Barclays Capital, sales (internship)

These questions were allegedly asked during an interview at an assessment centre

Question:

How well would you rate yourself at sales from 1 - 10?

Answer:

A solid 7 or 8. I think Ive got the raw materials for a sales role but am not quite the fully refined product yet. If I was to be hired I believe the soft skills and sales training on the graduate program would let me develop my abilities.

Question:

Its Christmas and Im looking for presents. Sell me an Easter egg.

(Enter into 10 minute or so role play)

Question:

How many petrol stations are there in the USA?

Answer:

Assuming that the US has 300 million inhabitants and averages 0.5 cars per person there are 150m drivers in the US. If a petrol station needs 1,000 drivers to remain in business, there must be 150m / 1,000 = 150,000 petrol stations.

Question:

What is the square route of 79?

Answer:

A bit less than 9, say 8.7 - 8.8.

These questions were provided to us by a candidate claiming to have interviewed at the institution named above. We cannot guarantee that these were the actual questions asked.