Hints
and Tips
Applying for a role
Prepare for success
Before you begin your application, take time to do some research and consider what information to include, making sure it’s in-depth and up to date.
Adapting your CV/Resume to each role you apply for will help get your application noticed. In a saturated market, employers and recruiters will be looking for candidates who match the key requirements. Study the job description and pull-out key words, then ensure these are highlighted throughout your CV/Resume. Be clear and concise to make sure hiring managers can see you’re a strong candidate from the outset.
Think about what makes you stand out. We don’t select people purely on academic record, so tell us about your extra-curricular activities, work experience and why you’re the kind of person who’ll fit well in our team.
Check and re-check your application for spelling mistakes and grammar. Don’t be tempted to copy and paste directly from our website or other sources – we want to hear, in your own words, why the information you’re giving us is relevant and interesting.
You have limited space on your application. Illustrate your answers with clear examples of how you’ve shown good judgment, innovation, teamwork, commitment and leadership. Avoid clichés or claims you can’t prove.
Preparing for your interview
Set yourself up for success
Setting yourself up with the right equipment will help get you off to a flying start. If possible, use a laptop or computer with a high-quality camera, but if you don’t have access to either, a phone will do.
Whatever device you use, make sure it’s stable and arranged so you don’t have to hold it – this will ensure you’re free to emote with your hands while you speak. Don’t forget to check your device’s microphone and speaker beforehand too – and you might find that using headphones will help you catch every word.
Practise, practise, practise
We know it’s hard to practise for an interview, even under normal circumstances, as there will always be questions you might not anticipate, but organising mock interviews with family or friends will help to build your confidence in answering unexpected questions. This is a great chance to ensure your equipment is running smoothly too.
Remove all distractions
The last thing you want when interviewing is to be distracted. Our advice? Find a quiet, private space, and put a sign on the door if you live with others.
Once you’ve found the perfect space, it’s time to check what will be visible around you. Set up your front-facing camera and have a look – think about what the interviewer will be able to see and consider whether it’s distracting.
Think about your outfit
Dress like you would with a face-to-face interview, you want to make a good first impression. This will not only show the interviewer that you’re committed, it will also help you to feel professional.
Just be yourself
Interviewing is nerve-racking at the best of times, and we understand that video interviews have an added pressure as you will be able to see yourself on-screen. This may make you feel a little uncomfortable, so take a deep breath, relax and remember to just be yourself.
Top tip: look into the camera or directly at your interviewer when you’re speaking to take your focus away from your own image.
Preparation is key
Make sure you do research before your interview. Look into us as a company, the business area you’re applying to, as well as the specific role or programme you’re applying for.
Carefully read the job description and highlight sections where you can mention how your experience and strengths would be relevant for the role – and think about what you could bring to the team and company.
Performing well during the Assessment process
We know the assessment process can seem a bit daunting and we want you to succeed as much as you do. The purpose of these assessments is to allow us to understand more about you, your key skills and your mindset.
Take time and read instructions
Take the time to understand each assessment you will be taking and what they will tell us about your fit to the job.
When completing assessments online, read through the instructions carefully and complete all practise and example questions.
Give honest answers
It is best to be yourself, and respond honestly. Remember that it’s not in your interest to take a job to which you are not well suited. If you feel you have performed poorly on one exercise, don’t give up. Your performance across all of them will be taken into account.
Ask for required adjustments
Barclays is committed to being a disability confident organisation. We strive to be the most accessible and inclusive bank, and we will endeavor to make any required adjustments to support you in your application. Please inform us as soon as possible with any requirements you might need.
