Question Overview: Bank tellers are often the first point of contact for customers, so it's important that they have the ability to remain calm and respectful, even when they're being yelled at. It's also important that they have the ability to diffuse the situation by explaining the bank's policies and procedures.
Sample Answer: I would try to remain calm and explain that I was sorry for the inconvenience. I would also try to find out what I could do to rectify the situation.
Question Overview: This is a question that's difficult to answer, because it's so broad. The best way to approach it is to focus on the candidate's strengths and then describe how they might be improved. For example, if the candidate says that he or she is a hard worker, you might ask how he or she might improve his or her ability to work independently.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker and I'm always willing to take on more responsibility. I'm also very detail-oriented and I'm good at following instructions. I think my biggest weakness is that I sometimes get too caught up in my work and forget to take a break.
Question Overview: This question is designed to help you understand the candidate's expectations. If he or she expects to be a glorified cashier, for example, it might be a good idea to explain that the job entails more than just counting money. If the candidate expects to be a glorified secretary, explain that the job is more than just answering phones and taking messages.
Sample Answer: I expect to be able to handle all aspects of the job, from counting money to answering phones and taking messages.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well the candidate can think on his or her feet. The teller will be asked to sell a number of products, from bank services to gift cards. It's important that the candidate be able to think quickly and clearly, as well as speak persuasively.
Sample Answer: I was working at a retail store when a customer came in looking for a birthday card for her husband. I asked her what kind of card she was looking for, and she said she wanted one that was funny. I showed her a few different cards, and she picked one out.
Question Overview: The teller position is a high-stress job, as there's always the possibility that a customer will become irate. The teller must be able to remain calm and professional, even in the face of a difficult situation.
Sample Answer: I've always been good at keeping my cool, even when I'm under pressure.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question is a good indication of whether or not he or she has done his or her homework. If the candidate has researched the company, it's a good sign that he or she will be a good fit.
Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job in retail for some time, and I've heard good things about your company.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question, and it's one that's designed to see how the candidate will handle a difficult question. The best way to answer this question is to describe a weakness that's not really a weakness at all. For example, if you're interviewing for a teller position, you might say that you're a perfectionist. This isn't really a weakness, but it's also not something that you'd want to be known for.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist. I like everything to be just so, and sometimes I get frustrated when things don't go my way.
Question Overview: The teller position is often a stepping-stone to a career in sales. If the candidate has had previous sales experience, ask him or her to describe it. If not, ask the candidate to describe his or her customer service experience.
Sample Answer: I've worked as a cashier at a retail store for the past two years. I've had to deal with a lot of different people and situations, and I've learned how to handle them all.
Question Overview: This is a fun question that will give you insight into the candidate's personality. The answers will vary, but it's important to note how the candidate responds. If he or she is too serious, it might be a sign that he or she is too uptight for the position. If he or she is too silly, it might be a sign that he or she isn't mature enough for the position.
Sample Answer: I'd bring a boat, a fishing pole and a book.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question, and one that's often asked in the banking industry. The candidate should be prepared to discuss his or her personal history, as well as a time when he or she had to make a difficult decision.
Sample Answer: I was born and raised in Chicago, and I've lived there ever since. I went to college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and I graduated with a degree in finance. I've worked at several banks in the area, but I'm most familiar with the operations at Bank of America.
Question Overview: It's not uncommon for a bank to offer a higher salary than the candidate is currently earning, but it's important to know what the candidate is currently making. If the candidate is currently making more than the bank is willing to pay, it might be necessary to negotiate a lower salary.
Sample Answer: I'm currently making $18 an hour.
Question Overview: The teller is a member of a team, and the ability to work well with others is essential. The teller should be able to describe how he or she would work with the other members of the team, as well as how they would handle a situation in which they disagreed with another team member.
Sample Answer: I'm always willing to help out my co-workers when they're swamped, and I'm always willing to listen to their ideas.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question should be a combination of his or her skills and personality. For example, a candidate who is a quick learner and has a positive attitude might say, "I'm a quick learner, and I'm always willing to learn new things. I can also be counted on to be friendly and helpful."
Sample Answer: I'm a quick learner, and I'm always willing to learn new things. I can also be counted on to be friendly and helpful.
Question Overview: The teller candidate should be able to demonstrate a sincere interest in the bank's products and services, as well as a willingness to learn more. If the candidate is able to describe the bank's features in an enthusiastic, knowledgeable manner, it's likely that he or she will be able to do the same with customers.
Sample Answer: I'd like to learn more about the new features, and I'd be happy to discuss them with you.
Question Overview: Tellers are often the first point of contact for customers, and they'll need to be able to handle the situation with aplomb. A teller who's willing to take the lead will be able to keep the customer calm and focused on the task at hand.
Sample Answer: I was working at a restaurant when a customer came in with a coupon for a free meal. I didn't know what to do, so I asked my manager.
Question Overview: A referral is a customer who comes to the bank because he or she knows and trusts the teller. It's important for the teller to be able to recognize these customers and treat them with the same level of respect as any other customer.
Sample Answer: A referral is a customer who comes to the bank because he or she knows and trusts the teller. It's important for the teller to be able to recognize these customers and treat them with the same level of respect as any other customer.
Question Overview: The teller candidate should be able to explain how his or her previous experience is directly relevant to the job. For example, a retail clerk might have learned to deal with the public, while a bank customer service representative might have learned to deal with a variety of personalities.
Sample Answer: I've had experience dealing with the public, and I've also had experience dealing with a variety of personalities.
Question Overview: This is a question that's best answered by the candidate's enthusiasm for the company. If they're not excited about working for Citi, they'll have a difficult time convincing you that they're the right person for the job.
Sample Answer: I've always admired Citi's reputation for innovation and customer service.
Question Overview: Tellers are often faced with situations that they're not completely comfortable with, and it's important to know how they handle those situations. If the candidate is able to describe a time when he or she was uncomfortable, ask for details about the situation and how he or she overcame the challenge.
Sample Answer: I've never really had any problems with my work, but I remember one time when I had to count out a large amount of cash for a customer. I was nervous at first, but then I realized that I'd counted it correctly and everything was fine.
Question Overview: The teller candidate should be prepared to discuss his or her previous work experience, including the name of the company, the position held, and the length of time spent in that role.
Sample Answer: I've been working at the same retail store for the past three years. I started out as a cashier and was promoted to a sales associate after six months.