Barclays Business Intelligence Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Barclays is a leading global bank that embraces innovation and aims to empower individuals and businesses with financial solutions that suit their unique needs.

The Business Intelligence (BI) role at Barclays focuses on driving insights from data to influence strategic decision-making and enhance operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include automating reports and dashboards, communicating critical business metrics, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and relevance. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional SQL and Tableau skills, as well as a strong analytical mindset. A background in data analysis or business intelligence, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, aligns well with Barclays' value of teamwork and customer-centricity. Additionally, familiarity with SAS or other analytical tools, as well as experience in consumer finance, will further enhance a candidate's fit for this position.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the role's expectations and the skills needed to succeed at Barclays. By understanding the key responsibilities and company values, you can tailor your responses and showcase your qualifications effectively.

The interview process for a Business Intelligence role at Barclays is structured to thoroughly evaluate candidates' technical skills, experience, and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically consists of several stages, each designed to assess different competencies relevant to the role.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a phone call with a recruiter. This conversation typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on understanding your background, skills, and motivations for applying to Barclays. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the Business Intelligence role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates may undergo a technical assessment. This can take the form of a coding test or a practical exercise that evaluates your proficiency in SQL and Tableau, as well as your ability to analyze data and generate reports. The technical assessment is crucial, as it allows the interviewers to gauge your analytical skills and your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

3. Behavioral Interview

After successfully completing the technical assessment, candidates typically participate in a behavioral interview. This round often involves discussions about your past experiences, particularly focusing on how you have handled challenges, worked in teams, and contributed to projects. Expect to answer questions that explore your interpersonal skills, conflict management abilities, and alignment with Barclays' values.

4. Final Interview

The final stage usually consists of a more in-depth interview with senior team members or hiring managers. This round may include situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills and your approach to business intelligence challenges. You may also be asked to present a case study or discuss a project you have worked on, demonstrating your ability to communicate insights effectively.

5. HR Discussion

If you successfully navigate the previous rounds, the final step is often a discussion with HR. This conversation typically covers salary expectations, benefits, and any remaining questions you may have about the role or the company. It’s also an opportunity for you to express your enthusiasm for the position and clarify any logistical details regarding the job offer.

As you prepare for your interview, be ready to discuss your technical skills, particularly in SQL and Tableau, as well as your experience in data analysis and reporting. Now, let's delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Structure

The interview process at Barclays typically involves multiple rounds, including an initial screening followed by technical and behavioral interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure and prepare accordingly. Expect to discuss your resume in detail, including your projects and work experience, as interviewers will likely focus on these areas. Be ready for both technical assessments, particularly in SQL and Tableau, and behavioral questions that assess your fit with the company culture.

Highlight Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on SQL and Tableau in the role, ensure you are well-versed in these tools. Brush up on SQL queries, especially those involving joins and data manipulation, as these are commonly tested. Additionally, be prepared to discuss how you have used these tools in past projects to derive insights and drive business decisions. If you have experience with SAS or Python, be ready to discuss that as well, as it may come up during technical discussions.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Barclays values candidates who can communicate effectively and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. Prepare for competency-based questions that ask you to provide examples of how you've handled challenges, worked in teams, or made decisions under pressure. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you convey not just what you did, but the impact of your actions.

Align with Company Values

Barclays places a strong emphasis on its corporate culture and values. Research these values and think about how your personal values align with them. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work at Barclays and how you can contribute to their mission. This will not only show your enthusiasm for the role but also your understanding of the company’s goals.

Be Ready for Situational Questions

Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you would approach real-world business challenges. Think about scenarios where you had to analyze data to make a recommendation or resolve a conflict. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers will be interested in how you arrive at your conclusions.

Showcase Your Leadership Potential

If you have experience leading teams or projects, be sure to highlight this during your interview. Barclays is looking for candidates who can act as role models and lead junior team members. Discuss any relevant experiences where you took initiative, mentored others, or drove a project to success.

Stay Calm and Engaged

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but maintaining a calm demeanor and showing genuine interest in the conversation can set you apart. Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the team, the role, and the company’s future. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if Barclays is the right fit for you.

