Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: The candidate applied for the role through a headhunter, as part of the CIDS process.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening:
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Questions Asked: General background and experience questions.
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Your Approach: Answered honestly and professionally.
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Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
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Subsequent Rounds (Total of 14 interviews over 9 months):
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Questions Asked: Extremely detailed and invasive questions about personal life, including childhood experiences and personal disappointments. The role and salary conditions were also discussed and changed multiple times.
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Your Approach: Continued to engage professionally despite the invasive nature of the questions.
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Outcome: Received an offer for a Director role at a salary below the Manager level initially described.
Conclusion:
The candidate described the interview process as the worst they had ever experienced, citing excessive invasiveness, prolonged timelines, and misleading job conditions. The final offer was significantly below expectations and misaligned with the initial job description. The candidate declined the offer and strongly advises others to reconsider applying to Barclays due to the lack of transparency and respect for candidates.
Final Advice: Avoid applying unless you are prepared for an exhaustive, invasive, and potentially misleading hiring process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied online and completed a skills assessment test. Afterward, a recruiter contacted me for a phone interview. There was a delay in communication as my CV was placed on a manager’s portal for review. About a month later, a hiring manager reached out for a 30-minute phone interview, following which I was invited for two face-to-face interviews with team leaders.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Phone Interview with Recruiter:
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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 answers concise and focused on relevant experience, aligning my skills with the job description.
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Outcome: Passed; my CV was forwarded to the hiring manager for further review.
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Round 2 - Phone Interview with Hiring Manager:
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Questions Asked: More detailed questions about my project management experience, problem-solving skills, and how I handle team dynamics.
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Your Approach: I provided specific examples from past projects to demonstrate my capabilities and how I could add value to the team.
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Outcome: Successful; invited for face-to-face interviews.
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Round 3 - Face-to-Face Interview with Team Leader 1:
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Questions Asked: Focused on technical aspects of project management, such as methodologies (Agile, Waterfall), risk management, and stakeholder communication.
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Your Approach: I discussed real-world scenarios where I applied these methodologies and how I mitigated risks.
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Outcome: Positive feedback; moved to the next round.
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Round 4 - Face-to-Face Interview with Team Leader 2:
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Questions Asked: Behavioral questions about leadership, conflict resolution, and handling tight deadlines.
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Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, ensuring clarity and relevance.
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Outcome: Successful; received an offer shortly after.
Preparation Tips:
- Reviewed the job description thoroughly to align my answers with the role’s requirements.
- Practiced common project management interview questions and the STAR method for behavioral rounds.
- Researched Barclays’ culture and recent projects to tailor my responses.
Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth, though the initial communication lag was a bit frustrating. Preparing specific examples and understanding the company’s expectations were key to my success. For future candidates, I’d recommend being patient and ensuring your answers are tailored to the role and company culture.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager (Graduate Trainee)
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: Applied through the graduate trainee program. The process included a standard test followed by an assessment day with other candidates.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Standard Test:
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Questions Asked: General aptitude and situational judgment questions.
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Your Approach: Prepared using online resources for aptitude tests and practiced situational judgment scenarios.
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Outcome: Passed and invited to the assessment day.
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Round 2 - Assessment Day:
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Questions Asked: Group activities, case studies, and individual interviews focused on problem-solving and teamwork.
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Your Approach: Actively participated in group discussions, listened to others, and contributed ideas. For the case study, structured my thoughts clearly and communicated effectively.
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Outcome: Successfully cleared the assessment day and received an offer.
Preparation Tips:
- Practice aptitude tests and situational judgment scenarios beforehand.
- Work on teamwork and communication skills for group activities.
- Be prepared to think on your feet during case studies.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was well-structured and gave a good insight into the company’s expectations. Being proactive and collaborative during the assessment day was key. For future candidates, focus on both individual and group performance to stand out.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: Jersey City
Application Process: The recruiter set up the interview after I applied for the position.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Interview with Hiring Team:
- Questions Asked: The interview was cordial, but no specific technical or behavioral questions were mentioned. The focus seemed more on cultural fit and observations about the workplace.
