What do you believe we can improve on, at BECU?

"I believe that BECU could serve its customers even better by having a stronger online and social media presence for each community that you serve. I happen to be very passionate about marketing, and quite knowledgable so I am happy to help!"

The interviewer is not asking for you to give a whole list of what you think they do poorly. This question offers an opportunity for you to point out a single aspect that you could improve on, should you be hired. The point is to show the interviewer that there may be a gap in their offering that you can help fill. Remain positive and upbeat when you give your answer.

"Although your community involvement is strong, there are opportunities for involvement that would branch out past seasonal volunteer work. I would love to see BECU host more community efforts rather than primarily sponsoring the efforts of others. I have an extensive background in volunteering as a volunteer coordinator and could help BECU craft a great strategy for this particular community."

Credit Unions rank higher in customer service than traditional banks. Why do you think this is?

"Large banks are for-profit, making them more sales driven. This approach can often mean a lower focus on customer service and impersonal service. When it comes to credit unions, we often have higher community involvement, which translates to better customer service at the same time. Credit unions often have better employee training, which also can mean more personalized service for members."

Your opinion matters! When you are working for a credit union vs. a traditional bank, it's essential that you can wholly appreciate the difference between the two offerings. Discuss why you believe credit unions rank higher in customer service over traditional banks. Be sure to compliment BECU if you have had an excellent customer service experience with them.

"Credit unions are non-profits, and member-owned, which means they will almost always be more customer-centric. Credit unions are often involved in community groups and take more care than large, and traditional banks can. Also, if we consider geographical location; most credit unions are in smaller, rural communities where service and connection is everything."

"I think that's because credit unions are member-owned and customer-driven, placing the needs of the customer as a top priority, unlike traditional banks, which are sales-driven and focused on profit more than customer satisfaction."

"Credit Unions are Nonprofit whereas large banks are for-profit and tend to upsell more than the smaller more customer service and community-oriented banks. I've experienced great service with both industries but I did notice BECU went the extra mile to make it right when I got double charged on a donation."

"I think that's because credit unions are nonprofit and customer-driven organizations, placing the needs of the customer as a top priority, unlike banks, which focused on profit more than customer needs, credit unions also don’t have the same regulatory environment which allows some perks such as less interest fee rates and more loan options."

In your opinion, what is the best service or product offered at BECU?

"I appreciate the terms surrounding your Traditional Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA). When used properly, this tax-deferred retirement plan can significantly benefit your members. Could you share with me what percentage of your members take advantage of this offering?"

The interviewer wants to see that you have put time into researching and getting to know the offering at BECU. As a well-established credit union, BECU offers an excellent range of banking products for their loyal members. Choose which service or product you think stands out from the rest, and why.

"The home equity loans offered by BECU sound wonderful! Your fixed-rate equity loan offers stability for the members who take advantage. This product is a great option for your members who need money for a one-time or unexpected expense. Set monthly payments mean there are no surprises for your members."

"The First-Time Home Buyers program offered by BECU sound wonderful! The fact that First-time homebuyers can receive up to $7,500 in a down-payment grant that doesn't have to be paid back allows families to start their plans sooner and at fair rates! Especially with the 1% down payment."

Are you a BECU member?

"I have been a member at BECU since moving to this town in 2011. I have been thrilled with the personalized customer service, your competitive fees, and reasonable interest rates on unsecured loans. Just last year, I received my first mortgage through BECU and was so happy with how smooth the entire process was."

The answer to this question will be straightforward; yes, or no. Depending on your status, you may not be eligible for member approval at BECU. If you are not a member, or not eligible to be a member, talk about the fact that you would be a member if possible. If you are a member, be ready to talk about what you enjoy most about banking with BECU.

"At this point, I do not meet the requirements to become a member at BECU. I would love to be a member one day when I am eligible. I hear many excellent factors associated with membership at your credit union. The online reviews are excellent, and I look forward to further serving your hard-working, well-deserving members."

"Yes, I moved to the USA a few months ago and as soon as possible I got my membership."

You will handle member transactions in this role. Talk to me about your mathematical skills.

"I did very well in any math-related courses while obtaining my business degree. My math skills are strong, and I very rarely have a discrepancy in the workplace. I will meet the expectations of accuracy for BECU and your members."

Expectations are that you handle every member transaction with the utmost care and attention. In addition to this keen sense of detail; strong math skills are also a necessity when it comes to working in a banking environment. Discuss your math skills, showing confidence in your abilities related to cash-handling, counting, and making smooth member transactions.

