Professional Banking Job Interviews

Archive for January, 2008

By: ReginPaul

First impressions do last, that is a fact. It’s the first time that the human resource manager will see you and so you have to make a lasting impression, a good one that is. Here are some of the tips that you have to keep in mind when it comes to your interview attire:

1. You have to dress neatly. Wear your newly ironed coat and tie (men) or blouse and skirt (women). Crumpled and stained clothes are not pleasant to look at.
2. Minimize your accessories. You wouldn’t want to look like a walking Christmas Tree in your interview, do you?

Do not panic if your interviewer suddenly asks you how much you would like your salary to be. The best thing to do, however, is to prepare for this question beforehand. Ask from people you know who are in the same profession. Or there is always the internet. Many sites contain information about the going rates for different professions. You may answer, “I am aware that the average salary range for this position is (blank), but I am sure we can agree on a reasonable amount.”

There is more to bank tellers than meets the eye. The job of a bank teller falls under service. This means that it entails assistance to different people. Since a teller represents the bank, the teller has to be honest and trustworthy. The teller needs to be level-headed and friendly. He or she also needs to work well under pressure at all times. This is also the same for the teller’s appearance. He or she should be neat, and approachable. When it comes to other skills, he or she should be computer literate. Remember all of these and try to project them during your job interview.

Here is more information on what banks are looking for when they screen applicants for a bank teller position:

Although a high school diploma is sufficient for most teller applicants, having a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or even liberal arts is an advantage if you wish to be promoted eventually to professional or managerial positions. Knowledge in computers, word processing and spreadsheet software is valuable. Another plus is having experience in an office or customer-service environment, as having good communication skills play largely in this particular job. Some experience in cash handling is also an advantage.

Tellers always receive on-the-job training after being hired so it is best to sharpen those learning skills. Some banks even give written and practical tests to new hires after a few months of training.

So if you have an aptitude for numbers, if you feel comfortable handling large amounts of money while being discreet and trustworthy, if you enjoy contact with the public, and if you are able to maintain order and organization while multi-tasking, then this job is just right for you!

“So what do you know about our company?”

Oh no! You can’t just squirm in your chair you know. To avoid this situation, find out more about the company where you are applying. So do a little sleuthing and some background check to prepare for the big interview. Ask friends or anyone you know who works or has previously worked in the company. You can visit the location in person and ask for pamphlets or brochures. If you do not want to leave the house, the internet is always a safe bet. You can also take this opportunity to note down your own impressions and any question you’d like to ask.

I have what I call a job portfolio. It’s a black leather binder of clear sheets. I file here certified true copies of seminar and workshop certificates, letters of commendations, award certificates, employment certificates, diplomas, transcript of records, contact details of my references, and of course, my resume. I also bring three more copies of my resume. I also have another portfolio of the best of my written works. I bring these with me during job interviews. These collateral materials come in very handy when I am asked to complete a detailed job application. Other potential employers also ask for samples of my work. This way, I don�t have to look up at the ceiling, trying to remember my work accomplishments. Having my portfolios with me not only saves time, but they make me look very organized and professional.

Just remember one thing if you are scheduled to have a job interview for any professional banking position - credibility. Because of the nature of the profession, the human resource personnel will be screening you not only for your proficiency at work but your work ethics as well. You must be able to convince the interviewer that you are an honest, dependable, and ethical person. Be ready with stories or examples in the past that demonstrates how you were honest and confidential in both professional and personal settings. It is also good to site examples of scenarios in which there were conflicts that you were able to efficiently handle.