30 Barclays Leveraged Finance Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Barclays Leveraged Finance interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Adaptability
1. How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our team at Barclays?
How to Answer
While hiring managers understand that you will need some time to get up to speed in your role, convey to your interviewer that you're ready to hit the ground running on day one. Barclays LF has a high-profile reputation to maintain and wants to ensure that its employees will only improve the company and add to its bottom line. As such, hiring managers are looking to hire the best of the best to maintain a positive company reputation. With an abundance of qualified candidates looking to enter the investment banking industry, hiring managers want employees who will be productive in their roles right away and won't need excessive training.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I plan to make an impact as soon as possible at Barclays. I've already researched this position and have all the requisite skills outlined in the position description and proficiency in other relevant skills that I think would be useful in developing the (XYZ) project at Barclays LevFin. As you can tell, I'm incredibly eager to get started, why is why I have created a 90-day impact plan that I would like to share with you. After that, I'm interested in hearing from you about if there are any additional actions that I haven't included that I could take in the first week to be successful in this role."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Ask The Interviewer
2. Do you have any questions for me?
How to Answer
Make sure that your answer to this question is a resounding 'yes!' This question should be straightforward, and you can, without a doubt, expect your interview to conclude with time for you to ask the interviewer any questions you have about Barclays or your role. Ensure that you've brainstormed 2-3 thoughtful questions before the interview, and then demonstrate a genuine curiosity to learn the answer. Listen carefully to your interviewer's answer, and feel free to ask any follow-up questions that you have.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I'm really excited about this opportunity at Barclays and am ready to hit the ground running from day one if given the shot. In your opinion, what can a new analyst do in the first 30 days to go above and beyond in this role? "
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about my background and why I'm excited about this role with Barclays. I'm interested in learning more about leadership potential and the typical trajectory at Barclays. Could you share with me your experience with career advancement here?"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Behavioral
3. At Barclays Leveraged Finance, our team members often have to often work under a tight deadline. Talk about a time you had to work under a tight deadline in the past. How did you handle that situation and what made it a success?
How to Answer
Investment banking is notoriously demanding, and the LevFin division is no different. You can expect to work 70-80 hours a week minimum and ramp up towards 100 hours a week when facing a tight deadline. Your interviewer would like to ascertain if you can handle those demands or if you'll crack under pressure.
Choose a situation--ideally, one in the financial space--that demonstrates your ability to work efficiently and calmly under an impending deadline. You'll have a lot on your plate as a LevFin analyst. Make sure your interviewer knows that you can handle it.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I'm well aware of the demands that Barclay's analysts face within this division. During my internship last summer with XYZ Investment Bank, I regularly put in 90 hour weeks working on a deal. I found that I worked well under pressure and met deadlines, even if it meant working late into the night. I appreciate that it's a part of the role and feel equipped to put in the time and effort. My references will echo this sentiment -- they know I stay calm under pressure and see tasks through to the finish line."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"During the last semester of my MBA program last spring, I was nearing completion of my capstone project. The project was a case study of mergers within the manufacturing industry and was a great overall project to learn from. During the semester, the full-time job I was working to put myself through school was becoming much more demanding, and parts of my project got postponed to a point where I feared not being able to complete it to the best of my abilities with the final due date approaching. Right away, I rearranged my work schedule to work half time and began plugging away at the final pieces of the project. To complete it, I had to sacrifice some outside weekend events with friends. While sad to do that at first, I learned some great lessons on time management, project management, and sacrifice."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Behavioral
4. This position at Barclays Leveraged Finance has generated a lot of interest from applicants. What do you feel is the one quality that sets you apart from others we are speaking with about this position?
How to Answer
IB is a competitive industry. You can expect to be interviewing alongside top-notch applicants who come from high-caliber universities and have prestigious work and internship experience. Hiring managers at top financial institutions like Barclays have boatloads of qualified candidates who could fill the position, which is why you'll need to stand out as an applicant.
This question is the perfect opportunity for you to highlight the one key quality that makes you the best person for this position, so be sure to reflect on that quality ahead of your interview. It might have to do with your educational or professional background, a personality characteristic you'll bring to the team or another aspect of your identity that makes you unique.
