The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at Barclays.
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If you are aiming to apply to Barclays or have a Barclays assessment test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.
Not sure if you should practice to prepare for your Barclays assessments? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A recent study (Bradley et al, 2019) found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers.
In a nutshell:
How to prepare for Barclays assessment process and tests to get the job?
Barclays use a variety of aptitude assessment tests. These include:
You may get rejected already after numerical, logical and/or verbal tests. These tests sift out 50-80% candidates at this stage. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.
You should practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for banking jobs. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.
Prepare for an online video interview. Run mock interviews answering typical interview questions for banking. For Barclays interview practice, use:
Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions for banking and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews (Hirevue, Pymetrics, Sonru). Always record your answers and watch them to develop: your interview technique, timekeeping, and words used. Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied.
Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times.
Barclays Business Meeting is the final step of your application.
Get ready to face a final interview with a member of the Barclays business team and undertake a Barclays case study exercise. Prepare for your meeting by practicing case study exercises.
Continue reading to get answers to critical questions:
Looking into assessments with Barclays, simply use your fingertips or click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!
Before we dive in…
Who are Barclays?
Barclays is a British multinational bank and financial services company headquartered in the UK. Its operations range from retail, wholesale, investment banking, wealth management and mortgage lending.
It employs 130,000 people and competition for its jobs and internships is very fierce. Barclays is a popular destination for graduate and professional positions, attracting thousands of applicants each year.
People applying to Barclays all have excellent grades and skills – therefore you need to differentiate yourself from the crowd!
Let’s walk you through the Contents to give you an idea of what you’ll be getting from this, and you’ll instantly understand why this particular article will prove to be of so much value for your upcoming Barclays Assessments.
Once you have decided on the position you want to apply for, you will need to fill in the Barclays online application form. You will be required to provide details of your education history and academic results, relevant work experience and possibly answer some short competency questions.
Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video of what is a competency that you may come across at Barclays.
Always aim to apply as early as possible – often candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis which could significantly increase your chances. Remember to double-check the application form for any mistakes. This is banking, no mistakes or spelling errors allowed!
These details are important as they set a first impression and will be used in future correspondence between you and Barclays.
When filling out the Barclays application form, make sure you have extensively researched the role and try to tailor your profile to an ideal candidate. The information you provide should not only reflect you as a person, but also as Barclays’ ideal employee.
Tip #1: In addition to tailoring your application (e.g., CV) to Barclays’ job description, it is also an innovative idea to refer to Barclays’ key values during your application. These are also great to know during your interview.
What are Barclays Core Values?
Barclays Core Values are important to understand when making a new Barclays application online. Barclays are keen to see that you embody the right attitude to working life. Barclays search for the following in their candidates:
Tip #2: Be aware of the strengths and cognitive abilities that Barclays are looking for throughout the process. These are as follows and are pretty self-explanatory so make sure you tailor, and then tailor some more!
Once you have completed your Barclays form, you’ll be heading onto the assessment portion of your application. We go into some depth in the next section on what the Barclays online aptitude tests are, and importantly how to pass the Barclays online assessment.
Barclays online Aptitude tests are awaiting all candidates applying to Barclays who successfully pass their application screening. You will be required to take a series of psychometric tests supplied by a well-known company: Cappfinity Tests
How long do Barclays online assessments take?
Depending on the business area and position, the tests you are required to take may differ, the total time allotted to complete the Online Aptitude round 60-90 minutes. Typically, you will be asked to complete the following tests as part of this stage:
Our experts at Graduates First have designed the same tests for SHL in the past and so by practicing sample tests prepared by them, you can get a similar experience to help you prepare for the real thing.
What is the Barclays Situational Judgement Test?
Barclays Situational Judgement Test or SJTs is a behavioural test that usually is the first Barclays online aptitude test. In Barclays Situational Judgement Tests, you’ll be given a work situation and you have to rate the provided course of actions according to how you feel it is best to respond. This test is designed to get to know you better. Further than merely understanding your preferences, the Situational Judgement tests measure your behavioural competency and skills, to understand if you will perform the job position you have applied for.
What does the Barclays Situational Judgement Test Measure?
The Barclays SJT will ask many questions all focussed on competencies that Barclays find key to success in the role and company. Some of the skills that these tests tend to assess may include
Barclays uses Cappfinity Aptitude Tests to conduct its online aptitude tests stage. And thus, all the questions of the Barclays Situational Judgement test will be from Cappfinity itself. But no worries. You can find out all the details about Cappfinity Aptitude Tests in an in-depth and detailed article about the same on our website. Register with us to know all about such tests and ace all your job assessments, because the best is yet to come.
