27 Yorkshire Building Society Interview Questions & Answers
1. In a technical support role here at Yorkshire Building Society, we expect that you would be able to bring great customer service skills to the role. Describe your customer service philosophy in the support that you would provide.
How to Answer
While your interviewer will be able to get great insight into your technical expertise during your interviewer, this one question will allow you the opportunity to describe how you will bring solid interpersonal skills to the role. Your interview knows that customers will rely on you to provide quick and sensible support for their needs, but the expectation to do that in a pleasing manner is of utmost importance. Talk from a high level about your feelings on why providing great service is important and give an example or two of ways that you have done that in the past.
1st Answer Example
"To me, my job duties aren't fully satisfied if an end user leaves our conversation without a smile on their face. While any technical support specialist can handle the customer aspect of the job, few have the people skills to do so pleasantly for their customers. In any interaction that I have with a customer, I talk in a calm and boosting manner. If they are upset or mad about a situation, I reflectively listen and never place any blame back on them. By taking this approach, my customer surveys in my current position have been excellent for the three years I've held that role."
2nd Answer Example
"If hired for this role here at Yorkshire Building Society, you'll quickly find that my mantra in working with customers is speed with a smile. To do this, I need to be resourceful in providing them with an answer or triaging them to the correct person. I need to be knowledgeable in our product base to give them answers with confidence. And last, but not least, I need to be positive in all interactions with them."
2. 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.
1st Answer Example
"If ever faced with that situation here at Yorkshire Building Society, 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 Yorkshire Building Society, 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."
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 Yorkshire Building Society if I were to be hired."
3. 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 Yorkshire Building Society."
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."
4. 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 Yorkshire Building Society?
How to Answer
The daily life of a Teller at Yorkshire Building Society 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.
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."
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 Yorkshire Building Society, I think this skill would be essential in helping me work with each customer in an accurate and efficient manner throughout each day."
5. If you were on the job here at Yorkshire Building Society 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 Yorkshire Building Society. 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.
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."
2nd Answer Example
"I wouldn't hesitate to approach my supervisor with any creative ideas if hired on the team here at Yorkshire Building Society. 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."
6. 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.
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 Yorkshire Building Society. 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."
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."
7. What data entry skills have you accumulated throughout your career and earlier education?
How to Answer
As a Teller with Yorkshire Building Society, 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.
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."
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."
8. Accuracy is of utmost importance to the customers here at Yorkshire Building Society. 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 Yorkshire Building Society.
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."
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."
9. Do you have any experience in handling and working with large amounts of money?
How to Answer
This role as a Teller with Yorkshire Building Society 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.
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."
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."
10. The clients of a financial firm like Yorkshire Building Society can display an arrange of emotions when they work with our Client Services team. How would you handle a situation where a client was very angry?
How to Answer
Whether due to a large amount of money lost on the market or a client feels they were ill-advised by an Advisor, your job as a Client Services Representative will at some point or another deal with a very angry client. For this answer, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you do what is necessary to stay calm and stay focused on finding a resolution. If possible, use a specific example of a time you had to do exactly this and explain how effective communication was critical in making the situation right for the client.
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I've spent the last three years in customer service relations for a large insurance company. As you can imagine, a large majority of my customer interactions were with upset customers. I've been called names that I can't repeat here in this interview and my key to working through these situations was to remain calm and not take things personally. Like the financial world, the insurance business is a very life altering experience and a loss or damage to an item is very stressful. I tried to put myself in the customers shoes, see things from their perspective and do my best to ease their situation. In this role with Yorkshire Building Society, these same skills would be vital for me to find solutions or the right person to talk to if needed."
2nd Answer Example
"First and foremost, an active listening approach is the first step to lowering the tension from an angry customer. A couple of months ago, we had a very angry customer come onsite to complain about a defective product that cut his hand pretty badly. The customer came onsite to complain even before receiving emergency care, which was apparent that he needed. First, I let him release his anger and it was not a pretty sight. Then I calmly repeated back what he had said and then explained what our policy allowed me to do at that time. Looking back, my sincere approach and calm demeanor helped calm him down and later that day, my manager had a formal complaint sent to the manufacturer and we were assured that they'd be in contact with the customer."
11. What do you know about our products and how do you think you'll be able to handle a support role surrounding them?
How to Answer
This question allows your interviewer to gain insight into both your interest in this position and the skills that you will be able to bring to the table. To show your interest, be sure to do as much research on Yorkshire Building Society as possible and get to know their products. Ensuring that you know the job description from front to back is important as well. Then, talk about how you feel that your skills will apply to working with end users that are contacting about the software.
