Banks hire employees with varying levels of experience to take on a variety of different roles. The interview processes for entry-level teller jobs and high-level corporate positions are very different, although you should dress professionally and arrive on time regardless of the position you intend to apply for. Interviewing techniques vary from bank to bank, but whatever form the questions take, hiring managers are primarily concerned with determining whether you are qualified for the role.
Basics
You should always bring two or three copies of your resume to an interview because banks often require at least two people to interview each job applicant. Also provide the interviewers with a list of business and personal references. Ensure you list the correct contact information and, as a courtesy, always let your references know that a prospective employer may contact them. List your educational background and work experience on your resume, but stick to the facts because the interviewers may ask you questions based on information on your resume.
Do Research
Each bank has its own operating procedures so even if job titles at different banks sound similar, the actual job responsibilities may differ. Read the job posting thoroughly before your interview and explain to the interviewer why you feel you are suited to that particular role. Additionally, do some research on the bank as a whole because if you apply for a job above entry level, the interviewer may ask you questions to find out what you know about the bank. Explain to the interviewer why you want to work for that bank as opposed to another bank.
Interview Questions
Banks often use an interview process known as the STAR technique when hiring employees. The acronym STAR means Situation, Task, Action and Result. Rather than asking you straightforward questions, the interviewers ask you to relay accounts of your past experiences in banking or a similar field. The interviewers score your answer. To receive the highest score, your answer must include a description of a challenging situation, the task in hand, the actions you took to complete the task and the result. Before going to the interview, think of several work-related stories that you could tell to demonstrate specific strengths needed to perform the job. Some banks ask direct questions about your work history and your plans for the future, so make sure your answers support the information on your resume.
Ask Questions
Job applicants often view interviews as a one-way stream with the hiring manager asking all of the questions. However, the interview also represents your best opportunity to find out about the job you are applying for. Think of several questions to ask the interviewer about the specific job, the typical work day and the corporate culture. Asking questions about the role indicates to the hiring manager that you have a real interest in the job.
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