Interview Guides
Everything we know about interviewing at Barclays: the process stage by stage, what each round tests, compensation by level, and reports from candidates who interviewed.
What the process looks like, and what Barclays is really testing for.
Barclays interviews put a lot of weight on communication and technical ability. Across the extracted topics, you should expect SQL as a core skill, plus role-relevant technical areas that include testing, cloud, product or operations analysis, finance valuation (DCF and LBO modeling), and even specific data domains like FICC, along with Generative AI engineering.
What gets tested is a blend of technical execution and how you communicate decisions. The topics list is heavy on SQL (percentile 100), QA testing and test automation (both percentile 100 and 96 respectively), and technical interviewing plus engineering management and product management themes (percentile 79, 100, and 100). You should also be ready for case-based or portfolio-based thinking, and for behavioral scenarios that evaluate leadership, problem solving, and communication style (Communication Skills percentile 75).
The loop includes multiple filters before you reach live interviews: online assessments and screenings, then technical and behavioral rounds, and in some cases critical skills interviews or case studies. Candidate reports show frequent “assessment first, then targeted technical evaluation, then HR” patterns, but also some operational or alignment issues, including disorganized panels and instances where logistics mismatches disrupted the experience.
Even when the process looks technical on paper, candidate feedback repeatedly points to behavioral rounds and communication as decisive, and the topics data also places the highest prominence on communication skills and SQL-heavy technical testing.
5 stages, based on 494 candidate reports.
You may complete a psychometric and situational judgment assessment, sometimes described as a 20 minute component for cultural fit. Reports also mention multiple online assessments bundled together, including numerical or logical reasoning, behavioral instincts, and sometimes a technical coding challenge with SQL or HackerEarth style tests.
You may start with a recruiter or an initial screening call to discuss background, motivation, and salary expectations, along with basic qualifications and fit. In some cases this is described alongside a virtual assessment format.
You may take a technical screening focused on SQL and data manipulation, or on broader engineering fundamentals such as statistics and machine learning theory. Some descriptions include timed multiple choice questionnaires and foundational questions.
You may meet engineering managers and senior team members for technical discussions, including coding and system design themes, and in some cases automation framework design. Another reported pathway includes a 1.5 hour critical skills interview where you present a portfolio project and answer technical questions.
You may complete behavioral interviews with a manager, director, or leadership team that focus on leadership capabilities, problem solving, and communication style. Case studies are also reported in some roles, where you discuss analytical problem solving in addition to behavioral evaluation.
How often each skill shows up across reported interview loops.
Each guide has the questions Barclays interviewers actually ask, the loop structure, and total compensation by level.
Estimated total compensation: base salary plus stock and annual cash bonus.
Patterns from candidates who got offers, and the mistakes that most often sink a loop.
Read what candidates said about interviewing at Barclays: the loop, difficulty, and outcomes, straight from recent reports for each role.
Answered from real candidate and workplace data, marked up for rich results.
Verbatim snippets pulled from employee and candidate reviews.
Unexpected layoffs can occur, which adds an element of uncertainty to job security.
The hybrid work culture at Barclays is supportive and fosters a good environment for employees.
Barclays offers a positive culture and strong job security, along with attractive bonuses.
Promotion opportunities are limited due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Barclays offers excellent learning and development opportunities, fostering a supportive work environment and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
Overall, it's a cool place to work.
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