Barclays Project Manager Interview Questions & Experience Guide
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied online and received a call from HR for initial screening.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Hiring Manager Interview:
- Questions Asked: Technical and competency-based questions.
- Your Approach: Prepared by reviewing common project management methodologies and scenarios, as well as practicing competency-based answers using the STAR method.
- Outcome: The interview took place on 9th December, but no feedback or further contact has been received despite multiple follow-ups.
Conclusion:
The interview process was standard, but the lack of communication post-interview has been frustrating. For future candidates, I’d recommend keeping detailed records of all interactions and following up persistently. It’s also helpful to prepare for both technical and competency-based questions thoroughly.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: [Details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Behavioral and Professional Interview:
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Questions Asked: General and professional questions focusing on hard and soft skills. The interview was behavior-oriented.
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Your Approach: Maintained a calm and professional demeanor, answered questions honestly, and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.
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Outcome: The interview was pleasant and stress-free, with a positive impression of the interviewers.
Preparation Tips:
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Focus on both hard and soft skills relevant to project management.
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Practice behavioral interview questions to articulate experiences clearly.
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Research the company culture to align responses with their values.
Conclusion:
The interview experience with Barclays was very positive. The interviewers were polite and professional, making the process enjoyable. Preparing for behavioral questions and understanding the company’s expectations were key to feeling confident during the interview. For future candidates, I recommend thorough preparation on both technical and behavioral aspects to ensure a smooth experience.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through an internal referral process.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Panel Interview:
- Questions Asked:
- General interview questions about my experience.
- Questions about my approach to project management.
- How I handle collaboration between business and IT teams.
- Your Approach:
- I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the role.
- I provided examples of successful projects I managed, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving.
- Outcome:
- Successfully passed the round. The decision to proceed with my candidacy was made within a week.
- Questions Asked:
Conclusion:
The interview was a great experience, and the panel was very welcoming. I felt well-prepared, but I could have researched more about Barclays’ specific projects to tailor my answers better. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly understanding the company’s work culture and recent initiatives to stand out.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process involved two rounds of interviews with 2-3 recruiters due to staffing shortages. The hiring manager was very responsive throughout the process.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening:
- Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
- Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the responsibilities of the Project Manager role and emphasized my problem-solving skills.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
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Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:
- Questions Asked: More detailed questions about project management methodologies, handling team conflicts, and past project successes.
- Your Approach: I provided specific examples from my previous roles to demonstrate my expertise and adaptability.
- Outcome: The interview went well, but later received an email from HR stating the position was being reconsidered and my process was put on hold.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was a positive experience despite the unexpected hold on the hiring process. The hiring manager’s responsiveness made the process smooth. For future candidates, I’d recommend preparing thoroughly for behavioral and situational questions, as they were a key focus in the interviews.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: I applied directly online and was contacted by their “lead corporate recruiter” shortly after.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - HR Phone Screen:
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Questions Asked: General questions about my background and interest in the role.
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Your Approach: Answered honestly and professionally, expressing enthusiasm for the position.
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Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for an in-person interview.
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Round 2 - In-Person Interview (Wrong Position):
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Questions Asked: Questions unrelated to the role I applied for, as it was for the wrong position.
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Your Approach: Tried to adapt and answer as best as I could, but it was clear the interview was mismatched.
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Outcome: No follow-up or response despite multiple attempts to clarify and reschedule for the correct role.
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Round 3 - Second In-Person Interview (Another Wrong Role):
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Questions Asked: Never attended due to lack of confirmation email/itinerary.
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Your Approach: Attempted to follow up but received no response.
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Outcome: Gave up on the process and accepted a position elsewhere.
Conclusion:
My experience with Barclays was extremely disorganized and frustrating. The recruiter repeatedly made mistakes, from interviewing me for the wrong role to failing to communicate effectively. It reflects poorly on the company’s recruitment process. My advice for future candidates would be to double-check all communication and confirm details, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend applying here unless they improve their hiring process significantly.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I applied through an agency, which facilitated the scheduling of interviews and ensured a smooth process. The agency coordinated multiple 1:1 interviews with different levels of the organization, including peers and management.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening (via Agency):
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Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role.
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Your Approach: I kept my responses concise and focused on my relevant experience and skills.
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Outcome: Passed this round and was scheduled for further interviews.
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Round 2 - Peer Interview:
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Questions Asked: Questions about my teamwork, problem-solving skills, and how I handle project challenges.
