Your background is not in banking. Tell me what skills and characteristics qualify you for this position with BECU.
Many people leave their primary industry and move into roles within banking. If you are transitioning between sectors, expect to answer a question like this and come prepared to defend why you want to change industries.
Your answer should be more profound than the typical, 'banking seems interesting to me' type of response. Think about why you feel that this transition into banking will be beneficial for your long term career.
Next, the interviewer would like to know which transferable skills you bring to this position. There are many ways that you can be a fit for a job, even though you do not come with direct industry experience. Think about the variety of skills that you have and how those can benefit BECU.
"Time management, analytical thinking, and attention to detail are just some of the transferable skills I bring from the retail industry into banking. I have begun to study terminology for the banking industry and will have a firm grasp before my start date. I am fully prepared to transition into banking, an industry where I can grow and learn for many years to come."
"I come from a retail sales setting; however, there are many similarities between my current role at your needs at BECU. For starters, I am accustomed to sales targets and goals, delivering excellent client service, and cross-selling. Other useful skills include analytical thinking and strong research capabilities from my university experience."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I was a financial manager in my previous job, it was not for a financial institution, however, I was working together with my bank so I'm used to the environment, and in the meantime in my job itself, I still managed a team to the best customer service possible, while working on financial processes always finding the best scenario for both customer and company.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a great start, but you could improve your response by drawing in a few more examples of transferrable skills you've gained from your previous role, being as specific as possible.
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