27 First Metro Bank Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our First Metro Bank interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. On the finance side of First Metro Bank, we expect our representatives to be ingrained in our sales focused culture. If hired for this role, how would you learn and embrace our sales process?
How to Answer
As an experienced loan or finance professional, your interviewer is likely very confident in the skills that you would bring to the team. This question gives them the opportunity to how you will fit into the unique culture with the team at First Metro Bank. Because they are a sales focused organization, your interviewer will expect anyone in this role to embrace that culture. In your answer, talk about your ability to partner with sales staff by using your strong people skills. As well, give your interviewer a sense of how you go about learning new processes if hired for this position and don't hesitate to give an example from your past on how you've done this.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Knowing that the main goal of First Metro Bank is to sell more products, I understand my role on the finance side is to provide customers with the best options for them to walk out the door as a lifelong customer. If hired for this role, I will take the time over the first weeks on the job to fully understand your product line, costs and typical financing procedures so I can hit the ground running in no time. In my current role, I communicate very regularly with our sales staff on each customer that we work mutually together with. It really helps provide the best customer experience possible and absolutely helps boost sales."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I would fully expect that a good part of my orientation process into this role at First Metro Bank would entail a full education on the sales part of the business. I would look forward to working closely with and learning from the boots on the ground sales staff as that would give me great insight into the customers that I would be working with. From there, I would be able to build relationships with the sales staff and build a bond moving forward."
2. Give an example of a prior job duty you held that required serious organizational skills. What did you learn from that experience that you'll be able to bring the team here at First Metro Bank?
How to Answer
The daily life of a Teller at First Metro Bank will require you to multi-task and handle many different duties within the day. You'll need the ability to move from task to task quickly and proficiently and your interviewer knows that the best way to do that is through solid organizational skills. To prove to your interviewer that you will be flexible and able to handle all of the given tasks in a workday, talk about a previous job that required these exact skills. In your answer, try to highlight all of the duties you were required to handle and explain the little things that you did that helped keep you organized and on track while working through each task.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role as a Customer Service Associate with ABC Sales, I am really the jack of all trades around our office. My duties include being the first line on phone contact for any incoming phone calls to our office, being the first face a customer sees when they walk in the door and managing our general email inbox. During our busier times of the year, I can be flooded with customers on all three channels. To stay on track and focused with each customer, I prioritize the in-person customers first and foremost and then handle incoming phone calls when they arrive. When able to, I triage email inquiries as needed. At times, I utilize a notebook and my Outlook tasks list to jot down notes if I need to put something off for a more urgent matter to ensure that I don't forget it moving forward. Similar to what I'm doing now, I think the hustle and bustle of the bank lobby would require this same ability to jump from task to task with ease and I'm confident in my ability to do so."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Growing up, I ways taught at an early age that tidiness is the key to staying organized and I will say that I'm kind of a neat freak when it comes to maintaining my work area. In my current job, my duties often put many tools and huge amounts of paperwork in my work space and it can become easily cluttered throughout the day. By taking little moments here an there to file and put things away, I'm able to avoid the hassles that come with not being able to find something necessary to handle the next duty at my fingertips. If hired here at First Metro Bank, I think this skill would be essential in helping me work with each customer in an accurate and efficient manner throughout each day."
3. How do you respond to problems that require a quick solution?
How to Answer
You may experience a variety of issues related to customers or technical issues while working in the banking industry. Give an example that demonstrates your confidence and your strength as a decision maker and a problem-solver.
1st Answer Example
"I can think quickly and can do mental math, problem-solve, and mention other products and services to offer the customers. In the case of an urgent matter, I trust my instincts and can quickly evaluate situations to recognize the next steps and act accordingly. I feel secure in my ability to think and act quickly while I'm working in ABC position for First Metro Bank."
2nd Answer Example
"When faced with a situation where a quick solution is required, I will rely on my training, my memory, and my instincts. I am confident in my ability to find a solution to last minute, or unexpected, problems."
