2026 EMPLOYER GUIDES5 min read

How to Pass the Barclays Recruitment Process 2026

Are you applying to the 2026 Barclays graduate programmes, internships, or a professional role? This comprehensive guide is precisely what you need to successfully navigate the Barclays hiring process.

Here are the key things we will be covering for you in this guide:

Prepare for the stages of the Barclays recruitment process with us by practising the relevant assessments you can expect at each stage!

In this guide, you will learn:

  1. About who Barclays is and the company’s core values.
  2. How to complete the Barclays online application.
  3. How to pass the Barclays online assessment tests, with expert tips for each one.
  4. How to pass the Barclays video interview.
  5. How to pass the Barclays assessment centre exercises.
  6. Everything about Barclays early career programmes, what they involve, and key details you need to know.

Want to pass each stage of the Barclays recruitment process?

Practice the relevant assessments for each stage of the Barclays process with us today!

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Verbal Reasoning Tests

Practice Logical Reasoning Tests

Practice Logical Reasoning Tests

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Situational Judgement Tests

Practice Work Personality Questionnaire

Practice Work Personality Questionnaire

Practice Video Interviews

Practice Video Interviews

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Prepare for your Assessment Centre

Go Premium with GF and get all of the relevant Barclays practice assessments in the table above to ace your Barclays assessments, first time!

Before we break down the Barclays application process, let’s learn more about the company.

1. Who is Barclays?

Barclays is a British multinational bank founded in the 1690s and headquartered in London. It is one of the largest banking institutions in the world, offering retail banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management services.

As of 2026, Barclays employs around 100,000 colleagues across 38 countries and serves over 20 million customers, allowing graduates and professionals to work across a wide range of business areas, including:

Investment & Corporate BankingRetail & Consumer BankingWealth Management & Private Banking
Technology & InnovationOperations & Process ManagementRisk, Compliance & Audit
Finance & AccountingHuman ResourcesLegal & Compliance
Marketing & CommunicationsProject ManagementCredit Risk & Treasury
Data & AnalyticsCustomer Service & SupportProduct Management

Good to Know: One of the ways to boost your job application to Barclays is to research Barclays’ values and culture, as these elements can guide you through the hiring process.

What are the Barclays core values?

The Barclays core values are as follows:

Respect:

Barclays harnesses the power of inclusion and opportunity, trusts the people it works with, and values everyone’s contribution.

Integrity:

Barclays operates with honesty, courage, transparency and fairness in everything it does.

Service:

Barclays acts with empathy and humility, putting the people and businesses it serves at the centre of what it does.

Excellence:

Barclays sets high standards for its work, championing innovation and using its energy, expertise and resources to make a positive difference.

Stewardship:

Barclays is passionate about leaving things better than it found them.

Now that you know about Barclays, let’s proceed to the Barclays hiring process, starting with the Barclays online application.

2. Barclays Recruitment Process

What is the Barclays recruitment process?

The Barclays recruitment process typically consists of the following stages:

  1. Online Application
  2. Online Assessments
  3. Video Interview
  4. Assessment Centre

Prepare for the Barclays assessment tests by practising with our expertly designed practice tests.

Barclays recruitment process stages

Now that you know about Barclays, let’s proceed to the hiring process. We’ll start with the Barclays online application.

3. Barclays Online Application

How do you get a job at Barclays?

You will start the Barclays application process by completing an online application form on the Barclays careers website for your desired role. You will submit your personal data, relevant skills and experience in the application form.

The details you will need to submit for the Barclays online application form are the following:

  1. Full name and contact information
  2. Educational background
  3. Work experience
  4. CV/Resume
  5. Additional information, e.g. diversity, inclusion data, adjustments for disability or health conditions (if needed)

Find below an image of the Barclays application form.

Barclays application form

Barclays Application Form

Source: Barclays Careers

Good to Know: Adapt keywords from the job description in your CV/resume to help your application stand out and increase your chances of getting shortlisted for the next stage.

Looking for tips for creating a strong Barclays CV/resume? Check out our carefully curated tips below!

5 Top Tips for Creating an Effective CV for Barclays

  1. Keep your CV concise: Limit your CV to no more than 2 pages to ensure clarity and easy navigation for Barclays recruiters.
  2. Tailor to the role: Align your skills and achievements with the job description, using keywords that are relevant to Barclays, e.g. financial risk management.
  3. Stay relevant: Include only essential information, i.e. key skills, experience, education, and certifications that match Barclays’ core competencies.
  4. Avoid photos: Do not include images, as Barclays values unbiased and inclusive recruitment.
  5. Proofread thoroughly: Ensure your CV is free of grammar and spelling errors. Attention to detail reflects professionalism, especially in finance roles.

For more tips to ace your Barclays application, don’t miss our quick video below!

Once you submit the Barclays application form, it will be reviewed. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to the Barclays online assessments.

4. Barclays Online Assessments

What are the Barclays online assessments?

The Barclays online assessments are a range of tests used in the Barclays hiring process to evaluate your cognitive abilities, working style and suitability for the role. Barclays’ assessments typically take between 60 and 90 minutes in total.

The Barclays assessment tests include the following:

  1. Numerical Reasoning Test
  2. Verbal Reasoning Test
  3. Logical Reasoning Test
  4. Values and Mindset Assessment
  5. Personality Assessment

If you’re applying for a more technical role, such as the Explorer Developer programme, Barclays may also invite you to complete an additional assessment to test your coding skills and computer science fundamentals.

Good to Know: Barclays’ online assessments are typically delivered via SHL or Cappfinity, and are usually blended into two combined stages known as Business Insight Stage 1 and Business Insight Stage 2.

Now, let’s talk about each of these Barclays online assessments in turn, starting with the numerical reasoning test.

5. Barclays Recruitment FAQs

1 How long is the Barclays recruitment process?

The Barclays recruitment process typically takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the role, location, and volume of applicants. Throughout the process, candidates are kept updated via email or the application portal.

2 How long should I wait after the Barclays assessment centre?

You can generally expect to hear back from Barclays within 1 to 2 weeks after your assessment centre. In some cases, it may take longer due to high application volumes, so monitor your email regularly.

3 What is the pass rate for Barclays online assessments?

Barclays does not publicly share pass rates, as outcomes vary based on role and competition. The best approach is to practice timed numerical, verbal, logical and situational judgement tests similar to Barclays’ format to improve your chances.

4 Is the Barclays recruitment process consistent globally?

Yes, the structure of the Barclays recruitment process is broadly consistent across regions. However, specific timelines, eligibility criteria, and assessments may vary by location or business division.

5 Can I reapply to Barclays if I’m unsuccessful?

Yes, you can reapply after 12 months to the same programme. Alternatively, you may apply sooner to a different role or business area, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

6 What benefits do Barclays employees get?

Barclays offers employees a competitive salary, pension scheme, discretionary annual bonus, life insurance, income protection, and access to a range of wellbeing resources, including employee discounts, mental health support, and flexible working options.

Start preparing for the Barclays recruitment process with GF today, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.

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This article was last updated on 10 July 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with the employer.

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