For a Situational Judgement Test, make sure you take your time to understand the situation and be honest while answering. Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer in this kind of test. Try to go for an option that best solves the problem and raises the least number of further questions.
Tip #3: For each SJT question, consider what competency is being measured. This will help you identify the best answer from those provided as it will most closely align with the competency.
To be sure of what a Situational Judgement Test looks like, take a look at the following Cappfinity style Situational Judgement Test sample question by Graduates First.
Question: You have been collaborating with a senior colleague to create an investment strategy for an important client. You and your colleague are due to share your recommendations in a meeting later this afternoon. As your colleague has successfully worked with the client in the past and you have not worked with this client before, you agree that the best approach would be for your colleague to take the lead on presenting the strategy, with your support. As the meeting approaches and you arrive at the client’s office, you receive an email from your colleague saying that she is running late by 15 minutes as her previous meeting overran. While you are reading her email, the client greets you.
Read GF’s dedicated situational judgement tests (SJT) page for a deeper understanding of this Barclays assessment.
For more questions similar to the Barclays-style situational judgment test, sign-up for GF’s SJT prep package.
Once you’ve smashed the Barclays Situational Judgement Test, you’ll be headed straight for a Barclays Numerical Reasoning Test. Not a huge fan of Maths? Don’t be afraid, numerical ability is vital for any Banking company, so we have you covered in the next section.
What is the Barclays Numerical Reasoning Test?
The Barclays numerical reasoning test is where you will be given a few passages with tables, charts and other types of data presentation. Your task will be to quickly analyse the information and answer a series of questions.
What do I need to know to ace the Barclays Numerical Reasoning Test?
Do not worry if Maths is not your strong suit! Just make sure to do a quick recap of basic GCSE calculations, such as ratios, percentages and reading data off charts. People only find Barclays Numerical Reasoning Test difficult because of the time pressure and stress involved – not the knowledge tested. You will have to solve 35 questions and will be allocated (on average) less than a minute to answer each one!
Have a few spare minutes for first-class numerical reasoning training? Check out our numerical reasoning question and answer guide below
Tip #4: You need to be able to control your stress and time pressure. One of the best ways to achieve this is through numerical test practice in a safe environment, before your real aptitude assessment.
Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video of what is a numerical reasoning test that you may come across at Barclays.
Begin to master numerical reasoning tests by reading our expert numerical assessment guide
How to Pass the Barclays Numerical Reasoning Test
Before you sit the numerical reasoning test, there are a few things you need to know. Remember these, and your numerical performance will likely improve and increase your chances of getting your dream job.
There are more hints on how to pass Barclays numerical reasoning test in our short video
Using the tips we’ve provided in this employer guide, take the opportunity to try a Barclays-style numerical reasoning test question below!
Barclays-style Numerical Reasoning Test Example
Check if you got the correct answer at the bottom of the page.
For more FREE QUESTIONS similar to Barclays assessment tests, register with GF and take your completely FREE numerical reasoning test now!
Alongside your Barclays numerical test, you will also have to ace a Barclays logical reasoning test, designed to understand your abstract reasoning ability. In the next section, we continue to get you thoroughly prepared for your Barclays job application.
What is the Barclays Logical Reasoning Test?
Barclays Logical Reasoning Tests will examine how well you are able to reason logically. This time you will be presented with 5 diagrams with varying shapes and spatial arrangements, and then will be asked to identify the right pattern to determine what comes next in the sequence.
The main difficulty of the logical reasoning test, often referred to as a diagrammatic reasoning test, is that they test this very particular aspect of your aptitude and each question can vary in how abstract these patterns and trends can be; both two- and three-dimensional shapes will differ in: size, arrangement, movements and colours.
However, it does not have to be as difficult as it seems. By having a look at Barclays-style logical reasoning tests offered by GF, you will get familiar with the format of the questions and the level of difficulty. A lot of patterns are repetitive and follow similar logic, so by practicing you will grow in confidence and be better-suited to take your real test.
How to Prepare for Barclays Logical Reasoning Test
Barclays Logical Reasoning Test takes much practice and time to get up to speed with this style of question. You will have to familiarise yourself before you can confidently enter the Barclays logical job test.
A great place to start is by looking for a Barclays-style sample logical reasoning test for prep. Fortunately, GF has you covered, with real test questions, answers, worked-solutions, progress tracking and professional score reports including personalised tips based on your performance, then GF has it covered.
It’s very important that we stay focused on practicing logical reasoning tests! As shown in the video below!
Have a go yourself at practicing a Barclays-style logical reasoning test, with our sample question below.