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to Answer
If you are a recent college graduate or starting a new career, you may or may not know where you'd like to be in five years. First Metro Bank wants to see that you think about the future and are actively working towards your goals. Better yet, they want to know how working for them will help you accomplish your goals! Share how this job will help you get one step closer to achieving your goals.
1st Answer Example
"I plan to continue working in the banking industry as a branch manager, working my way up through attending training and participating in your leadership development program. I am excited to start out in ABC position because I am confident that it will help me achieve my goal and broaden my skill set."
2nd Answer Example
"Being in a leadership role is important to me, so I plan to be working in a management based position at First Metro Bank in the future. I will achieve this through continued education and leadership training while also proving my value to you through my everyday work ethic."
5. Tell me about a goal you achieved. What steps did you take to get there?
How to Answer
The banking industry offers a variety of opportunities to those who are motivated. First Metro Bank is seeking individuals who think about the future and aspire to be successful in everything they do. Think about something you accomplished through hard work and dedication.
1st Answer Example
"Early in my career, I strived to get to know the banking and thrifts systems from a 360-degree view. I worked hard to partner with my peers in learning how their roles contributed to the whole organizational flow. I set a goal to become head teller within the first five years of working in this industry. I hope to continue that career path with First Metro Bank and am excited for the opportunity to do so."
2nd Answer Example
"A few years ago I set the goal to complete my Bachelor's in Finance while working full time. I achieved this in just four years, through spending a lot of time in online studies, between working as a bank teller. I am very proud of the discipline and dedication I was able to put towards this goal."
6. Do you have any experience in handling and working with large amounts of money?
How to Answer
This role as a Teller with First Metro Bank will at times put you in charge of handling and accounting for large sums of money. While your interviewer can likely assume any experience you have based on your resume, they'll be looking to hear directly from you what experience you do have in doing this. While you talk openly and honestly about your experience, or even lack thereof, make sure to talk about the importance of accuracy and security surrounding the handling of large amounts of cash. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you take both of these points very seriously if you are hired for this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, my retail experience heavily involved running a till in a very large department store for six to eight hour shifts. At the beginning of each shift, I was responsible to counting my starting till to verify the amount matched our standard for starting tills. Then, at the end of each shift, I had to tally all cash and checks in my drawer and balance against my receipt log for the shift. Especially around the holidays, I was often handling drawers with over $10,000 cash in them at the end of my shift. From the start of that job, I was trained on and have always prioritized being very safe with my cash register, never leaving it unlocked and unattended. As well, the skills that I learned in tallying my drawer quickly at the end of each shift would be very beneficial in this role for me."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role with XYZ Bank, my workdays are spent at a very busy metro area branch where I am running on my feet all day long. I take a lot of large business deposits on a daily basis and follow all organizational policies on counting and depositing cash into accounts for business clients. Some days these deposits are very large. Over time, I've become very proficient at counting cash and using our Accubanker money counting machine. I follow very strict policies on the safe and secure handling of cash and while sometimes those policies can make processes take a bit longer, I fully understand and agree with their purpose."
7. How do you work in environments with people who are different from you?
How to Answer
The banking industry thrives on team players with communication and listening skills who can help build internal and customer relations with individuals of diverse backgrounds. Give an example of how you led a team, or collaborated with a group for a school project, to show First Metro Bank that you are perceptive and sensitive to the needs of others.
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with people from all backgrounds and personalities. Whenever I join a new team, I make a point to get to know each person and find ways we can connect. I'm outgoing and friendly with everyone I meet while respecting their different styles and any open ideas they may bring to the team."
2nd Answer Example
"Diversity is all around us, whether it be at work or home. I treat everyone equally and give everyone the respect and positive attitude that I would expect to receive from them."
8. Tell me about a time when you demonstrated you were trustworthy.
How to Answer
To show First Metro Bank that you are reliable share an example from your work experience that is relevant to the position.
1st Answer Example
"In my last role, I was responsible for reconciling the banking at the end of the day. Last month, there was an overage, and I demonstrated my true character by reporting this to the management. Together, we partnered to research where this happened and collaborated to coach the team member who caused the error. We adjusted the accounts accordingly."