Remember that many candidates are hardworking, motivated, and accomplished. Really reflect on what is unique about your story or career trajectory to help you succeed in this role.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"From what I understand about this role in Client Services with Barclays Leveraged Finance, my day-to-day work will include a lot of client interaction, and I really feel like the job description was written with my skills and abilities in mind. But the thing that will really set me apart for being the perfect fit for this role is my experience on the sales side of things, where I spent five years of my career working in business development and sales at XYZ Bank. In sales, I have developed key skills like product knowledge and selling skills that would be very beneficial to this role."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As we've discussed in this interview and from what you can see from my resume, I'm confident I have all the technical skills needed to succeed in this role. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from a top-ranked university, held various leadership positions throughout college, and gained valuable skills as an M&A analyst at XYZ investment bank over the past two years. As an applicant, what sets me apart is my drive to succeed at Barclay's and build a long-term career here. I'm well aware that many LevFin analysts put in their two years of work and then hop off to the private equity or consulting sphere. I believe in Barclays' mission and look forward to working hard to advance my career here."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Behavioral
5. Talk to me about a challenging situation you had to handle on the job that involved another colleague. How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to hear how you use solid interpersonal and relationship-building skills to diffuse a difficult situation with a coworker. No matter what situation you talk about, make sure to focus your answer on a positive mindset and the steps you walked through to turn a potentially hazardous situation into a good one. Talk about lessons learned from that situation that you keep with you to this day on the job.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A few years back, we hired a junior advisor on our team, and I was tasked with being his mentor. Having mentored several other thriving junior advisors before he started, I was excited about the opportunity. Within the first week of him being on the job, I overheard a colleague talking openly about his disdain for the hire of this new advisor. I decided to speak to my colleague in a private office about my concern about the new advisor's words. Having been a part of the interview process and his early mentorship, I knew he had the skills to succeed, and I reiterated that to my colleague. After agreeing to back off his critique of the new advisor, I learned that direct conversations are the best way to handle workplace conflicts. The junior advisor went on to be quite successful at the firm. I learned from this experience the importance of open communication and friendly assertiveness when working with my colleagues. I know that Barclays is known for its positive company culture and team environment, and I think the style I've developed to effectively work with team members would align well with Barclays' values."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, I approached a colleague that had missed a deadline on a big audit we were conducting, and she completely blew up at me during our conversation. At first, I was taken aback by her response because I had never witnessed that from her in many years of working together. While remaining calm, I allowed her the opportunity to vent to me, and it turns out that she was going through a lot of things in her personal life that was impacting her work. While keeping our project deadlines in mind, I also took a personal approach to let her know that she could bring these issues to me as both a colleague and a friend and work through them together in the future. Through this experience, I learned the importance of treating all clients and colleagues as multifaceted humans, often with a lot going on. It's made me a better listener and team member in the workplace."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Behavioral
6. How do you manage the day-to-day stress of a demanding career?
How to Answer
The daily stressors of a career in finance -- particularly investment banking -- can be burdensome, overwhelming, and lead to burnout. To get a sense that you can handle stress safely and healthily, your interviewer wants to hear that you have coping strategies in place and are not intimidated by a high-pressure work environment. Point out that you have the resources and ability to care for yourself to stay at the top of your game on the job.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Despite it being a demanding industry, I consider myself excellent at handling stress. As a goal-oriented person, I'm incredibly driven to achieve my goals and therefore consider any necessary stresses in pursuit of a healthy goal. Outside of work, I'm an active person. I'm currently training for a marathon and spend much of my free time outdoors with my family. I find that these activities help clear my mind to prepare for a new week on the job."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"When I maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and spend as much time as possible outside of work with my children, any unnecessary work stresses are put on the back burner and often relieved immediately. I'm a firm believer in a healthy work-life balance, even though it can be very tough to do in our field. Having the ability to answer a client email or phone call during off-hours while unwinding has made our work lives better as well."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Behavioral
7. How can Barclays Leveraged Finance motivate you in your career?
How to Answer
As compensation for the hard work and intense work schedule that will be required of you as a Barclays LevFin analyst, know that you'll receive some pretty great support from Barclays. This will come in the form of benefits, a sizeable salary and bonus, mentorship, and various employee perks. While compensation is surely a motivator in the financial industry, focus your answer on how Barclays can help you professionally and personally, not just financially.