Follow Up

After your interview, consider sending a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the role and reflect on any key points discussed during the interview. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your skills and experiences with Barclays' expectations, you can approach your interview with confidence and increase your chances of success. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Intelligence interview at Barclays. The interview process will likely assess a combination of technical skills, analytical thinking, and behavioral competencies. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with SQL, data analysis, and reporting, as well as their ability to communicate insights effectively to stakeholders.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between INNER JOIN and LEFT JOIN in SQL?

Understanding SQL joins is crucial for data manipulation and reporting.

How to Answer

Clearly define both types of joins and provide examples of when each would be used in a query.

Example

"An INNER JOIN returns only the rows where there is a match in both tables, while a LEFT JOIN returns all rows from the left table and the matched rows from the right table. For instance, if I have a table of customers and a table of orders, an INNER JOIN would show only customers who have placed orders, whereas a LEFT JOIN would show all customers, including those who haven't placed any orders."

2. How do you ensure data accuracy in your reports?

Data accuracy is vital for making informed business decisions.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate data, such as quality checks and automated processes.

Example

"I implement several quality checks, including cross-referencing data with source systems and using automated scripts to identify anomalies. Additionally, I regularly review reports with stakeholders to ensure the data aligns with their expectations."

3. Describe a complex SQL query you have written. What was its purpose?

This question assesses your practical SQL skills and problem-solving abilities.

How to Answer

Provide a brief overview of the query, its purpose, and the outcome it achieved.

Example

"I wrote a complex SQL query to analyze customer purchase patterns over the last year. The query involved multiple joins and subqueries to aggregate data by customer segments, which helped the marketing team tailor their campaigns effectively, resulting in a 15% increase in engagement."

4. What tools do you use for data visualization, and why?

This question evaluates your familiarity with BI tools.

How to Answer

Mention specific tools and explain their advantages in presenting data.

Example

"I primarily use Tableau for data visualization because of its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities for creating interactive dashboards. It allows me to present complex data in a way that is easily understandable for stakeholders, facilitating better decision-making."

5. How do you approach troubleshooting a data discrepancy in your reports?

This question tests your analytical and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Outline your systematic approach to identifying and resolving discrepancies.

Example

"When I encounter a data discrepancy, I first verify the source data to ensure it is accurate. Then, I trace the data flow through the reporting process to identify where the error may have occurred. Once I locate the issue, I correct it and implement additional checks to prevent similar discrepancies in the future."

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you had to influence a stakeholder's decision with data.

This question assesses your communication and persuasion skills.

How to Answer

Share a specific example where your data analysis impacted a decision.

Example

"In a previous role, I analyzed customer feedback data and identified a significant drop in satisfaction related to a specific product feature. I presented my findings to the product team, highlighting the potential impact on sales. This led to a redesign of the feature, which improved customer satisfaction scores by 20%."

2. Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting priorities.

This question evaluates your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss how you assessed the situation and made decisions to manage your workload effectively.

Example

"I once had multiple reporting deadlines coinciding with a major project launch. I prioritized tasks based on their impact on the business and communicated with my manager about the situation. By reallocating some responsibilities and focusing on high-impact reports first, I was able to meet all deadlines without compromising quality."

3. How do you handle feedback on your reports?

This question gauges your receptiveness to feedback and willingness to improve.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to receiving and implementing feedback.

Example

"I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. When I receive feedback on my reports, I take the time to understand the concerns and ask clarifying questions if needed. I then make the necessary adjustments and follow up with the stakeholder to ensure the changes meet their expectations."

4. Can you give an example of a time you had to learn a new tool or technology quickly?

This question assesses your adaptability and willingness to learn.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you successfully learned a new tool under pressure.

Example

"When my team decided to switch to a new data visualization tool, I took the initiative to learn it quickly. I dedicated extra hours to online tutorials and practice projects, which allowed me to create a comprehensive dashboard for our quarterly review within a week of the transition."

5. What motivates you to work in business intelligence?

This question helps interviewers understand your passion for the field.

How to Answer

Discuss your interest in data and how it drives your career choices.

Example

"I am motivated by the power of data to drive strategic decisions. I find it rewarding to transform raw data into actionable insights that can significantly impact a business's direction. The challenge of continuously learning and adapting to new technologies in this field excites me as well."