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Wells Fargo Interview Questions and Answers

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Practice for your upcoming Wells Fargo job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

First Question

70 Wells Fargo Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   The banking industry can be stressful. Tell me about a time when you worked in a high-pressure situation.

How to Answer

The interviewer is being transparent about the environment at Wells Fargo and wants to know that you can be successful in this type of fast-paced setting. They want to hear that you will be able to handle the pressure and that you have experience dealing with stress in the workplace. Describe some techniques that you use to manage stress at work and give examples if possible.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"In my first year of college, I experienced the stress and pressures of being a full-time student. I didn't have proper time management skills then, so it was very stressful trying to manage all my classes and assignments and prep for exams. I learned that self-care was essential, and I also developed time management techniques that helped me successfully plan out my weeks and months and set goals and milestones to achieve them. My first year was a great learning experience and I learned how to adapt and overcome in stressful situations."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller 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."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager 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."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

2.   How would you respond if a customer asked you a question that you didn’t know the answer to?

How to Answer

Wells Fargo offers a wide range of complex products and services, so you will likely run into a situation where you're unsure how to answer a customer. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you can acknowledge when you don't know something instead of making it up on the fly and commit to finding that answer and following up with the customer timely. Give an example of how you self-help and track down information or how you've found the appropriate person to ask. Telling a customer, "I don't know," or "that's not my department," is never appropriate, and the interviewer wants to learn more about your customer service skills and problem-solving approach.

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"As a newer employee, I would have a lot to learn, so I'm sure I will run into a situation where I cannot immediately answer a customer's question. I would be honest with the customer and let them know I would research the answer and help them as quickly as possible. I would never make up an answer and would try to self-help with my available resources, and if I could not locate the answer timely, I would reach out to a colleague or manager to assist."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Bank Teller Example

"The customer experience is always my top priority, so if they asked a question to which I didn't know the answer, I would reassure them that I would find the answer for them and help them resolve the issue. If I knew it would take me some time to track down the answer, I would ask them if they had time to hold while I looked, and if they didn't, I would take their information down and get back to them timely. Follow-up is also important to me, and if I committed to finding an answer and getting back to them, I would ensure that I did."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Branch Manager Example

"I often come across complex accounts and situations, so it's likely a question may surface that I don't know the immediate answer to. I would first ask my colleagues and team members to see if they knew, and if not, I would call another Wells Fargo location, check online or call the corporate office to see if I could help them find the answer. I'm always trying to assist the customer myself instead of sending them on a wild goose chase with 800 numbers to find the answer."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

3.   How do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?

How to Answer

Wells Fargo is looking for reliable employees with good attendance habits. The interviewer is trying to discover more about the value you place on timeliness in the workplace. Give an example that will demonstrate your commitment to your shifts and how you would communicate with your manager in the event you were going to be late to work.

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"I have never been late to class, so I know I would be just as reliable in the workplace. If I ran into a situation like a flat time that would cause me to be late, I would immediately call my manager and let them know."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Branch Manager Example

"I always arrive to work at least 15 minutes before I am expected to be there, to give me extra time in case something happens. I also make sure I have the numbers of my co-workers and boss so that I can call to let them know if I'm stuck or might be running late."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Branch Manager Example

"I am an extremely reliable employee and have not been late to work in the three years I've been at my current company. I understand the negative impact that being late or absent can have on the team and to customers. If I were going to be late for some reason, I would notify my manager immediately. I would also make up the time during my lunch or at the end of my shift to be sure my work got done for the day."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

4.   How will you be a brand ambassador for Wells Fargo?

How to Answer

All employees of Wells Fargo are brand ambassadors in some way. The interviewer wants to understand how you will represent the company within your community and network and potentially bring in new business. Be creative and take this opportunity to share outside-of-the-box ideas.

