When preparing for an interview at Barclays, one of the UK’s most established multinational banks, it’s important to understand both the role you are applying for and the values the company stands by. Barclays careers cover a wide range of opportunities, from customer service advisors and personal bankers, to risk analysts, operations managers, and technology specialists. These roles not only offer competitive salaries but also the opportunity to build a long-lasting career within an organisation that prides itself on innovation, inclusivity, and customer care.
For example:
A Customer Service Advisor may start on £22,000–£26,000 per year, focusing on client support and banking queries.
A Personal Banker typically earns £28,000–£36,000 per year, responsible for relationship building and financial guidance.
A Risk Analyst salary can range between £40,000–£60,000 per year, ensuring compliance, risk assessments, and regulatory control.
A Technology Specialist may start around £45,000 and progress much higher, ensuring digital systems, security, and innovation across Barclays’ platforms.
Whatever the role, Barclays expects candidates to demonstrate strong technical ability, customer focus, and alignment with its values: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship. That’s where job interview preparation becomes vital. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 30 detailed Barclays interview questions and answers across different roles, including opening questions, competency-based questions, STAR model examples, and closing questions. I’ll also share my interview coaching online tips, do’s and don’ts, and encouragement for your journey.
Opening Interview Questions and Answers
These are typically asked at the start to get you comfortable and assess your communication style.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Answer: Keep it concise. “I’ve spent the past five years in customer service roles within financial services, where I built strong client relationships and developed problem-solving skills. I’m now looking to apply my experience at Barclays because I admire your focus on customer care and innovation.”
2. Why do you want to work at Barclays?
Answer: Link your values to theirs. “Barclays is recognised globally for innovation and service excellence. I admire your investment in digital banking, and I want to be part of a company that champions progress and inclusivity.”
3. What do you know about Barclays?
Answer: Do your research. “Barclays is a multinational bank headquartered in London, with operations in over 40 countries. It’s a leader in digital banking, and its values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship resonate strongly with me.”
Competency-Based Questions and STAR Model Answers
Competency questions test your behaviours in real situations. Always use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
4. Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.
STAR Answer: “In my previous role at XYZ Bank (Situation), I was tasked with resolving a complaint about a delayed payment (Task). I calmly listened, reassured the customer, and liaised with the payments team to resolve the issue within the same day (Action). The customer appreciated my quick response and later gave positive feedback (Result).”
5. Describe a time you worked successfully in a team.
STAR Answer: “While working on a branch campaign to promote savings accounts (Situation), my task was to design a customer engagement strategy (Task). I worked with colleagues to create a presentation and rotate customer follow-ups (Action). The result was a 25% increase in product uptake that quarter (Result).”
6. Give an example of when you managed multiple priorities.
STAR Answer: “During my role as an operations assistant (Situation), I had to balance incoming client requests with compliance checks (Task). I prioritised urgent tasks, delegated where possible, and used a daily checklist to stay on track (Action). This ensured all deadlines were met without errors (Result).”
7. Tell me about a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
STAR Answer: “As a junior banker (Situation), I once incorrectly logged a client transaction (Task). I immediately owned up, corrected it with guidance, and documented the process for future reference (Action). I learned the importance of double-checking details and improved my accuracy thereafter (Result).”
8. Describe a time when you influenced a decision.
STAR Answer: “When our team was selecting a new software provider (Situation), my task was to evaluate user-friendliness (Task). I trialled the platforms, presented findings, and showed how one option saved 30% in processing time (Action). The decision to adopt my recommendation improved productivity significantly (Result).”
Technical and Role-Specific Questions
9. How would you explain a complex financial product to a customer?
Answer: “I’d use simple language, avoiding jargon, and relate it to their personal goals. For example, I might explain an ISA as ‘a savings account where your money grows tax-free, helping you plan for the future.’”
10. How do you ensure compliance in your work?
Answer: “By staying up to date with regulatory guidelines, following Barclays’ procedures carefully, and double-checking high-risk activities. I also document actions for transparency.”
11. How do you keep up with financial trends?
Answer: “I subscribe to industry news, follow Barclays updates, and take part in continuous learning. This ensures I can speak knowledgeably with clients and adapt quickly to change.”
12. What would you do if a customer asked you for advice outside your authority?
Answer: “I’d listen carefully, explain that I need to refer them to a qualified colleague, and ensure a smooth handover. That way, they feel supported while receiving the right guidance.”
More Competency Examples
13. Tell me about a time you showed leadership.
14. Describe a situation where you had to adapt quickly.
15. How have you contributed to improving a process?
16. Give an example of working under pressure.
17. How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
(Each should be answered using the STAR method, showing clear action and positive outcome.)
Closing Interview Questions
Barclays interviewers often ask closing questions to see how you handle reflection.
18. What are your strengths?
Answer: “I’d say my biggest strengths are communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. I can connect with customers, manage changing priorities, and deliver results.”
19. What are your weaknesses?
Answer: “In the past, I’ve sometimes taken on too much responsibility. However, I’ve learned to delegate and set boundaries, which has made me more effective.”
20. Do you have any questions for us?
Answer: Always ask something thoughtful. For example: “How do you support employee development within Barclays?” or “What does success look like in this role within the first six months?”
Additional Barclays Interview Questions to Prepare For
Why are you leaving your current role?
What does good customer service mean to you?
How would you prioritise customer satisfaction vs. meeting targets?
How do you manage stress in high-pressure environments?
Tell me about a time you exceeded expectations.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you contribute to diversity and inclusion?
What motivates you in your career?
How do you handle feedback?
Why should we hire you?
Interview Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
✔ Research Barclays’ history, values, and recent news.
✔ Dress smartly and arrive early.
✔ Use the STAR method for competency questions.
✔ Show enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
✔ Ask at least one insightful question at the end.
Don’ts:
✘ Don’t speak negatively about past employers.
✘ Don’t give vague or generic answers.
✘ Don’t interrupt the interviewer.
✘ Don’t forget to link your answers to Barclays’ values.
General Interview Coaching Tips
As someone who has been an interview coach for more than 25 years, I’ve helped thousands of candidates land their dream jobs. Remember: interviews are not about being perfect – they’re about showing your potential, values, and willingness to grow.
Here are my top tips:
Practise aloud – don’t just prepare in your head.
Record yourself answering a few questions to improve delivery.
Always use positive body language: smile, maintain eye contact, and sit upright.
Prepare a 60-second summary of your key strengths for when nerves hit.
Remember, the interviewer wants you to succeed – they’ve already seen potential in you by inviting you.
Final Encouragement
Barclays interviews can feel daunting, but with the right job interview preparation, you’ll feel more confident and ready to shine. Each question is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience, and personality. Stay authentic, stay calm, and remember: preparation is the key to confidence.
If you’d like personalised support, I offer professional interview training, tailored interview coaching, and interview coaching online sessions to help you excel in every stage of your journey. Let’s work together to ensure you walk into your Barclays interview feeling fully prepared and ready to impress.
👉 Book your interview coaching appointment today and take the next step towards securing your career with Barclays.