Assure your interviewer, too, that you are an intrinsically motivated individual. Being able to self-motivate is crucial for this role.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I'm a self-motivated worker, I'm drawn to Barclays for the great mentorship opportunities that you provide. Working with professionals who are where I want to be in my career down the road is incredibly motivating. Opportunities for mentorship and networking within LF and other Barclays divisions would be advantageous to me as a young professional."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Behavioral
8. List the top 3 skills that you have acquired in your last role.
How to Answer
You have likely gained many valuable skills in your career. Share with the interviewer which skills you value the most. Be sure to include skills that will be most relevant to a role at Barclays LF.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In the past few years, I was able to upgrade my education while still working full-time. The biggest skill I gained was my ability to multi-task as I worked the dual role of employee and student. I worked incredibly hard to balance these responsibilities and would bring this motivation to the role of an analyst. Next, I've demonstrated curiosity and a willingness to learn academically, given the breadth of courses I took and extracurriculars I was involved in. Finally, I've always been a people person and work well with others. At my current job, I work with a team of 6 people. We've developed a top-notch strategy for communicating and divvying up tasks."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"There are many skills I gained in my most recent position as I had a great training program and my boss was a strong mentor. If I had to choose three top skills, I would say that the biggest ones were effective multitasking, solid closing skills, and cold calling abilities."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Compatibility
9. If hired for this role at Barclays Leveraged Finance, I want to be sure that I'm hiring a motivated individual. What motivates you in your daily work and your career?
How to Answer
Within a prestigious field like investment banking, you should have strong personal motivation to succeed in your work, and your interviewer is asking this question to see what makes you tick in your career. In your answer, you might include an anecdote that explains why you got into IB in the first place. Perhaps a previous manager has even commented on your motivation, which you should certainly include in your answer.
While money, top-notch benefits, and the reputation that come with a career in investment banking may be all motivators, don't focus on these aspects in your answer. Rather, focus your answer on intrinsic motivation mostly removed from external factors like money, status, or external validation.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I find myself most motivated on the job when I am being challenged and when I can continue learning new things. From what I've learned in talking to others that currently work here at Barclays, the fast-paced environment and continuous changes in the industry would keep me on my toes. This is important to me in a company because I never want to get bored in a role."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Compatibility
10. What is the most attractive thing in your eyes about this role with Barclays Leveraged Finance?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer is looking to gain insight into what you know and like about Barclays and how they will help you meet your career goals. In your answer, stay focused on aligning your values with the organization's values and demonstrate that you've done your research on Barclays LF and the job you are interviewing for.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Over the past few years, I've had an eye on pursuing a career with Barclays Leveraged Finance because of its reputation for having a great company culture. In my current position as an analyst at XYZ company, we've partnered with Barclays analysts for work on the XYZ project. My team and I greatly admire and enjoy working with the Barclays analysts because they are motivated and easy to work with. I've had conversations with a few of them on their appreciation for your collaborative company culture and work-life balance, both of which are priorities for me in this next career step."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As I enter the midway point of my career, my job search has been focused on finding an employer that I can spend the rest of my career with and someday retire from. Looking at the history, culture, and growth of Barclays Leveraged Finance, this is definitely a place that I'd love to be a part of as you continue to grow and prosper into the future."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Compatibility
11. We are looking for the most motivated individuals to join the team here at Barclays Leveraged Finance. Where would you like your career to take you in the next five to ten years?
How to Answer
This common interview question put you in a tough spot. You need to discuss your ultimate career goals while also balancing the needs of the position you are interviewing for and the needs of Barclays Leveraged Finance. But remember that within investment banking, it's understood that analysts likely will progress in their career and likely won't stay there forever, given the industry's high demands and grueling hours. Your interviewer knows this, so be honest about future steps you foresee after working a few years as an analyst.
You might be interested in pursuing an MBA at a top-rated business school. Or, perhaps you have your sights set on a lucrative career in Private Equity or M&A, both popular career paths for many LF analysts. And If you do foresee a long career at Barclays, by all means, share your intended career trajectory! Many analysts find fulfillment within the LF space and progress to associate and managing director roles with time.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"While I'm open to where my skills and passions will take me in my career, my primary interest lies in the private equity space. That's why I think this LF analyst role is a perfect fit that will allow me to dive into the field and clarify where I want to be in a few years. I'm motivated to put in the energy and time to exceed expectations in this role and learn all that I can about the industry. However, I remain open to progressing in an LF career long-term at Barclays. Self-improvement and growth are extremely motivating to me, so if it's the right fit long-term, I can definitely see myself working towards associate and MD status."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Competency
12. In this role with Barclays Leveraged Finance, we will rely on your organized and methodical approach to provide financial analysis reporting. What does your current reporting process consist of?
