27 National Bank of Canada Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our National Bank of Canada 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. We want our advising team at National Bank of Canada to be happy and healthy. How do you manage the day to day stress of being a financial advisor?
How to Answer
The daily stressors of a career in financial advising can be burdensome, overwhelming and lead to burnout on the job. To get a sense that you can handle stress in a safe and healthy manner and be able to come to work each day with a clean slate, your interviewer is looking to delve into your personal life a bit to see how you manage stress. When answering, you can certainly talk about the things you do on the job to keep as stress free as possible, but also be sure to talk about the things that you do outside of work to avoid burnout. Point out that you have the resources and ability to care for yourself to keep you at the top of your game on the job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"To begin with on the job, I consider myself very excellent at handling stress. Being a goal oriented person, I find happiness in obtaining goals and consider any necessary stresses in pursuit of a goal healthy. Outside of work, I am a very active person that trains for marathons and spends a lot of time outdoors with my family. I find that these activities help cleanse my mind and heal my body to prepare for a new week on the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"When I maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly and spend as much time as possible outside of work with my children, any unnecessary work stresses are put on the back burner and often relieved immediately. I'm a firm believer in a healthy work-life balance, even though it can be very tough to do in our field. Having the ability to answer a client email or phone call during off hours while unwinding has made our work lives better as well."
2. As a Personal Banker at National Bank of Canada, how would you select products to suggest to our customers?
How to Answer
At the heart of the role of a Personal Banker falls your ability to use your sales skills and customer service skills to match products that best suit each individual customer's needs. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you can do just that. As you answer this question, highlight your ability to learn and know the entire catalog of financial products you would have at your disposal and then switch to your sales skills mode where you talk about tailoring packages to each individual based on their needs. To really sell your interviewer on your ability, try to use a real world example where you used features and benefits to meet someone's needs in a sales related situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"To do this effectively, I would rely on my ability to get to know my customers and their needs and I do this through confident and friendly conversation with them. Once I know their needs and goals moving forward, I can then take a wise approach to our product base to get them involved with the products that help them meet their goals. Last year, I did this with a customer that I had over a years worth of history with. Through both email and in-person conversations, I learned that early retirement was definitely a goal of his and I used the benefits of our IRA accounts to help him open one and thrive moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"If hired for this role at National Bank of Canada, my first goal would be to learn the entire package of personal accounts, savings, loans and investment products that customers here can take advantage of. Armed with that knowledge, I would then rely on my ability to get to know my customers and what they find important to them to help them grow and thrive into the future. I believe that my background in sales will help me to match the great products here at National Bank of Canada with each individual's needs because I've done this in both the automotive sales industry and the food industry."
3. Discuss a time that you worked a client through a difficult financial situation. What were the keys to making it a success for the client?
How to Answer
Your interviewer is posing this question to see how you will handle a situation where a client at National Bank of Canada is working through a difficult time. As you talk about how you managed that situation, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the interpersonal skills to be effective from the client's perspective. In your answer, be sure to explain the importance of an empathetic approach with your clients and how that approach helps them get through a difficult time.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"During the recession in 2008, I had a very large client call to request that all of his funds be pulled out of the stock market. Knowing that this move was a very poor strategy, I needed him to hear that in most personal and educated way possible. With an active listening approach, I repeated back what he had told me and I reiterated that he wanted to sell them at a low price and hopefully buy them back down the road at a high price. This made the client take a pause and think. This was my opportunity to talk about market history and the odds that his stock prices would rebound over time. He decided to keep his funds in the market at the time and a few years down the road, he called to personally thank me for the sound advice. The fact that I took a personal approach while educating him in the process to make his own decision was the definite key to success in this situation."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Sometimes in this field, difficult conversations have to be had with clients and when I need to have them, I use a very personal and empathetic approach. A great situation where this happened was with a client that wasn't meeting their personal retirement goals to be done working at age 62. At the point we were working together, she was 55 years old. After a quick assessment of her finances, I talked to her about letting her two kids be responsible for their own college tuition. As a mother, her intuition was to support her children in every way possible but the reality was that it was hurting her own goals. Simply put to her, I told her that there are no loans available for retirement and that she was doing both herself and her kids a favor by taking the route I suggested."