- Your Approach: I remained professional and observant during the interview, noting the demographics of the office.
- Outcome: Did not get the position. The recruiter later called and asked for my age, which seemed to align with my observations about the workplace demographics.
Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, but it became clear that age might have been a factor in the decision. If you’re older than 30-35, this might not be the right fit for you based on my experience. Always be observant and trust your instincts during interviews.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The process was quite fast as it was for a backfill position. I applied through the company’s career portal, and the response was prompt.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Technical & Situational Interview:
- Questions Asked: The interview covered both technical aspects related to project management and situational questions to assess problem-solving and leadership skills.
- Your Approach: I focused on providing clear, concise answers, drawing from my past experiences to demonstrate my ability to handle project challenges and lead teams effectively.
- Outcome: The process was smooth, and I received feedback within 2 days, which was positive.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was straightforward and efficient. The questions were fair, and the interviewers were professional. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on both technical project management concepts and situational problem-solving scenarios to be well-prepared.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s online portal.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Competency-Based Interview:
- Questions Asked:
- Discuss your CV in detail.
- Skill-based question (specific to project management).
- Three competency-based questions (shared in advance for preparation).
- Your Approach:
- Prepared examples for the competency questions beforehand.
- Focused on highlighting relevant experiences from my CV.
- Structured responses using the STAR method for competency questions.
- Outcome: Successfully passed this round.
Preparation Tips:
- Review the competency questions shared in advance and prepare structured answers using the STAR method.
- Familiarize yourself with your CV thoroughly to discuss it confidently.
- Practice answering skill-based questions related to project management.
Conclusion:
The interview was well-structured, and the advance sharing of competency questions was very helpful. I felt prepared and confident during the discussion. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing the STAR method and ensuring your CV is up-to-date and well-understood.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The application process was straightforward, but the interview experience revealed some disorganization within the organization. It was not uncommon for interviewers to reach out to their personal or professional networks to gather additional information about candidates outside of the provided references.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening:
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Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I was interested in the role.
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Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the responsibilities of a Project Manager and emphasized my problem-solving skills.
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Outcome: Passed to the next round.
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Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:
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Questions Asked: Questions about project management methodologies, handling conflicts in teams, and specific examples of past projects.
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Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and provided concrete examples from my previous roles.
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Outcome: Passed to the final round.
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Round 3 - Final Interview:
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Questions Asked: More in-depth questions about leadership, stakeholder management, and hypothetical project scenarios.
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Your Approach: I focused on demonstrating my ability to lead teams and manage complex projects under pressure.
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Outcome: Received an offer, but the process left me with concerns about the organization’s structure.
Conclusion:
While I appreciated the opportunity and the offer, the interview process highlighted some red flags regarding the organization’s internal coordination. If you’re considering Barclays, be prepared for a somewhat disjointed process and ensure you have strong references, as they may reach out beyond what you provide.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The recruiter reached out to me and asked me to submit my CV. We then worked together to refine my CV to better highlight my relevant skills and experience. Shortly after, I was invited for an onsite interview.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Onsite Interview:
- Questions Asked:
- Questions about my experience in the Banking sector.
- Project management methodologies and practices.
- How I identify and manage project requirements.
- Handling and resolving customer complaints.
- Your Approach: I focused on providing specific examples from my past roles to demonstrate my expertise in banking and project management. I also emphasized my problem-solving skills when discussing customer complaints.
- Outcome: The interview went well, and I felt confident about my responses.
Conclusion:
The overall experience was positive. The recruiter was very helpful in tailoring my CV, and the interviewers were professional and engaging. I would advise future candidates to thoroughly prepare examples of their work and be ready to discuss their problem-solving approaches in detail.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: The application process involved multiple interview rounds, starting with an informal discussion and progressing to more formal and technical interviews with senior stakeholders.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Informal Interview with Hiring Manager:
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Questions Asked: Standard questions to understand my personality, motivations, and what drives me.