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

1st Entry Level Example

"I will become a subject matter expert in the services and product offerings of Wells Fargo so that I can promote them and answer any questions others may have. When I believe in a product or organization, I'm passionate about sharing it with others and showing them how it can benefit them."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Branch Manager Example

"I will be a brand ambassador by providing exceptional customer service to everyone who enters the bank. I know that Wells Fargo takes pride in doing what's right for customers so I will be sure to commit to that mission every day through positive interactions and genuine kindness and care when working with the public."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Branch Manager Example

"I would promote and support a culture of genuinely caring for employees and providing them a safe workplace. When employees are satisfied, motivated, and feel valued, their enthusiasm and passion for the company will trickle over into the customer service they provide. I will also tell others in my community about the great things Wells Fargo does and the services and products we offer that could benefit them and their families."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

5.   Tell me about your last performance review.

How to Answer

Wells Fargo is focused on hiring top talent, and this question provides the interviewer with some insight into your most recent performance feedback. Think about your last formal appraisal; if your company did not conduct them, think about conversations you may have had informally with your manager or supervisor. Discuss what strengths your manager recognized and what significant milestones or accomplishments were highlighted. Wells Fargo values customer service, innovation, commitment to excellence, and a passion for growth. Think about how you can tie your areas of strength and achievement to the role you're applying for and the company's core values.

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Entry Level Example

"I have never had a formal performance review; however, I received straight As and made the high honor roll in school. My teachers often provided feedback that I was a pleasure to have in class because I participated in discussions, turned in my work on time, and made a few errors in the work I submitted. I had nearly perfect attendance as well."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Bank Teller Example

"My previous employer conducted 360 feedback, so I was rated by my supervisor, my peers, and my customers. In my last appraisal, I received a rating that exceeded expectations, so I'm really proud of that. I was recognized for my communication skills, willingness to be a team player and mentor others, my ability to increase sales, and consistency in exceeding other KPIs like less than 2% errors in transactions."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

Branch Manager Example

"In my last annual performance review, I was recognized by my regional manager as a top performer. My branch was ranked #2 in the tri-state area based on growth, revenue, and customer satisfaction. In my first year there, I was able to increase our revenue by 10% and we had 100% retention rates for hourly employees."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

6.   Tell me about a time when you showed integrity in your work.

How to Answer

Wells Fargo places a high value on integrity. This question allows the interviewer to discover more about your character. It's not uncommon for ethical dilemmas in the workplace to come up from time to time, so speak openly about any relevant experiences you've had. Think carefully about your answer, as it will leave a strong impression. Show examples of how you've "done the right thing," and demonstrate how you bring honesty and fairness to the team and how you have been a good role model to others.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"In college, there was a student who often cheated on exams. This was unfair to those students studying and working hard to earn good grades, and it was against my school's policy, so I did report it to my professor. If I caught a co-worker stealing, I would follow the same process and report it to my manager immediately. I assume Wells Fargo has an internal policy addressing this matter, so I would be sure to familiarize myself with it so I would know what to do in this type of situation."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller 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."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"Years ago, I had several tellers put together a report for me, and I sent it to my regional manager without first reviewing it. There were several errors, and my manager was pretty upset. Instead of throwing my team under the bus, I took full ownership of the mistakes since I had taken a shortcut and not reviewed it for accuracy before I submitted the report. I apologized and assured her it would not happen again."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

7.   How do you define success?

How to Answer

Consider what makes Wells Fargo successful in the banking industry, what sets them apart, and how you can contribute to its short- and long-term successes. The interviewer is able to learn a lot from your response including how you define success, what types of goals you set and how you measure success. Speak about how you define success both personally and professionally and give examples that relate to the position you're applying for (sales, employee retention, marketing, etc.).

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"Success to me is achieving goals that I've set out to achieve. They can be simple and short-term goals like submitting a mid-term project on time and giving it my very best effort or a longer-term goal, like earning a 4.0 GPA at the end of the school year."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"I define success by my ability to achieve my short-term and long-term goals both personally and professionally. I set milestones for myself and break my goals down into manageable pieces. I also measure success by what I've learned and how achieving my goals has helped me grow and set future goals to really stretch myself."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"As a leader, success is a combination of achievements by my team and me as an individual. I set goals that motivate my employees and are attainable and that also achieve the objectives for our branch. I celebrate the wins, big and small because when one person has a win, it benefits the team. I also set personal goals for myself each quarter and those are typically around employee retention and engagement, customer satisfaction, new business prospects, etc. I always feel successful when these types of goals are achieved."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