4. What customer service experience do you have that would greatly benefit the customers at National Bank of Canada?
How to Answer
As the face of the organization for a lot of customers that will come through the lobby and drive-through of National Bank of Canada, your interviewer expects that you'll be able to bring your A game to the job every day when it comes to customer service. To get an idea of your customer service experience, your interviewer is asking this question. As you prepare for your interviewer, try to think of customer service experience you have that would most apply to being a successful Teller. Talk about your duties when it came to serving customers and putting a smile on their face with each interaction that you had. Don't hesitate to use a real world example of a time you went the extra mile to provide the best service possible.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Being a people person by nature, I've always thrived in roles that put me face to face with customers at any place of employment. During my high school years, I was a waitress at a local restaurant on the weekends. During these busy times, I quickly learned how the little things can go a long way with customers that I would see on a regular basis. Knowing their usual drink orders and little things about them helped spark great conversations with them and, ultimately, their overall satisfaction with their dining experience. If hired here with National Bank of Canada, I'd look to bring that same customer service attitude to your team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"My current role in a large call center places me on the phone with consumers that are usually having either technical issues with our products or just overall unsatisfied with our products. Over the past two years in this role, I've learned how reflectively listen to customers that had a negative experience and how to quickly troubleshoot their problems with ease. As well, I've grown a very thick skin to not take things personally when consumers are downright mean about their products. I can imagine that in a bank setting, upset customers can be at their worst because finances are one of the most stressful things for people and I would be very confident in my ability to work with those customers."
5. What do you want to accomplish at National Bank of Canada?
How to Answer
Set some goals so that you can share how this position at National Bank of Canada will help you to achieve them and how you will add value to National Bank of Canada along the way.
1st Answer Example
"First and foremost, I want to deliver top quality service to customers of National Bank of Canada and perform my responsibilities with best in class service. I want to work at National Bank of Canada because I want to become a financial advisor. Starting out as a professional banker will give me valuable experience resolving client account issues and providing financial assistance, from investments to savings and travel advice."
2nd Answer Example
"My primary goal is to achieve a leadership position within the banking industry. To do this, I will continue my related education and take any training opportunities that come my way."
6. How do you stay organized?
How to Answer
Staying organized is essential to make sure that you are thorough and pay attention to details, to keep customers happy. It is also necessary for accomplishing your daily tasks behind the scenes. Share a few tools that have helped you stay on-task and on-time.
1st Answer Example
"I prioritize my workload against deadlines to stay organized, always putting the needs of customers first."
2nd Answer Example
"I work closely with my peers to share responsibilities and ensure key tasks are delegated out, should there be an important deadline to consider."
7. How would you handle communication with a customer that was visibly upset?
How to Answer
In this position with National Bank of Canada, you may be faced with a customer that is upset and/or mad at the situation they are in. Because of the shoes you will be filling as a Teller, you will be expected to help deescalate the situation through solid and effective verbal communication with the customer. As you answer this question, talk about your ability to remain calm, cool and collected in any situation and explain how you take an empathetic approach with any person that you will work with in this role. If you have an example of a time that you were faced with this situation, don't hesitate to walk your interviewer through that situation and how you handled it.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Having worked in customer facing roles for my entire career, I have handled many angry customers and feel I have a great method in the way that I communicate with them. First, I start by hearing them out and letting them vent in any means that they want. From there, I calmly repeat back the key points and then begin brainstorming solutions for them. By maintaining a calm demeanor during these situations, angry customers are often able to calm down rather quickly. After I understand the customer's needs, I take all steps necessary to help solve their problem. If this entails bringing in another colleague, I don't hesitate to do so in a team based approach."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"When this happens in my current role, I make sure that any other duties I am currently working on are put on hold so I can give full attention to that customer. Last week, I was the only person on staff handling a busy lobby when a customer came in very upset with a vehicle that they had just purchased. I immediately put the phones on hold to take the time to listen to their concerns. After hearing the causes of their frustration, I had them wait in our lobby and I went and talked to our Sales Manager. He made time for the customer immediately. In these instances, providing swift action to help alleviate any further issues is the most important thing that can be done."
8. Why do you want to pursue a career in the banking industry?
How to Answer
Before your interview, take some time to think through your career goals. National Bank of Canada is looking for motivated individuals who want to grow within the company. Share your career plans. Talk about how this position will help you achieve your goals!