"Math has always been a strong suit for me. I did very well in high school math and was even a tutor for struggling students. I am comfortable with the math skills required when it comes to accepting cash, giving exact cash amounts, keying in transactions, balancing cash floats, and performing other banking-related tasks."

"I have a post-graduation degree in applied mathematics and was a part-time teacher and tutor for 6 years, so I’m qualified and used to having mathematics on a daily bases."

Walk me through your customer service training.

"I would love to know more about the customer service training that you offer here at BECU. I have a great instinct when it comes to delivering the needs of my customers. Being in the banking industry for the last five years, I have absorbed many materials related to customer service. My strengths are in building rapport with clients, remembering their names and interests, and making them feel welcome every time they visit."

A significant part of success in the banking industry comes down to exceptional customer service delivery. This statement is especially true with credit unions who are primarily known for delivering personalized customer service. Walk the interviewer through any formal training you have received in the area of customer service. Your education could include on-the-job training, online courses, or even books that you have read in your spare time. Show the interviewer that you have an interest in bettering your customer service delivery. This question is a great time to ask the interviewer about their company-specific customer service training and manuals.

"Being a recent graduate and new to my career, I cannot say that I have received any customer service-specific training. With that said, I believe my service instinct is strong, and I know what type of service I like to receive from my bank. I would be happy to take any training that you recommend and would love to hear more about your specific training program here at BECU."

"I’ve been working with around 300 customers per year so I do have experience in that area, it is always important to remember their names (being a teacher helped me a lot with memorizing) or interests, and make them feel welcome and seen. If the company has some specific personalized training I would love to know more."

How do you protect the privacy of every customer you assist?

"I protect the privacy of every customer I assist by speaking in a respectful volume, protecting passwords, and advising banking customers on how to keep their information safe. These safety efforts include banking in person, at ATM's, and during online banking. Education and knowledge are critical keys to protecting one's privacy."

Credit Unions have many systems in place to protect the privacy of their members. These efforts include technology and monitoring techniques, privacy policies, and renowned training for employees. Discuss the ways you will ensure that you respect the steps BECU takes to protect their members.

"I will protect the privacy of every customer I assist by being aware of my surroundings, keeping a strong password and protecting it, and will never share confidential information. I understand that I will be privy to sensitive and confidential information while working at BECU and I'll do everything I can to ensure a members' information is never compromised."

"I will ensure the privacy of my customers by protecting and recommending a strong password, also advising them how to keep their information safe, and I will never share their personal information, this extends to in-person or internet banking, I’ll do my best to keep the information safe and not compromised."

Do you have any sales experience? Would you be comfortable upselling a BECU banking product?

"Every customer service interaction should be considered an opportunity to upsell when the product or service will be of value to the customer. When I believe in the product or service, and it's going to benefit the customer, I am happy to upsell. I currently do so in my job, and consistently surpass the upselling, and cross-selling targets given to me."

In the banking industry, customer service can also mean cross-selling or upselling services that you know will benefit the BECU member based on their banking habits. Show the hiring authority that you would be comfortable turning an everyday bank visit into a sales opportunity. If you have a specific example of a time when you made this happen, be sure to share your story. You can also talk about any sales training you have received.

"I have not received any formal sales training, but with a little bit of help, I believe that I would enjoy a sales component to my job. I am great at building customer relationships, and seeing a customers' need is part of delivering great service."

"I have not received any formal sales training, but working in a private school I always had to explain and show why they should pick that school for their kids, so I'm used to demonstrating the values of the company. Upselling to a company that I believe will deliver the best results and services for its members such as BECU would be a pleasure"

Are you aware that this job has goals and targets? When have you worked in a similar environment?

"Meeting important targets and goals is a large part of my current role. If a customer is missing an important product such as checking, savings, or a credit account, I will let them know about the product and how it benefits their financial goals. I am more than comfortable performing job functions that include targets and goals."

Depending on your role with BECU you may have business targets such as opening 25 new savings accounts every month or cross-selling a newly rolled out product. Employees of BECU must be willing to let customers know about the products available to them, including loans and special offers. Show your awareness of these requirements, and that you have performed tasks like this in the past.

"I am somewhat competitive, from my time spent in team sports, so the idea of having goals and targets to meet is very enticing to me. I know that the right banking product can make all the difference to a member, so I am happy to make recommendations based on my observations."

"Meeting targets and goals was an important part of my last job, so I’m comfortable with that environment, I will be always checking if a member is missing an opportunity that will be beneficial for them and let them know as soon as possible."

How do our fees at BECU stack up against traditional banks?