1st Answer Example
"One of the main things that is attracting me to a position with Yorkshire Building Society will be the new opportunity to work solely with cloud based software. With my current experience in supporting server and data storage issues, I am confident in my ability to support the services here based on that experience."
2nd Answer Example
"Upon reading the job description for technical application support, it was easy for me to see that my skills were a perfect match for the position. It sounds like you are looking for an expert that can provide support on GlobalLink applications and has exceptional experience across many different scripting languages. As you can see from my resume, I have experience using Perl and Python and I feel like these experiences would help make a smooth transition for me into this role. On top of that, my cloud based experience would translate nicely to this role here at Yorkshire Building Society as well."
12. If you were having an interaction with a client here at Yorkshire Building Society and you weren't able to answer their question or solve their problem on your own, how would you handle that situation?
How to Answer
As the forward facing client services representative with Yorkshire Building Society, you may be asked serious financial or market related questions that either don't know or aren't qualified to answer. In those situations, you will be expected to explain to the customer how that question will be answered and then deliver a timeline on when it can be answered. In the end, the customer wants to know the clear path to ease their mind and it will be your job to do just that.
1st Answer Example
"In my current role in Customer Service with Metropolis' largest automotive dealership, I frequently get asked questions that our sales, finance and service staff have to give the final stamp of approval on in answering customers questions. In these situations, I have a great amount of knowledge where I can prepare the customer for speaking with the right person while also ensuring them that the sales, finance or service staff will provide the final answer. Then, I work quickly to get them to the right person."
2nd Answer Example
"In a situation where I didn't know an answer, I would ensure the client that we have the right staff in place that would be able to help them quickly and efficiently. I would communicate to the customer what the next step would be and if that would be me putting them directly in contact with someone or me taking their contact information and having someone get back to them. In the end, setting the right course and timeline would be important for every customer when I faced this situation."
13. In the banking industry, customer service is essential. Give me an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service.
How to Answer
Think about what customer service means to you. Making the customer happy and receiving positive feedback are great examples! Yorkshire Building Society wants to hear that you treat customers with respect and are careful to resolve issues. Explain some of the elements of customer service that you possess, like empathy and patience.
1st Answer Example
"I was working as a bank teller when a woman came in, upset about her account. I could tell she needed to vent and I wasn't quite sure what the actual problem was, so I listened first. Then I asked questions to figure out what was going on. She was so appreciative of me because I was able to think on my feet and troubleshoot to solve the problem quickly. She even apologized for raising her voice and thanked me for my patience."
2nd Answer Example
"In my current position as a bank teller, customers are encouraged to provide feedback via a survey app, after each in-branch visit. For the past three months, I have received the highest ranking for overall customer satisfaction. Delivering excellent customer service is a must for me, and I look forward to bringing this level of service to the customers at Yorkshire Building Society."
14. 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 Yorkshire Building Society 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.
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."
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."
15. What are your top three strengths? How will you use them to make an impact at Yorkshire Building Society?
How to Answer
Reviewing the job description and the company website will give you some direction on which qualities Yorkshire Building Society values most. Share your most valuable strengths. Think about them within the context of the position. You can refer to the list of responsibilities within the job description as a guide. Explain how your strengths will help you to accomplish these tasks; and better yet, help you to exceed expectations.
1st Answer Example
"I have exceptional attention to detail and great communication skills. I am also quick to solve problems, which helps me handle customer issues with ease. These strengths will help me to build relationships and maintain customer satisfaction."
2nd Answer Example
"I plan to make an impact at Yorkshire Building Society through my strong customer service skills, my excellent negotiation skills, and my ability to call on referrals for new business."
16. Our clients here at Yorkshire Building Society expect top-tier service and products and we will expect you to do just that in this role. Have you ever went the extra mile for a client when it wasn't expected? Why did you do so?
How to Answer
Yorkshire Building Society looks to set themselves apart from their competition by delivering the best service possible in the industry. You, as a customer service professional, are likely used to doing this so in your example, be sure to think about a time where your going above and beyond the call of duty really impacted the overall customer experience. No matter what example you use, be sure to explain why you felt it was important to take that action and what outcomes you are aware that it produced.
1st Answer Example
"A couple of years ago when I was working customer service in retail, a customer was looking for what happened to be a discontinued item of clothing for her sick mother. The easy route would have been to simply look it up, tell her it was discontinued and have her be on her way. What I did was take down the customers contact information and let her know that I could contact our person that handled archived products. If we could track it down, I would be in touch. With a simple phone call, my colleague was able to track the item down from the supplier and have it coordinated to ship directly. We put the customer in direct contact with the supplier and she was as happy as could be. Looking back on that situation, I felt that it was the right thing to do given the situation that the customer was in and knowing she was a loyal customer of ours."
