Barclays Senior Business Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Barclays Senior Business Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

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

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Presentation & Interviews:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Competency-based questions covering Barclays values.
      • Technical questions (described as easy by the candidate).
      • One interviewer emphasized that the core BA role is solely about requirements.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared a 20-minute presentation.
      • Addressed the competency questions by aligning responses with Barclays values.
      • Found the technical questions straightforward.
      • Disagreed with the narrow definition of the BA role presented by one interviewer but remained professional.
    • Outcome:
      • No feedback received despite multiple follow-ups.
      • The candidate felt the process was unprofessional and a waste of time.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was disappointing due to the lack of feedback and the narrow perspective of one interviewer. The candidate advises future applicants to be prepared for a rigid view of the BA role at Barclays and to consider whether the company’s values align with their own professional approach. The unresponsiveness of the recruitment team was a significant drawback.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The questions were described as “very good, easy, moderate” but the specifics were not detailed. The interviewer aimed to assess technical skills and candidate attitude.
    • Your Approach: The candidate did not specify their approach.
    • Outcome: The round was designed to judge proactive attitude and technical proficiency, but the candidate did not share the result.

  • Round 2 - [Round Type Not Specified]:

    • Questions Asked: No specific questions were mentioned.
    • Your Approach: Not detailed.
    • Outcome: Not specified.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on technical proficiency and proactive problem-solving skills.
  • Practice answering questions that test both technical knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion:
The interview process was described as moderate, with an emphasis on judging the candidate’s attitude and technical skills. The candidate suggested that the questions could be tougher to better evaluate candidates. No further details were provided about the overall experience or final outcome.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: Informal internal interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Informal Internal Interview:
    • Questions Asked: No specific focus on current skill set or alignment with the role being recruited for.
    • Your Approach: The interview felt unstructured and lacked depth regarding the role’s requirements.
    • Outcome: The experience was disappointing, as it seemed like a tick-in-the-box exercise rather than a meaningful assessment.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was quite poor, with little effort made to evaluate my suitability for the role. It would have been better if the interview had been more structured and focused on relevant skills and experiences.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: The hiring process was well-structured, and the hiring manager had a clear understanding of the ideal candidate for the role. I applied through an online application portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Hiring Manager Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The questions were highly relevant to the role and focused on my past experiences, problem-solving skills, and how I would handle specific scenarios related to the job.
    • Your Approach: I answered by drawing parallels from my previous roles, emphasizing my analytical skills and ability to adapt to new challenges.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and received positive feedback on my problem-solving approach.

  • Round 2 - Technical/Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round combined technical questions about business analysis tools and methodologies, along with behavioral questions to assess cultural fit.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method for behavioral questions and provided concrete examples of my technical expertise.
    • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on business analysis frameworks and tools.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Research the company’s recent projects to align your answers with their goals.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and insightful. The hiring team was professional and made the experience engaging. I would advise future candidates to focus on real-world examples and stay updated with industry trends to ace the interviews.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via the Barclays website (Taleo) in mid-January 2015 for a position that matched my skillset and experience. A recruiter contacted me in early February to set up a phone interview with the hiring manager.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview with Hiring Manager:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Discussed my background and reasons for seeking a new position.
    • Hypothetical situations were proposed to gauge my reactions.

  • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my experience with the role’s requirements and provided thoughtful responses to the hypothetical scenarios.

  • Outcome: The interview went well, and the hiring manager mentioned I was a great fit. However, the hiring requisition wasn’t finalized, so the process couldn’t proceed further.

Conclusion:

The interview experience was positive, and the hiring manager was impressed with my fit for the role. Unfortunately, the position wasn’t finalized at the time, so the process stalled. I remain open to discussing the role if it becomes available in the future. For future candidates, I’d recommend staying patient and following up politely if the process seems delayed.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The application process was facilitated through a recruitment agency. The recruiter arranged the interview dates and coordinated the entire process, which aligns with standard European banking industry practices.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Interview:

  • Questions Asked: The first round was a standard one-hour interview. Questions were likely focused on assessing my fit for the role, understanding my experience, and evaluating my knowledge of business analysis in the banking sector.

  • Your Approach: I prepared by reviewing my past projects and ensuring I could articulate my contributions clearly. I also brushed up on industry trends and Barclays’ business model to align my answers with their expectations.

  • Outcome: Successfully passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Second Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, this was another one-hour session. The questions delved deeper into my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how I handle real-world business analysis challenges.

  • Your Approach: I focused on providing structured responses using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to showcase my problem-solving and analytical skills. I also highlighted my adaptability and ability to work in a dynamic banking environment.