How to Answer
Providing the clients of Barclays Leveraged Finance with detailed reports will be a key part of this position. Your interviewer will be looking to gauge your ability to be organized and detailed while also utilizing your critical thinking skills to provide the best reports possible. In your answer, keep a focus on the techniques and tools you use to ensure that clients receive the most accurate and detailed reports possible. As well, let your interviewer know that you are willing to learn new ways and new technologies to help onboard yourself to their team quicker.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I utilize the Tableau program to provide live, up-to-date information to my clients. After using a simply built Excel program for many years, Tableau provides beautiful and easy-to-understand reporting that my clients can take and run with to make an important decision. The connections and automations within the program have saved me time and effort, allowing me to take on a much more robust client base. If hired for this role here at Barclays Leveraged Finance, I also have familiarity with SAS and Spotfire and consider myself a quick learner if I need to learn a new program."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"When I need to provide reporting to clients or my firm, I ensure that the reporting includes all key risks and valuation. Today, as Financial Analysts, we have so many great tools available to us, and my current preference is a statistical program like Crystal Ball. When paired with the advanced Excel sheets that I have created and have been commended, my clients are always happy with the insight that I can provide."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Customer Service
13. Give an example of a time that you had to resolve a difficult situation with a client or customer. What were the keys to coming to a successful solution?
How to Answer
While not all roles with Barclays Leveraged Finance will be client-facing, some will require you to interact with clients daily. Regardless, a solid understanding of customer service and professionalism towards clients is expected. As such, your interviewer wants to be sure that you have the skills to resolve client issues with ease.
In your answer, let your interviewer know that you can take ownership of any situation by talking about a specific time when you diffused a difficult situation with a client. Talk about the resources you used and your interpersonal skills that helped turn a potentially bad situation into a successful one.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, I was asked to work with a high-profile client as a portfolio advisor when he came to our firm. I was tasked with this as my CEO trusted I could handle what he felt could be a sticky situation. From my first meeting with the client, he demanded that we provide more returns than the previous firm he worked with, and he was rather rude to our front desk staff. My approach was to take the time to listen to his needs and speak to him about what our firm could provide. I laid out my experience and track record for him to help him build his trust in me. I knew that from now on, with this client, I would need to take time to walk through my decision-making processes for his investments, which he really appreciated. As of today, we are still working well together, and his wealth has continued growing."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Customer Service
14. At Barclays Leveraged Finance, our clients are the lifeblood of our business and we do everything in our power to make them happy. What does the term customer service mean to you in your work?
How to Answer
No matter what position you are interviewing for at Barclays Leveraged Finance, your interviewer is looking to hear that solid customer service is important to you and that you work to apply that philosophy to your everyday work life. Whether you discuss problem-solving or making clients happy, this should be reflected in your work.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a people person by nature, I have an innate ability to do what is needed to give customers the best experience possible when I'm working with them. This means that I reflectively listen to their needs and concerns and do what is necessary to help them based on what I heard. In my interactions with customers, I am positive, pleasant, and nurturing by nature, and I've found that customers are very receptive to my communication style with them. If hired for this role at Barclays Leveraged Finance, you'll quickly find that dedicated customer service is one of the top qualities that I will bring to your team."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Customer Service
15. Barclays Leveraged Finance strives for client loyalty to keep us running strong into the future. What do you feel are the keys to retaining clients for the long haul?
How to Answer
Client retention within the financial services industry is an important part of running a strong business. Barclays takes its responsibility towards its clients very seriously; with just one slip up, a high-profile client can easily take their business to a competitor. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand your role in the customer retention equation. Make sure to hit on the point that doing the small things -- like prompt communication and follow-up -- go a long way towards keeping clients happy.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I learned a few essential things from a senior mentor early in my career that I have stuck with me to this day. First, clients expect me to be responsive to their needs to keep their business with me. Because of this, I return phone calls and emails as soon as possible, even if that means in the evening, the early morning, or Sunday afternoon. These small actions go a long way in showing my clients that I care. Another key to the success of my long-term clients is my ability to set and manage expectations for them. Clients desire to have a plan and know what that plan entails, and I pride myself on my ability to work with them to set goals and a plan to achieve those goals."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Having lost clients in the past that went to another firm, I take that pain personally and do everything I can do to ensure long-lasting relationships with my clients. For me, the first key to long-term success with my clients is a proactive approach. I don't wait for clients to contact me to make changes to their portfolio, I reach out to them. This action alone shows my clients that I am working for their best interests. Another action I take that shows my worth to my clients is goal tracking, and quarterly progress reports that I send out to them. This is particularly helpful for clients that are working with me in their first two years."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Direct
