Round 1: Aptitude-cum-Coding Test
Platform: HackerEarth
The initial round consisted of two parts: an aptitude test and a coding test.
Aptitude Test — 60 Minutes
The aptitude test comprised three sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Verbal Ability
- Logical Reasoning
Each section had 20 questions, making a total of 60 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Speed is crucial here.
Tips:
Focus on solving Quantitative and Logical Reasoning questions quickly to allocate more time for Verbal Ability, which includes comprehension-based questions.
Coding Test — 30 Minutes
The coding test was relatively straightforward, especially if you have been practicing regularly.
Preparation Tip:
Regular practice on platforms like Hackerrank can help you easily get through this round.
Round 2: Technical Interview
Key Focus Areas:
- Know your resume thoroughly. Questions will likely be based on what you have listed.
- Be prepared to discuss your projects in detail. The interviewer may not focus on the technology but on the following aspects:
- Project Idea: Explain what inspired you to choose this topic.
- Project Team: Discuss your team composition and justify your choices (e.g., balancing brilliant but arrogant team members versus average but hardworking ones, or choosing hostelites over localites).
- Project Requirements: Describe how you initiated the project and how the requirements evolved.
- Project Limitations: Mention any limitations and the potential future scope for improvement.
- Real-World Application: Be ready to discuss which companies could benefit from your project and highlight its unique features.
Tips:
- Be honest and clear about your contributions and the project's specifics.
- Focus on how you managed the project, including any challenges and how you addressed them.
Round 3: HR Interview
In this round, they assessed cultural fit and alignment with Barclays' values, summarized as RISES:
- Respect
- Integrity
- Service
- Excellence
- Stewardship
Preparation Tips:
- Have at least one instance from your life that exemplifies each value.
- Be prepared for situation-based questions that evaluate these values indirectly.
- Know about Barclays and its competitors. Be ready to answer why you want to join Barclays specifically.
General Tips:
- Maintain good manners and professionalism when entering and leaving the interview room. Greet your interviewers appropriately.
- Be confident and articulate throughout your interviews.
- At the end of each interview, ask insightful questions. Avoid overly personal queries.
- Dress neatly and ensure you are well-groomed.
Closing Note:
- Stay positive and confident. Good luck!
- By following these tips and being well-prepared, you can increase your chances of success in securing a position at Barclays Investment Bank.