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Your Approach: I focused on being authentic and highlighting my passion for project management and alignment with Barclays’ values.
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Outcome: Successfully moved to the next round.
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Round 2 - Formal Interview with Hiring Manager and 2 Other Managers:
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Questions Asked: A mix of behavioral and business-specific questions, with some technical aspects introduced.
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Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing common project management scenarios and Barclays’ business model to answer confidently.
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Outcome: Advanced to the final round.
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Round 3 - Senior Stakeholder Interview with a Director:
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Questions Asked: More challenging and technical questions, focusing on my ability to handle complex project scenarios.
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Your Approach: I relied on my past experiences and problem-solving skills to demonstrate my capability.
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Outcome: The interview was rigorous but fair, and I felt it effectively assessed my fit for the role.
Conclusion:
The overall interview process at Barclays was thorough and well-structured. It was relaxed at first but became more challenging as it progressed, ensuring candidates were a good cultural and technical fit. I appreciated the balance between assessing personality and skills. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly researching Barclays’ business areas and preparing for both behavioral and technical questions to succeed in this process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The job description did not mention any requirement for developer skills or technical expertise in Python.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Technical Interview:
- Questions Asked:
- “Explain tuples in Python.”
- Other technical questions unrelated to the Project Manager role.
- Your Approach:
- Clarified that the role was for Project Management and not development, but the interviewer insisted on technical answers.
- Outcome:
- Felt the interview was irrelevant to the role. The interviewers made jokes about my lack of Python knowledge, which was unprofessional.
Conclusion:
The interview process was disappointing and misaligned with the job description. The interviewers’ behavior was unprofessional, and the questions were not relevant to the Project Manager role. I would not recommend this company for Project Management roles unless they clarify their expectations upfront.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: Applied through an initial screening with HR, followed by on-site interviews with peers and managers. The process also included a test.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - HR Screening:
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Questions Asked: Typical HR screening questions (details not specified).
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Your Approach: Answered questions directly and professionally.
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Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
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Round 2 - On-Site Interviews with Peers and Managers:
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Questions Asked: Questions about project management experience, problem-solving, and teamwork (specifics not detailed).
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Your Approach: Provided examples from past experiences to demonstrate skills and fit for the role.
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Outcome: Advanced to the test round.
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Round 3 - Test:
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Questions Asked: A challenging test that was more difficult than the interviews and took longer to complete.
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Your Approach: Took time to carefully work through the test questions.
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Outcome: Results not specified.
Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward but rigorous, especially with the challenging test. The on-site interviews were efficient, requiring only one visit, which was a positive aspect compared to other processes. If I could do anything differently, I might prepare more thoroughly for the test, as it was the most demanding part of the process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I submitted my application and CV online. The process began with online tests, followed by a behavioural interview, and concluded with an offer discussion and thorough background screening before onboarding.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Online Tests:
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Questions Asked: The tests included reading comprehension and cultural fit assessments.
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Your Approach: I took my time to read the questions carefully and answered honestly to reflect my alignment with the company’s values.
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Outcome: I passed this round and moved on to the next stage.
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Round 2 - Behavioural Interview:
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Questions Asked: I was asked to provide examples that demonstrated my skills and values as per the job description and Barclays’ core values.
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Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing the job description and the company’s values beforehand. I used the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure my answers clearly.
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Outcome: The interview went well, and I advanced to the next stage.
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Round 3 - Offer Discussion with HR:
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Questions Asked: This round involved discussing the offer details, including salary, benefits, and role expectations.
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Your Approach: I came prepared with questions about the role and company culture to ensure it was a good fit for me.
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Outcome: I received the offer and proceeded to the background screening.
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Round 4 - Background Screening:
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Questions Asked: This was a very thorough check of my employment history, education, and references.
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Your Approach: I ensured all my documents were accurate and up-to-date to avoid any discrepancies.
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Outcome: The screening was successful, and I was cleared for onboarding.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s values and culture thoroughly.
- Practice the STAR method for behavioural questions.
