Barclays · Finance
Barclays Investment Banking Analyst Interview Questions & Preparation
Quick answer
A Barclays Investment Banking Analyst interview combines Barclays's 4-stage process — application & tests, video interview, assessment centre, offer — with the technical and behavioural bar for a Investment Banking Analyst. Expect Barclays to assess respect and integrity, alongside core investment banking analyst skills like valuation (dcf, comps, precedent) and accounting & financial statements. Prepare investment banking analyst answers framed around what Barclays specifically looks for.
How Barclays interviews Investment Banking Analysts
Barclays is a major British universal bank, hiring across investment banking, technology, operations and retail. Its process assesses technical capability, behavioural strengths and alignment with its values, with division-specific content.
For a Investment Banking Analyst specifically, Barclays pairs its standard assessment with a technical bar focused on valuation (dcf, comps, precedent), accounting & financial statements, financial modelling. Investment banking interviews are technically demanding and detail-obsessed. Banks want analysts who know valuation cold, can stay precise under pressure, and have genuine, well-researched motivation for the gruelling but high-paying role. Spring weeks and internships are the main entry routes.
The Barclays interview process
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Application & tests | CV screen plus online aptitude and situational assessments. |
| Video interview | Recorded strengths- and competency-based questions. |
| Assessment centre | Interviews plus a case or group exercise with senior staff. |
| Offer | Decision and offer. |
What Barclays assesses
Investment Banking Analyst questions at Barclays
Expect a blend of Barclays's signature questions and core investment banking analyst questions:
- 1Why Barclays, and why this division?
- 2Walk me through a valuation (banking) / a technical problem (technology).
- 3Tell me about a time you delivered great service.
- 4Walk me through a DCF.
- 5How do the three financial statements link together?
- 6What are the main valuation methodologies?
- 7Why investment banking, and why this bank?
- 8Walk me through an LBO at a high level.
- 9Tell me about a recent deal or market story that interests you.
Example STAR answer
Example answer to: “Tell me about a time you delivered precise work under intense pressure.”
Skills assessed
How to prepare for a Barclays Investment Banking Analyst interview
- Map answers to Barclays' values.
- Prepare division-specific technicals.
- Know valuation and accounting cold — technicals are non-negotiable.
- Have 1–2 recent deals or market stories ready to discuss.
- Make your 'why banking' genuine and specific, not generic.
- Be precise — small errors signal you'd be risky on live deals.
Investment Banking Analyst salary
UK investment banking analysts typically earn £50k–£60k base in year one, with bonuses often taking total compensation to £70k–£90k+.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Barclays Investment Banking Analyst interview process involve?
Barclays's process runs through application & tests, video interview, assessment centre, offer. For a Investment Banking Analyst, the technical rounds focus on valuation (dcf, comps, precedent), accounting & financial statements, financial modelling, and behavioural rounds assess respect and integrity.
What is the Barclays interview process?
Online tests, a recorded video interview and an assessment centre with interviews and a case or group exercise, varying by division.
What technical questions are asked in investment banking interviews?
Valuation (DCF, comparable companies, precedent transactions), how the three financial statements link, accounting basics, and at senior banks, LBO and M&A mechanics.
How do I get into investment banking?
The main routes are spring weeks and summer internships that convert to graduate offers. Strong technicals, commercial awareness and genuine motivation are essential.
Preparing for a Barclays Investment Banking Analyst interview?
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