2nd Answer Example
"Every successful day in the banking industry is an opportunity to show that I am trustworthy. In my five years within banking, I have never been involved in a discrepancy."
9. What data entry skills have you accumulated throughout your career and earlier education?
How to Answer
As a Teller with First Metro Bank, solid data entry skills will help ensure that you are able to handle customers in a timely manner while also ensuring accuracy with each transaction that you process. While you may not have direct experience with banking specific software and data entry into those programs, your interviewer knows that skills you have built elsewhere can easily transition here to this role with ease. Talk about the experience you have with data entry in any previous positions that you've held. Talk about specific program that you have experience with and remind your interviewer that you are very easily trainable on new systems. If you know your words per minute typing skills, now is a good time to bring that up as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"From an early age working on computers, I have pretty great word processing skills. The last time I was tested, I could type 75 WPM. These skills have translated nicely to a few different data entry duties I hane taken during my career. In my current role as an Assistant, I handle data entry into Microsoft Excel and also into our enterprise sales system. While being a master of Excel, I picked up our sales software system very easily and don't see any reason why I would have any issues with easily transitioning to your software programs."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role, I work on an online database system called Kintone. I currently do administrative work in the insurance industry and this online system has been a wonderful addition to our team to replace the use of spreadsheets and email to house our information. When I learned the system two years ago, I was very quick to pickup and master the system. With my familiarity with many other software programs, I would be able to transition nicely into the data entry tasks in this role."
10. What is one unique skill that you will bring to our loan processing team here at First Metro Bank?
How to Answer
Throughout your application process and candidate vetting process, you were brought into interview because your interview was confident that you had the basic skills and knowledge required to handle this job. Now, your interviewer is giving you the opportunity to set yourself apart from your competition with this question. As you prepare for this type of question, try to think of a unique skill that you have that can prove to be a big asset if First Metro Bank offers you the job. In your answer, be sure to explain why this skill applies to this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"I think the one skill that I have that sets me ahead of the rest running for this position is my experience and success in the world of sales. As you can see from my resume, my career out of college started in auto sales. In my five years of sales, I worked my up from Associate Sales to a Sales Team Lead at my dealership. Getting to know and master the sales side of the business has really helped me on the finance side with overall knowledge of the business and developing the skills needed to upsell customers on their loans."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my experience, I have extensive leadership experience in leading teams of up to 12 employees and I also have remote working experience. Both of these duties have really given me confidence in my decision making abilities. If hired for this position, I would be able to hit the ground running on day one and be trusted with critical decisions where you might not have that ability with other candidates that don't have leadership experience."
11. What ideas could you bring to First Metro Bank to help grow revenue in this branch?
How to Answer
If hired as the next Branch Manager at First Metro Bank, one item that you will be continually tasked and evaluated on is your ability to help grow revenue at the branch through new customer acquisitions and increased sales of banking products. This question gives you the chance to cite your revenue growing skills and how you will apply them to the banking industry. Prior to your interview, be sure to do your research on growth and revenue in the banking industry and think of a creative way or two that can really sell your interviewer on your ability to help drive increased revenues at the branch you are interviewing with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"While I will always be a firm believer that traditional marketing techniques are key to creating new business and revenue, an outside the box approach can always be vital as well. Here at First Metro Bank, I would make it a priority for frontline staff like Tellers to be trained in advanced sales skills to help upsell customers in their regular conversations with them. Customers of First Metro Bank typically see the frontline workers the most and Tellers are most likely to steer your customers towards revenue generating products."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Over the past five years, I've become more entrenched in data analytics in my current role to help drive revenue and I think the banking industry can surely use data analytics to help predict customer trends. With the rapidly changing service combinations that banks put out, data analytics could be key in helping predict customer preferences and that data could be put to use to put out the most preferred packages for future customers."