"Because BECU is member-owned, I see that you have the upper hand when it comes to CD rates, loans, and mortgages, credit unions often have the upper hand with lower fees. Right now, the advantage appears to be around .05% on many BECU products."

Credit unions are non-profit where banks are for profit. For this reason, the fees at BECU will be lower and more reasonable than the large banks where people typically do business. With that said, credit unions sometimes have higher interest rates than traditional banks. The interviewer would like to know that you have done some research on BECU and understand how their offering stacks up against traditional banks.

"I understand that credit unions like BECU tend to have lower fees due to your non-profit and member-owned status. Credit unions do not have as many investors to please, which allows places like BECU to often offer lower fees on mortgages and loans."

In this role, you will handle thousands of dollars of cash, payments, deposits, and funds transfers. This responsibility requires you to be detail-oriented, accurate, and honest. Does this describe you?

"I have worked in the banking industry for twelve years without a discrepancy in my work. I believe this good work is due to my keen attention to detail, and the fact that I am honest enough to own up to an error I make in the workplace. When you call my references, they will attest to the fact that I am reliable and honest."

The best way to answer this question is to refer to your past performance. You might want to bring in a written performance review where your current boss mentions how reliable you are. You can offer up your references, or talk about a time your supervisor or co-workers complimented you on your work ethic.

"When you call my references, they will most certainly tell you that I am honest and accurate in my work. In the banking industry, it's imperative that I am detail-oriented. I have not experienced an issue or discrepancy thus far, and I will continue to be careful and attentive in my work here at BECU."

"Absolutely, when you call my references, they will most certainly tell you that I am honest and accurate, and detail-oriented in my work. I have not experienced an issue or discrepancy in my 7 years of related experience and will continue at the same level at BECU."

Do you have any formal education that will help you succeed in this role?

"I have a Bank Teller Certificate of Completion. My coursework included general banking classes, fraud prevention training, and exercises in daily transaction balancing. This coursework is valuable and helped me to gain a great start in my banking career."

Your formal education might be on your resume, but it's time to dig a bit deeper than merely stating your degree. The interviewer wants you to take the time to walk them through which aspects of your education will be most helpful in this role with BECU. Think about any transferable skills you gained or any related subjects where you excelled. If you do not have formal post-secondary education, you could refer to your high school education (only if you are a recent HS graduate). Otherwise, think of some online learning you have recently completed.

"I am a recent high-school graduate and feel that, as a top student, I bring a few valuable transferable skills. These include etiquette, good written and oral communication skills, great memorization abilities, and a keen willingness to learn. I look forward to the formal training from BECU."

"Yes, I do, I have a B.S. and post-graduation in a mathematics-related field, and I also plan to continue my education within the next couple of years in the financial analysis field."

Customers can become upset with BECU policy at times. How would you handle a customer who is angry because they do not agree with a policy?

"I have a lot of customer dispute training which has given me some thick skin when it comes to challenging situations. I know that bank policy can seem convoluted at times, difficult to understand, or even frustrating, so I do have empathy for customers who are upset over policy. I take the time to review policy in easy-to-understand language. It's also important that I unpack what their needs are and what is truly concerning the customer. Usually, I can find a solution or at least a work-around that satisfies the customer."

Part of working in a highly customer-service driven environment is also serving members when they are not happy. The most common complaints in the banking industry surround speed, policy, or unwanted fees. Talk to the interviewer about your approach when it comes to an unhappy customer. Some critical steps to customer dispute resolution include: - Remaining kind, polite, and pleasant - Actively listen to their grievances - Apologizing for the situation - Maintaining a neutral tone of voice - Not taking anything they say, personally

"If I cannot seem to calm a customer down, due to a policy, I will straight out ask them what I can do, aside from change policy, to make them happy. Often it isn't the policy itself but that the customer feels stuck in some way. When the customer is aware that I am willing to rectify the situation, they are much more likely to level with me."

"I try to put myself in their place to better understand where they're coming from. In doing so, I'm able to relate on a genuine level while letting them know I will help in any way possible. This method has worked for me. They calm down, start opening up, and conversing in a friendly tone. They might tell me the actual problem has nothing to do with the company I'm working for, that it's something else altogether. They're just having a lousy day and needed to vent."

Have you been trained in the proper techniques for detecting counterfeit cash and fraudulent checks?

"I have received formal training in my current role and am very confident in my ability to detect counterfeit cash and fraudulent checks. There are many steps to take with cash, including looking forraised printing, blurry borders, lack of red and blue threads, watermark authenticity, and more. Checks can be a bit trickier, so I first look for a perforated edge, the check number, and the logo of the bank from where the check originated. Rest assured that I am meticulous and keen on detail."

