How to Answer Bank Interview Questions

In the banking industry, you can expect an interviewer to ask questions about money management as well as ethics and customer service during the hiring process. You should be prepared to answer these questions by highlighting your skills and experience to impress the hiring manager. This article explains how to answer bank interview questions using the sample answers provided. 

Common questions for a bank interview

Here are a few sample bank interview questions and answers:

What qualities make you well-suited for a position as a banker?

This is a very common question, and it really gives you an opportunity to show the employer what makes you an ideal match for the job. It allows you to express your knowledge and understanding of the position, and to show how prepared you are for the requirements of the job.

While answering this question, it is important that you can express an understanding of the job and responsibilities required.

Example:‘As a banker, it is very important for me to have good judgment, exceptional customer service skills, and to remain calm when faced with a stressful situation. I have excellent organizational skills, an understanding of time management and a strong work ethic.’

What attracts you to a career in banking?

This question gives you a chance to tell a little about yourself and focus on qualities that would make you an excellent banker. Explain why you believe a career in banking is rewarding, without focusing on compensation.

Example: ‘I am attracted to a career in banking because I love a challenge. As someone with strong attention to detail, who needs to do everything perfectly, a career in banking would really gratify this side of me. I enjoy strategic thinking and financial planning.’

Why do you think you are a good fit for this bank?

The company wants to know that you are well-versed in company policy and know the history of the company. The employer will be able to get a better understanding of your experience, and also see that you understand the responsibilities of the position. They are looking for a skill set match and honesty.

Example: ‘I believe that I would be able to assist clients because of my exceptional skills in customer care, accuracy and smart investing. I am able to deal with difficult clients very well, and I am always committed to complete confidentiality.’

Have you ever had experience dealing with a difficult client? What was the problem, and how did you solve it?

This is a question that will help you show how you use your customer service skills. It is important to express your patience as well as your ability to listen while selling a product. The employer will be looking for interpersonal skills, honesty and whether the incident affected your perspective.

Example: ‘In one incident, I realized that the customer had different expectations. I was able to help them by patiently walking through the program again, and explaining while listening to their complaints. I was able to provide a solution to help give them reassurance and satisfaction.’

If a customer is not convinced to use this bank, what could you say to change their mind?

This is a chance to show the employer that you are not only a good banking manager, but you also know how to sell your brand and make customers interested in signing with the company. Power of persuasion is crucial, and it is important to show the employer that you possess these skills.

The employer will be looking for your ability to make a sale, how convincing you are and your clarity while crafting an answer.

Example: ‘I would ask questions concerning the client’s lifestyle so that I would have a better understanding of what they are looking for. For example, if the client travels often overseas, I would draft out our offers for international withdrawals and show how convenient working with our bank would be for them. I would try to keep everything as simple as possible so that the client would feel more comfortable, and I would emphasize the added value that the bank could give them.’

What is the extent of your cash handling experience?

The employer is looking for your experience so that they have a better understanding of what to expect from you if you are hired. They need to know how much training you might need, and they want to get a good understanding of your experience. To demonstrate your experience, tell the employer of times in the past that you have handled money, and make sure to be specific with how much money you have handled. Be sure to express if you were solely held accountable for your drawer.

Example: ‘I have acquired my cash handling experience from five years of working at Community Bank of Texas. Money amounts would vary from day to day, but I was held responsible for my own drawer. I am comfortable with whatever tasks you may assign because I am very careful and precise with handling money.’