Investment Banking · ~3-4% acceptance rate

Barclays Interview Preparation

One of the UK's largest banks — with a graduate scheme that balances intensity with work-life balance

~80,000+

Applications

~3-4%

Offer rate

£50,000 base

Graduate salary

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HireVue Practice

Barclays — HireVue Practice

Your question

30s preparation 2 min recording Camera + mic

Application process

How to get into Barclays — step by step

Online Application

Opens August-September. Rolling.

Barclays values diversity. Highlight unique perspectives and experiences beyond just academics.

Online Assessment

Within 1-2 weeks

Numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and situational judgement. SHL format. Practise timed conditions.

HireVue Video Interview

2-3 weeks after assessment

4-6 questions. Behavioural focus. Reference Barclays' values: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship.

Assessment Centre

October-January

Group exercise, individual presentation, and partner interview. Barclays AC is collaborative — don't dominate.

Offer

Within 2 weeks of AC

Barclays moves reasonably quickly. September start date.

Interview questions

Barclays interview questions by round

Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.

1Why Barclays?
2Walk me through your CV.
3Tell me about a time you showed resilience.
4What does good client service mean to you?
5Describe a time you influenced a group decision.

What they value

What Barclays looks for in candidates

Values alignment

Barclays screens heavily against their five values. Know them and weave them into answers naturally.

Diversity of thought

They actively seek varied backgrounds and perspectives. Highlight what makes you different.

Client focus

Show understanding of client needs and how banking serves businesses and communities.

Commercial awareness

Know Barclays' position in the market — they're strong in UK/European deals.

Teamwork

AC group exercises test collaboration. Bring others in, build on ideas.

Analytical ability

Online assessments and technical interviews test numerical and logical reasoning.

Compensation

Barclays salary & benefits

Graduate

~£50,000 base (~£75K total comp)

Intern

~£45,000 pro-rata

Perks & benefits

Health insurancePension schemeShare schemesCycle to workGym discount25 days holidaySeason ticket loanMental health support

Culture & work style

What it's actually like to work at Barclays

Better work-life balance than GS/JPM — typically 60-70 hours/week

Hybrid working — 3 days in office (more flexible than US banks)

Strong UK/European deal flow

Large graduate cohort — good social scene

Diversity is a genuine priority

Canary Wharf headquarters

Clear analyst-to-associate progression

Investment in technology and digital banking

Insider tips

How to stand out at Barclays

Reference Barclays' five values — Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship

Know their UK/European deal strength — reference a specific Barclays deal

Barclays offers hybrid working — shows they value balance. Reference this thoughtfully.

At AC: the presentation matters. Structure it clearly with an opening, 3 points, and a conclusion.

Barclays' bonus cap removal means potential payouts up to 10x base — shows ambition

Compare

Barclays vs competitors

Firm	Salary	Hours	Culture	Exit opps
Barclays	~£50,000 base (~£75K total comp)	60-70/week	Better work-life balance than GS/JPM — t...	—
Goldman Sachs	~£65K / ~£95K total	70-80/week	More intense, higher pay	Strongest
J.P. Morgan	~£65K / ~£95K total	65-75/week	Structured, large teams	Very strong
HSBC	~£48K / ~£65K total	55-65/week	Asian focus, more balanced	Moderate
Deutsche Bank	~£55K / ~£80K total	60-70/week	European focus, rebuilding	Moderate-strong

FAQ

Barclays FAQs

~80,000+ people are applying.
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