Professional Banking Job Interviews

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“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.

There are a variety of interview styles which may be employed during your interview. It’s not always the straightforward question and answer norm. To be sure that you are ready for any of them, here the kinds of interviews that companies use in order to screen potential new employees.

• Behavioral Interviews – your experienced is what will be asked here; the questions typically revolved on how you handled conflicts, challenges and problems with relation to your job.
• Situational Interviews – with this, you will be asked to give answers based on hypothetical situations
• Unstructured interviews – these are free-flowing conversations where the topics and flow of discussion are based mainly on your answers
• Panel Interviews – here, you will be asked to appear in front of a panel consisting of a number of employees who come from various departments of the company

Prepare, prepare, prepare! There’s no more better advice than this. Be sure that you are dressed appropriately for the interview and plan your clothes a day before the interview itself. Check if you have the necessary things which you have been asked to bring. Confirm the schedule of the interview so that you know how to organize your time around it. Go over the questions which would most likely be asked during the interview, and make sure you have ready answers for them. Don’t sound like you’re speaking from a script though, just be certain that you have an idea of what you’re going to say.

When going to an interview, researching about the company will give you an edge in the application and interview process. Putting effort in getting to know the company you’re applying to will show that you are interested about them. Also, conduct research on the position you are vying for, as this will show them that you are determined to get the job and that you have more than a superficial interest in it. With the number of applicants that are likely to be applying for the same job that you want, the time and effort you will put in learning about your prospective employer and position can certainly give you that defining point between being hired and being told to try again.

After completing an interview, it’s good form to send a thank you note/letter to the potential employer. This is said to express appreciation, display consideration, and expresses valuing another’s time.

Writing an interview thank you letter/note needs to be done as soon as you are done with the interview. You need to be prompt in sending an interview thank you note.

Knowing the kind of information the employer is likely to seek will help you prepare for the interview. Employers want to know your motivation for employment, your ability to do the job, how you will fit into the organization and how much you will cost them. Being able to answer probing questions in these areas will make for a successful interview.

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!

One who has had experience from another bank may think the operations systems are the same, for while the fundamentals are most are not. The computer systems, office layout and many other noticeable differences may exist without you knowing about it. Never assume you are good enough to handle the position without really knowing it is. Even the organization may be different so be open and get ready to learn.
You can avoid all the confusion by establishing a network within the prospective organization if you can. This way, you get the inside look before you even submit your resume and application letter. You should also emphasize the openness to learn the system and making this apparent to the interviewee so you are seen as an open-minded person not out to complain at the slightest difference with your previous job.