16. Why do you want to work in Leveraged Finance rather than a different area of Investment Banking?
How to Answer
LF is not always the obvious starter option for those beginning a career in investment banking. The Capital Markets and M&A divisions tend to be a more common starting point for young analysts. Thus, your interviewer wants to know what motivates you to pursue a role in LF rather than a different space. Demonstrate to your interviewer that you have solid reasons for pursuing a career in LF, reflecting on why you are drawn to this work and how your skills match up with the projects you'll be doing.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"As a math major, I very much enjoy quantitative reasoning and consider myself to be quite analytical. I'm drawn to LF, given the in-depth quantitative modeling and analysis I'll be doing when working on a deal. I'm excited, too, to have the opportunity to work on a lot of deals right off the bat. This active work environment will keep me engaged, and I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to work directly and indirectly with non-investment grade clients across a variety of industries."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Problem Solving
17. How many boxes of macaroni and cheese were eaten in the United States last year?
How to Answer
Questions like this are meant to test your ability to deduce an answer from a limited set of information and assumptions. You and your interviewer both know that it would be impossible for you to know or even calculate the correct answer, so your interviewer is solely looking for the factors you use to come to a logical answer. Be as detailed as possible in why you are making the assumptions when coming to a final answer.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"In knowing that the population in the United States is around 325 million people, my biggest factors in determining my answer will be that children between the ages of two and ten consume 75% of the mac and cheese each year and that the other 25% is consumed by ages ten and above. The other factor is that the kids eat one box per week and the ages over ten eat two per month. So, I'll determine that there are 80 million children between two and ten and figure that they'll eat 4.2 billion boxes. Then I'll determine that 240 million people over ten eat two per month to get 5.7 billion boxes of mac n' cheese. When added together, I'd say the final answer is right around 10 billion boxes of man n' cheese are eaten in the US each year."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Problem Solving
18. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to hear that you're open to doing things differently when necessary and that you're a quick learner. You likely won't have all the requisite information to succeed when first starting in an IB role, meaning that you will have to pick up on a great deal through observation, research, and practice. Give a professional example that showcases your ability to do just that.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"When our company came under new management last year, many new methods and policies came into place. I was able to learn various new approaches to meet our challenges in sales and customer management. I quite enjoyed the process because it kept me on my toes. I never want to get bored on the job, so I'm always eager to do something a new way if it means we can improve."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In my current position, I am faced with learning new sales methods and client approaches regularly. I am always the first to embrace these new sales pitches because I truly believe the bigger diversity we can offer our clients, the better."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Problem Solving
19. Give me an example of a time that you had to solve a problem without having all of the necessary information at hand to do so. How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer is looking to test your ability to be analytical and resourceful in a specific situation where you had to dig further to solve a problem. Before your interview, try to think of a time in the past where you encountered this specific situation and talk through it by laying out the problem and walking through the step-by-step approach you took to solve it. Try to be detailed as you explain how you thought the problem out and worked hard to use the resources you could to help solve the problem. Your interviewer will be relying on these fine details to truly see how you will perform on the job with Barclays Leveraged Finance.
As an analyst at Barclays, you will frequently be expected to work independently without having all the details you need. Senior-level leadership isn't there to hold your hand through a project, so make sure your interviewer knows that you can do your job well without having all the information you might need.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Back when I first joined my current organization, I was taking a role that had been vacant for many months, and I had to start with a backlog of work along with the regular daily activities. This customer service role included logging daily visitors and calls, and the interim rep only kept brief notes. After taking the time to walk through training and getting running on my own, I realized that the current workload wouldn't allow me to catch up on the backlog of work that had been missed. While I had ideas of how to play catch up on the work, I approached my supervisor with a few ideas, and we settled on having me log hours from home on our system as overtime to get caught up. I worked with our IT staff on getting set up on our network from home and was more than willing to help out with some extra hours."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Working for a large financial institution, our advisory staff help cover for each other when we are on vacation, sick, or simply out of office for the day. We typically team up in groups of three to help provide coverage for each other. A couple of months ago, I fielded a call from a colleague's client while she was away on vacation and completely out of phone coverage. The client had several questions about their personal finances that I couldn't help resolve off the top of my head. I let them know that their advisor was away on vacation, but I would take the next hour to research their questions and get back to them shortly. This was a very acceptable path of action to the client, and I took the time to get their questions answered quickly."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Scenario Based
