Built by a hiring manager who's conducted 1,000+ interviews at Google, Amazon, Nvidia, and Adobe.
Built by a hiring manager who's conducted 1,000+ interviews at Google, Amazon, Nvidia, and Adobe.
By Revarta Editorial Team
Reviewed by Vamsi Narla, Former Hiring Manager at Google, Amazon & Adobe · Last verified March 22, 2026
Barclays uses a strengths-based interviewing approach, focusing on what energises and motivates you rather than just past experience. The process typically includes online assessments, video interviews, and assessment centres. Barclays values diversity, commercial awareness, and a genuine passion for financial services.
What to expect at each stage of the interview
Complete online application with situational judgement tests, numerical reasoning, and verbal reasoning assessments. Barclays uses strengths-based questions throughout.
Pre-recorded video interview with strengths-based and motivational questions. You have limited time to prepare and record each answer. Some roles include a job simulation exercise.
Practice these frequently asked questions to prepare for your interview
Tip: Be authentic about what genuinely energises you and connect it to the role. Barclays wants to see natural enthusiasm.
Tip: Cover financial statement analysis, industry risk, management quality, and collateral assessment. Reference Basel III frameworks.
Understand the company culture to align your interview responses
Treating colleagues, clients, and communities with dignity and consideration in every interaction.
Acting honestly and transparently, holding yourself to the highest ethical standards in banking.
Putting clients and customers at the heart of everything, delivering excellence in financial services.
Striving for the highest quality in work, continuously improving processes and outcomes.
Thinking long-term about the impact of decisions on clients, colleagues, and the wider community.
Embracing different perspectives and backgrounds to drive innovation and better decision-making.
Barclays offers a structured yet collaborative environment across investment banking, retail banking, and technology. The London headquarters at Canary Wharf provides modern facilities with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee wellbeing programmes.
Insider advice to help you stand out
Barclays pioneered strengths-based recruitment in UK banking. Focus on what you naturally enjoy and excel at, rather than rehearsed competency examples. Authenticity is key.
Practise group discussions, case study presentations, and in-tray exercises. Assessors evaluate collaboration, leadership potential, and commercial judgement simultaneously.
Follow the Financial Times, understand interest rate impacts, fintech competition, and regulatory changes like Consumer Duty. Barclays expects candidates to discuss market trends confidently.
Built with extensive experience - conducting interviews and passing interviews at Google, NVIDIA, Amazon, Adobe and Remitly
Practice interview questions by speaking out loud (not typing). Hit record and start speaking your answers naturally.
Your responses are processed in real-time, transcribing and analyzing your performance.
Receive detailed analysis and improved answer suggestions. See exactly what's holding you back and how to fix it.
Explore interview prep for related companies
Includes a group exercise, individual presentation, and a face-to-face interview. Assessed on Barclays values, commercial awareness, and collaboration skills.
Senior leader interview for experienced hires. Decisions typically communicated within two weeks of the assessment centre.
Typical Timeline: 4-8 weeks from application to offer
Tip: Demonstrate your ability to simplify without being patronising. Use analogies and check understanding throughout.
Tip: Choose a genuine example where doing the right thing had a cost. Show how your actions aligned with ethical standards.
Tip: Discuss digital disruption from challenger banks, interest rate environment, or regulatory changes. Show you follow industry news.
Tip: Emphasise how different perspectives led to a better outcome. Barclays values diversity of thought.
Tip: Share a structured approach to prioritisation. Mention stakeholder communication and managing expectations.
Tip: Reference specific Barclays initiatives, values, or business areas. Show genuine research beyond surface-level knowledge.
Tip: Show diplomatic skills — acknowledge their contribution while creating space for others. Assessors watch for inclusive leadership.
Tip: Discuss ESG considerations, fair lending practices, and long-term value creation. Reference Barclays' sustainability commitments.
Understand the differences between Barclays UK, Barclays Investment Bank, and Barclays Private Bank. Tailor your answers to the specific division you are applying to.
Practise numerical and verbal reasoning tests under timed conditions. Barclays uses platforms like Arctic Shores for gamified psychometric assessments.
Weave respect, integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship into your responses naturally. Use specific examples that demonstrate each value in action.
Practice as much as you want until you're confident. Practice speaking out loud, privately, without the cringe.
Rome wasn't built in a day, so repeat until you're confident. You can become unstoppable.