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Are you applying to the 2026 Barclays Bank graduate programs? Are you seeking to secure a professional role at Barclays? This comprehensive guide is precisely what you need to navigate the hiring process successfully.
The text below provides a comprehensive guide to candidate recruitment, assessment preparation, and practice for those applying to jobs, internships, and graduate programs at Barclays in the UK, US, and globally.
Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews, and assessment centre exercises that you can use to practice and prepare for your Barclays recruitment process.
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Not sure if you should practice assessments for the Barclays recruitment process? Research revealed that 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. The proven way to increase your chances of getting the job is through practice.
A recent study revealed that candidates who do not practice assessments are more likely to fail at the first stage of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study researched the Top 100 global employers (Bradley et al., 2019).
In a nutshell:
The Barclays experience platform assessment includes psychometric tests to assess your cognitive abilities. The Barclays psychometric tests are:
Did you know that 50-80% of candidates get rejected at this stage? The only proven way to get to the next round of the Barclays online assessments is practice.
Prepare for your Barclays interviews by practicing with mock interviews and answering typical Barclays interview questions. For interview practice, use the following:
Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer consistently before your interview day.
Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions and emulates your experience in platforms used for employers’ interviews (HireVue, Pymetrics, Sonru).
The Barclays assessment centre is a series of exercises that Barclays uses to test whether you are the right candidate for the role. For you to pass, it is important that you practice different exercises, which include:
Continue reading to get answers to these critical questions:
Simply click on the table below to begin your Barclays assessment practice!
Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests
Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests
Practice Logical Reasoning Tests
Practice Situational Judgement Tests
Practice Work Personality Questionnaire
Practice Video Interviews
Prepare for your Assessment Centre
Go Premium with GF and get the relevant Barclays practice assessments in the table above to ace your Barclays assessments on your first try!
Before we go into the breakdown of the Barclays application process, let’s find out more about the company.
Barclays is a British multinational bank founded in the 1690s and headquartered in the UK. It is one of the largest banking institutions in the world that provides a range of services such as retail banking, corporate and investment banking.
Barclays operates in over 50 countries with about 140,000 employees worldwide. Barclays offers numerous services to over 45 million customers, which gives opportunities for employment in various areas which including:
Barclays Application Tip: One of the ways to boost your job application to Barclays is to research Barclays’ values and culture; these elements can guide you through the hiring process.
The Barclays core values are as follows:
Respect
Barclays believes in the power of inclusion and diversity, as well as the trust and value of employees and customers.
Integrity
Barclays values honesty, transparency, and fairness in its operations.
Service
Barclays prioritises empathy and humility in dealing with its clients and ensures that optimum service is delivered consistently.
Excellence
Barclays champions innovation, expertise, and resources to make a positive difference in the world.
Stewardship
Barclays offers sustainability and responsibility for the long-term health and legacy of the bank, its clients, and broader society
Now that you know about Barclays, let’s proceed to the Barclays hiring process, and we are going to start with the Barclays online application.
You will start the Barclays job application process by completing an online application form on the Barclays career website for your desired role. You will submit your personal data, relevant skills and experience in the application form.
The details you will need to submit for the Barclays online application form are the following:
Find below an image of the Barclays application form.
Barclays Application Form
Source: Barclays Career
Barclays Application Tip: Adapt keywords from the job description in your CV/resume to help your application stand out and increase your chances of getting shortlisted for the next stage.
Looking for tips for creating a strong Barclays CV/resume? Check out our carefully curated tips to help yourself out!
Keep your CV concise. Limit your CV to no more than 2 pages to ensure clarity and easy navigation for Barclays recruiters.
Tailor to the role. Align your skills and achievements with the job description, using keywords that are relevant to Barclays, e.g. financial risk management.
Stay relevant. Include only essential information, i.e. key skills, experience, education, and certifications that match Barclays’ core competencies.
Avoid photos. Do not include images, as Barclays values unbiased and inclusive recruitment.
Proofread thoroughly. Ensure your CV is free of grammar and spelling errors. Attention to detail reflects professionalism, especially in roles within finance.
For more tips to ace your Barclays application, don’t miss our quick video below!
Once you submit the Barclays application form, it will be reviewed. If you are shortlisted, you will receive an email invitation to take the Barclays experience platform assessment.