  • Outcome: Awaiting feedback, but the interview went well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company thoroughly, especially its business model and recent developments in the banking sector.

  • Practice articulating your past experiences using the STAR method to ensure clarity and impact.

  • Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with the role and the company’s expectations.

Conclusion:

The interview process was smooth and well-organized, thanks to the recruitment agency’s coordination. The questions were standard for the industry, and I felt well-prepared. If I could do anything differently, I might spend more time on Barclays-specific case studies to tailor my responses even further. For future candidates, my advice is to focus on both technical and soft skills, as the role requires a balance of both.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through an online job portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Phone Screen:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Basic SQL queries and optimization techniques.
      • Understanding of Fixed Income products like Swaps, Bonds, and CDs.
      • Scenario-based questions on how to analyze and present data for business decisions.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared by revising SQL concepts and practicing queries.
      • Read up on Fixed Income products to ensure clarity on terminologies and use cases.
      • Focused on structuring answers logically for scenario-based questions.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and was invited for an in-person interview.

  • Round 2 - In-Person Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Advanced SQL queries involving joins, subqueries, and window functions.
      • Detailed discussion on Fixed Income products, their risks, and market trends.
      • Case study on analyzing a dataset to derive business insights.
    • Your Approach:
      • Practiced complex SQL problems beforehand.
      • Reviewed Barclays’ recent reports on Fixed Income markets to align with their perspective.
      • Used a structured approach for the case study, breaking it down into clear steps.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received positive feedback on technical knowledge.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on SQL thoroughly, especially optimization and complex queries.
  • Understand Fixed Income products in depth, including market trends and risks.
  • Practice case studies to improve analytical thinking and presentation skills.

Conclusion:
The interview process was challenging but well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical aspects but realized the importance of aligning with the company’s perspective on market trends. For future candidates, I’d recommend focusing on both technical skills and industry-specific knowledge to stand out.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Telephonic Interview with Line Manager:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Why are you moving out from your previous employer?
      • What keeps you motivated at work?
      • What is SDLC?
      • How would you encounter difficult situations?
      • How important is Service Management?
      • How important is a tool (like Service Now or BMC Remedy) for carrying out Service Management?
    • Your Approach:
      • I answered honestly about my reasons for leaving my previous job, emphasizing growth opportunities.
      • For motivation, I highlighted my passion for problem-solving and teamwork.
      • Explained SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) in simple terms, focusing on its phases and importance.
      • Shared examples of handling difficult situations with patience and collaboration.
      • Stressed the importance of Service Management in ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction.
      • Discussed how tools like ServiceNow or BMC Remedy streamline processes but emphasized that the tool is only as good as the processes and people using it.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on SDLC concepts and real-world applications.
  • Prepare examples of handling challenging work situations.
  • Understand the role of Service Management tools and their impact on business processes.

Conclusion:
The interview was a good opportunity to reflect on my experiences and articulate my understanding of key concepts. I felt confident in my responses but would recommend preparing more specific examples for future interviews.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: Approached by the company directly.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. What is GROUP BY statement used for in SQL?
      2. Group By divides the results of a query into groups of rows. It is used with aggregate functions like sum, avg, etc.
    • Your Approach: I explained the GROUP BY clause in SQL, emphasizing its role in grouping rows with identical values in specified columns and its common use with aggregate functions. For the second question, I elaborated on how GROUP BY works in conjunction with functions like SUM and AVG to provide summarized results.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Keep it simple in technical interviews. Focus on clear and concise explanations of concepts rather than overcomplicating answers.

Conclusion:
The interview was straightforward, and the questions were aligned with the role’s requirements. Staying calm and articulating my thoughts clearly helped me perform well. For future candidates, I’d recommend brushing up on SQL fundamentals and practicing explaining concepts in simple terms.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied internally for a role I was already performing as a secondment for over two years.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Competency-Based Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Overkill competency-based questions, focusing on scenarios and behaviors.

  • Your Approach: Answered based on my extensive experience in the role, providing specific examples.

  • Outcome: Felt the questions were excessive for someone already excelling in the role.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Technical aspects related to the role, some of which felt outdated.

  • Your Approach: Tackled the questions using my hands-on experience, but some questions seemed irrelevant.

  • Outcome: Frustrating, as the technical focus didn’t align with the actual demands of the role.

  • Round 3 - Business Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Business strategy and stakeholder management questions.

  • Your Approach: Drew from my two years of experience in the role to answer.

  • Outcome: Felt the process was overly bureaucratic and not reflective of my proven capabilities.

