Getting ready for a Barclays interview? Barclays is a global financial services company known for its focus on integrity, risk management, and customer trust. Because of this, interview questions often focus on communication skills, ethical decision-making, and how you handle responsibility in a professional setting.
Below, you’ll find common Barclays interview questions, why they’re asked, and sample answers to help you prepare. Whether you’re applying for a retail banking, corporate, technology, or graduate role, this page will help you understand what Barclays looks for in candidates and how to make a strong impression.
Barclays Interview Questions and Answers
1. Can you tell us about yourself?
Interviewers use this question to learn more about your background, personality, and work style. They want to hear about your experience, strengths, and why you would be a good fit for the job.
Sample Answer
“I’m a reliable and hardworking person who enjoys helping others and learning new skills. I work well in team environments and like staying busy. In school and past experiences, I’ve learned the importance of communication, responsibility, and customer service. I’m looking for an opportunity where I can grow, gain experience, and contribute positively to the team.”
2. Why do you want to work at Barclays?
- Express your enthusiasm for joining Barclays Bank due to its prestigious reputation, global reach, and commitment to innovation. Highlight your excitement about contributing your skills to a dynamic team and furthering your professional growth within this leading financial institution.
- Say that you are impressed with Barclays’ commitment to the environment, specifically its zero-emissions strategy. The bank is committed to having its buildings achieve zero emissions by 2050.
3. What is your greatest strength?
This question is an invitation to explain why you are the best-qualified candidate for this job!
The answer should be broken down into three parts
- The Strength – state the strength
- Proof of the strength – an example of how you have used this strength.
- The strength’s relevance to THIS job.
4. What is your greatest weakness?
Employers ask this question to see if you are self-aware, honest, and willing to improve yourself.
Sample answer
“One weakness I have is that I can be a little nervous when starting something new. I like to do a good job, so I sometimes put pressure on myself at first. However, once I learn the job and get comfortable, I become more confident and work well with others. I also try to ask questions and learn from feedback so I can improve.”
Company Information
5. What can you tell us about Barclays?
- Barclays is a British multinational universal bank headquartered in London, England. Barclays operates as two divisions, Barclays UK and Barclays International.
- Barclays UK comprises the British retail banking operations, consumer credit card business, wealth management business, and corporate banking for small, medium and large-sized companies in the UK.
- Barclays International consists of Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank (formerly known as Barclays Capital) and the Consumer, Cards & Payments business.
- The headquarters are in London, England.
- On June 27th, 1967, Barclays launched the world’s first cash machine.
- Barclays introduced the Connect card in June 1987. It was the first debit card in the United Kingdom.
- Barclays is traded on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100
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6. What are Barclays Values?
- Respect – We respect and value those we work with and the contribution that they make.
- Integrity – We act fairly, ethically, and openly in all we do.
- Service – We put our clients and customers at the centre of what we do.
- Excellence – We use our energy, skills, and resources to deliver the best, sustainable results.
- Stewardship – We are passionate about leaving things better than when we found them.
Remember Your Job Interview Questions?
Whether it was recent or a while ago, your experience can help others.
Additional Interview Questions
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Look at other Barclays jobs online and find a position you can do in 5 years. This will make you sound like a good fit for the banking industry and Barclays.
8. Why did you leave your last job?
Interviewers ask this question for the following reasons.
- Did you leave for a good reason?
- Did you leave voluntarily?
- Did you leave on good terms?
- What are your work values?
Here is a sample response
“I enjoyed my last job at Company XYZ. However, I felt growth was minimal, and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.
9. Why is there a gap in your resume?
Employers ask this to understand your work history and make sure the gap wasn’t due to anything that would affect your reliability or performance. They’re not necessarily judging the gap itself; they just want to know what you were doing during that time and if you’re ready to return to work. They also use this question to check honesty, attitude, and how you explain your situation under pressure.
Sample Answer
“I took some time away from work to focus on personal priorities and reset. During that time, I stayed productive by working on personal development and staying organized with my goals. I’m now fully ready and motivated to return to work and commit to a consistent schedule. I’m looking forward to contributing, learning, and being reliable in a team environment.”
10. What motivates you?
Interviewers ask this to understand what pushes you to do your best at work. They want to see if you stay positive, work hard, and enjoy helping customers and teammates.
Sample Answer
“I’m motivated by learning new skills and doing a good job. I also enjoy working with people and helping customers have a positive experience. Knowing that I’m contributing to a team and improving each day keeps me focused and motivated.”
Questions to ask at the end of the interview
11. Do you have any questions for us?
The best questions to ask come naturally from the conversation with the interviewer. However, here are a few prepared questions to ask
- What do you like best about working here?
- How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
- What about this position is the most important?
- How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
- Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
- What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?
How do I prepare for a Barclays Interview?
Here are some steps you can take to help you prepare for your Barclays Interview effectively:
- Research Barclays: Understand Barclays’ history, values, mission, products, services, and recent news. Familiarize yourself with the company’s culture and the specific division or role you’re interviewing for.
- Review the Job Description: Study the job description to understand the skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for the role. Be prepared to discuss how your background and experiences align with the role’s requirements.
- Practice Common Interview Questions: Prepare responses to common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work at Barclays?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” Structure your answers using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method when discussing your achievements and experiences.
- Behavioural Questions: Many interviews include behavioural questions that assess your past actions and behaviours. Prepare examples of situations where you demonstrated teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
- Research Industry Trends: Stay up-to-date with trends and developments in the industry and any recent changes or challenges Barclays might be facing. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge about the field.
- Prepare Questions for the Interviewer: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your interest in the company and the role. Ask about the team dynamics, potential projects, training opportunities, and the company’s growth plans.
Barclays Interview Tips
- Arrive 10 minutes early.
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Learn as much as you can about the company.
- Don’t speak too fast, as you will sound nervous.
- Don’t speak too slowly, as you will sound dull.
- Make eye contact during the entire interview.
Barclays Online Interview
- If you have an interview online, don’t panic. Study the questions above, and you will do fine.
- Tip! Find a quiet room with no distractions.