The Barclays experience platform assessment is a range of aptitude tests used in the Barclays hiring process to test your cognitive abilities and suitability for the role. Barclays typically uses assessments by SHL. These tests last between 60-90 minutes.
The Barclays assessment tests include the following:
Good to Know: If you apply for a tech or developer role, you will have to complete a Barclays online test to evaluate your coding skills and understanding of computer science fundamentals.
Now, let’s talk about each of the aptitude tests in the Barclays cognitive ability assessment.
The Barclays numerical reasoning test evaluates your ability to comprehend and interpret numerical data that include graphs, charts and statistical analysis. This Barclays SHL test lasts about 35 minutes and mostly consists of 35 questions.
Watch our short video below to learn more about the Barclays numerical reasoning test:
The Barclays numerical reasoning test will measure your ability to interpret numerical information, analyse it to make data-driven decisions.
Access our FREE numerical reasoning practice questions when you sign up with GF to boost your prep for the Barclays numerical reasoning test!
Or, don’t miss this example of Barclays’ numerical reasoning test provided by our experts below!
Barclays-style Numerical Reasoning Test Example
Did you get the correct answer? Check the bottom of the page to find out.
Continue below to learn useful tips to help you pass the Barclays numerical reasoning test.
Looking for more Barclays numerical reasoning test practice?
After the Barclays numerical reasoning test, the next test you may have to do is the Barclays verbal reasoning test.
The Barclays verbal reasoning test is a psychometric test designed to measure your ability to read, analyse and interpret written information. This Barclays online test has 30 questions to be completed in 20-30 minutes.
Watch our video below to learn more about the Barclays verbal reasoning test:
The Barclays verbal reasoning test involves you reading short passages concerning work scenarios as relating to Barclays, and you need to choose the correct answer to say a statement is true, false, or cannot say based on the provided information.
Access our FREE verbal reasoning practice questions when you sign up with GF today to help with your Barclays verbal test preparation.
Or, have a go at our example Barclays-style verbal reasoning test question provided by our experts below!
Barclays-style Verbal Reasoning Test Example
Looking for more tips to pass the Barclays verbal reasoning test? Don’t miss our helpful tips below!
Looking for more Barclays verbal reasoning test practice?
After the Barclays verbal reasoning test, the next test you may have to do is the Barclays logical reasoning test.
The Barclays logical reasoning test is a segment of the Barclays psychometric tests that involves candidates analysing different symbols and shapes to predict the next arrangement in the sequence. This Barclays SHL test usually lasts 20 minutes.
Don’t miss our short video below for more insights into the Barclays logical reasoning test!
The Barclays logical reasoning test measures the candidate’s pattern recognition, problem-solving, non-verbal reasoning skills, including attention to detail. This Barclays aptitude test also evaluates analytical and abstract thinking skills.
Access our FREE logical reasoning practice questions when you sign up with GF today to help with your Barclays verbal test preparation.
Or, check out an example of a Barclays logical reasoning test question provided by our experts below.
Barclays-style Logical Reasoning Test Example
Need help passing the Barclays logical reasoning test? Find below our carefully curated tips to help you ace the test.
Looking for more Barclays logical reasoning test practice?
After the Barclays logical reasoning test, the next test you may have to do is the Barclays values and mindset assessment.
The Barclays values and mindset assessment, also known as the Barclays situational judgement reasoning test, evaluates your decision-making using work scenarios similar to Barclays. This test has 75 questions and lasts 20-25 minutes.
Watch our video below to find out what a situational judgement test is and understand this Barclays test better.
The Barclays situational judgement test will assess your ability to handle teamwork, conflict resolution, time management, leadership, problem-solving, and other skills that will influence your decision making if you get the job at Barclays.
Good to Know: This Barclays online test is not timed; however, you should aim to finish in record time. Give your answers based on the best and worst decisions in each given scenario.
Check out a sneak peek of a Barclays-style situational judgement test question provided by our experts below.
Barclays-style Situational Judgement Test Example
How do you pass the Barclays values and mindset assessment? Consider the following critical Barclays test tips below.
Top 7 Tips to Pass the Barclays Values and Mindset Assessment
Practice for the Barclays values and mindsets assessment by practising similar situational judgement questions with GF!
Moving to the last Barclays online test, the Barclays personality assessment.
The Barclays personality assessment is a Barclays test that measures how well you ‘fit’ the position and also predicts how likely employees will remain in the role. You will be asked 32 workplace-relevant traits questions that last between 20-25 minutes.