Detecting counterfeit cash or fraudulent checks is an important skill to possess when working in the banking industry. Approximately $150 million worth of counterfeit money is currently circulating in the US. For this reason, it's crucial that banking professionals possess the knowledge necessary to detect fake bills. It can be simple to detect counterfeit cash, especially with the technology and systems that banks have in place; however, checks can be a bit trickier. Talk about any training you have received. If you are self-taught or new to the industry, that's okay too! Assure the interviewer that you will be careful and detailed with each member transaction.

"Fraudulent checks can be a challenge to detect. I know that one of the most important factors to look at is the MICR line, which is at the bottom of every authentic check. When running my finger over the ink on the MICR line, it should feel smooth. On many fake checks, this line will feel bumpy and raised. When it comes to counterfeit cash, I look at the quality of the paper, how the watermark reacts to the light, and its corresponding numbers. I have strong attention to detail and will be very careful with every transaction I complete at BECU."

BECU puts our members first. How will you always put our members' needs first?

"My professional approach is always to treat the members of BECU how I expect to be treated when I go to my bank. Sometimes, I go to my bank to make a quick deposit and other times; it's to apply for a loan or ask for financial advice. Those visits can feel vulnerable, so it's important that a member feels welcome and comfortable no matter the nature of their visit. I will put your members' needs first by always smiling, being willing to help, and maintaining my knowledge on BECU products."

Credit union and banking environments are competitive, and one of the factors they compete over is who offers the best customer service! People want to bank where they feel comfortable and welcome. Discuss with the interviewer how you ensure that their members will receive the best service from you, should you be the successful candidate.

"I appreciate everything that BECU does to put members first. I will put BECU members first by maintaining knowledge of your products and services. I will actively listen to each member I serve, and ask them discovery questions, to help me best uncover their needs."

"A lesson I take in life is always to treat people the way you want to be treated, It is important to me on a personal and professional level, to make sure that every member feels comfortable and well on every visit to BECU, especially because sometimes people are feeling insecure or even vulnerable, so BECU should be a place that everyone is being actively heard and receiving the best possible service."

Tell me about one career achievement you have set for yourself this year.

"One achievement I would like to see this year is to make the top 3 for cross-selling at my current bank. My targets and goals are simple, but I like to exceed them, no matter what they are. The more successful my bank is, the better we can serve our customers."

BECU wants to know that you have ambitions related to growing your career in the banking industry. When you have goals on the horizon, you show the interviewer that you have an interest in advancing your career and staying in your industry for a long time to come. When you do not have goals set, the interviewer can interpret this as you being unmotivated and disengaged. Your goals can be as simple as finishing an online course, learning a new skill, or reaching a sales target.

"Next month, I am graduating with my business administration degree. My goal is to land an exceptional internship, like this one at BECU and get my career started on the right foot!"

"I see myself in a managerial role. That's where I've set my sights then I'd like to explore developmental opportunities."

"Honestly, I've moved recently to the US and my goal is to work at BECU, the first thing I did as soon as I got my work visa applied to work for BECU. My husband is a member and since the first time I went there and learned more about the company itself, I was amazed and felt it aligned with my values."

Are you okay with routine work, or do you prefer a mix of responsibilities?

"I enjoy both working in a routine but also having a mix of responsibilities. In my current position, my schedule and goals are the same every day. What changes daily are my clients and their needs. These needs are where my day can become unpredictable. I enjoy that variety because it keeps me on my toes, engaged, and excited to come to work every day."

Much of a banking environment will be routine; however, the customers you interact with will change daily. So, although banking may offer routine, there is still variety in your day. Show the interviewer that you can handle the balance. Let the interviewer know that you understand you will have the same goals and processes each day. At the same time, show that you can manage the challenge that comes with customer interaction and other factors that deliver unpredictability in the workplace.

"Although it may seem routine, no day is the same for me in the banking industry. Generally speaking, my job function remains the same every day, but my customers offer me variety in my day. I am pleased with the pace that this role offers."

"I prefer a mix of responsibilities to keep me engaged and on my toes along with a balanced daily schedule."

"I appreciate both! While I think routine is really important for an organized work environment I enjoy the challenge of multitasking."

Do you consider yourself a logical person, able to make sound judgments under pressure?