1st Answer Example
"I am passionate about the field of finance and accounting, mixed with an unwavering passion for quality customer service. The banking industry allows me to tap into both areas and have a lot of fun making positive customer experiences along the way."
2nd Answer Example
"Careers in banking run in my family! My mother was a banker and my father, a financial advisor when I was growing up. It always fascinated me how smart they both were. It's in my blood!"
9. How would you rate your ability to learn new software programs on a scale of 1 to 10?
How to Answer
In today's digital age, a majority of bank transactions are handled through digital software and for you to be successful in this role, your interviewer will expect you to be a very fast learner of any new programs that you would be required to work with at National Bank of Canada. To give your interviewer a sense of how well you would be able to do this, talk about times where you've had to learn new software programs on the job in the past and talk about your best methods for learning on the job. As well, you can openly talk about the programs that you currently feel that you are proficient at as well to give them an idea of what type of training you would need if hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"I would say that my ability to learn new software programs is easily ranked as an 8. I am very proficient at word processing programs and the entire Microsoft Suite of products. I'm also very proficient at the cloud based point of sale program that I use in my current role. When hired at my current job, I need about a day of side by side training with my mentor and I was up and running with no problems. I rated myself an 8 simply because I have room to grow in learning software in the banking industry but feel very comfortable in my ability to learn quickly if hired at National Bank of Canada."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I would honestly rate myself a 9 for this question solely based on my prior history of mastering programs with my current banking institution. During my five years in my current role, I began by training on SAP programs and was able to pick up and run in my role as a Teller very quickly. Recently, we made an institution wide switch to the Oracle suite and my transition there was very smooth!"
10. At National Bank of Canada, 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 National Bank of Canada, 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 21st, 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 21st, 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 National Bank of Canada, this ability would greatly help your customers that are in need of personal banking advising."
11. Due to the continued explosion of the digital world, National Bank of Canada is becoming more virtual on a day to day basis. What job duties would you see as being fluent in this role as a Teller with us?
How to Answer
As banks have adjusted the way they do business over time to suit the needs of customers that are becoming more automated and mobile, the traditional Teller job description has certainly changed with the advancements in technology. With this question, your interview is simply looking to gauge how flexible you would be if hired for this role because National Bank of Canada will be relying on the person hired this role to be highly adaptable in a changing work environment. As you answer, let your interviewer know that you are aware of how rapidly the banking industry is changing and give examples of a time or two you had to be flexible in your own job duties. Then, really put thought into what you feel are ways that the traditional Teller job role has changed and will continue to change over time.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As my own personal banking has certainly changed to the point where I hardly visit a bank lobby any more and take care of more things online, I would venture to guess that a Teller is face to face a lot less with customers than they used to be and handling more job duties over the phone and online with customers. I would envision that on top of traditional withdrawals and deposits, Tellers at National Bank of Canada are also seen as advisors to customers when it comes to different products within the bank. If hired for this role, I would be excited to be flexible and learn new duties to become a more complete member of the team here at National Bank of Canada. In my current role as a Customer Service Rep, I've had to be very fluid in my job duties."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role as a Teller, I've been very adaptable over the last couple of years as my current institution moved a lot of services to a virtual format. I've received extensive training on ATM troubleshooting for customers using the ATM in our parking lot. I've also been trained on our branch kiosks and tablets that customers use for loan applications and other transactions. But because many of our elderly customers still prefer traditional in-person transactions, I've never lost my touch as a traditional Teller. If hired here at National Bank of Canada, I'd look forward to being a flexible Teller that is willing to adapt with changes moving forward."