Watch this short video below to gain more insights into the Barclays personality test.
The Barclays personality assessment measures your workplace behavior and preferences across three main domains, which are interpersonal relationships, thinking style and emotions. This test helps to determine your suitability for the company.
Check out a glimpse of a Barclays-style personality test question provided by our experts below.
Barclays-style Personality Assessment Example
Need help passing the Barclays personality assessment? Check out useful tips curated for you to perform excellently in this test!
Practice for the Barclays personality assessment by practising a similar personality questionnaire with GF!
After Barclays’ cognitive ability assessments, you may be required to complete the Barclays video interview. Find out more about the interview in the next section.
The Barclays video interview, also called Barclays Business Insight, is administered by HireVue. It is a pre-recorded interview with 5-8 questions that you respond to within 1 minute. The process usually lasts between 20 minutes.
Watch this short video to learn more about the Barclays interview process
The Barclays video interview involves you responding to questions that allow Barclays to assess your communication skills, values alignment, and professional mindset before the final interview or assessment centre.
Good to Know: Barclays video interviews usually allow you to see the question and practice your response for 1 minute before recording it.
What are some common Barclays interview questions you can be asked at this stage? Let’s find out below.
Some common Barclays interview questions you may be asked in your Barclays video interview are:
Continue reading for some example answers to some of these Barclays interview questions below, and tips on how to answer.
How to Answer: Use the present–past–future structure. Share what you’re currently doing, highlight relevant experiences from your past, and explain why Barclays aligns with your future aspirations.
Good Answer:
I’m a recent economics graduate with a strong interest in digital banking and finance. During a fintech internship, I developed skills in data analysis and customer insights. Leading a university financial literacy project also sparked my passion for inclusive finance.
Barclays’ focus on innovation, integrity, and community impact aligns with my values. I’m excited to contribute to forward-thinking financial solutions that make a real difference.
How to Answer: State your long-term career goals, connect them to Barclays’ mission and values, including the role you are applying for.
My long-term goal is to grow into a strategic leadership role within financial services, where I can drive innovation and create solutions that deliver both commercial impact and social value. Barclays’ commitment to excellence, integrity, and responsible banking aligns closely with my values and ambitions.
The role I’m applying for offers the ideal platform to develop core skills in analysis, problem-solving, and client engagement, while contributing to a purpose-led organisation. I believe Barclays’ global reach and focus on continuous learning will support my growth into a well-rounded financial leader.
Practice and prepare for the Barclays video interview by using our video interviewing tool to gain valuable practice and receive constructive feedback to help you improve fast.
After your interview, if you are successful and selected for the next stage, you may be invited to the Barclays assessment centre.
The Barclays assessment centre is the last stage of the Barclays application process. This assessment centre is designed to assess your suitability for the role, your competencies and potential for success in Barclays.
The Barclays assessment centre will have the Barclays recruitment team and trained assessors who will test and observe you in a variety of exercises, which may include:
Good to Know: The Barclays assessment centre isn’t only assessing your technical knowledge or problem-solving ability; they’re closely watching how you behave, interact, and make decisions.
Now, let’s find out more about each of these assessment centre exercises, starting with the Barclays E-tray exercise.
The Barclays e-tray exercise is a virtual work simulation that involves tackling a simulated email inbox on various workplace issues that require attention. Your task will be to review these emails and prioritise your response within 30-60 minutes.
The Barclays e-tray exercise measures the following skills:
Do you need help passing the Barclays e-tray exercise? Here are some specially curated tips to help you perform excellently.
Watch our video below to learn more about what to expect in your Barclays e-tray exercise!
After the Barclays e-tray exercise, the next exercise in your assessment centre may be the Barclays role-play exercise.
In the Barclays role-play exercise, you will be required to reenact workplace scenarios with candidates or the Barclays assessors. The exercise is created to evaluate your communication and problem-solving skills. This Barclays exercise lasts 20-30 minutes.
The Barclays role-play exercise measures the following competencies: Interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, negotiation skills and decision-making skills.
Do you need help passing your Barclays role-play exercise? Here are some unique tips for you!
Looking to practice for your Barclays assessment centre? Use GF’s practice assessment centre exercises today!
Another assessment exercise you may be required to complete is the Barclays business meeting. Let’s check out the details below!