"I use good logic every day! As a bank teller, I face a multitude of issues surrounding people needing access to their funds. I use logic by figuring out how to arrange a customers' financial needs to meet policy while taking the path of least resistance. Just recently, I had a customer with an issue due to a hold on their paycheck when their rent was due. I was able to move the funds to another bank account that did not have a hold policy. This action enabled me to release the funds and help the customer pay their rent on time."

A logical person will typically: - Pay close attention to detail, ensuring to avoid small errors - Be a careful communicator with carefully chosen words and questions - Lean on facts versus emotion or opinionTell a story of a time when you delivered a sound judgment under pressure by using your logical skills. If possible, keep your answer work-related. If you are new to your career, you can use an example from your post-secondary experience or volunteer work. Be sure to showcase your logic and reasoning abilities. Share a brief overview of the problem, discuss the pro/cons of each decision you could have made, and tell the interviewer why the solution you chose was the best.

"Yes, I do consider myself very logical, which always helps me to make sound judgments. Just yesterday, I had a customer who was upset because our new bank teller in training was taking too long to complete her transaction. I am the assistant manager, so I stepped in to alleviate the situation. By showing the customer that I could expedite the process, she was able to calm down and be kinder to the trainee. It was not ideal for me to spend my time on a simple customer issue like this; however, it was important that I brought a level head to the situation."

"I actually do! Everyone that knows me well and works with me says that all the time! I'm used to making good judgments under pressure and I also enjoy it."

Have you ever been terminated? If so, what were the circumstances surrounding your termination?

"Luckily, I have never experienced a termination; however, I understand that it happens to the best people at times. If I were up for termination, based on job performance, I would appreciate an open and transparent conversation with my boss. This way, I would have the opportunity to adjust my approach and redeem myself."

BECU has to be very careful who they hire, since their employees are privy to sensitive customer and financial information. If you have faced job termination, you must be upfront about the situation. There is a high likelihood that BECU will call references, and perform background checks including employment verification so its best that you be open and truthful from the start. Being let go from your position is an unfortunate event; however, it happens to the best of us and often for situations that are out of our control. It's best to own up to it if you have ever lost your job. Be brief in your explanation but also let the interviewer know what you learned.

"I experienced a termination earlier in my career; I was not as prompt as I am today and bit off more than I could chew between being a full-time student and a part-time retail employee. After coming to work late a couple of times, my boss lets me go. It was embarrassing and changed the course for me. I am much more dedicated and have not been late for work in years."

If hired, how will you begin to build trusting relationships with our clients and your co-workers?

"First impressions can mean everything, so I will make a strong attempt to build a genuine connection with BECU clients and team members. With your members, I can ask lighthearted discovery questions such as where they work, or if they have any fun vacations coming up. I will also be open to feedback on how I can best support them and their banking needs. With my co-workers, I will be there to listen, observe, learn, and support."

Credit Unions often boast a tighter-knit customer base than traditional banks. Members of BECU may have higher expectations when it comes to the level of service they receive from you, and it all begins with connection. With a wide range of backgrounds, and personalities; client and coworker connections can take time to form. Discuss how you ensure an active line of communication right from the start.

"To build a trusting relationship with my co-workers, I will show up to work on time and dressed appropriately. I will listen to their coaching and ask for feedback. When it comes to the members of BECU I will add value to every interaction and get to know them on a level that is personal yet still professional."

"I would start building a professional relationship but at the same time showing I care and want to actually know the members and the team I will be working with. I can do that by asking lighthearted things about them, such as their work, hobbies and trips and etc. It is important to be there to listen, observe, learn, and support."

Your background is not in banking. Tell me what skills and characteristics qualify you for this position with 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."

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.

"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."

"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."

Are you a patient person? How do you boost your patience level in challenging situations?

"I do consider myself to be a patient person; however, it's more of a learned skill that I have mastered over the years. I never demonstrate my frustration or impatience with others in the workplace. To do so is rude and counterproductive. To boost my patience level in challenging situations, I remind myself to have empathy for the other person and what they may be going through that day."

Have you ever stood in line at the bank and lost patience because of how long the line was taking? Now, put yourself in the shoes of a bank teller who has to face many challenges every day. In the banking industry, you may need to deal with customers who move slowly, customers who argue against bank policy, or those who are flustered due to a long line. Patience is a virtue, which means that it isn't always easy to come by! Show the interviewer that you are patient individual by giving an example of a time when you displayed a lot of patience in a frustrating situation. Alternately, you can rely on a performance review where your boss commended you on your high tolerance to stress. Impatience can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in coworkers and clients, so it is essential that you showcase your ability to remain patient and professional in workplace situations.