Conclusion:

The interview process was unnecessarily rigorous for someone already performing the role successfully. The questions felt outdated and didn’t align well with the actual job requirements. My advice for future candidates would be to prepare for a mix of competency, technical, and business questions, but also to advocate for a more streamlined process if you’re already excelling in the role.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: [Brief description of how the student applied, e.g., campus placement, online application, referral]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Trade lifecycle
      2. Zero coupon bonds
    • Your Approach: [The candidate’s approach or strategy to answer the questions]
    • Outcome: [Result of this round]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding trade lifecycle and zero coupon bonds.
  • Review financial services concepts, market risk, and credit risk.
  • Practice using tools like JIRA and Oracle Fusion if applicable.

Conclusion:

  • The technical round was challenging but insightful. Preparing thoroughly for financial concepts and tools would be beneficial for future candidates.
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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: The hiring process was well-structured and transparent. I had three rounds of interviews, and the roles, responsibilities, and compensation were clearly explained to me in advance.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:

  • Questions Asked: General questions about my background, experience, and why I was interested in the role.

  • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the requirements of the Senior Business Analyst role and emphasized my problem-solving skills.

  • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions about data analysis tools, methodologies, and a case study to assess my analytical skills.

  • Your Approach: I demonstrated my proficiency with tools like SQL and Excel and walked through my thought process for the case study.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 3 - HR and Final Discussion:

  • Questions Asked: Questions about my career goals, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

  • Your Approach: I was honest about my expectations and showcased my enthusiasm for joining Barclays.

  • Outcome: Received a positive response and an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on technical skills, especially data analysis tools and methodologies.
  • Practice case studies to improve problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Be clear about your career goals and how they align with the role.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and professional. The interviewers were supportive, and the process was well-organized. I would advise future candidates to thoroughly prepare for technical rounds and be transparent during HR discussions.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: I was initially contacted over the phone by the recruiter. The process involved two rounds of phone interviews followed by a final in-person panel interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview (Case Study):

    • Questions Asked: The interviewer presented a business case study related to process optimization. Questions revolved around identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions.
    • Your Approach: I structured my response by first understanding the problem, analyzing the current process, and then suggesting actionable improvements with a focus on cost and time savings.
    • Outcome: I passed this round and was invited for the next phone interview.

  • Round 2 - Phone Interview (Situational Interview):

    • Questions Asked: This round included situational questions like “How would you handle a stakeholder who disagrees with your analysis?” and “Describe a time when you had to prioritize multiple projects.”
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to answer situational questions, providing clear examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: I successfully cleared this round and moved to the final in-person interview.

  • Round 3 - In-Person Panel Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The panel included a technology case study (e.g., “How would you implement a new software tool for data analysis?”) and a strategy case (e.g., “How would you align business goals with IT capabilities?”). There were also general questions about my experience and fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: For the case studies, I broke down the problems into smaller components, proposed step-by-step solutions, and justified my recommendations. For the general questions, I highlighted my relevant skills and experiences.
    • Outcome: The panel seemed satisfied with my responses, and I received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice case studies focusing on business process optimization and technology implementation.
  • Review common situational questions and prepare answers using the STAR method.
  • Brush up on industry trends and Barclays’ business model to align your answers with their goals.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. The case studies were challenging but manageable with proper preparation. I would advise future candidates to focus on structuring their responses clearly and practicing case studies beforehand. Also, being confident and engaging with the interviewers helps a lot!

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: I applied via a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before August 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Payment flows, SEPA, and types of messages.
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining the payment flow processes, the role of SEPA in European payments, and the different types of messages used in payment systems. I also highlighted my experience with these concepts in previous roles.
    • Outcome: The round went well, and I was able to demonstrate my technical knowledge effectively.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on payment systems, especially SEPA, and understand the flow of transactions.
  • Familiarize yourself with the types of messages used in payment processing.
  • Practice explaining technical concepts clearly and concisely.

Conclusion:
The interview was a great opportunity to showcase my expertise in payment systems and business analysis. I felt confident in my responses, but I could have prepared more examples from my past projects to make my answers even stronger. For future candidates, I recommend thoroughly understanding the technical aspects of the role and being ready to discuss real-world applications.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume-based shortlisting)

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and highlighted relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Interview:

  • Questions Asked: “Tell me about yourself.”

  • Your Approach: Gave a structured response covering my background, key skills, and why I was interested in the role.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Interview:

  • Questions Asked: “Requirement gathering techniques.”

  • Your Approach: Explained various techniques like interviews, surveys, and workshops, and shared examples from past experiences.

  • Outcome: [Outcome not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Clear your basics and practice common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself.”
  • Focus on requirement gathering techniques and be ready to discuss real-world examples.

Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, with a focus on both technical and behavioral aspects. Ensuring my resume was well-structured helped me clear the first round. Practicing common questions and brushing up on requirement gathering techniques was beneficial. Future candidates should focus on these areas to perform well.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: [Brief description of how the student applied]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening)

  • Your Approach: Ensured the resume was professional, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Avoided unprofessional email addresses.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked: “How to deal with difficult people?”

  • Your Approach: Shared a structured response, focusing on communication, empathy, and conflict resolution strategies.

  • Outcome: Provided a satisfactory answer, awaiting further updates.

Preparation Tips:

  • Study Payments, Agile methodologies, and basics of business analysis.
  • Focus on skills like Business Transformation, Requirement Gathering, and Credit Risk.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role’s expectations. Ensuring a professional resume and preparing for behavioral and technical questions were key. Future candidates should emphasize relevant skills and practical examples in their responses.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: I applied via a referral and was interviewed before May 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist Round:

    • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening)
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was error-free and highlighted relevant skills and experience.
    • Outcome: Shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you walk me through your project and explain the basis of your journey?
    • Your Approach: I provided a detailed explanation of my projects, focusing on my role, challenges faced, and outcomes.
    • Outcome: Moved to the HR round.

  • Round 3 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Salary discussion.
    • Your Approach: I was transparent about my salary expectations and aligned them with industry standards.
    • Outcome: Final discussions were positive.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on your existing skills and how they align with the role.
  • Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail, emphasizing your contributions and learnings.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I ensured my resume was polished and practiced articulating my project experiences clearly. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly understanding your own journey and being confident in discussing it.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed before March 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: N/A (Resume screening round)

  • Your Approach: Ensured the resume was well-formatted and clearly highlighted relevant experience and skills.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-One Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Previous projects worked on.
    2. What is the SDLC process?

  • Your Approach: Provided detailed explanations of past projects, focusing on my role and contributions. For the SDLC question, I outlined the stages and methodologies involved.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-One Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Project methodologies like Agile and Waterfall.

  • Your Approach: Explained the differences between Agile and Waterfall, along with real-world examples of how I’ve applied these methodologies in previous roles.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared to discuss old projects in detail.
  • Have in-depth knowledge of banking products.
  • Clearly articulate your role in previous companies.

Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, with a focus on past experiences and methodologies. Being well-prepared with project details and banking domain knowledge helped me perform well. For future candidates, I recommend thoroughly reviewing your resume and brushing up on SDLC and project methodologies.

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Company Name: Barclays

Position: Senior Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through an online job portal. The process was lengthy, with multiple rounds and significant waiting periods between interviews.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Screening:

    • Questions Asked: General questions about my previous work experience, career goals, and why I wanted to join Barclays.
    • Your Approach: I kept my answers concise and aligned them with the role’s requirements, emphasizing my analytical skills and experience in business analysis.
    • Outcome: Passed to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my technical skills, tools I’ve used (like SQL, Excel, and business intelligence tools), and how I’ve applied them in past projects.
    • Your Approach: I provided specific examples of projects where I used these tools and explained the impact of my work.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next stage.

  • Round 3 - Case Study:

    • Questions Asked: Presented with a business scenario and asked to analyze it, identify key issues, and propose solutions.
    • Your Approach: I structured my analysis logically, asked clarifying questions, and presented my solution with supporting data.
    • Outcome: Moved forward in the process.

  • Round 4 - Team Fit Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Questions about teamwork, collaboration, and how I handle conflicts or challenges in a team setting.
    • Your Approach: Shared examples of successful teamwork and how I contributed to resolving conflicts.
    • Outcome: Progressed to the next round.

  • Round 5 - Senior Leadership Interview:

    • Questions Asked: High-level questions about my strategic thinking, leadership experience, and how I align with Barclays’ values.
    • Your Approach: I linked my past leadership experiences to the role and demonstrated my understanding of the company’s goals.
    • Outcome: Advanced further.

  • Rounds 6-9 - Additional Interviews:

    • Questions Asked: Varied topics, including deeper dives into technical skills, cultural fit, and scenario-based questions.
    • Your Approach: Stayed consistent in my responses, ensuring alignment with the role and company culture.
    • Outcome: Finally received an offer after a total of 9 interviews.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on technical skills like SQL and Excel, as they were frequently tested.
  • Practice case studies to improve analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Research Barclays’ values and culture to align your answers with their expectations.
  • Be patient, as the process can be lengthy.

Conclusion:
The interview process at Barclays was thorough and tested both technical and soft skills. While the waiting periods were frustrating, the conversations were generally easy-going. I’d advise future candidates to stay patient, prepare thoroughly, and ensure their responses reflect both their skills and alignment with the company’s values.