12. What experience do you have in multitasking different duties in any of your prior work experiences?
How to Answer
As a Teller with National Bank of Canada, you will be relied upon to have excellent organizational skills when handling multiple tasks throughout each workday. Oftentimes, customers can have multiple transactions that must be process and your job will be to ensure that the needs of the customer are handled accurately and efficiently. To gauge your ability to handle this, your interviewer is looking for you to describe a time that you had to be a great multitasker on the job. As you answer this question, be sure to point out the organizational skills that you used to ensure that all of your duties were handled with ease. If you are a new graduate, it is okay to talk about multitasking in your school or personal life as long as you see it is relevant to proving how you can utilize those same skills in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role as an Administrative Assistant, I often am juggling multiple tasks at one time. While handling schedule coordination for five different managers at my company, I'm also working on setting up many different organization wide meetings where I'm required to send multiple communications out at the same time. To keep myself organized when handling many things at once, I utilize both my Outlook calendar and a written checklist to ensure that all tasks are getting done in a timely manner."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"During my years working in the restaurant industry, I became an expert on handling many tables of customers at once. While juggling the order of all of these customers, I also had the responsibilities of manning the cash register at times. This experience really helped me with accurately recording customer orders on my order pad. I also developed what I would call a multitasking mind by training my brain to keep all of my customers orders at the top of my mind. I think my years in that industry will translate well to the Teller role here at National Bank of Canada"
13. If I were to hand you $100,000 to invest today, where would you put that money and why?
How to Answer
As a simple tool to gauge how you will both satisfy clients and make a profit for National Bank of Canada, your interviewer is looking to hear how you would invest money right now if given the chance. While there is no right or wrong answer for this question, show them your knowledge of breaking up assets based on age if possible. As well, don't hesitate to call out your knowledge of specifically allocating funds into different sectors or individual businesses or industries. In the end, make sure to give a full explanation of why you are choosing what you are to sell it to your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"If the money was given personally to me to invest for myself, I would go for a 50-50 split between stocks and bonds being that I'm 37 years old. This would provide a good mix of funds that could be placed into aggressive IT and healthcare type stocks with a lot of growth potential while keeping half safe in the bonds market."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Being that I am young and willing to wisely be aggressive with money invested for myself, I would look for gems in certain industries like social media and internet retail sales. Amazon is expected to see prosperous growth and so are places like Pinterest and Facebook. I'd be wise with these investments while being sure to pay close attention to futures forecasts as those could change quickly, meaning a shift in my direction as well."
14. What has been the most stressful situation that you faced in the workplace and what did you do to ensure that you navigated that situation successfully?
How to Answer
At times, the work at National Bank of Canada can get stressful in a customer facing role and this question is giving your interviewer insight to how you will be able to handle the stress that will potentially come in this role if you are hired. In your answer, speak openly and honestly to your interviewer by explaining the situation that you were in and why it was stressful to you. Then, talk in detail about the things that you did to work through the situation to make sure that there was a positive outcome. While answering, try to give your interviewer the sense that you are not easily stressed out on the job and are able to work through high pressure situations with ease.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Last year, my staff of nine people was brought down to five people with one termination and three other resignations in a short period of time. Given that recruiting new staff in my current field can be difficult, we worked at almost 50% staffing for two months. To avoid burnout, our manager decided the best route was to only have two of our staff on shift at a time when we would normally have three to four on at a time. This is where work became the most stressful. For me, keeping upbeat, positive and focused on all of my duties was what helped me through each work day. I really appreciated the fact that we didn't need to double our work hours during this time and my remaining team members ended up navigating this period with great success."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"A couple of years ago, my current company purchased my previous employer and there were many unknowns surrounding my job and my job duties moving forward when it was announced that the company was being sold. When I saw a lot of my coworkers in distress, I took the direction of trying to lead by example with a positive attitude. From the start, I began asking a lot of questions to our managers to try and become as educated as possible on the changes that were coming. I also tried to hear the concerns of my colleagues as well and tried to a be a reassuring person for them. In the end, the transition was great for me and I have my positive and inquisitive attitude to thank for that. During the process, one close colleague did leave the company in fear of what would happen and they still regret that decision to this day."
15. If a customer at National Bank of Canada 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 National Bank of Canada, 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 21st, 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 21st, 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 National Bank of Canada."