12. If a customer posed a problem that you were unable to solve on your own, how would you handle that situation?
How to Answer
A bank is a serious and professional environment and every once in a while, a customer comes with an issue that is well beyond a Teller's ability to handle. For this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you will handle these customers with the respect and ease necessary to ensure their satisfaction in service of the institution. Whether you'll be dealing with a customer that received poor service at some point or was dealt a mistake by the organization, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the ability to remain calm and treat customers with the respect that they deserve while making all attempts possible to solve their issue. In your answer, talk about your ability to use your communication skills to your advantage and how you use teamwork to solve problems at any level. Any real world example that you have would be good to talk about as well in your answer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"If ever faced with that situation here at First Metro Bank, I would first hear the customer out and then repeat back to them what I heard them say. In using a calm voice, I would be very forthright with them if I was not able to handle their situation and have them take a seat while I found the best person to work with them given their issue. While I would have a lot to learn regarding the duties of each individual on the team here at First Metro Bank, it is something that I would prioritize in my first days on the job so I would be able to troubleshoot issues quickly with customers. At any company, teamwork is of utmost importance and knowing who does what is a key to making the whole operation run smoothly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current job, this is a regular situation that comes up for me as I handle incoming customer calls to our office. While I can handle most calls on my own, sometimes I get customers that call that are very upset with the services provided by our field technicians or the products that we installed. During those calls, I need to take a genuine approach and sympathize with the customer and give our company promise to make it right. By knowing our whole team, I can then put the customer in contact with the appropriate technician or manager. I have access to schedules of our entire team and use that to set timelines for follow up with customers as well. I think these skills will translate nicely to this role here at First Metro Bank if I were to be hired."
13. Tell me about a written project you had to tackle during your career. What skills did you use to ensure that your writing was error free?
How to Answer
Success as a Teller with First Metro Bank will often occur excellent written skills. While long-term writing projects won't necessarily be an occurrence, your interviewer is looking to hear in detail about a time you had to complete a written project to get a better understanding of how you will work during times that you will need to provide written correspondences in this role. As you reflect on your career, think of a time that you had to use research and teamwork to get a writing project completed and explain it in detail to your interviewer. As well, don't hesitate to talk about resources that you used to ensure that the document was as error proof as possible.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Every year, I am tasked with writing our fiscal year end sales report that reports back up to our suppliers. Since first taking this task on four years ago, I have prided myself on my ability to write in a clear, concise and interest inducing manner. I utilize our sales reports and organize the data within the report to show by supplier. I highlight great accomplishments within the report as well. When I'm through with my draft of the copy, I have several others look through the report for errors and take feedback from other graciously."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Just a few months ago, my manager asked me to write a letter to a client that outlined a mistake that had happened with her account over the course of a year. The end outcome was the clients account showing more money than actually existed. To write this letter, I had to work with a couple of other people to determine the facts of how the error occurred, what the impact was and how it would be fixed. Based on that information, I drafted the letter to read in a very apologetic and forthright manner. My manager was very impressed and sent it to the client following a personal phone call to her."
14. In this finance role with First Metro Bank, what do you feel would make for an ideal customer experience?
How to Answer
In a role as a Loan Processor or Loan Officer, simply following company guidelines and answering questions from customers can be done by a robot. First Metro Bank will be looking for you to help provide the best overall customer experience possible. For this question, they'll be looking to hear what great customer service on the lending side of the business means to you. No matter how you answer this question, be sure you explain the importance of making the customer feel valued in your approach with them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In this role with First Metro Bank, I will be dealing with the financial impact on customers of a really large purchase and this type of purchase often causes stress and tension for them. To provide the best overall experience, I will always be very thorough and educational in my approach to make sure that every question that the customer has is fully answered. The worst thing that can ever happen is for a customer to bite off more than they can chew when it comes to a new loan."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"My approach to providing the greatest overall experience to my clients has always been solid listening and communication skills with them. I take the time to get to know my clients and what makes them tick. This approach gives me great insight in how I can best match them with the right loan moving forward. As you'll see when you contact my references, I have a very high overall customer rating in my current role based on customer surveys we have done over the past five years."