"Yes, I am a patient person. I like to learn, teach others, and take careful steps, ensuring that my work is well done. To boost my patience level in a challenging situation, I remind myself that I will come out of the circumstance with more knowledge than when I came into the situation. I take the approach of a student."

"I do consider myself to be a patient person; however, it's more of a learned skill that I have mastered over the years. I was a teacher for the past 6 years, and that experience helped me a lot in that matter. I don't lose my calm or demonstrate impatience with others, both customers and team members, that only makes the situation worse for everyone and it is unprofessional."

How would you approach a task you were not trained to do?

"Going into my last customer service job, I had minimal training on service and the point of sale system. I watched online tutorials from YouTube, asked my colleagues for help, and observed others on the job. If asked to complete a task that I was not trained to do, I would take the same approach. I am highly capable and a good researcher, so I'm confident in my ability to learn independently."

Thinking on your feet is an essential trait in the banking industry. There is a lot to learn and know, and many changes in the day as you help a large variety of customers with varying needs. The interviewer wants to see how you approach a situation when you do not possess the knowledge or training required. The key to answering this question is to show that you are competent and able to find answers independently. Perhaps you are an excellent researcher, or maybe you ask others for help, without hesitation. Show the interviewer that you would remain calm and collected; doing what you need to get the job done right.

"When I first started university, I was asked to give a presentation in the first week of my courses. I had never crafted a real presentation before, let alone speak in public, so I was very nervous. I spent an entire afternoon watching TED Talks so that I could get an idea of what makes a good presentation. Then, I brushed up on my PowerPoint skills and made engaging visuals. When I am asked to perform a task outside of my comfort zone, I jump in feet first and learn, using the resources available to me."

"Even if I'm not properly trained to do it, I can always research and study from reliable sources, ask my colleagues, and also observe them at work to see what is the best approach. I consider myself a fast learner and even though I believe is important to communicate with others and ask, I'm also comfortable with learning things by myself after proper research."

Do you have plans for continued education?

"Continued education is important to remain knowledgeable and relevant in the banking industry. I would be interested in earning a Bachelor's Degree in Finance at some point; allowing me to grow with BECU into a lender-based role."

In many instances, you are not required to hold a post-secondary degree to work in a bank teller role. Other positions within banking do require a further degree. For the sake of career growth, the interviewer would like to know if you are planning to obtain higher education. Of course, this question applies only to those who have completed just a high-school diploma. If you are planning to return to school, discuss what you would want to take. Your answer should reflect an interest in continuing your career with BECU. BECU may even offer tuition support or a reimbursement program for employees who wish to continue their education. If they do provide this type of perk, you can indeed show interest but make sure that your continued education aspirations are related to the industry and job. For instance, you may want to stick to a finance-related topic rather than saying you would like to take courses in zoology.

"In banking, it is important to stay on top of your industry. For that reason, I believe that related coursework is always beneficial. I have had my eye on obtaining my MBA one day. Of course, I would obtain this throughout a couple of years as I work full time. Does BECU encourage continued education, or offer tuition reimbursement?"

"I am continually interested in expanding my knowledge. I've looked into completing my Bachelor's online and would like to at some point."

"Yes I do, currently, I have a postgraduation in applied mathematics, and I'm doing some courses in data management, in the next few years I plan to get a master's."

What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing money from BECU?

"I show pride in my work, and always take concern for the good of the company. I would feel obligated to report a co-worker stealing from the company, whether it was $10 or $10,000. If I were to witness a co-worker stealing, I would report the incident immediately."

Since you will handle thousands upon thousands of dollars in cash every day, the interviewer wants assurance that you are responsible, keen, and honest. A part of honesty is also holding your co-workers accountable for their actions, and following BECU policy. Discuss the steps you would take if you caught a co-worker stealing.

"Theft is never acceptable, no matter the amount of intention. If I witnessed a co-worker stealing money from BECU, I would report the incident to my nearest supervisor. Of course, if you have a more formal process for reporting incidents of theft, I would refer to those guidelines."

"Theft is never acceptable, no matter the amount or their intentions, I would follow the protocol and report it immediately."

One small error can throw off our entire balance. How do you react when you do something wrong at work?

"I can be my toughest critic when it comes to making mistakes. If I made an error, I would tell my manager right away. If a manager were not available, I would bring the situation to the attention of a co-worker capable of helping me fix the issue. Even being pennies off in a day can make a big impact so you can rest assured that I will deliver perfection."