2nd Answer Example
"My current role in hospitality often has me working with very high profile customers that come to our hotel. Last year, a touring manager for a musician contacted me regarding and upcoming stay for the musician. I proactively asked for their dining and entertainment preferences and with that list, I was able to work with our catering staff to ensure we had preferred items on the menus for the nights that he stayed and that we had a customized video game package in the musician's room for the his extended stay. Prior to him leaving, his manager reached out to thank me for the great service!"
17. If hired for this role with Yorkshire Building Society, how would you handle a large workload of clients working through a mortgage process?
How to Answer
At the heart of this question, your interviewer is looking to find out how you manage a busy workload by having you talk about your organization skills on the job. In your answer, talk about the skills you have and the tools that you use to stay organized and on-track while handling a large workload. Don't hesitate to talk about the software programs that you use and any other tactics that you use to ensure that all deadlines are met and no issues occur with clients because of too large of a workload. In the end, your interviewer wants to walk away from this question knowing that you'll be able to provide top notch service to the clients of Yorkshire Building Society.
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I'm able to handle a very large workload with my ability to stay organized on the job. If you could take a tour of my office, you'd see that I maintain a neat and clean desk with a very organized file cabinet of my current workload. If I need to shift gears and move on to work with another client, I can easily access information on the fly and keep moving. I also utilize my Outlook calendar to set deadline reminders to stay on track of closing deadlines and paperwork requirements and the tasks function within the program helps me stay right on track with all of my clients I am working with at a given time."
2nd Answer Example
"During my time working a large client load as a mortgage consultant, my success was due to my efficiency and organization on the job. If hired for this role with Yorkshire Building Society, my efficiency would be very high because of my experience with the entire mortgage loan closing process and my ability to handle certain challenges quickly with that experience. From there, my organizational skills within the loan process software I have experience with kick in to help me keep each client on track with their loan process."
18. 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."
19. Do you have experience working with different CASE tools? If so, what do you have experience with?
How to Answer
The world of software engineering has greatly benefited from advancements in computer aided software engineering tools. Because Yorkshire Building Society is at the forefront of the industry, your interviewer will be looking to hear which tools you have experience with. Make sure not to concern yourself with providing a correct answer here, but rather focus on your flexibility to learn new aides when needed while explaining what you have experience with.
1st Answer Example
"In my current role, I regularly utilize both diagramming and web development tools. The diagram tools assist our software projects by outlining the system data and components in a graphical form for us and this saves us a great amount of time while also being very reliable. The web development tools greatly help me visualize site changes that I am making because I don't have a deep background in web development. If hired for this position, I'd look forward to learning other CASE tools for prototyping, quality assurance and maintenance."
2nd Answer Example
"During my career and in my experience with CASE tools, most of my experience is in the lower CASE elements that focus on coding and testing the software after initial development. CASE tools have certainly made life as a software engineer more efficient and effective and I'd look forward to learn any new CASE tools if hired for this position here at Yorkshire Building Society."
20. Tell me about a time when you demonstrated you were trustworthy.
How to Answer
To show Yorkshire Building Society 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."
21. What SDLC models are you familiar in working with?
How to Answer
As a software engineer, you are very familiar with the software development life cycle. For this question, your interviewer is looking to hear what models you have worked on in the past. While there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer to this question, try to show your flexibility to working with different SDLC models by bringing up your past experiences. Then, show you have knowledge of different models like the waterfall model or agile model. It is also a good idea to use this question as an opportunity for you to learn more about Yorkshire Building Society by asking your interviewer which model they work off of.
1st Answer Example
"During my training in software engineering and in my early career, the waterfall model was the standard. In this model, each phase of the development process happens in a set order and projects using this model are easily managed. But over time, as the development projects that I have led have become more complicated and intricate, I have implemented the spiral model. This model has allowed the ability of end users to give feedback early on and often during development and helps to build a more customized product to our customers."
2nd Answer Example
"In my current position with XYZ Company, my department utilizes the agile model in development life cycle. Since our products are so tailored to the needs of our customers, we get a working product very early on in the process and then I work hand in hand with customers to fine tune the software moving forward. It is a very effective model that has built a great reputation for our software among customers. I also have familiarity working with the iterative model and it has similar advantages to the agile model. If I were hired here at Yorkshire Building Society, can you expand on what models you use here in your software development life cycle?"
22. How would you deal with an irate customer?
How to Answer
In the banking industry, keeping customers calm is a much-needed skill. This is where your relaxed demeanor and ability to empathize will come in handy. Yorkshire Building Society wants to hear about a situation where you used your customer service skills to handle an angry customer.