20. Take a couple of minutes to sell this notepad to me.
How to Answer
To be successful in a sales-oriented role, you'll need to successfully sell your product or service to clients. For this task, your interviewer will slide a notepad (or another item) to you across the table and ask you to sell it to them. First and foremost, your interviewer will be looking for you to project confidence in your pitch and your ability to find their own needs in what they're looking for in a notepad while you give them your pitch. As you sell them the notepad, be sure that you are confident, creative and that you ask questions of them. Overall, think of this question as a fun opportunity to show off your ability to connect with clients and get to the heart of what their need is.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Well Mr. Jones, I know in your line that you are definitely in high need of notepads to help you succeed in your industry, and I'm here to show you a new product we have put out to market that can exceed your needs. You'll notice that it features extensive margins that accentuate the note-taking procedures for all who use it. You'll also notice that each individual sheet is carefully perforated to make separation from the binding an easy task compared to other notepads. The last feature of our new notepad is that it comes in many different paper colors that suit your needs. If you want, take this sample to your office for a week and put it to use. If you and your staff would make use of it, I can set you up with your first shipment in no time!"
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Mr. Jones, we at Notepads, Inc. are excited to announce a new line of notepads for our exclusive customers. If you can, tell me a bit about your frustrations with your current line of notepads that you use. Wow, thank you for that. I can tell that functionality, cost and supply are all issues of concern, and I'm happy to tell you that this fantastic notepad meets your needs with the brightest white paper, narrow-ruled, right-priced, and readily available features. I want to talk to you further about pricing and delivery options when you are ready."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
21. What do you feel is the best metric to gauge a company's future stock performance?
How to Answer
As a team member with Barclays Leveraged Finance, you will use financial analyses to provide expert advice and loans to private equity firms engaging in LBOs. Your interviewer wants to hear that you can intelligently point out the most salient factors to predict a company's future stock performance. While there are many great metrics to use and no right answer for this question, the best answers will be well-thought-out, backed by data, and confidently delivered.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"While there are many excellent metrics to consider for the future of stock performance, the one that I weigh the most heavily is the price-earnings to growth ratio. I prefer the PEG ratio because it considers the expected growth rate, where simple P/E calculation doesn't consider that. This calculation is specifically great when looking at a wide array of companies within an industry to level their playing field."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Being familiar with metrics like free cash flow, payout ratio, debt-to-equity, and price-to-sales, all can be very useful depending on the situation. In a recent economic downturn like we've had recently, I've relied heavily on the debt-to-equity measurement to measure future performance. As we've seen with many large retailers recently, a simple look into their debt would've shown the potential for disaster in their stock."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
22. At Barclays Leveraged Finance, we are building a massive machine learning program. What experience do you have with automation?
How to Answer
In the financial services field, machine learning is used to automate processes, provide information security, create algorithms for trading, and assist in credit scoring. If relevant, discuss an experience that you have had in working with data to create a robust machine learning tool. Discuss your role in the project and what you can bring to the team at Barclays Leveraged Finance.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Over the course of the last two years, I've been working on a machine learning tool that monitors online pricing from thousands of different retailers. The tool analyzes thousands of data sources simultaneously and pulls the information into a real-time database. My job was to build the program and the database while working with other colleagues that built out the sourcing for the websites we would pull data from. I think this experience would fit nicely with your team looking to extract real-time market data and trading data on a minute-to-minute basis."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"My experience in AI and machine learning as a Data Scientist has been in paperwork automation and cybersecurity. I recently helped my organization tweak our system to isolate cyber threats, and the new tweaks are working perfectly. I've also helped my organization save thousands of labor hours by creating a program to review contract information from vendors. If hired for this role here at Barclays Leveraged Finance, know that I remain open to learning new techniques in machine learning to help your organization grow and prosper into the future."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
23. In working with financial data here at Barclays Leveraged Finance, what are the steps you would take in the data validation process as part of your work?