Barclays-style Logical / Diagrammatic Reasoning Test Example
In the example above, you will have ONLY around 45 seconds to notice that:
For more FREE QUESTIONS similar to Barclays aptitude tests, register with GF and take your completely FREE logical/diagrammatic reasoning test now!
It’s now time to take a break from abstract thinking, and head onto Barclays personality questionnaire.
What is the Barclays Occupational Personality Test?
Barclays Occupational Personality Test is another type of psychometric test that examines your fit into the specific role you applied to, and how well you align with the work culture at the bank. You will be asked to identify to what extent you agree with the statements presented. Each statement will focus on specific aspects of personality, whether that be the environment you prefer to work in or your preference when working with people. In the Barclays Occupational Personality Test, it pays well to remember that there is no right or wrong in this specific assessment.
Tip #5: Do not try to manipulate your responses, as these tests are designed to flag up any inconsistencies. Be honest with your answers, but just bear in mind that some of your qualities or skills might be more appropriate than others to be demonstrated for this specific job.
Now that you’ve got the background to this Barclays personality test, let’s take a look at a sample personality test statement.
Barclays-style Occupational Personality Test Example
To what extent do you agree, from a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being strongly disagree, and 5 being strongly agree: ‘Rules should not be broken’?
GF offers a test similar to the Barclays Occupational Personality Test – we call it the Work Personality Questionnaire. Register for GF’s Work Personality Package today to gain first-hand insights into a personality-style test.
How to best approach Barclays Occupational Personality Test
In time for the Occupational Personality Test, there are certain things that you must understand about these questionnaires. These will help you approach the personality test with the right attitude.
Our video below explains the above in simple terms, with insights into how you should approach the Barclays personality Questionnaire:
Once Barclays have confirmed that you’re a fit to the role in terms of your personality, they’ll need some more insights into your competence and verbal ability.
The second stage of the assessment process at Barclays takes the form of a Video Interview, which requires you to record video responses to the pre-recorded interview questions.
The Barclays Video Interview round may also come with questions related to verbal reasoning, as well as e-tray exercises. We will be discussing all these things in this section of the article, so stay put.
Below, we have compiled some things to bear in mind during each of these sub-stages.
Most employers hire through Video-based interviews these days. In this case, video interviews aren’t simply interviews on video calls, using software such as zoom or skype. So then, you may be wondering…
What is the Barclays Video-based interview?
Barclays Video-based interviews are interviews in which you have to record your response to a few pre-recorded questions. This round mainly consists of This kind of assessment is becoming very popular these days mostly because it’s AI driven, which means that AI analyses many aspects of the video interview.
3 Tips to pass Barclays Video Interview
Discover how to ace the STAR technique, with the short video below
Tip #6: It is crucial to present a number of different examples from your experiences. Do not get hooked on only one situation. Instead, prove that you are a well-rounded individual who always tries to get involved and learn more about something new.
Bonus Video Interview Tips:
To excel in such kind of an interview, the candidate:
These are the main points to focus on because they are the first qualities that AI detects in a candidate.
Now, let’s be honest, these skills are developed with a lot of practice. Well, come on, even an Instagram reel takes at least 100 retakes. Except, you won’t be getting retakes in this.
But hey! Don’t worry, we’re right by your side. Graduates First has curated dozens of questions for you to practise both for Strength-based Video Interviews as well as Competency-based Video Interviews and you will also get an AI generated feedback once you finish. So, what are you waiting for? Start practising right away!!
With Video Interviews mastered, it is vital to for continuing to the final stage that you understand Verbal Reasoning Test questions. This is the topic of discussion in the next section.
Alongside your Video Interview stage, Barclays requires you to display your verbal reasoning ability. They want to ensure that you have the fundamental verbal reasoning ability before they progress you to the latter stages.
What is the Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test?
Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test strives to identify whether a candidate can accurately extract the relevant information from a previously unseen passage of text to analyse whether subsequent statements are true, false, or impossible to say based on the information contained in the passage of text.
Experience how to ace Verbal Reasoning Tests by reading more
It is worth noting that in their Verbal Reasoning Test, the ability to comprehend English is essential. However, as long as your English is to a good standard, by practicing Verbal Reasoning Test questions beforehand, you can begin to understand the specific way in which texts are built, and questions asked.
In the video below under 1 minute we will give you several hints on how to prepare for Barclays Verbal Reasoning Tests:
And for more tips on how to pass Barclays Verbal Reasoning Test, check out this less than 1 minute video:
Remember, you will have around 45 seconds to answer questions like the following:
Barclays-style Verbal Reasoning Test Example
Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.