- Ensure all your documents are accurate and ready for background screening.
Conclusion:
Overall, the process was smooth and well-structured. I found the behavioural interview the most challenging, but preparing with the STAR method helped a lot. My advice to future candidates is to align your answers with the company’s values and be honest throughout the process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process was straightforward, and I was contacted for an interview after my application was reviewed.
Interview Rounds:
Preparation Tips:
- Brush up on common behavioral interview questions and prepare STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses.
- Research the company culture and the team you’re interviewing with to tailor your answers.
- Be ready to ask thoughtful questions about the role and team dynamics.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and gave me a good sense of the team and the work environment. I felt well-prepared, but I could have asked more about the specific projects I’d be managing. For future candidates, I’d recommend being authentic and showing genuine interest in the team and the role.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: The application process involved submitting an online application, followed by an invitation for interviews based on the initial screening.
Interview Rounds:
Preparation Tips:
- Review common competency-based questions and practice answering them using the STAR method.
- Brush up on project management methodologies and be prepared to discuss real-life applications.
- Reflect on past projects to identify examples that showcase your skills in stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and team communication.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and focused on assessing both competency and technical knowledge. I found it helpful to prepare thoroughly by revisiting my past experiences and aligning them with the job requirements. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing structured responses and being ready to discuss specific examples in detail.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: The application process was well-managed and organized. The staff members were very helpful and friendly throughout the entire process. There were no hidden agendas, and the entire interview process was completed within a month.
Interview Rounds:
The interview process consisted of four rounds, each structured and conducted professionally. Here’s a breakdown of the 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 highlighting my relevant experience and how it aligns with the role of a Project Manager.
- Outcome: Successfully passed to the next round.
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Round 2 - Technical Interview:
- Questions Asked: Questions about project management methodologies, tools I’ve used, and how I handle project risks and timelines.
- Your Approach: I provided specific examples from my past projects to demonstrate my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
- Outcome: Advanced to the next round.
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Round 3 - Behavioral Interview:
- Questions Asked: Situational questions about teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership.
- Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers and shared real-life examples to showcase my soft skills.
- Outcome: Moved forward to the final round.
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Round 4 - Final HR Discussion:
- Questions Asked: Questions about salary expectations, career goals, and cultural fit.
- Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and expressed enthusiasm for the company’s culture and values.
- Outcome: Received a positive response and an offer.
Preparation Tips:
- Brush up on project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum.
- Prepare specific examples from past projects to answer technical and behavioral questions.
- Practice the STAR method for situational questions.
- Research the company’s culture and values to align your answers.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process at Barclays was smooth and transparent. The interviewers were professional and made the experience comfortable. I would advise future candidates to be well-prepared with examples and to stay confident throughout the process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process was straightforward, and I received a response within a couple of weeks.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Values Assessment:
- Questions Asked: The interviewer explained the role and then asked standardised questions focused on values alignment. Questions included:
- “Can you describe a time when you demonstrated integrity in a professional setting?”
- “How do you ensure your work aligns with the company’s core values?”
- Your Approach: I answered honestly, providing specific examples from my past experiences that highlighted my alignment with the company’s values.
- Outcome: Passed this round and moved to the next stage.
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Round 2 - Competencies Assessment:
- Questions Asked: This round focused on evaluating my skills and competencies relevant to the role. Questions included:
- “Describe a project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders. How did you ensure everyone was aligned?”
- “How do you handle conflicts within a team?”
- Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, ensuring clarity and relevance. I also emphasized my problem-solving and leadership skills.
- Outcome: Successfully cleared this round as well.
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Round 3 - Business Skills Assessment:
- Questions Asked: This round tested my understanding of business processes and project management. Questions included:
- “How do you prioritize tasks when managing a project with tight deadlines?”
- “Can you give an example of a project where you had to adapt to unexpected changes?”
- Your Approach: I provided concrete examples from my previous roles, focusing on my ability to adapt and deliver results under pressure.
- Outcome: Cleared this round and received positive feedback.