1st Answer Example
"I had a customer complain about having to wait in line for so long on a busy Monday morning. She was so upset because now she was late for work and the rest of her schedule for the day was thrown off. I listened and let her know I understood where she was coming from, ensuring her I would move as quickly as I could to complete her transaction. Listening and empathizing helped her to calm down and ease the tension."
2nd Answer Example
"If I were faced with an irate customer I would spend my time listening to their concerns. Usually, people just want to be heard. If things escalated to the point where the customer became threatening, I would call in a supervisor or security."
23. Customer service is the name of our game at Yorkshire Building Society. If hired for this role, how would you be able to provide the best customer service possible to our clients?
How to Answer
While following all of the steps of a mortgage process and handling client inquiries along the way is the foundation to success in this position, you will be relied on to provide the best customer service possible to all clients because the mortgage section at Yorkshire Building Society is just one small piece of the pie in their business. If a client feels like they weren't handled with respect and compassion, they could take all of their business elsewhere and see an impact financially because of it. To show that you can provide top-notch customer service in this role, talk about how you provide a personalized experience for the clients you work with and talk about the interpersonal skills you possess that make this possible.
1st Answer Example
"With any customer that I work with, I take the time to get to know them and listen to their thoughts, concerns and questions right from the start. I like to hold what I call an intake session to listen to all of these things. After hearing each customer out, I then talk about what I can do to alleviate their concerns and answer their questions right from the start. From that point forward, my customer service skills go the extra mile by staying in constant communication with my clients through either email or phone because I feel that over communication is important right from the start. As human, we have a desire to know what is happening all of the time and I make time to do this for my clients. Last, my customer service starts and ends with a positive attitude and a smile on my face. I take pride in being a front facing representative of my company and work my tail off to ensure that customers know that my company is there for them."
2nd Answer Example
"In my experience, provide the best customer service comes down to doing the little things right. While often overlooked by some in our industry, a smiling face and simple conversations to get to know your customers can go a long way towards building a foundation for a great long-term relationship and I don't take these little things lightly. Even though I may be experiencing a huge workload or stress somewhere else on the job, I am focused and happy when I am face to face or on the phone with the client. At those times, they deserve 100% of my attention and focus and they get that every single time."
24. 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 Yorkshire Building Society.
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."
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."
25. What is one way that you would help provide great customer service in our branch here at Yorkshire Building Society?
How to Answer
As a Teller with Yorkshire Building Society, 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 Yorkshire Building Society. For this question, tell your interview one unique trait or skill that you will bring to the lobby of Yorkshire Building Society when it comes to customer service. If possible, give an example of a time that you used this with success.
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."
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 Yorkshire Building Society. 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. In your opinion, what are the benefits of banking with Yorkshire Building Society?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be assured that you have done your research on Yorkshire Building Society. Review their website to find out more about their products and services.
1st Answer Example
"I always have a great experience whenever I visit one of your branches. As a customer of Yorkshire Building Society I am impressed by the consistency and care of the bank tellers. I also love how easy it is to access my account online and make updates to my credit card whenever I travel. The level of service that is demonstrated in Yorkshire Building Society values is evident."
2nd Answer Example
"After researching Yorkshire Building Society products, and what your customers are saying, I believe that the benefits of banking with Yorkshire Building Society include low fees, no fuss banking, and no sales pitches. Your organization is genuine and has an interest far beyond the bottom line."
27. Our customers rely on our services outside of normal business hours. Are you able to work a flexible schedule if hired for this position?
How to Answer
Because financial clients can be in need outside of the standard 9-5 business hours, this position with Yorkshire Building Society may require the need for you to be flexible with your schedule to accommodate the business needs of the position. Prior to applying for the position, Yorkshire Building Society should have posted the expected hours for position for you to have an idea of what will be expected. When answering this question, it is best to be open and honest about what particular needs that you have for expected work hours. As well, it is acceptable to ask follow up questions regarding the work schedule if you need further clarification.
1st Answer Example
"I am able to work a pretty flexible work schedule and have been used to doing this in my current role for the past six years. If I understand the expected hours for this position correctly, it sounds like the standard hours will be 8:00am to 5:00pm on most days with a rotating schedule to help cover evening hours up until 8:00pm and some rotating Saturday coverage as well. Is this correct?"
2nd Answer Example
"Having worked a flexible schedule that included early morning hours and hours into the evening, I am very open to a flexible schedule for this position. The only clarification I would need is how a schedule is determined and when I would find out about upcoming schedules if hired for this position. We do have a young child that we would need to plan daycare schedules for and so my spouse and I could coordinate pick ups and drop offs from daycare. Can you shed light on how scheduling works for this position?"