3 Common Bank Job Interview Questions
Are you looking to start or move your career forward in banking? Whether it’s a new job or a promotion, it will almost certainly involve an interview. We take a look at some of the most common bank interview questions.Banking has long been one of the most popular careers in the UK. Once viewed as a career for people looking for job security and stability, retail banking jobs are now known for being full of opportunities .
Banking has been through many changes in recent years, thanks to the implementation of new technology and increasing engagement. This has brought with it increasing competition and now all banks place customer service at the very heart of their offering. There’s never been a better time to get into banking or to move your career forward within it. We take a look at some of the most common interview questions for bank interviews as well as giving you some bank job interview tips.
1. How would you sell one of our products to our customers?
For customer facing roles in any bank, sales are going to be a big part of your role. Without customers signing up for new loans, accounts and other products, the bank would soon be hitting financial problems!
Sales within the bank environment isn’t a ‘hard sell’, it is what is known as a ‘consultative sell’. That means you need to understand the customer, their situation and come up with the most suitable product for them.
When asked this question in a bank job interview, emphasise the need for:
- questioning the customer
- keeping to the relevant guidelines and laws for selling financial products
This will show you have really done your research and understand the regulated environment of modern banking.
2. How would you deal with a difficult customer?
High street banks have their fair share of difficult customers. It’s not surprising as you could be turning down someone for a loan they badly need. Customers may be frightened, anxious, awkward or even aggressive. It is up to you, as a representative of the bank, to calm them and help them through the episode.
The best answers to this question tackle how you would firstly prevent the situation by being sensitive. Try to prevent the situation by addressing any underlying concerns they have straight away. If they are still getting angry and aggressive, you should be calm, confident, persuasive and firm and try to talk solutions rather than problems. You should indicate to your interviewer that you would do everything in your power not to place yourself, customers or colleagues in danger and would call management to assist if needed.
3. Why should we employ you?
This is a common question in all interviews but it particularly popular in banking as traditionally they have a high number of applicants. Many people struggle to answer it as they find it uncomfortable talking about themselves in a positive way. If you don’t, your competitors for the job will be so you need to answer this in a positive way.
The best way to answer this question is to focus it in a slightly different way. From your CV, your interviewer already knows your qualifications and experience so it’s pointless to go over those areas again. Instead, be different and talk about what impact your skills will have on the organisation.
Explain how you will seamlessly fit into the team for example, how you will use your initiative when dealing with customers and how your customer service skills will make customers experiences more positive. Talking about outcomes such as this will really impress your interviewer and is one of the best bank interview tips you should follow