15. Accuracy is of utmost importance to the customers here at First Metro Bank. Have you ever had a time where you had a to admit to a mistake on the job surrounding accuracy?
How to Answer
A person's finances are one of the most important things in their life and a mistake can certainly hit very close to home for them. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to get a solid judgement of your honesty and integrity if you should make a mistake with a customer by having you talk about a time you had to do this in the past. In your answer, be open and honest about the situation while focusing both on what you did to resolve the issue and what lesson you learned moving forward that you can bring to the team at First Metro Bank.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Working in retails sales, my busiest days can be quite hectic with customer lines reaching throughout the store. A few months ago, I had finished ringing up a customers large order and taking her payment. When the next customer approached, she informed me that the pillows she was purchasing were buy two, get one free and I realized that the previous customer hadn't received that deal. I called a colleague over quickly to run the register while I ran out to the parking lot to catch the customer. Luckily I did, and she came back in so I could refund her the price of one of the pillows. She was very thankful! Looking back on that situation, I hadn't noticed the daily deal during our morning huddle and I take full responsibility for that. From that point forward, I always kept a note with me at the register on the daily deals so I wouldn't miss one again."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"During high school, I worked for a CPA that was a family friend handling pretty simple data entry tasks. One night, as I was laying in bed, I realized that I had made an error in entering figures into a wrong column in the program that the CPA was using. Not wanting to lose sleep over this, I made myself a note next to my alarm clock and called the CPA the next morning upon waking up. He was very appreciative of my effort to contact him as soon as possible and we made plans for me to fix the error during my scheduled time the following week."
16. Tell me about your favorite manager. What did you enjoy most about working with them?
How to Answer
First Metro Bank wants to hear what excites you and keeps you motivated in a co-working relationship with your boss. They are interested in your values and want to hear about your experience developing relationships with managers.
1st Answer Example
"I love my current boss because she leads with a collaborative and team-oriented style. We have regular team huddles to provide ongoing communication about process changes or upcoming events."
2nd Answer Example
"My favorite manager was my very first manager when I worked at Company X. She was attentive and spent a lot of time mentoring me. I feel that many of my positive work-based skills and qualities are because of how she interacted with and trained me."
17. If you were on the job here at First Metro Bank and noticed that a change in process or procedure could be beneficial, how would you approach that with your supervisor?
How to Answer
This question allows your interviewer to gain insight into a few different things about how would you work as part of the team with First Metro Bank. First, they'll be looking to gauge your ability to see possibilities for improvement, so try to think of a time that you did just that in the workplace. They'll also be looking to hear that you are always willing and able to approach your supervisor in a constructive manner. When answering this question, be sure to stress to your interviewer that being complacent won't be on your agenda if hired for this position.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Knowing that a workplace continuously changes when it comes to customers and products, I as an employee need to be fluid in how I work and I am continuously looking to do things more efficiently. In my current role, I approached my manager last year about reconfiguring our customer lobby area to accommodate more customers while also being handicap accessible. He thanked me and took the idea to our leadership team and within weeks new furniture arrived and an unnecessary wall was removed."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I wouldn't hesitate to approach my supervisor with any creative ideas if hired on the team here at First Metro Bank. With any supervisor I've had in the past, I've always appreciated an open door policy as staff on the front lines of the business are able to best see that need for small or large changes. Recently, I approached my supervisor with a great new idea that would help boost customer sales in our retail store. With not having the confines of a chain outlet, he let me lead a team of individuals to implement the change in the store. What we did was choose a high profit item each week and place it on display in front of the cash registers to promote an impulse buy at the register. Through the initial weeks of trialing this, sales numbers for the products each week more than doubled prior weeks when not on display."
