Barclays Interview Preparation
Leading Investment Bank with Cutting-Edge Trading and M&A
8,500+
Applications
3.2%
Offer rate
$245K (base)
Starting salary
Barclays — HireVue Practice
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Application process
How to get into Barclays — step by step
Online Application
2 weeks to reviewTailor your cover letter to Barclays' specific divisions (CIB, Wealth, etc.). Research recent deals they've closed.
HireVue Video Interview
1-2 weeks after applicationPractice concise 90-second answers. Use the STAR method. Have 2-3 quality examples ready from internships or coursework.
Numerical Reasoning Test
1 weekComplete within time limits. Focus on accuracy over speed. Practice currency conversions and percentage problems.
Superday (In-Person)
3-4 weeks from testExpect 3-4 interviews (analysts, senior analysts, MDs). Prepare 5-7 case studies. Bring printed copies of your resume.
Final Round Interview
1-2 weeks after superdayUsually with Managing Director. Focus on cultural fit and long-term career goals. Ask thoughtful questions about your potential team.
Interview questions
Barclays interview questions by round
Questions change at every stage. Know what to expect.
- 1Walk me through a DCF model. What assumptions drive the valuation?
- 2How do you calculate the cost of equity using CAPM?
- 3Explain enterprise value vs. equity value. When does each matter?
- 4What's the impact of a change in working capital on the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement?
What they value
What Barclays looks for in candidates
Financial Acumen
Strong grasp of accounting, valuation methods, and market dynamics. You should be comfortable discussing financials and building models.
Commercial Awareness
Genuine interest in markets, geopolitics, and business trends. Follow financial news daily and understand how macro events drive deal flow.
Communication Skills
Ability to distill complex concepts into clear narratives for clients and senior stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication.
Resilience & Drive
Investment banking is demanding. They want people who thrive under pressure, stay organized, and maintain quality work during long hours.
Client-Focused Mindset
Proactive problem-solving and a genuine interest in solving client challenges. Show evidence of service orientation and attention to detail.
Compensation
Barclays salary & benefits
Graduate
$175,000
Intern
$3,500–$4,200
Bonus
Typically 50–100% of base (varies by division and year-end performance)
Perks & benefits
Culture & work style
What it's actually like to work at Barclays
Insider tips
How to stand out at Barclays
Lead a financial valuation project at your university and present results to real stakeholders.
Build a real estate acquisition model or create a mock investment thesis for a company in a sector you love.
Intern at a growth-stage company or PE-backed portfolio company to understand operations and value creation.
Demonstrate genuine knowledge of Barclays' recent deals, divisions, and strategic direction. Ask insightful follow-up questions.
Show ability to turn market insights into concrete investment ideas or deal hypotheses.
Compare
Barclays vs competitors
| Firm | Salary | Hours | Culture | Exit opps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclays | $175,000 | —/week | Competitive but collaborative environmen... | — |
| Goldman Sachs | $250K+ (base) | 70–90 hrs/week | Elite, intense, highly meritocratic | PE, hedge funds, corporate development |
| JPMorgan Chase | $235K (base) | 70–85 hrs/week | Professional, structured, strong training programs | PE, corporate strategy, buy-side |
| Morgan Stanley | $240K (base) | 75–90 hrs/week | Collaborative, client-focused, disciplined | PE, hedge funds, corporate M&A |
| Lazard | $220K (base) | 70–85 hrs/week | Advisory-focused, intellectual, boutique feel | PE, independent advisory, corporate development |
FAQ
Barclays FAQs
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