16. Why would our clients here at National Bank of Canada want you to be their financial advisor?
How to Answer
As a professional in financial advising, you know that relationships are built on trust and integrity and for the business at National Bank of Canada, this is equally important. For your answer, your interviewer will be looking how to hear how you build trust with your clients to ensure that they are customers for life. In your answer, make sure that trust and integrity are common themes as you discuss how you work with each client's individual needs to build their portfolio.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"Looking back on my career to this point, I can say with confidence that my success, and the success of my clients, has been due to my ability to build trusting relationships. My path for building a trusting relationship consists of education, communication and action. I educate each client on a personal level, I set expectations for them and deliver on what I say I'm going to do. If hired for this position here at National Bank of Canada, you'll be hiring a Financial Advisor that will be great at bringing aboard new clients as I have many current clients that I am confident will follow me here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"Like in any financial advising relationship, confidentiality and integrity are of utmost importance to clients and these are pieces of the relationships with my clients that I hold in the highest regard. My clients know that I can be trusted to safeguard their personal information and use the best resources possible to help make the best decisions for them based on their personal information and situation. I pride myself on the fact that my clients trust me with their personal information and your clients will have this trust in me as well if I'm hired for this position."
17. If hired for this role here at National Bank of Canada, how would you manage your daily tasks on the job to ensure that your work is completed in a timely and efficient manner?
How to Answer
Your interviewer is posing this question to gain insight into how you use resources and technologies to keep you on track in your work and to also get a sense for how you prioritize the small details in the work that you do. As you answer the question, be very specific as you describe your ability to multitask many duties throughout a given work day and talk about the tools that you use to keep yourself on track in your work. As you talk about this process for yourself, don't lose sight of your focus on the small details in your work and discuss why doing things in detail is important in the work that you do. Make sure to talk about real world examples that you've used in the past that you feel would be helpful in this role as a Teller with National Bank of Canada.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"I consider myself to be highly organized in my work and I do this by using my calendar
and task functions within Microsoft Outlook. I schedule time each day for my daily tasks and it doesn't take me very long to have a quick understanding for how much time is needed to complete the routine tasks on a daily basis. I always make sure to allow for enough time for each task to be done as thoroughly as possible. Then, for the tasks that pop up from time to time, I always make sure that I add those to my to do list quickly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"In my current role, I print a daily checklist of my duties and begin working on that list as soon as my day starts. Some of the tasks have a prerequisite task that day, so I have my checklist prioritized by needs from the top. I have found this method to be extremely useful in helping me make sure that my duties are handled each and every day and I wouldn't hesitate to utilize something similar if hired for this role with National Bank of Canada"
18. Have you ever had to work with a difficult colleague? How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
A potential job with National Bank of Canada will put you in a branch office that has many different people, with many different personalities, working in one place at one time. It is simple human nature for their to be conflict within a workplace like this and your interviewer is looking to hear how you personally manage interpersonal conflicts with your coworkers by asking this question. As you answer, be sure to use a real life situation and talk open and honestly about how you handled the situation. Try to focus on the positive things you did to make things work out and make sure that the situation you describe ends with a positive results. In the end, your interviewer is looking to hear that you can be a true team player no matter who you work with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current job, I am paired in a small office with a colleague that can be rather difficult at times. We handle a lot of work over the phone and he can be very loud and boisterous at times. On top of that, he can tend to get very upset following certain phone calls with clients. When first hired and paired in an office with him, I was taken aback by his behavior and remained quiet. One day, at the advice of our manager, I simply talked to my colleague and told him that I would be very thankful if he could tone his voice down in our office and to try and use more healthy ways of handling anger on the job. In the end, this was an approach I should've used right away as he thanked me for the feedback and told me that his old officemate was the same as him regarding how they handled frustration. With him knowing that I didn't care for that approach, he vowed to be better moving forward and things are great to this day."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"First and foremost, I consider myself a great team player and any of my current or past coworkers would echo that same thought. While I do work great in teams, conflict among people is always inevitable and I feel that I excel in working with difficult teammates. A couple of years ago, I was on a project team with a person that tried to take over meetings with their own thoughts on processes moving forward and wouldn't budge for other people's ideas. After seeing a few of our team members become visibly frustrated during our first gather, I took it upon myself to talk with this person face to face. The person became very confrontational with me and ended up berating the overall knowledge of the members of the team. I decided that I would let that conversation sink in with the individual and see how the next meeting the following week went. When the belittling and combative behavior continued, I approached the project lead the next day to see what could be done. While the difficult decision was made to remove that person from our project team, I have no regrets in the approach I took because it was good for the overall health of the team."
19. Tell me about your experience in the banking industry.
How to Answer
Share details of your banking experience to show National Bank of Canada you have what it takes to be successful in the field!