18. Talk about a time you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle that situation and what was the key for you to make things work with them?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer will be looking to get some insight on your interpersonal skills by seeing how you handle the adverse situation of dealing with a difficult coworker. In your answer, make sure to paint a clear picture of the situation and what made the colleague difficult to work with. Then, really try to reflect on what you did that made it possible to make the best of the situation. Talk about your interpersonal skills that were vital to making this work to give your interviewer the sense that you will be a great team player if hired at First Metro Bank.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Early in my career in the banking industry, I worked with a colleague that was very distracting with her negative talk of other people on our team. It was very unfortunate at first that she was my mentor when I first started and from my very first day on the job, I realized what kind of person she truly was. Being new on the job, I didn't speak up or Rquestion her right away. Rather, I chose to get to know the remainder of my team to truly realize how toxic her talk was. A few months down the road over lunch, she continue with bad talk and negative rumor spreading about a colleague I had grown close to. ight away, I cut her off and told her that I didn't want to hear her talk bad about any of our coworkers. With my upfront approach with her, she definitely caught my drift and hasn't since tried it again."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Currently, I have a teammate that just doesn't like to carry his fair share of the load on the team. In my current environment, we all rely on each other to make the entire operation work. The hard part about this situation is that when he is motivated, he caebest workers on our team. Now, I've gotten to the point where I've gotten to get him well enough where I can see when he is having an off day. Through conversations, some things in his personal life impact his job can impact his job in a negative way. Any time that I notice his work slacking, an in-depth check in conversation with him often helps him get back on task and in a much happier mood on the job."
19. At First Metro Bank, our Personal Bankers work with clients from all different walks of life. How do you handle working with many different personalities throughout the day?
How to Answer
As a Personal Banker with First Metro Bank, you will be dealing with a wide variety of clients and your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are able to tailor your approach to working with many different personalities while maintaining a knowledgeable and professional approach with each person. In your answer, be sure to stress that you have the patience to work with all different types of people effectively and the calmness to handle customers that are demanding or full of questions. If you have an example of a role you've held in the past where you've worked with customers, feel free to bring examples of times you had to work with differing personalities first hand.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role in sales, I work with customers from all different economic and cultural backgrounds. My personality really suits a sales based role well because I have the ability to personally connect with any person that I work closely with and I do this with a very friendly, yet professional approach. I take as much pride in selling a lower end product to a person with lower socioeconomic status as I do in selling a product to the CEO of a large company. I've been in both of those situations and as long as the customer leaves satisfied with a smile on their face, I know it was a job well done."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I really pride myself on my ability to work effectively with many personality types and people from different backgrounds. In my current role as a Financial Advisor, I work with clients that range from C-Suite Executives all the way down to entry level employees making close to minimum wage. I have the ability to connect with and relate to any individual on a personal level as this is so important in the financial field. If hired here at First Metro Bank, this ability would greatly help your customers that are in need of personal banking advising."
20. What is your experience in managing an overall performance appraisal process for your staff?
How to Answer
While your interviewer can see that you have employee management in your experience from your resume, this question is allowing you to really get into detail about what experiences you have in working through a performance appraisal process with your staff in the past. While being open and honest in your experiences, try to highlight your ability to use fair judgement in writing performance appraisals and highlight any technologies that you've used to help manage the performance of your team. As well, don't hesitate to discuss any of the difficult conversations you've had in the past with your staff as First Metro Bank will look to you to be an effective part of this process as their next Branch Manager.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I manage a team of 13 employees and our policy is to conduct appraisals near a staff member's hire anniversary. I'm a firm believer that writing an appraisal takes preparation throughout the year by documenting performance. When it comes time to writing the appraisal, we use an online performance management system that makes organizing details within the appraisal really nice. I always block time on my calendar to take the time needed to focus on putting detail to paper and don't rush through it because feedback is so important to improving the performance of my entire team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have over 10 years of management experience and within that experience, I have a lot of experience in the performance appraisal processes for my staff. I take the approach of using a fact and documented based approach with my staff rather than personal opinion. Being in a very volatile and high turnover industry right now, evaluating my staff on tangible factors is very important. Throughout my career as a manager, I've had to have many difficult conversations with staff that were put on performance improvement plans based on their annual reviews and am comfortable having these conversations in a professional, yet personal manner."
