I applied through a recruiter. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Barclays (Jersey City, NJ) in Mar 2010
Interview
Recruiter set up the interview, interviewer was late but I had the opportunity to observe the working conditions etc... it was clear that there was very few people over 35 at their office. The interview was ver cordial but the recruriter the next day called and after telling me that I didn't get the position asked my age.
I told him and then I told him my observations which he agreed was most likely the real reason. Bottom line to me is if you are older than 30-35 don't take the trip to Jersey City.
I was interviewed for a contract role. There was no JD shared despite of me asking for the same. The interviewer(s) changed in the call and I was introduced to two new interviewers who would take my interview. They were shooting questions one after another without letting me breathe in between. I have over 21 years of experience and without a JD it was difficult for me to understand what to mention and what not and what exactly skill they are looking for. Luckily I didn't get through but if I would have been, I would have said NO. It was very very unprofessional interview. It seemed like they had made up their mind and looking for excuses to fail.
One Recruiter meeting - one on one to discuss experience and the role
One Technical interview around one week later - ~5 detailed technical questions. Fairly formal format and style
The process was quite long but very well structured, and the team remained consistently responsive throughout. It involved a test, followed by an interview, and ultimately an offer. Overall, the experience felt positive, transparent, and professionally handled from start to finish