1st Answer Example
"When I worked as a bank teller, I learned how to deal with difficult customers and handle a variety of transactions, from ordering foreign money for travel to removing overdraft fees and educating customers on our products. I used my careful attention to detail to keep my drawer balanced and manage my daily tasks without error."
2nd Answer Example
"I have 12 years of experience in the banking industry, first as an administrative assistant, then a bank teller, and now; a financial advisor. I have learned a great deal along the way and look forward to putting my experience to work for National Bank of Canada."
20. The banking industry can be stressful. Tell me about a time when you worked in a high-pressure situation.
How to Answer
While working at National Bank of Canada you might find yourself stressed by customers or the fast pace of the work environment. Think of a time where you produced your best work under pressure to showcase how you shine under high-pressure situations.
1st Answer Example
"When I was working as an administrator at a financial firm, I worked in a very high-pressure environment. There was one case that was highly sensitive and required me to pay extra attention to detail. I had limited time to prepare the paperwork, but I was still able to support the lawyer and the client, by staying calm and carefully providing everything they needed. I asked questions to clarify the deadlines that needed to be met and set daily goals to meet them."
2nd Answer Example
"Almost every day in my banking career has been filled with high-pressure situations. When I am faced with a stressful situation, I remind myself to slow down, breathe, and assess the situation before jumping in with both feet. Customers seem always to appreciate my calm and methodical approach."
21. If hired for this role at National Bank of Canada, how would you help make sound investment decisions for our clients?
How to Answer
While certainly an open ended question for you to run with, your interviewer is really looking to get a sense that you are resourceful in your decision making processes and that you don't rely too heavy on quantitative or qualitative information to make decisions. In your answer, talk about the sound use of data while also relying on your experience and judgement to help in your decision making processes. As well, if you are open and experienced in a team based approach among fellow colleagues, talk about that as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, we have a great team that considers many factors in our investment decisions for our clients. Our engineers have developed mathematical models that gauge the markets and their propensity to shift over time. We have a team of market experts that rely on the new and current times to predict future fluctuations. As the Portfolio Managers, we weigh information from all of these teams to make decisions moving forward and this allows for the greatest confidence in our overall decisions."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"While all of our decisions for our clients are based on assumptions, my experience has taught me to weigh in many different factors when making investment decisions. Looking at historical data to predict futures carries some weight and can be accurate at times, but having firsthand knowledge of different businesses and industries like I do helps put that historical data into perspective when trying to predict the future. If hired for this position at National Bank of Canada, I'll have that ability to make the best decisions possible for your clients."
22. What is the highest level of mathematics that you completed during any of your schooling?
How to Answer
Working as a Teller for National Bank of Canada will require you to have pretty basic math skills and the ability to count cash in an accurate and efficient manner. For this question, your interview will be looking to hear that you have completed at least some levels of high school math and did so with ease. In your answer, while you discuss what levels of math that you have completed during your education, be sure to explain how your mathematical skills will be able to apply to the job that you are interviewing for. Make sure that your interviewer walks away from your conversation confident in your abilities.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have an Associate's Degree in Marketing and during my coursework at XYZ Technical College, I took both college level statistics and financial accounting courses. With both of these classes, I am confident in my ability to handle and count large sums of cash and also operate account software if required for the job here at National Bank of Canada."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"During my final year of high school a few years ago, I completed my final semester of Algebra II with an A- grade. Through my years of Algebra I and Algebra II during high school and with my retail experience prior to this interview, I feel comfortable with all of the accounting related duties that I would handle in this role with National Bank of Canada."
23. As a Personal Banker with National Bank of Canada, why is providing tailored customer service important? How would you make this a priority if hired for this role?
How to Answer
In the banking industry, customers all have very unique financial situations and personality types so a very customized approach is required to make each customer feel valued. In this role as a Personal Banker, your customers will expect that you tailor your approach to meet their needs. As you answer this question, be sure to talk about the ways that you get to know your customers to best work with them. On top of that, explain the importance of taking an empathetic approach with your customers and talk about why an empathetic approach is important when working with a customer on their financial needs.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"As in my current industry, I understand that your customers here at National Bank of Canada all have their own unique financial situation and needs in how I would work with them. Because of that, I have to work with each person on their own individual terms rather than taking the same canned approach with every customer I would work with. To help provide the most tailored customer service possible, I would take the time needed to get to know my customers and their needs and then work with them moving forward in their goals. As personal finance can often be frustrating, I would take my time to listen and understand my customer's frustrations as well to show that I truly care in helping them create a solid plan moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"A tailored approach in customer is really easy when you listen, listen and then listen some more. By reflectively listening to my customers, I'm able to get to know them quickly by name, learn a bit about them personally and learn their financial goals for the near and long term moving forward. With that information, I can them formulate the best customized plan for them and that is very important for them to know that my approach was created with their needs at the forefront. With that in mind, the customer then has a much better chance of becoming a life-long customer at National Bank of Canada."
