Practice Barclays Interview Questions
Barclays is a leading global investment and retail bank. Graduate and experienced hire interviews use a structured competency framework aligned to the RISES values. Expect questions probing commercial awareness, risk mindset, client focus, and integrity. Investment banking and markets roles go deeper on technical knowledge and motivation.
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How Barclays interviews work
Barclays' first stage includes an application form and online tests — numerical reasoning, logical reasoning, and a situational strength test. These are timed and competitive, so preparation is essential.
Successful applicants are invited to a HireVue video interview or telephone screen. Questions cover your motivations for Barclays and your chosen division, plus STAR-based competency questions aligned to the RISES values.
The final stage typically includes a group exercise, a written or presentation task, and a live competency interview with a senior manager or director. Investment banking roles may include a technical or market knowledge discussion.
Common Barclays behavioral interview questions
These questions reflect Barclays' RISES values framework used across all interview stages. ScreenReady generates variations and scores your structure, commercial awareness, and values alignment.
- "Why Barclays specifically — and why this division? What have you done to understand the business and what excites you about it?"
- "Tell me about a time you demonstrated real commercial awareness. What was the situation and how did your understanding make a difference?"
- "Describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult team member or colleague. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?"
- "Give me an example of how you managed risk or uncertainty in a project or situation. What did you do to mitigate the risk and what happened?"
- "Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a client, customer, or colleague. What drove you to do more and what was the impact?"
Tips for Barclays interviews
Barclays' five values — Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship — underpin the entire interview framework. For each STAR story you prepare, identify which RISES value it best demonstrates. Interviewers score against these, so making the connection explicit strengthens your answers.
For investment banking and markets roles, Barclays expects candidates who follow financial news and understand market dynamics. Be ready to discuss a recent deal, a market event, or a regulatory development that's relevant to the division you're joining.
Every competency question deserves a full STAR answer. Barclays interviewers are trained to probe for specifics if your answer is vague — STAR structure gives them what they need to write a strong assessment on your behalf.
Barclays is a large organisation — investment banking, markets, wealth management, retail, and technology are all very different. Interviewers want to know why this specific division and why now. Do your research and make your motivation credible and specific.
Frequently asked questions
Does Barclays use a HireVue video interview?
Yes, Barclays uses HireVue as part of their graduate and internship application process. After passing online tests, candidates complete an asynchronous video interview with pre-set competency questions. You record your responses within a time limit — ScreenReady replicates exactly this pressure to help you prepare.
What are the Barclays RISES values?
Barclays' five values are Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship — known as RISES. These underpin every stage of the interview process. Interviewers score behavioral answers against these values, so knowing and demonstrating them in your examples is not optional.
How many interview stages are there at Barclays?
Barclays' graduate process typically involves three main stages: an online application with numerical, logical, and situational judgement tests; a HireVue or telephone interview; and a final assessment centre or senior interview, which may include a group exercise, individual presentation, and competency-based interview.
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