21. Do you have any experience working with banking teller software?
How to Answer
While having direct experience in a bank setting working with related software is great in helping minimize training time when you would start on a job, it is not necessarily a requirement for the job. Banking software programs often resemble other accounting type software as well. What your interviewer will be looking to hear in the answer to this question is that you have familiarity in working with a few different types of software programs and have the flexibility to learn and thrive new systems. Talk in details about the types of programs you have mastered in your career and make sure that your interviewer walks away from your interview knowing that you will be able to master their system in short order.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"While I don't have direct experience utilizing Teller software, I am confident that I can quickly and efficiently learn your system if hired for this role with First Metro Bank. In my current role, I've mastered two different CRM software systems. In my role, I entered new customer information and maintained the systems with any changes needed over time. As well, I became very proficient at providing up to the minute, customized reporting to leaders that would request it."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Throughout my time with my current financial institution, I have worked proficiently with the Oracle FLEXCUBE program and MX for Banking software. With each program, I was able to learn and master the programs quickly. Right now, I serve as the trainer that works with new tellers for three of our branches. During the training sessions, I spend up to four hours with our new hires to help them learn the systems."
22. If a client here at First Metro Bank were to be denied the financing that they desire, how would you handle that situation?
How to Answer
As a Loan Officer at First Metro Bank, you will have times where you will have to have the difficult conversation with prospective clients that are being denied financing. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you take a professional approach with the clients and that you have a firm understanding of the regulations surrounding loans in the industry. To seal the deal for this question, talk about your ability to educate the client to better the chances that they will come back to First Metro Bank for business in the future.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"This is a very common occurrence in my current role in the mortgage industry. When a client is denied financing, I am very up front and honest with them in my approach. The most important thing that a customer wants to understand is why financing is denied and my experience in the finance industry lends well to me explaining the importance of credit scores and debt to equity ratios. I have found that customers that are denied financing really take well to my approach and I have had many customers come back after doing the personal work needed to improve and succeed in their application process."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Life as a successful Loan Officer is about being knowledgeable and professional and I pride myself on my ability to project both of those things. In the times I need to personally decline a potential customer, I am firm and fair with them. I don't beat around the bush in any way because this can leave a customer with a false sense of hope. Taking the time to explain the regulations for the loan in layman's terms often helps customers understand things better as well."
23. Tell me about a time when you showed integrity in your work.
How to Answer
Integrity is best displayed through honesty and consistent moral values. The banking industry relies on employees who are trustworthy and reliable. Give an example that shows how you have demonstrated these qualities in the past.
1st Answer Example
"In my last position, I was responsible for the cash deposit on a daily basis. There was never a discrepancy, in the four years that I worked there. I have proven myself reliable through my consistency, always showing up on time, meeting deadlines, and keeping my word."
2nd Answer Example
"I show integrity in my work in everything that I do. It's important to me that my employer and colleagues see me as trustworthy, with a strong moral compass."
24. What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
How to Answer
Consider sharing a professional challenge or a situation you overcame in school. First Metro Bank wants to hear about the situation and the action you took. Interviewers also want to hear about results. Give an example that demonstrates your perseverance and proactive approach to facing a challenge or conflict.
1st Answer Example
"When I was working for my last company, we had a drastic shift in leadership that required the organization to adapt quickly to new ways of doing things. This required me to tap into my ability to lead change management for my work and my team. To make this process smoother, I scheduled frequent updates with my team, peers, and leadership to ensure all deliverables were being met on time and the transition to new processes was being handled with the utmost professionalism not to impact the level of service our clients received. It was a great learning experience for me and the entire organization."
2nd Answer Example
"The greatest challenge I have faced in my career was the culture of nepotism in my previous position. It is very challenging to overcome morality based difficulties in the workplace while maintaining a positive attitude and keeping motivated. I overcame these feelings by getting to know my co-workers on a more personal level. Making strong connections with others, who were facing the same difficulties as I was, was very helpful."