In the banking industry, even a small mistake can make a massive impact on business operations. How you react to an error made will tell the interviewer a great deal about you and your honesty level. Perhaps the mistake is one that could land you in a lot of trouble. The hiring authority at BECU wants to know if you would try to hide the incident, or if you would tell your manager before the situation went beyond repair. Of course, the best way to answer this question is to show accountability.

"I am an honest person who is accountable and eager to learn. These traits ensure that I ill take every action necessary to do my job perfectly. If I make a mistake, I want to learn from that error so I would most certainly bring the error to the attention of my manager. The sooner, the better, so that there are as few consequences as possible."

"It is important to be meticulous and careful to avoid errors, but if it happens, the correct way is to report it to the team you know can help it not turn into something big, admit your mistake, and learn from it so that it won't repeat."

What do you enjoy about your career in banking?

"I have worked very hard to gain a leadership position within the banking industry. Being a teller manager allows me to be on the front lines training others to have lucrative careers, while still allowing me to be client-facing. I genuinely believe that my work matters, and that is what I enjoy most about a career in banking."

Job satisfaction is a vital factor for success, for both you as an employee and BECU. Employee turnover is an essential conversation in the workplace as it cost employers thousands of dollars to replace well-trained employees each time one moves on to another job. When a company understands what brings satisfaction to their team members, they are better equipped to motivate their team members and ensure a long and healthy relationship. Talk to the interviewer about what satisfies you about your career, and why you work in banking.

"Working in banking, I gain the most satisfaction from knowing my clients are gaining a solid financial future. I care about the success of my customers, and when they are well-equipped to pay off debt, save money, and even retire early; it makes me so happy!"

"I always enjoyed working with numbers and knowing I'm helping people to have a structured financial plan for their lives and seeing them earning their first house, or dream car, basically building their lives is something that makes me feel great, especially knowing I was somehow part of it."

Looking back to your most recent performance review; what was one area for improvement, and one positive?

"My most recent performance review was very positive. My boss is thrilled with my ability to analyze data on a client account very quickly; allowing me to see cross-selling opportunities quickly. One area for improvement was to speed up my work a little bit and get through my line of customers a bit faster. I am cautious at work; however, I am training myself to perform certain tasks faster without cutting any corners."

This question is another way to ask about your strengths and weaknesses. By asking for specific performance evaluations, the hiring authority is more likely to get a direct answer and a better idea of the full picture. If you do not have formal performance evaluations, you can also lean on a recent conversation with your direct manager. Your positive highlight can be big or small, but be sure to relate your positive points to the requirements of the BECU job posting. When you talk about your area for improvement, avoid mentioning something that would make you ineligible for the position. For instance, if you are interviewing for a banking position, simple math should not be your weakness. Also, be sure to discuss that you are actively working to improve this weakness.

"Formal performance evaluations are not part of my regular role, but I do get a lot of feedback daily. My manager comments quite often on my product knowledge, and how well I retain information, even with brand new roll-outs. One thing that I can work on is my typing speed. I am accurate and type about 50wpm, which isn't too bad, but I am practicing to get to 75wpm."

"I didn't have performance evaluations in my previous job, but something I can improve on is time management, I'm very meticulous about my job and afraid of errors so I tend to take longer to be sure it is correctly done. Some positive things are that I did improve the school system I previously worked at, I organized the team tasks, customer service, payment options, billing processes, payroll, and all customers registrations."

Do you have any questions about BECU or this job?

"I appreciate the opportunity to ask a few questions! What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"

When you come to a job interview prepared with intelligent questions, you are showing the interviewer that you have put care, thought, and attention into preparing yourself for the interview. Make sure the quality of your questions is high. Your questions should be insightful, and not subjects like 'How many locations do you have?' when you know that this information is available through a simple online search. Some great questions to ask include: - What do you believe sets BECU apart from other local Credit Unions? - What compliment does BECU receive most often from its members? - What is your favorite part about working here? - What is the BECU goal for this position in the next 12 months? - Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you? - Is there any reason why you would not hire me?

"I do have a couple of questions prepared; thank you for asking. What is the biggest challenge facing credit unions in the next year? Could you share with me your employee turnover rate, and what your training program looks like?"

"Yes, I do have a couple of questions, thanks for asking! I would like to know more about the training process, I saw it takes about 5 months, could you talk more about it? And also, it is not specified if it is remote, hybrid, or in-person, which one fits the role the most in this scenario?"

How much do you earn in your current role?

"My current annual salary is $48,000 per year. I seek a compensation plan aligned with the more significant responsibilities in this role. Could you share with me the compensation plan here at BECU?"