24. Give me an example of how you keep track of details while engaging in conversation.
How to Answer
Multi-tasking is a great skill to have within the banking industry. Share a situation that demonstrates your ability to handle the daily tasks of a busy banking environment.
1st Answer Example
"A customer came into the branch with multiple requests. To ensure that I addressed each of their needs, I wrote down a few notes for myself to gather the information. This was also helpful because when I needed to answer the phone in the middle of the transaction, I didn't forget any of the important details and I was able to resolve both requests promptly. All the while, I kept the customer engaged and made sure their banking experience was enjoyable."
2nd Answer Example
"To keep track of transaction details, while engaging in conversation, I will ask the customer questions or repeat what they are saying to me. This helps me to commit their needs to memory while still appearing engaged, and in the moment."
25. How would you respond to a customer complaint?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to be assured that you can professionally handle customer complaints. Give an example of a time you helped resolve a customer's issue.
1st Answer Example
"A customer called me very frustrated about an issue with their bank account. I listened and told them I would be happy to help. I asked more questions to understand the problem and then suggested once I had a better idea of what might solve it. The customer was very relieved and grateful that I took the time to listen and make sense of the issue. I plan to provide consistent customer service in the same way when I work for National Bank of Canada."
2nd Answer Example
"Each customer complaint is unique; however, I have been trained to handle them all with the same method. Listen, be empathetic, and use phrases such as 'If I understand your concern...' and repeat their words back to them. This method has always worked for me."
26. The banking industry is built on trust and this is no different at National Bank of Canada. Do other people you have worked closely with consider you to be trustworthy?
How to Answer
While the easy route for this question would be to simply answer yes and move on, your interviewer will be looking for you to talk about a specific situation or two where you proved your ability to be trusted in the workplace. Take the time to think about a time where trust was instilled in your beyond your normal job duties and explain the situation to your interviewer. Be sure to explain why the situation was important, what you learned from it and how it helps you be seen as a more trustworthy candidate for this role at National Bank of Canada. In the end, remember that the ability to be trusted as a Teller with National Bank of Canada is one of the premier qualities that your interviewer will be looking for in an ideal candidate for the role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
1st Answer Example
"If you were to ask any former colleague or manager that I have worked with, they would all say that I am worthy of any trust you would instill in me. In my current role, my manager has given me the duty of physically transporting our daily bank deposits and has given me a set of office keys and the code to the security system as a backup to our management staff. In my five years with the organization, I have proved myself to be trusted with these duties through my error free work, great attendance record and honesty."
Written by Ryan Brunner on October 21st, 2020
2nd Answer Example
"I have always put it on myself to try and cross-train and learn as many roles with companies that I have worked with in the past. As well, I've always strived to become an expert on all total process at any given job. Because of this extra effort, my current manager has asked me to be a department representative on a few different committees in my current organization. As well, I've also been asked to lead a few process improvement projects within our department. My manager has directly told me that I was asked to take on these extra responsibilities because of the trust that he has in my work ethic and my overall knowledge of our organization. If lucky enough to come work for National Bank of Canada, I would bring this same attitude to the team here."
27. Tell me about your cash handling experience.
How to Answer
Share some of the details of your experience in cash handling, which are relevant to the position.
1st Answer Example
"As a bank teller, I have handled cash as a part of customer transactions for the past two years. I am experienced with deposits, savings withdrawals, cashing checks and issuing traveler's checks. I am excited to learn more about National Bank of Canada cash handling procedures."
2nd Answer Example
"The majority of my cash handling experience includes my time in retail. I was a cashier at Store ABC for three years. As far as the banking industry goes, I have some experience in handling cash from my three months with Bank XYZ."