How to Answer
Carefully interpreting financial data and ensuring its validity will be the heart of what you do as an analyst at Barclay's. Bad data in the financial industry can have a costly impact, and your job will be to ensure that doesn't happen. To answer this question, discuss the importance of data validation and your method for data screening and verification as part of the validation process. Include any programs that you have experience working with during the validation process.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"With any large analysis project that involves data validation, my first step is to create a detailed plan that defines the data to be validated and outlines the remaining steps. Next, I validate the information in the database and format the data. Finally, I'll take a small sample to make sure it meets the requirements of the project. I consider myself proficient in QuerySurge and Datameer but remain open to learning new programs here at Barclays. If given the opportunity, I'm excited to further hone my data validation skills by learning from the best in the LF industry."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Here at Barclays Leveraged Finance, your Financial Advisors rely on the most accurate and up to date data to present to clients, and I would take great pride in my job as a Data Analyst to provide the best data possible. To validate data, the two important steps I would take are data screening and data verification. I am very confident in working with algorithms that screen large sets of data for their accuracy. On top of that, I have worked with a few of the different data verification programs like Experian and Sage Intacct."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
24. What statistical models are you familiar with and which do you feel would best apply to the financial field here at Barclays Leveraged Finance?
How to Answer
As a resourceful LF analyst, your interviewer at Barclays expects you to be knowledgeable and well-versed in the many tools available. In your answer, be sure to show diversity within particular programs like SAS and SPSS while also pointing to your excellent Microsoft Excel abilities. Talk about any experience with programming and database languages like SQL and Python, but remember that the most important skills to emphasize as a financial analyst are your advanced Excel abilities.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, most of my analysis is handled in SAS, and I've really grown to appreciate the program's ability to manage large data sets and create predictive modeling in the financial field. From a past job, I have experience with SPSS and the SQL programming language to build robust databases. Of course, I have received expert-level training in Microsoft Excel over the years and can work quickly in it to support any analysis I need to run for a project."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my prior experience in data engineering and financial analysis, I have extensive experience in time series modeling that utilized both univariate and multivariate models. Multivariate time series modeling has proven to be very effective when looking at and predicting the S&P 500 performance, and I think my skills in this arena would greatly benefit your team."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
25. What factors do you consider part of an organization's long-term liability?
How to Answer
First and foremost, make sure that you can define a long-term liability as obligations that are due beyond one year and will be paid off well into the future. Then, consider major factors like bonds, mortgages, leases, and other items that factor into an organization's long-term liability. Last, explain why the measurement of long-term liabilities is an important factor in considering the overall financial health of an organization.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"While long-term liabilities aren't an immediate issue on a company's working capital, they can become an issue if long-term liabilities pile up too high for some organizations. While often overlooked, items like mortgages, fleet vehicle loans, and annuities can add up over time and are always items that I consider when looking at the overall health of an organization."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Long-term liabilities are an important component for measuring a firm's financial leverage. I always calculate a firm's ratio of long-term debt to assets and a ratio of long-term debt to current liabilities to get an assessment of a firm's overall financial health. Examples of long-term liabilities that I look at are long-term bonds, of course, as well as long-term loans, capital leases, and any credit line that's greater than one year."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
26. Explain the difference between equity and debt financing to me. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each?
How to Answer
You should know the ins and outs of equity and debt financing, as debt financing will be at the heart of what you do within Barclay's LF division. Your answer should demonstrate a solid understanding of the concepts and the associated pros and cons of each.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Companies have two options when they wish to raise capital: they can raise it through equity financing or debt financing. Equity financing involves granting ownership of a part of the company to an investor in exchange for capital. While an advantage is that the company won't have any debt to repay, a significant downside is that an outsider now has a stake in the company. Debt financing is a great option for companies that don't want to give outsiders a piece of the pie. A company can finance an increase in capital by taking on debt and repaying that debt over time with interest. Another important advantage of raising capital via debt financing is that any interest paid will be tax-deductible."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
27. What statistical analysis tools do you have experience working with?
How to Answer
Your interviewer at Barclays Leveraged Finance expects you to be knowledgeable and well-versed in the many tools available to you as a resourceful data analyst. Demonstrate a diversity of experiences within various programs like SAS and SPSS while also emphasizing your advanced Microsoft Excel skills. On top of the programs, discuss any experience you have with programming and database languages like SQL and Python.
