Applying to Barclays

All applications for our programmes must be submitted online, through this site. From there, you’ll go through a multi-stage process carefully designed to assess your leadership qualities and potential, and to ensure that we’re right for one another.

You will be updated at each successive stage, but it’s still worth reading through this section to see what you can expect from us (and vice versa) as you progress.

The selection process explained

Hints and tips

FAQs

1. Applications

Once you have decided which track of the Future Leaders Development Programme is right for you, you’ll need to apply directly to the programme you’re interested in. In all cases, the process begins with an online form asking you about your degree, work experience, and any extra-curricular activities you’ve been involved in. You’ll select options from a series of drop-down menus, but there are several points when you can tell us any other important details.

2. Online testing

The next step is to complete a series of online tests designed to test your numerical and verbal reasoning skills.

3. Telephone interviews

If you are successful in the tests, we will invite you to undertake a telephone interview so we can explore the opportunities you have had to display the leadership behaviours that we look for. At this stage, we’ll also require you to upload a one-page CV, so take time to be absolutely sure it showcases the experience and capabilities that will make you a success here. (We ask you to keep it down to one page to show us how concise, focused and adaptable you are.)

4. FLDP Simulation Day

In the final stage we promise to challenge and inspire you like never before, with a packed day of exercises, insights and learning. Of course, it’s all designed to help us assess your leadership potential, your intellectual ability and the core leadership behaviours. But it’s also designed to help you gain greater insight into working at Barclays – you’ll be immersed in a simulation that gives a real sense of our culture and what’s important to us. Be assured, we’ll judge you on your aptitude for the job and nothing else. But whether you succeed or not, we hope you come away feeling truly inspired and having learnt more about yourself and Barclays. The application deadline for all of our programmes is 12 noon GMT on 31^st December. However, we hire on a first-come, first-served basis, and vacancies will close once places are filled so do make sure you get your application in early.

Your online application

This is our first impression of you, so make it count. Take your time and do your research before completing the form. Be honest and concise, and check your application before submitting it.

What role do you want?

From the beginning of the application process right through to the end, you’ll need to be clear about what you’re looking for and why. Even though you might not know exactly what you’d be doing day to day, do your research and work out why you think you fit the role, whether that’s down to your education, personality or work experiences to date.

Be commercial

Whichever department you want to work in, you need to be clear and confident about its role in the commercial world. The better prepared you are, the more facts you’ll have at your fingertips throughout the selection process. Use the internet (with our main site and graduate site as your starting points) as well as leading financial publications like The Economist and FT to get the information you need.

Online numerical or verbal reasoning testing

Practice, practice, practice ahead of the real thing. And then when you’re finished, practise again. When it comes to the test itself (which is timed), find a quiet, comfortable place and work quickly and accurately. Do the test on your own – if you make it through to assessment you’ll take another version of the test so it’s not worth getting help at the online stage.

CV upload

Make sure your CV is concise and clear – just the one page that we’ve requested for the upload. You’ll be able to add more detail about yourself at other points.

Telephone interviews

Prepare and research (see ‘Be commercial’). Find somewhere quiet and make sure your phone is fully charged. Remind yourself why you want to work for this company in this role. Re-read your CV and think about the challenges you’ve faced to date.

Do yet more research and preparation beforehand. Decide what you want to ask the interviewer and what you want to get out of the interview. Remind yourself what makes this job and this company stand out for you. Refresh your memory about the experiences and challenges that make you the right person for the job. And be yourself.

Express yourself clearly, sound positive and upbeat. Be concise – aim to get to the point and make sure you’re answering the question you’ve been asked. The main thing is to relax, be honest and be yourself. We don’t want over-rehearsed answers – we want to hear about you.

What company do you want?

Even though you may well be applying to lots of different companies, you must be clear why you’ve chosen a particular industry or business area. If you’ve settled on financial services, think about why it appeals to you. Do your research and have good reasons why you’ve picked the companies you’ve applied to. If you’re not sure then find out more from us when we’re on campus.

Group exercises

Work with your team – these are not your competitors, they’re your colleagues. So guide them as necessary while making sure you listen to their points of view. Show us you can think commercially and have good product knowledge. Speak clearly so assessors can hear what you have to say.

Presentations

Lots of practice in advance will help you manage your nerves. Make sure you make eye contact and engage your audience. Know your topic so you can take questions at the end. And try to smile!

How much will I be paid?