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Your Approach: I shared specific examples from my past projects to demonstrate my ability to collaborate and solve problems.
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Outcome: Positive feedback, moved to the next round.
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Round 3 - Management Interview:
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Questions Asked: More strategic questions about project management methodologies, leadership, and handling stakeholder expectations.
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Your Approach: I aligned my answers with industry best practices and highlighted my leadership experiences.
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Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s culture and values to align your responses.
- Prepare specific examples of past projects to showcase your skills.
- Practice answering behavioral questions using the STAR method.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-organized and comfortable. The agency made it easy to schedule, and the follow-up was prompt, with an offer extended within days. I would recommend preparing thoroughly for behavioral and situational questions, as they were a key focus during the interviews.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I applied online through an employee referral link. The process was efficient, transparent, and professional. I received an email from the internal recruiter within 24 hours of applying.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Phone Screen (Recruiter):
- Questions Asked: The recruiter provided an overview of the process and asked about my background and interest in the role.
- Your Approach: I kept my responses concise and aligned my experience with the role’s requirements.
- Outcome: I was invited to the next round.
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Round 2 - Phone Interview (Hiring Manager):
- Questions Asked: Behavioral questions like “Give me an example when…” were the focus. The hiring manager was assessing my fit for the role and team culture.
- Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples of my past experiences.
- Outcome: The hiring manager was impressed but felt I might be a better fit for another team. She asked the recruiter to facilitate an introduction elsewhere in the organization.
Preparation Tips:
- Familiarize yourself with behavioral interview techniques, especially the STAR method.
- Research the company culture—Barclays values ambition but has a low tolerance for ego.
- Leverage internal referrals if possible, as they carry significant weight.
Conclusion:
The interview process at Barclays was professional and well-structured. While I didn’t land the exact role I applied for, the hiring manager’s willingness to refer me elsewhere speaks volumes about the company’s collaborative culture. My key takeaway is to always tailor your responses to the company’s values and be open to alternative opportunities within the organization.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I applied for the Manager role. The process began with an initial phone interview, followed by a Brainbench skills test and a Group/Panel Interview. Finally, I had a one-on-one interview with a Director.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Phone Interview:
- Questions Asked: Assessed my domain knowledge and technical expertise.
- Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and technical skills.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
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Round 2 - Brainbench Skills Test:
- Questions Asked: A difficult-level skills test.
- Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing key technical concepts and practicing similar tests.
- Outcome: Cleared the test successfully.
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Round 3 - Group/Panel Interview:
- Questions Asked: Technical questions related to the role.
- Your Approach: I answered confidently, drawing from my experience and knowledge.
- Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
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Round 4 - One-on-One with Director:
- Questions Asked: Assessed my domain knowledge, investment banking expertise, and team spirit.
- Your Approach: I emphasized my leadership qualities and how I could contribute to the team.
- Outcome: Received a positive response and eventually an offer.
Preparation Tips:
- Review domain-specific knowledge and technical skills thoroughly.
- Practice skills tests like Brainbench to get comfortable with the format.
- Be prepared to discuss your teamwork and leadership experiences.
Conclusion:
The overall process was quite slow, taking about three weeks after the final interview to receive the offer. However, the interviews were well-structured, and the key was to stay patient and confident throughout. My advice to future candidates is to prepare extensively for both technical and behavioral aspects and to remain patient during the hiring process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I applied through the company’s online portal after seeing the job posting.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Technical Interview:
- Questions Asked: The interviewer asked me several tricky and somewhat unnecessary questions that seemed designed to trip me up. One question, in particular, stood out because when I asked the interviewer how he would answer it, he changed the question and answered it himself.
- Your Approach: I tried to stay calm and answer the questions to the best of my ability, but the interviewer’s approach made it difficult to gauge what they were looking for.
- Outcome: Unfortunately, I did not pass this round. The feedback was vague, but it seemed the interviewer was looking for a specific type of response that I didn’t provide.
Preparation Tips:
- Prepare for unexpected or tricky questions by practicing problem-solving under pressure.
- Research the company’s interview style beforehand to anticipate what might come up.
Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was frustrating due to the interviewer’s approach. If I could do it differently, I would try to steer the conversation more confidently and ask for clarification when questions seem unclear. For future candidates, I’d advise staying composed and not letting tricky questions throw you off balance.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I didn’t apply for the job; the talent team at Barclays reached out to me directly.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Phone Interview/Chat:
- Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and interest in the role. They also asked about my familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
- Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience, highlighting my past projects and how they align with the role.
- Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.
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Round 2 - Panel Interview:
- Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about my project management skills, problem-solving abilities, and how I handle team dynamics. There were also scenario-based questions to assess my practical knowledge.
- Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples from my past work. I also asked clarifying questions when needed.
- Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.
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Round 3 - Interview/Chat with PMO:
- Questions Asked: This was a more informal chat with the PMO team, focusing on cultural fit, my expectations from the role, and how I would contribute to the team.
- Your Approach: I was honest and enthusiastic, showing my eagerness to join the team and learn from them.
- Outcome: Received a job offer at the end of this interview!
Conclusion:
The entire process, from the first call to my first day, took about 3 months (including my notice period from the previous job). The interviews were thorough but fair, and the team was very welcoming. My advice for future candidates is to be prepared with real-life examples of your work and to stay confident throughout the process. Good luck!
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The application process was straightforward, involving multiple stages where I had to demonstrate my understanding of the role and the company’s values.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening:
- Questions Asked:
- Why do you want this role?
- What do you bring to the table?
- How do you align with the bank’s values?
- Your Approach: I prepared by researching Barclays’ core values and mission, and I tailored my answers to reflect how my skills and experiences align with their expectations. I also practiced answering common interview questions to build confidence.
- Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next stage.
- Questions Asked:
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Round 2 - Video Interview:
- Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, but more in-depth about my project management skills and how I handle challenges.
- Your Approach: I watched the provided videos carefully and used them to guide my responses. I focused on being clear, concise, and confident in my answers.
- Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next phase.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s values and mission thoroughly.
- Practice answering common interview questions to build confidence.
- Watch any provided videos or materials carefully and use them to guide your responses.
- Stay calm and composed during the interview.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was great, and I felt well-prepared thanks to my research and practice. Being confident and aligning my answers with Barclays’ values made a significant difference. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on understanding the company’s culture and practicing your responses to common questions.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through an online application process.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Telephone Interview:
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Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I wanted to join Barclays.
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Your Approach: I tried to highlight my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.
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Outcome: Advanced to the next round, but the interviewer’s tone was somewhat dismissive.
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Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interview:
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Questions Asked: More detailed questions about my project management experience, problem-solving skills, and how I handle challenges. The interviewer also emphasized Barclays’ prestige.
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Your Approach: I focused on providing concrete examples from my past work to demonstrate my skills.
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Outcome: The interview felt rigid and impersonal, with the interviewer coming across as arrogant. I did not feel it was a good fit.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process at Barclays was quite formal and lacked a personal touch. The interviewer’s attitude made me feel undervalued, and it didn’t seem like they were genuinely interested in getting to know me as a candidate. If you’re applying here, be prepared for a very structured process and ensure you have strong examples to back up your experience.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: [Details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Technical/Experience-Based Interview:
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Questions Asked:
- Various questions about my experience and professional knowledge.
- Questions about projects I have worked on and the technologies involved.
- Repeated emphasis on my expertise and understanding of project management.
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Your Approach:
- I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the role.
- I provided detailed examples of projects I managed, including challenges and solutions.
- I ensured clarity in explaining the technologies I have worked with.
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Outcome:
- [Result not specified]
Preparation Tips:
- Review your past projects thoroughly to discuss them confidently.
- Brush up on key project management methodologies and technologies relevant to the role.
- Practice articulating your experience and achievements clearly.
Conclusion:
The interview was a great opportunity to reflect on my professional journey and showcase my skills. While I felt confident about my experience, I could have prepared more specific examples to illustrate my problem-solving abilities. For future candidates, I’d advise focusing on clear, concise communication and being ready to dive deep into your project details.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The process began with a telephone interview, followed by competency and stakeholder interviews. The hiring manager and another team manager conducted the interviews, with HR involvement only at the offer stage.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Telephone Interview:
- Questions Asked: Questions about my background and why I applied for the role.
- Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and focused on my relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role.
- Outcome: Passed to the next round.
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Round 2 - Competency Interview:
- Questions Asked: Fairly straightforward competency-based questions, nothing designed to catch me off guard.
- Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, providing clear examples from my past experiences.
- Outcome: Successfully advanced to the next stage.
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Round 3 - Stakeholder Interview:
- Questions Asked: Questions about how I would handle stakeholder interactions and manage projects.
- Your Approach: I emphasized my communication skills and ability to align stakeholder expectations with project goals.
- Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved to the offer stage.
Preparation Tips:
- Prepare for competency-based questions using the STAR method.
- Research the company and role thoroughly to align your answers with their expectations.
- Practice explaining your background and motivations clearly and concisely.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and straightforward. The interviewers were professional and focused on assessing my fit for the role. I would advise future candidates to stay calm, be themselves, and ensure they have clear examples ready for competency questions.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied online for the Project Manager role.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Online Assessment:
- Questions Asked: The assessment included questions that were open to interpretation and ambiguous in practical situations.
- Your Approach: Answered based on my years of project management experience, but found some questions unclear.
- Outcome: Received a mail stating my profile was not shortlisted.
Conclusion:
Despite having relevant experience, the ambiguity in the online assessment questions might have impacted my performance. For future candidates, I’d suggest preparing for situational and interpretive questions, even if they seem straightforward. It’s also helpful to review common project management scenarios to align with the company’s expectations.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: Applied on LinkedIn, had an introductory call with a recruiter. Unfortunately, the process ended there as the company was unable to proceed due to visa sponsorship requirements at the time. The recruiter mentioned that this policy might change in the future.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Introductory Call with Recruiter:
- Questions Asked: General discussion about my background, experience, and interest in the role. The recruiter also clarified the visa sponsorship policy.
- Your Approach: I was honest about my experience and enthusiasm for the role, but the visa requirement became a roadblock.
- Outcome: Rejected due to visa sponsorship constraints.
Conclusion:
While the process was smooth and the recruiter was professional, the visa sponsorship issue was a deal-breaker. For international candidates, it’s always good to confirm visa policies upfront to avoid surprises. Barclays seems open about their policies, so it’s worth keeping an eye on any future changes if you’re interested in working there.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The application process was highly structured and formal. There were many steps to complete before even getting a chance to meet the hiring manager. Unfortunately, expenses were not reimbursed, which made the overall experience less favorable.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening:
- Questions Asked: The questions were very formal and didn’t seem tailored to the role of a Project Manager. It felt more like jumping through hoops than a genuine assessment of skills.
- Your Approach: I tried to align my answers with the structured format they seemed to expect, but it was challenging to showcase my project management expertise.
- Outcome: I progressed to the next round, but the experience left me feeling underwhelmed.
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Round 2 - Hiring Manager Interview:
- Questions Asked: The questions were still quite rigid and didn’t delve deeply into project management scenarios or problem-solving.
- Your Approach: I attempted to steer the conversation toward my relevant experience, but the format limited the opportunity for a meaningful discussion.
- Outcome: The process concluded here, and I didn’t receive any feedback.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process at Barclays for the Project Manager role felt overly bureaucratic and disconnected from the actual demands of the job. If you’re applying, be prepared for a very structured and formal process. It might help to research the company’s interview style beforehand, but don’t expect much flexibility or personalization in the questions.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: [Application process details not provided]
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Interview:
- Questions Asked: Barclays asked important questions and drilled into my experiences. They were efficient and well-prepared, shaping and driving the interview.
- Your Approach: I focused on providing clear and concise answers, drawing from my relevant experiences to demonstrate my suitability for the role.
- Outcome: The interviewers made me feel welcome and relaxed, and I felt confident about my performance.
Conclusion:
The overall experience with Barclays was positive. The interviewers were professional and created a comfortable environment, which helped me perform at my best. For future candidates, I would recommend thoroughly preparing your experiences and being ready to discuss them in detail, as Barclays places a strong emphasis on practical insights and real-world applications.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s online portal after seeing the job posting.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Competency-Based Interview:
- Questions Asked:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated leadership?
- Describe a situation where you had to manage a difficult stakeholder.
- Share an instance where you had to handle a project delay.
- Your Approach: I structured my answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure clarity and relevance. I focused on real-life examples from my previous experiences to showcase my skills.
- Outcome: The interviewers were very supportive and made me feel comfortable. I passed this round and moved forward in the process.
- Questions Asked:
Preparation Tips:
- Practice the STAR method for competency-based questions.
- Review the job description to align your examples with the required competencies.
- Stay calm and confident; the interviewers are there to understand your potential, not to intimidate you.
Conclusion:
Overall, it was a positive experience. The interviewers were friendly, which helped ease my nerves. I could have prepared more examples beforehand to ensure I had a wider range of scenarios to draw from. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly research the company and role, and practice articulating your experiences clearly.