Remember that of all the programs that can be used for performing statistical analyses, Microsoft Excel will typically be the most important for you to know within the investment banking space. Ensure your interviewer of your proficiency as well as your ability to learn new programs with ease.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"In my current role, most of my analysis is handled in SAS, and I've really grown to appreciate the program's ability to manage large data sets and create predictive modeling in the financial field. From a past job, I have experience with SPSS and SQL programming language to build robust databases. Of course, I have received expert-level training in Microsoft Excel and feel very comfortable working with large sets of data here."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
28. Explain the difference between leveraged loans and high-yield bonds.
How to Answer
Understanding the difference between leveraged loans and high yield loans will be expected of you as an incoming analyst with Barclays LF. Make sure you've done your research beforehand and understand the differences between the two inside and out, as it will be central to your work within the LF industry.
Within debt financing, you should know that there are two types of debt: investment-grade debt and speculative-grade debt. Investment-grade debt has a high credit rating and carries a greater likelihood that investors will pay it back. On the other hand, speculative-grade debt carries more risk given a lower credit rating and a higher probability that investors will renege on paying it back. In this way, companies can divide debt into tranches, with the highest-rated debt forming the upper tranches and lower credit debt forming the lower tranches. Loans and bonds are two of the structures that debt can take on within these tranches. Speculative-grade loans (the lowest tranche) are known as leveraged loans, which will, of course, be central to your work within LF. Speculative-grade bonds are known as high-yield bonds, as investors carry substantially more risk with these 'junk' bonds and therefore have the potential to realize higher returns.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"I'm well versed in debt financing given my previous role as a risk analyst at (XYZ) investment bank. To give you a quick rundown, leveraged loans represent the lower tranche of loans, and high-yield bonds represent the lower tranche of bonds. Leveraged loans can also be considered speculative loans and high-yield bonds as 'junk bonds' or speculative bonds. Bonds are highly tradeable on the market and are a way for an entity to raise funds, whereas a loan is not tradeable and represents a debt agreement between two entities. I understand that both of these concepts would be central to my work here within the LF division, as one of the leading sources of financing solutions for non-investment grade clients around the world."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
29. If you noticed that a company's balance sheet was showing increased amounts of accounts receivables, what future impacts to that company would you consider to be feasible?
How to Answer
At the root of this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand how the different lines on a company's balance sheet are related. In your answer, be sure to point out your understanding of this as your job as an analyst with Barclays Leveraged Finance will rely on your ability to do so.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"An organization's lines on a balance sheet all have an impact on other lines. If I were made aware of an increase in accounts receivable for an organization, I would note that cash flow could be directly impacted and give a higher chance that the organization didn't have enough money to operate. As well, the reduced value of assets is a real possibility for that organization."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In reality, an increase in amounts receivable can have both a positive and negative impact. In the short term, accounts receivable show up as current-period revenue and positively affect income statements. But over the long-term, a large increase in amounts receivable harms cash-flow for the company."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
Technical
30. How would you define what working capital is for a company and what does its measurement mean?
How to Answer
As a Financial Analyst with Barclays Leveraged Finance, you will be asked to help measure the working capital of organizations. In the definition you provide to your interviewer, ensure that you give them at least the basic definition of the calculation: current assets minus current liabilities. Then, talk about real situations where you've used the measurement to make critical decisions in a professional environment. This will confirm with your interviewer that you have the ability to use the measurement in this job.
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, we measure working capital to gauge the ability of a company to pay off its debts quickly. In working with many industries, from retails to the public sector, the determination of a company's ability to do so based on calculation can differ greatly from industry to industry. To calculate, a range of line items from the company are used to take their current assets minus their current liabilities. In the retail industry, seasonal spikes in business create the need for much higher working capital, and if hired for this role, I have a great understanding of each industry's specific needs."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In a broad sense, working capital is found by subtracting an organization's current liabilities from their current assets. In my current role, I utilize a more focused calculation of adding accounts receivable plus inventory and then subtracting accounts payable. The more focused calculation gives a better idea of total working capital for organizations when trying to get a better overall picture of their health and efficiency when projecting out towards the future."
Written by Rachel Hills on September 18th, 2021