8.   Tell me about your favorite manager. What did you enjoy most about working with them?

How to Answer

The interviewer is trying to better understand your preferred style of management and in some cases, the person interviewing you could be your potential manager, so this will help them understand if you would align well with them. Consider past employers and the best leader you had. Think about what traits or habits they demonstrated that made them someone you enjoyed working with. In your response, explain some of the qualities you're looking for in a leader but also demonstrate that you're flexible and work under different types of management styles.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"When I volunteered at the animal shelter, I had a really great manager. He was always patient and treated all the volunteers with respect. He clearly communicated his expectations each week and was approachable when we had questions. I also appreciated the collaboration that he fostered among the volunteer team and paid staff."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"My favorite manager was one who was always willing to teach and mentor us. She was never annoyed by questions, but always willing to take time out of her day to show you how to do something or walk you through a process. I appreciated the genuine interest she took in the growth and development of her team members."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"I once had a regional manager who was such an encourager! She always celebrated the team's wins, big and small, and recognized the team for accomplishments at the group and individual levels. She took a genuine interest in us, and our teams and employee retention and engagement were a high priority for her. I learned a lot from her leadership and hope that I demonstrate some of those same characteristics."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

9.   How do you respond to problems that require a quick solution?

How to Answer

When it comes to complex problem-solving, decisions do not always come easily. It takes practice, experience, and confidence to learn what decisions yield the best results. Problems that require you to act quickly can include knowing where the fire extinguisher is and grabbing it fast enough to put out a small grease fire in the company kitchen or being asked to take on a new responsibility with only five minutes to decide if you are prepared to take it on. Going with your gut is a skill, and the more you learn to trust your intuition, the easier it becomes to make these decisions. Demonstrate that you are confident and able to react swiftly when the need arises.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level 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 this position for Wells Fargo."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller 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."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"When an urgent problem arises at work, I always try to respond calmly. I am a natural leader, and my team often looks to me for answers. Last week, an administrative employee no-showed on a busy day. I called a temp agency, and they filled the filled in just one hour."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

10.   Describe a difficult problem and how you approached it.

How to Answer

Interviewers at Wells Fargo like to see employees coming up with creative solutions. Problem-solving skills are highly regarded within the banking industry. Use an example that explains the complexity of the situation. You can also use the job description as a guide for some of the challenges you could encounter in this new role. Try to keep it relevant and relatable to the position.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"While attending university, I was assigned a group project with a group of less-than-motivated individuals. My grades and performance were crucial to me, so I approached the group with a leadership and mentorship mentality. I uncovered what motivated everyone on the team and took the initiative where others would not. Communication skills were critical in this situation, and I was able to effectively reach out to each team member to discuss the objectives, goals and responsibilities so that we could achieve the common goal."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"I took a customer call with a history of poor customer experiences with the organization. One after another, the customer was left frustrated by our banking processes and voiced their concerns in an unpleasant manner. I took the initiative to listen and understand their frustrations, then partnered with the different departments in the company to resolve the concerns and save the customer relationship."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"I once took a leadership position with a company that had a lot of turnover in the role, so the team was naturally frustrated by yet another new leader. My first responsibility was to assess my new team. As a new leader, I kept in perspective that it can be an overwhelming and challenging time for employees. In my first week, I had a team meeting to introduce myself and meet everyone; then, I set up initial one-on-ones and reoccurring meetings as well. In the first few meetings, I sought to understand their past work experience, what they felt was going well, what they felt were obstacles or barriers, their career goals, projects they had worked on, etc. I spent the next few weeks assessing their personality, collaboration, and technical skills before I read their past performance reviews; that way, I didn't have any biased or preconceived ideas before I got to know them. I also sought feedback from the team in these one-on-one meetings. For example, I might ask, "who on the team do you go to when you need help" so I could further identify who the team viewed as mentors or leaders. This approach helped the employees feel more comfortable and allowed me to build relationships quickly."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

11.   How do you work in environments with people who are different from you?

How to Answer

At Wells Fargo, you will work alongside other employees and likely be customer-facing, so it's essential to have experience working with a diverse group of people to be successful. Describe the customer demographics you have experience working with and who you connect with most easily. Take this opportunity to discuss your experience working in this environment and refrain from speaking negatively about customers and coworkers.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level 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."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"I have a lot of experience working with a variety of age groups. I find that my approach varies whether they are a younger adult or an older adult, but I get along fine with all people. I'm an extrovert, so I have no trouble breaking the ice in a conversation, and I work to build relationships with coworkers and customers."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"I'm a very easy-going person and get along with almost everyone. I respect others and treat them with kindness. I often try to put myself in the other person's shoes to better understand their perspective. I've found that this helps bridge the gap sometimes in communication and understanding. I understand that people are diverse in their experiences, backgrounds, education, and personalities, and I accept people for who they are. I work to leverage their strengths, so they are successful, as well as the team and organization."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