BECU wants to know if their salary offering will be enough to win you over. Often, potential employers base your offer on what you are currently earning. So, although this question may feel very direct, the better you answer it, the higher the chance that your job offer will be satisfactory. If you can, be transparent about your most recent earnings and your future expectations. Keep your answer simple, and to the point. It is okay to ask the interviewer what they are offering in return!

"I am a recent business graduate, seeking compensation that is fair considering my recent education. Being new to my career, I am most interested in joining an organization that will help me to grow my career."

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BECU Interview Questions

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1. What do you believe we can improve on, at BECU?
2. Credit Unions rank higher in customer service than traditional banks. Why do you think this is?
3. In your opinion, what is the best service or product offered at BECU?
4. Are you a BECU member?
5. You will handle member transactions in this role. Talk to me about your mathematical skills.
6. Walk me through your customer service training.
7. How do you protect the privacy of every customer you assist?
8. Do you have any sales experience? Would you be comfortable upselling a BECU banking product?
9. Are you aware that this job has goals and targets? When have you worked in a similar environment?
10. How do our fees at BECU stack up against traditional banks?
11. In this role, you will handle thousands of dollars of cash, payments, deposits, and funds transfers. This responsibility requires you to be detail-oriented, accurate, and honest. Does this describe you?
12. Do you have any formal education that will help you succeed in this role?
13. Customers can become upset with BECU policy at times. How would you handle a customer who is angry because they do not agree with a policy?
14. Have you been trained in the proper techniques for detecting counterfeit cash and fraudulent checks?
15. BECU puts our members first. How will you always put our members' needs first?
16. Tell me about one career achievement you have set for yourself this year.
17. Are you okay with routine work, or do you prefer a mix of responsibilities?
18. Do you consider yourself a logical person, able to make sound judgments under pressure?
19. Have you ever been terminated? If so, what were the circumstances surrounding your termination?
20. If hired, how will you begin to build trusting relationships with our clients and your co-workers?
21. Your background is not in banking. Tell me what skills and characteristics qualify you for this position with BECU.
22. Are you a patient person? How do you boost your patience level in challenging situations?
23. How would you approach a task you were not trained to do?
24. Do you have plans for continued education?
25. What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing money from BECU?
26. One small error can throw off our entire balance. How do you react when you do something wrong at work?
27. What do you enjoy about your career in banking?
28. Looking back to your most recent performance review; what was one area for improvement, and one positive?
29. Do you have any questions about BECU or this job?
30. How much do you earn in your current role?

BECU Interview Questions

1. What do you believe we can improve on, at BECU?

2. Credit Unions rank higher in customer service than traditional banks. Why do you think this is?

3. In your opinion, what is the best service or product offered at BECU?

4. Are you a BECU member?

5. You will handle member transactions in this role. Talk to me about your mathematical skills.

6. Walk me through your customer service training.

7. How do you protect the privacy of every customer you assist?

8. Do you have any sales experience? Would you be comfortable upselling a BECU banking product?

9. Are you aware that this job has goals and targets? When have you worked in a similar environment?

10. How do our fees at BECU stack up against traditional banks?

11. In this role, you will handle thousands of dollars of cash, payments, deposits, and funds transfers. This responsibility requires you to be detail-oriented, accurate, and honest. Does this describe you?

12. Do you have any formal education that will help you succeed in this role?

13. Customers can become upset with BECU policy at times. How would you handle a customer who is angry because they do not agree with a policy?

14. Have you been trained in the proper techniques for detecting counterfeit cash and fraudulent checks?

15. BECU puts our members first. How will you always put our members' needs first?

16. Tell me about one career achievement you have set for yourself this year.

17. Are you okay with routine work, or do you prefer a mix of responsibilities?

18. Do you consider yourself a logical person, able to make sound judgments under pressure?

19. Have you ever been terminated? If so, what were the circumstances surrounding your termination?

20. If hired, how will you begin to build trusting relationships with our clients and your co-workers?

21. Your background is not in banking. Tell me what skills and characteristics qualify you for this position with BECU.

22. Are you a patient person? How do you boost your patience level in challenging situations?

23. How would you approach a task you were not trained to do?

24. Do you have plans for continued education?

25. What would you do if you caught a co-worker stealing money from BECU?

26. One small error can throw off our entire balance. How do you react when you do something wrong at work?

27. What do you enjoy about your career in banking?

28. Looking back to your most recent performance review; what was one area for improvement, and one positive?

29. Do you have any questions about BECU or this job?

30. How much do you earn in your current role?