Preparation Tips:
- Research the company’s values and culture thoroughly.
- Practice the STAR method for competency-based questions.
- Review common project management scenarios and how you handled them.
Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was well-structured and gave me a clear understanding of the role. The questions were standardised, which made preparation easier. I would advise future candidates to focus on aligning their answers with the company’s values and to prepare for competency-based questions using real-life examples.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Not specified]
Application Process: Applied through a contracting company. The process took over a month. After a 30-minute screening by the contracting company’s HR, my resume was submitted to Barclays.
Interview Rounds:
Conclusion:
The overall experience was disappointing due to the lack of communication and the unprofessional behavior of the VP during the panel interview. It’s frustrating to learn that the decision may have been influenced by cost rather than qualifications. For future candidates, I’d advise being prepared for such scenarios and ensuring clear communication with the contracting company throughout the process.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location not specified]
Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in September 2024.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - Technical Round:
- Questions Asked:
- About the window, Linux, and database.
- About the infrastructure and monitoring mechanism.
- Your Approach:
- For the first question, I discussed my experience with Windows and Linux environments, focusing on their differences and use cases. I also explained my familiarity with database management systems and their importance in project management.
- For the second question, I elaborated on the infrastructure setup I had worked with in previous projects, emphasizing monitoring tools like Nagios and Prometheus, and how they ensure system reliability.
- Outcome: [Result not specified]
Preparation Tips:
- Brush up on operating systems (Windows and Linux) and their functionalities.
- Understand database concepts and their relevance in project management.
- Familiarize yourself with infrastructure monitoring tools and their mechanisms.
Conclusion:
The interview was a good learning experience, especially in terms of technical expectations for a Project Manager role. I realized the importance of having hands-on knowledge of infrastructure and monitoring tools. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on practical examples from past experiences to demonstrate your expertise.
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Application Process: I applied internally for the position of Project Manager at Barclays and was interviewed before June 2023.
Interview Rounds:
- Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
- Questions Asked:
- Difference between Python and SQL.
- Your Approach: I explained the fundamental differences between Python (a general-purpose programming language) and SQL (a domain-specific language for database management), highlighting their use cases and how they complement each other in data-related projects.
- Outcome: I passed this round and moved forward in the process.
Useful Resources:
- ICICI Bank Project Manager Experienced Interview Questions (for reference).
Company Name: Barclays
Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location (if applicable)]
Application Process: The application process began with an online submission of my resume and cover letter through the company’s career portal. After a few weeks, I received an invitation for the initial screening round.
Interview Rounds:
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Round 1 - Initial Screening (Phone Interview):
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Questions Asked:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this role at Barclays?
- Describe a time when you managed a project under tight deadlines.
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Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and aligning my answers with the job description. For the behavioral question, I used the STAR method to structure my response clearly.
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Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the next stage.
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Round 2 - Technical Assessment (Video Interview):
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Questions Asked:
- How do you prioritize tasks in a project?
- What tools or methodologies do you use for project management?
- A case study question about handling a project with conflicting stakeholder requirements.
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Your Approach: I discussed my familiarity with Agile and Waterfall methodologies and provided examples of tools like Jira and Trello. For the case study, I walked through my thought process step-by-step to demonstrate problem-solving skills.
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Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and moved to the final interview.
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Round 3 - Final Interview (In-Person):
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Questions Asked:
- How do you handle team conflicts?
- Describe a project where you had to adapt to unexpected changes.
- What do you think are the key qualities of a successful project manager?
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Your Approach: I emphasized my soft skills, such as communication and adaptability, and shared real-life examples to back my answers. I also asked insightful questions about the team and company culture.
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Outcome: Received positive feedback and was offered the position.
Preparation Tips:
- Brush up on common project management methodologies and tools.
- Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.
- Research Barclays’ values and recent projects to tailor your answers.
Conclusion:
The entire process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared because I had practiced extensively and researched the company thoroughly. My advice to future candidates is to focus on both technical and behavioral aspects and to be confident in showcasing your skills and experiences.