A huge congratulations to Henrietta on securing an internship with Barclays which she applied for with the help of the Bright Network Website. Here she gives some insights to the recruitment process and offers some great advice.
Why did you choose this firm and this role?
I chose Barclays mainly because of its reputation, but also because of its opportunities to work in roles which have a lot of impact on everyday consumer banking - why I chose the Consumer Banking Solutions internship!
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
I found the online interview the most challenging part, mainly due to the fact that my answers were timed, and so everything I said needed to be concise yet also impactful. My favourite part was definitely the in-person interview at Barclays in Canary Wharf; everyone was so lovely and really gave me the chance to talk about myself and my motivations in detail, and it was on one of the top floors of the skyscraper so there was an amazing view of the Thames!
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
1) If you are given materials to read through and prepare beforehand, make sure you do this thoroughly and try to anticipate some of the questions that will be asked about it.
2) Think about each of your positions held on your CV and try to match them to skills/ incidences that crop up in competency based interview questions.
3) Chat to the other applicants if you are all waiting together before the interview; it creates a much more friendly, relaxed atmosphere that leaves you more able to present your best self at interview.
What was the toughest question you faced at interview?
What do you think would be most challenging for you in this role?