You’ll receive a very competitive starting salary of £36k plus an initial bonus of £8k. We also offer a competitive and flexible benefits package, including private healthcare, a cash amount in lieu of pension and 25 days’ holiday.Please note, we have local programmes in place in India and Lithuania. Rewards and Benefits are country-dependent and you can discuss the package available with your hiring manager at the point of offer.

What’s the deadline for applications?

The application deadline for our programmes was 12 noon GMT on 31st December. However, applications are still open for selected programmes. Please note, we do have local programmes in place in India and Lithuania. Application deadlines for these programmes will be highlighted on our home page.Contact our recruitment team for more information at barclaysrecruitment@tmpw.co.uk or 0845 199 1602 (International: +44 (0)117 923 4404).

If my application is successful, when would I start?

Those who are chosen for this year’s Future Leadership Development Programme will start on 2^nd September 2013.

I’m not a recent graduate and have some years’ work experience. Can I still apply?

Yes. Our Future Leaders Development Programme is for Future Leaders – whether you’ve already started on a professional career or you’re just about to.

What provisions do you make for candidates with a disability?

We judge applicants on their ability and nothing else, and we work hard to help those with disabilities as much as possible. There’s a section on the application form where you can tell us if you need special adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please contact us to find out more. Email us at barclaysrecruitment@tmpw.co.uk or call us on 0845 199 1602.

Do you support study for professional qualifications?

Yes, all of our programmes come with the chance to study for a recognised professional qualification. Please read the individual programme pages to find out more.

Can I start my online application form and then come back to it later?

Yes – there’s a facility to save your application.

Can I get a paper copy of the application form?

Yes, although we’d rather you apply online if possible, simply because we receive and process online applications faster. We can send you a paper form in exceptional circumstances and it won’t harm your application. To ask us for a paper or Braille form email barclaysrecruitment@tmpw.co.uk or call 0845 199 1602.

Do you reimburse any expenses incurred during the recruitment process?

Yes, we reimburse reasonable expenses up to £50, supported by receipts. In exceptional circumstances we might pay higher expenses, but you’ll need authorisation from us if booking any travel over £50. Email barclaysrecruitment@tmpw.co.uk or call us on 0845 199 1602.

How long do the programmes last?

The Spring and Summer internship programmes take 4 days and 8 weeks respectively, and the FLDP takes two years to complete, although, hopefully, this will only be the start of your leadership journey with us. We want you to become the Future Leaders of our business.

What career development can I expect?

To help you be as productive as possible, as quickly as possible, expect everything from a thorough induction, a mentor and a buddy through to online and classroom training courses, and support to study for professional qualifications. Please refer to individual programme pages to find out more.

What happens at the end of the programme?

The FLDP is all about developing your leadership capability. So when you finish, you should be ready to move into a management role and take on real responsibility. With a Development Centre midway through the programme, you will be preparing for the future well in advance.

How many vacancies are there?

We have over 100 places on our programmes this year.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

We’re looking for the best to join us on the FLDP, so you’ll need at least a 2:1 and 300 UCAS points from your top three A-Levels (or equivalent).

What support will I receive during my programme?

Lots. We hire and develop the best people and support personal development in every way we can. As soon as you join, we’ll assign you a buddy and a mentor who can help you find your feet and offer advice throughout the programme. Plus you’ll have the support of a dedicated programme manager who’s there to offer mentorship, guidance and advice. You’ll also learn a great deal from the other Future Leaders you join with – you’ll go through the programme as a cohort and stay in close touch throughout.

Where will I be based?

As well as making your way around our Global HQ in Canary Wharf, you could spend time somewhere anywhere within our operations across the UK. Beyond that, you could spend a placement pretty much anywhere we have retail operations in Europe and Africa: from Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France to Egypt, Ghana, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. We also have Technology hubs located in the UK, India and Lithuania.We also hire onto our Technology – Product & Process programme locally in India and Lithuania.

Can I apply if I require assistance in gaining a Work Permit?

This depends on your programme and varies by business.

Can existing Barclays employees apply?

The short answer is yes, although we would point out that the Future Leaders Development Programme is best suited to those at an early stage in their career. Application and assessment is the same for internal candidates as for external candidates.

Can I contact the Recruitment Team?

Of course. Please contact us at barclaysrecruitment@tmpw.co.uk or 0845 199 1602 (International: +44 (0)117 923 4404).

Your application

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