Barclays interview process

1. Step 1

   Video screen

   A recorded video round opens a process that runs roughly three to five weeks.

   • Competency-based questions on leadership, analytical thinking, and motivation.
   • May include a game-based cognitive assessment component.

2. Step 2

   First round

   An assessment-center-style first round, especially common at UK offices.

   • Teamwork and collaborative problem-solving exercises, not just one-on-one conversation.
   • Questions tied to the published competency framework: analytical thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership.

3. Step 3

   Final round

   Four to five interviews including both individual conversations and group exercises.

   • Individual interviews from analyst through MD level, roughly equally split technical and behavioral.
   • Group exercises that test real-time collaborative problem-solving.
   • Technical depth on paper LBOs, DCF, and merger-model mechanics.

Share of the 10 Barclays questions in our bank by topic. Each topic links to a worked example.

1. Behavioral questions50%
2. Paper LBO20%
3. Mental math and markets20%
4. DCF questions10%

• Analytical thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership against the named framework.
• A live paper LBO worked through out loud with clear assumptions.
• DCF assumptions defended under direct pushback.
• Merger-model mechanics explained in real detail, not at a summary level.
• Collaborative behavior inside group exercises, observed directly rather than self-reported.

Real questions from the set. Open one to answer it with grading.

• Recent Barclays-relevant dealBehavioral questions|Advanced
• Walk me through an LBO modelPaper LBO|Advanced
• Leveraged finance market questionMental math and markets|Advanced
• Walk me through a DCFDCF questions|Basic
• Assessment center group exerciseBehavioral questions|Advanced
• What makes a good LBO candidate?Paper LBO|Advanced
• Debt capital markets versus leveraged financeMental math and markets|Basic
• Tell me about a time you solved a team conflictBehavioral questions|Basic

• Read Barclays' published competency framework and prepare one concrete story mapped to each named competency.
• Treat the group exercise as genuinely scored: build visibly on other candidates' points instead of only presenting your own view.
• Go into technical rounds ready for a live paper LBO and a merger model discussed at real mechanical depth.
• If your target group is leveraged finance, sponsors, or DCM, tie your reason for Barclays to that specific franchise strength.