.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: Introduction, details about projects, SQL triggers, basic Java questions, and questions based on internships and projects.

  • Your Approach: Discussed projects in detail, brushed up on SQL and Java basics, and prepared to explain internship experiences clearly.

  • Outcome: The interviewers were polite and made me feel comfortable. Cleared the round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

  • Questions Asked: Typical HR questions like “Why should we hire you?”, “Any offers in hand?”, and questions about relocation.

  • Your Approach: Answered honestly and confidently, emphasizing my interest in the role and company.

  • Outcome: Positive feedback and a smooth conversation.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding and aptitude questions thoroughly.
  • Be well-versed with your projects and internships, as they form a major part of the technical round.
  • Prepare for HR questions by reflecting on your strengths and motivations.

Conclusion:
Overall, it was a great experience. The interviewers were very polite and made the process comfortable. I would advise future candidates to be confident, honest, and well-prepared with their technical and HR answers.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Application Process: I applied through the campus placement process. The initial step was an aptitude test, followed by technical interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Aptitude Test:

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

  • Your Approach: I practiced previous years’ aptitude questions and timed myself to improve speed and accuracy.

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

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The questions were dynamic and depended on my responses. Some topics covered were data structures, algorithms, and basic programming concepts. The interviewer also asked about my understanding of Barclays’ business operations.

  • Your Approach: I focused on explaining my thought process clearly and linked my answers to real-world applications, especially in the banking sector. I also mentioned my research about Barclays’ services and recent projects.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice aptitude questions under timed conditions.
  • Brush up on core technical topics like data structures and algorithms.
  • Research the company thoroughly, including its business model, recent news, and projects.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were fair. I realized the importance of researching the company beforehand, as it helped me align my answers with their expectations. For future candidates, I’d recommend being clear and confident in your responses and showing enthusiasm about the role and the company.

Company Name: Barclays

Position: Graduate Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I was recruited through my college placement drive. The process included an online test, a group session, a technical interview, and an HR interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Online Test:

    • Questions Asked: The test had aptitude questions and two easy-level coding questions.
    • Your Approach: I focused on solving the aptitude questions quickly to save time for the coding part. For the coding questions, I ensured my logic was correct before writing the code.
    • Outcome: I cleared this round and moved to the next stage.
  • Round 2 - Group Session:

    • Activity: We were given the task of building a castle using cards. The goal was to assess teamwork, leadership, and how we handled stress and time constraints.
    • Your Approach: I actively participated, shared ideas, and ensured everyone had a role. I also kept an eye on the time to make sure we completed the task.
    • Outcome: The session went well, and I was selected for the next round.
  • Round 3 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my projects, data structures, and algorithms. There were also some problem-solving questions.
    • Your Approach: I explained my projects clearly and walked through my thought process for the problem-solving questions. I also asked clarifying questions when needed.
    • Outcome: The interviewer seemed satisfied, and I advanced to the final round.
  • Round 4 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The HR round focused on my background, career goals, and why I wanted to join Barclays.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the company’s values and the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: The interview went smoothly, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • For the online test, practice aptitude questions and basic coding problems.
  • For the group session, focus on teamwork and communication skills.
  • For the technical interview, revise data structures, algorithms, and your projects.
  • For the HR round, research the company and prepare answers for common HR questions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and gave me a chance to showcase my skills. I think staying calm and being prepared for each round helped me perform well. My advice to future candidates is to practice consistently and be confident in your abilities.