25. What is one way that you would help provide great customer service in our branch here at First Metro Bank?
How to Answer
As a Teller with First Metro Bank, you have the possibility of having the most interactions with clients on a regular basis than just about any other person within the branch. And due to the face to face nature of this role, the importance of the impressions that you will make on clients is essential to the success of First Metro Bank. For this question, tell your interview one unique trait or skill that you will bring to the lobby of First Metro Bank when it comes to customer service. If possible, give an example of a time that you used this with success.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"If you were to ask any of my current or past coworkers what my best skill in the workplace would be, I would guarantee that most would say it is my ability to keep a smile on my face at all times. I am a person that focuses on the positive things in each moment and that attitude really reflects well on others that I work closely with and the customers that I serve. Even when I have a bad moment or even a bad day, I still don't let that bring me down to the point that it impacts my work."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I would say that using my communication skills to personalize my service to each customer would be extremely beneficial to the role here at First Metro Bank. A couple of weeks ago in my current role, I could tell a customer just wasn't having a good day by the look on their face and the sad tone of their voice. I was assisting them, I simply asked them how their day was going. The lady slowly looked up at me while a tear rolled down her cheek and told me that she had just had her dog put down that morning. I gave her my deepest sympathies and talked about my childhood dog growing up that my parents had just had put down months earlier. We shared a few funny memories of my dog and when her transaction was finished, she thanked me immensely for sharing the conversation with her. I think that my approach to communication with my customers helps brighten their day and I'd look forward to bringing that same style here."
26. If a customer at First Metro Bank had increased savings as their main personal financial goal, what steps would you take with them to get them started down the right path?
How to Answer
As you look to interview for a Personal Banker position with First Metro Bank, be sure to expect a question or two that really digs into the technical abilities that you would bring to the position in the form of a hypothetical situation that you will likely face in this role. This question is allowing your interviewer to gain insight into your knowledge of sound financial savings philosophies so be sure to talk about important aspects of a customer's finances that can impact their ability to save. As you answer, express that you would use a logical, yet tailored, approach with each customer in this situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"After I had done my due diligence in getting to know the need's of the customer, my first step would be educating them on setting a personal budget that allows for savings. I would take a keen look at their monthly income versus their monthly expenses while also taking into account their variable spending on a monthly basis. Often, by simply doing this, customers are dumbfounded by how much wasteful spending they have going on in their lives. While the customer makes the final decisions on how to best handle, I can use my expertise to help guide them on their savings journey."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"The first and most important step to this process is helping the customer truly see their financial situation by delving into their income and expenses. Based on that analysis, the customer then decides which of the factors of income and expenses can be altered to help increase their savings. From there, I would work with them on the best methods for saving and would take a personalized approach to recommending savings accounts or money market accounts with First Metro Bank."
27. Walk me through your thought process when delegating responsibilities to others that you are responsible for. What are the important factors that influence your decisions?
How to Answer
As the potential next Branch Manager at this branch of First Metro Bank, your interviewer wants to hear that you have the innate ability to delegate responsibilities among the team that you'll be managing. For this question, they'll be looking to hear that you you can do this effectively by knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your team members and also that you know the responsibilities of each role that you'll be managing. As you talk about your ability to delegate, make sure to talk about the importance of delegating for both your own efficiency in your work and in the work of your team. As well, don't hesitate to talk about your ability to train others when needed to ensure that the necessary work gets completed.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As a manager, I have a really great history in delegating the right work to the right people in the right amount. Any time that I delegate work, it is important that I put the work in the hands of the right person and I do this by knowing the colleagues that I manager very well. If hired for this role, my immediate goal upon starting would be to get to know my team very well. I would have one-on-one conversations with everyone during my first week and would take the time to read prior performance evaluations. After I have a comfortable handle on my team, my next goal would be to divide up work in the best way possible that gets people working to their strengths."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 5th, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"My first step in a decision making process to delegate work is to evaluate the task at hand for consideration. I ask myself if it is a duty that I as a manager should be handling first. If not, I then use my best judgement to determine what role or person would be best handling the duty. I ensure that I consider factors like current workloads, KSA's of my team and impact of the task to be delegated in my thought process."