12.   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. Wells Fargo 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.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"Since I'm a recent graduate looking for my first position in banking, I'm currently facing the challenge of companies looking to hire candidates with more work experience. I'm overcoming it by persevering and continuing my search to find a role with a reputable company such as Wells Fargo. I have a lot to offer if you're willing to invest the time in training me. I have a strong work ethic, I'm reliable and always on time and have a positive attitude!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller 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."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager 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."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

13.   How do you check your work for accuracy?

How to Answer

Many roles at Wells Fargo require the employee to be detail-oriented and small mistakes could have a negative impact on the team, business, and customer. The interviewer is trying to discover more about how you focus on your work, if you can avoid distractions, and how you deliver accurate and quality results. Explain the techniques or steps you take to eliminate minor mistakes and ensure your customer transactions and paperwork are accurate.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"In college, I had many data analytics projects in Excel. The data is critical to the work we did, so I made sure that I took my time when entering and reviewing information. I did not multitask when I was working on such projects, and I exited platforms that could be distracting when I needed to (IE Teams, Zoom, Google Chats, etc.) really focus. I took breaks as needed if I started to make mistakes, and when I had a finished product, I spot-checked my data and formulas and would often have a team member review it for accuracy as well."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"I take pride in any work with my name attached to it and therefore, always review my work before I submit it. Whether I am typing an email or handling cash, I always check my work twice and sometimes even ask a co-worker to review it first. Being detail oriented and thorough are two of my greatest skill sets."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"As a branch manager, I'm responsible for many different reports that are sent to senior leaders. I also process loan applications, create employee schedules and send out important staff memos. No matter which responsibility I am working on, accuracy is critical. I often work on my most important projects first in the mornings, when I'm most focused and can limit distractions in the office. If I'm pulling financial reports, I always double check my work and use a calculator or formula in Excel to ensure the data is correct, versus relying on mental math or handwritten calculations."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

14.   How would you respond to a customer complaint?

How to Answer

With over 70 million customers globally, it's inevitable that a Wells Fargo customer will be unhappy at some point. The interviewer wants to understand how you would handle a challenging situation and how you react under pressure. In your answer, include aspects like customer service skills, critical thinking, patience, communication skills, empathy, and your ability to resolve conflicts. One of Wells Fargo's core values relates to "what's right for customers" so consider this when responding.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level 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 correctly...' and repeat their words back to them. I have also been trained on how to collaborate with customers and create healthy compromises. This method has always worked for me."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"I once had a customer call 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 a fix 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 Wells Fargo."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"As a branch manager, customer complaints that the team can't resolve often get escalated to me. Typically, the customer is very upset and frustrated at this point. I always come with a positive attitude and tone, and I never let their emotions change my behavior. I listen to their concerns and assure them that I will do whatever it takes to help find a resolution. I make sure I thank them for being a customer and work closely with the customer to identify the root cause of their complaint and ensure that the problem doesn't occur again."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

15.   Tell me about a goal you achieved. What steps did you take to get there?

How to Answer

Wells Fargo is a very data-driven organization and one that thrives on setting and achieving goals at the individual, local and regional levels. The interviewer wants to learn more about how you set goals and how you achieve them. Walk them through your process for developing a goal (short or long-term) and why that goal was important to you. Describe the steps or actions you took to hit milestones and achieve your goal and what the outcome was. Give a specific example when responding.

Written by Rachelle Enns

Entry Level Example

"When I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, I was very interested in fundraising. We had a regional goal of raising $25,000 in the last quarter and I personally set a goal for myself to raise $10,000. I created a strategy with milestones and had an accountability partner to check in with regularly. I dedicated five hours a week to marketing and pushing on social media and in the community and ended up exceeding my goal by 5%!"

Written by Rachelle Enns

Bank Teller Example

"Early in my career, I strived to get to know the banking and thrift 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 Wells Fargo and am excited for the opportunity to do so."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Branch Manager Example

"A couple of years ago, I set the goal to complete my bachelor's degree in finance and business management while working full-time. I saved up money so that I could pay for the tuition without taking out student loans. I achieved this in just four years by spending a lot of time in online studies and night classes while working my way up to become a branch manager. I am very proud of my discipline and dedication to achieve this goal."

Written by Jaymie Payne on November 29th, 2022

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