Interviewing Tips

Barclaycard utilizes behavioral-based interviewing, meaning rather than asking the “standard” interview questions that you’ve probably heard time and again, our interviewers will give you the opportunity to share specific examples of situations you’ve experienced at work. This gives us the best idea of how you would be likely to perform in the position, and also gives us insight into whether or not the position is one that you will enjoy. Although behavioral interviewing is becoming more widely used, it may feel quite different from other types of interviews that you have experienced. In addition to some general interviewing tips below, we’ve also included some tips to help you to prepare for your behavioral interview at Barclaycard.

  1. Show your interviewer how interested you are in the position by preparing for the interview. Things to do to prepare:
    1. Do some research on the company to learn more about it
    2. Prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask your interviewer
    3. Be aware of and ready to talk about your strengths, skills, and accomplishments
    4. Practice reciting your answers to common interview questions
  2. Make a good first impression by arriving ten to fifteen minutes ahead of your scheduled interview time (never arrive late), dress professionally (even if the company has a casual dress policy), bring multiple copies of your resume, extend a firm handshake, be sure to maintain eye contact, and smile.
  3. When answering your questions, be sure to stick to specific examples, and don't talk about generalities (using language such as “usually," “most of the time,” etc). Instead, focus on actual specific situations that you have encountered at work. It is important to listen to the question asked and answer that question. Keep your answers concise - two to three minutes at the most.
  4. Make sure you know what you can offer and what skills you would bring to the position.
  5. In a behavioral interviewing there are three pieces of information you interviewer will be collecting for each question they ask you. They are:
    1. The situation you were in or the task you had to complete
    2. The specific actions that you took
    3. The end result (what happened)
  6. Remember that it’s normal to be nervous and to need a little time to think about and remember specific examples. You should also be emotionally prepared for your interview.
  7. De-emphasize money, time off, and fringe benefits.
  8. Show confidence in yourself and your work, speak clearly (using proper grammar), and exhibit good manners. Be positive and focus on your accomplishments.
  9. Express appreciation for your interviewer’s time.
  10. Follow up after your interview by sending an appropriate “thank you” to each of your interviewers.