The Barclays Business Meeting is the final stage of the Barclays assessment process. It is a work environment simulation where you interact with assessors to test your comprehension and critical thinking skills. It is a long exercise that lasts 3-6 hours.
The Barclays business meeting includes a case study exercise, and some interviews to assess your fit with the role and Barclays’ culture, practical application of skills under pressure and alignment with Barclays’ values and business thinking
Good to Know: Barclays assessors are trained to evaluate your behaviours, mindset, and values alignment just as much as your technical or analytical performance.
Looking for top tips to ace the Barclays business meeting? Here are some useful tips to follow!
Get ahead with our GF practice presentation exercises and discover professional tips and real experience on how Barclays assess candidates through presentation exercises.
Once you are done with the Barclays business meeting, you will be required to sit for the Barclays motivational interview!
The Barclays motivational interview is the final part of the Barclays interview process, which is conducted by a member of the leadership team to reveal your strengths and motivation. It is usually scheduled alongside the exercises and lasts 30-45 minutes.
Good to Know: The Barclays Motivational Interview is typically held virtually, especially if your assessment Barclays business meeting is conducted online, which is common for graduate and early career roles.
Do you want to know how to pass the Barclays motivational interview? Check out these useful tips below to help you pass excellently.
Watch our short video below to discover questions you can ask in your Barclays motivation interview.
What are some common Barclays motivational questions you can be asked at this stage? Find some examples below.
Some common Barclays interview questions you may be asked in your Barclays motivational interview are:
Read on for an example answer to some of these Barclays interview questions below, and a tip on how to answer.
How to Answer: When answering this question, focus on how your personal values, career aspirations, and skills align with Barclays’ mission and opportunities. Research Barclay’s values and link them to your own experiences and goals.
I want to work at Barclays because its values, especially integrity, innovation, and stewardship, align with my own. I’m drawn to the bank’s commitment to inclusive finance and its positive impact on society through responsible banking.
With a background in business and marketing, I bring strong strategic and client-focused skills. I’m excited about Barclays’ culture of continuous learning and see it as the ideal place to grow into a purpose-driven leader in financial services.
Looking for top tips to answer a similar Barclays interview question: “Tell me about yourself?” Don’t miss our short video below for our best tips!
How to Answer: Use the STAR+R method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) to structure your answer. This approach helps you to provide a direct and concise response to questions by focusing on the key elements of your previous experience.
Situation
In a university consultancy project, my team was tasked with helping a fintech startup reduce operational costs.
Task
Our goal was to identify inefficiencies and present cost-saving recommendations.
Action
I led the financial analysis, collaborated with teammates in weekly syncs, and helped consolidate our findings into a clear strategy.
Result
We identified a potential 20% cost reduction, and the client implemented several of our suggestions.
Reflection
I learned the importance of collaboration, clear communication, and using data to drive value, and these are the skills I’m eager to bring to Barclays.
Practice for your Barclays interview with our video interview platform packed with 60+ interview sets, including practice competency-based interview questions.
And that brings us to the end of the Barclays recruitment process. Well done for sticking till the end. If your job application is successful, you will receive an offer letter by mail.
However, before you go!
Check out the bonus information that we compiled for you about the Barclays early career opportunities!
The Barclays early career programmes are opportunities made available for students and recent graduates to help them gain experience and kickstart their future careers at Barclays. Here are the Barclays career opportunities:
Good to Know: Barclays has opportunities for students who are willing to work and study at the same time through their apprenticeship programmes. Read on below as we cover the top apprenticeship programmes offered by Barclays.
Let’s find out what each of these opportunities offers, starting firstly with the Barclays graduate programmes.
The Barclays graduate programmes are career pathways designed for recent graduates to launch their careers within the bank. These Barclays programmes provide exposure to the banking industry and are offered globally.
The Barclays graduate programmes are divided into two main tracks, which are:
Barclays Explorer Programme
The Barclays Explorer programme is typically a 2-year rotational graduate scheme with three placements across a chosen business area, combined with tailored training, networking and development.
Barclays Expert Programme
The Barclays Expert programme is a 1–2 year specialist scheme focused on technical disciplines like Coding, Data & Analytics, and Quantitative Research/ It offers training, mentorship, and accelerated development.
If you are interested in the Barclays graduate programme, be aware of the below requirements before you apply.