Would you like to see even more verbal reasoning test examples similar to what you may find with Barclays? Check out this comprehensive video below. We go step by step through five real verbal reasoning questions.
Tip #7: Candidates often overthink Verbal Reasoning Test questions. Read the instructions carefully! If the question asks you to answer something “based on the passage”, only answer based on the passage alone rather than your individual knowledge. In such questions, thinking beyond the passage can slow and reduce Verbal Reasoning Test performance.
For more FREE QUESTIONS similar to Barclays’ online aptitude tests, sign-up with GF and take your FREE Verbal Reasoning Test now!
Now, we move onto ensuring you are familiar with the organisational task, the E-tray exercise, so be sure to continue moving towards success with us in this article!
What is the Barclays E-Tray Exercise?
Barclays E-tray exercises replicate an email inbox with emails on different issues as their subjects, seeking a reply. What you have to do is look through these mails and answer most of them in the given time. Although, that’s not it. Your motive should be answering the most important mails first.
If you are successful in these three stages of the Video Interview round of Barclays, also known as Barclays Business Insight, you will be invited to the Barclays’ Business Meeting which is the last round of assessment.
Barclays Business Meeting is the last part of the Barclays recruitment process and mostly consists of two stages depending on the position you have applied to. These two stages are,
Let’s discuss these two business meeting stages in detail below.
What is the Barclays Final Interview?
Barclays Final Interview is the last part of the Barclays recruitment process and goes on for 60 minutes give or take. However, if this round consists of a case study, then it may be extended to 90 minutes as well, where for the first. You will receive an initiation to attend an interview with a senior manager or director from the business area that you applied to. This is your last chance to stand out from the competition. The Barclays final interview consists of two rounds- Technical and Competency.
What are Barclays looking for in their final interview?
During the Barclays final interview, the interviewer may ask you behavioural questions to assess your soft skills such as:
For more on what employers are looking for in any final interview, be sure to watch our short but insightful video below!
Examples of a few Barclays interview questions are as follows:
This will also be a chance for you to ask questions and experience what working at Barclays might be like. Therefore, come equipped with some interesting thought-provoking questions, which you are likely to be able to ask at the end of your interview. You should always use this opportunity to engage in a conversation with a senior member of the team, to demonstrate your motivations and enthusiasm. Do not be afraid to ask your interviewer about their personal experiences with the company, and their career path.
In the Barclays case study round Interviewers want to check their comprehension, decision-making and critical thinking skills of the potential candidates and thus, they ask the candidates to work on a case study consisting of certain issues faced by the company as well as some stats and facts. You’ll receive the PDF of the case study 24 hours prior to the actual interview.
What is the Barclays Case Study?
Barclays Case Study is when the candidate is expected to comprehend the case study and come up with the best possible solutions for the problems mentioned. They may ask you about your findings from that particular case study or to give a 5-minute presentation where you summarise your points and present it in front of them.
Now, if this round of your assessment went well, Voila! You’ll probably receive your offer letter in a week’s time. Congratulations!
If you are a fresh graduate or in your penultimate year of college and thinking of starting your career with Barclays, good news! For individuals such as yourself Barclays offer:
These internships and graduate programmes will help you develop your skills and traits to become a successful individual. What are these opportunities? Let’s find out.
If you think you have all the theoretical knowledge you need and want to enter the practical world of business, Barclays internships can prove to be a good option for you. Through these internships you get to experience what the business world has for you, understand what field you’re interested the most in, and moreover develop soft skills that will help you succeed. There are two kinds of internships that Barclays has to offer:
Barclays Graduate Programmes are special 1–2-year training programmes curated for students who are interested in the banking sector and want to learn all about it and pursue a career in the same. The programme provides a mixture of theoretical as well as practical knowledge to the young talent and helps them decide an area that suits them best. After attending the Barclays Graduate Programme, you will find yourself getting better at the skills you possess, and not just those, you will develop many new skills, and have better business knowledge.
The complete Barclays online assessment consisting of aptitude tests, takes 60-90 minutes.
On an average Barclays receives 37 applications for each position. So, even in the best-case scenario you will be competing with at least 36 other candidates.
The applications for all Internships and Apprenticeships may now be open! You can drop your email on the Barclays careers website to receive notifications on the upcoming opportunities.
Do you want to pass your Barclays assessments in one go? Sign up for tools offered by Graduates First, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to students in 100+ universities in the UK, across Asia and continental Europe.
Go to Graduates First now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for job candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgment tests, assessment centre exercises and more). Buy with peace of mind with a full 100% money back guarantee if you do not pass your job assessment tests.
Correct answers to example questions:
Numerical Reasoning Test – D
Logical Reasoning Test – C