Good to Know: Barclays graduate recruits gain lifetime access to a global graduate alumni network, continuous learning opportunities, and leadership development support even after completing the 1–2 year programme.
Having understood the Barclays graduate programmes and their requirements, let’s move on to another Barclays programme, the Barclays internship programmes.
The Barclays internship programmes are short-term opportunities for university students to gain experience across business areas to help students explore career paths at Barclays and potentially secure a place on a future graduate programme.
Find below some of the available Barclays internship programmes.
Spring Week (Insight Programme)
The Barclays Spring week is a 1-week experience for penultimate-year students in the UK (mainly London), offering insight into areas like banking, markets, and tech.
Summer Internship
The Barclays summer internship is a 9-week programme for penultimate-year students across areas such as Banking, Barclaycard, Trading, Technology, Treasury, and more. This programme is offered in the UK, USA, Singapore, India, and South Africa.
Off‑Cycle Internship
The Barclays off-cycle internship is a 3 to 6-month placement (outside the summer window), available globally in areas like Investment Banking, Markets, Corporate Banking, or Quantitative Analytics. This programme is offered in: UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia.
Discovery Diversity Programme
The Barclays diversity programme is a 2-day insight programme for students in the UK (two years from graduation) from underrepresented groups. Participants learn about Barclays and may be fast-tracked for summer internships.
Technology-Focused Internships
The Barclays Tech internships are specialised 10-week summer roles in Technology, Cyber Security, and Development, offering experience with Barclays’ emerging tech. It is offered in the UK, India, Singapore, USA.
The Barclays internship programmes are another similar Barclays early career scheme you can apply to, which are the Barclays apprenticeship programmes.
The Barclays apprenticeship programmes offer full-time, paid roles that combine practical work experience with formal qualifications. Open to school leavers and career changers as a pathway into long-term careers at Barclays without a university degree.
Barclays’ apprenticeship programmes are available in multiple countries, with the UK hosting the most structured programmes. Here are some of these apprenticeship programmes:
Foundation Apprenticeships
These Barclays foundation 2‑year programmes are for school leavers with GCSEs, leading to the equivalent of two A‑Levels. Apprentices work full‑time from day one and transition directly into roles at Barclays.
Higher (Degree-Level) Apprenticeships
The Barclays higher apprenticeships are 3–4 year programmes for those with A‑Levels or equivalent qualifications, offering a salary and workplace training while studying toward degree-level qualifications.
Degree Apprenticeships & Specialist Tracks
The Barclays degree apprenticeships provide full-time employment, tuition-funded qualifications (up to Master’s level), mentor support, and development.
Good to Know: Barclays apprenticeship programmes are offered in the UK, the major hub. However, they may be offered in other locations, but this varies by year and business demand, and may not follow the same format as UK apprenticeships.
On this note, we have been able to learn the details about the Barclays hiring process, online assessments, and interviews, including undergraduate and graduate programs that you could apply to.
Wait! Don’t leave yet!
Before you start your Barclays application, explore our FAQ section below for more answers about the Barclays recruitment process.
The Barclays recruitment process typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the role, location, and volume of applicants. Throughout the process, candidates are kept updated via email or the application portal.
You can generally expect to hear back from Barclays within 1 to 2 weeks after your assessment centre. In some cases, it may take longer due to high application volumes, so monitor your email regularly.
Barclays does not publicly share pass rates, as outcomes vary based on role and competition. The best approach is to practice timed numerical, logical, and situational judgement tests similar to Barclays’ format to improve your chances.
Yes, the structure of the Barclays recruitment process is consistent across regions. However, specific timelines, eligibility criteria, and assessments may vary by location or business division.
Yes, you can reapply after 12 months to the same programme. Alternatively, you may apply sooner to a different role or business area, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Barclays offers employees a competitive salary, pension scheme, discretionary annual bonus, life insurance, income protection, and access to a range of wellbeing resources, including employee discounts, mental health support, and flexible working options.
Do you want to pass your Barclays online assessments, first time? Sign up to take practice assessment tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind; no commitment required, and a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests. Correct answers to example questions: Numerical Reasoning Test: C Logical Reasoning Test: C
Do you want to pass your Barclays online assessments, first time? Sign up to take practice assessment tests today with GF, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind; no commitment required, and a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Correct answers to example questions: Numerical Reasoning Test: C Logical Reasoning Test: C
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