27 Bank Compliance Officer Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Bank Compliance Officer interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Tell me about your post-secondary, education and how it prepared you for this position.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your post-secondary education by mentioning knowledge and/or experience acquired throughout your studies - relevant to the position you applied for, such as courses taken, group projects, and so on.
Answer Example
"As you can see on my resume, I graduated from the (X university) with a bachelor's degree in X. Throughout my studies, I acquired advanced banking skills, such as (X courses). I furthermore gained some hands-on experience while working on projects such as (X projects that helped you develop bank compliance skills)."
2. What attracted you to this industry?
How to Answer
Ensure to do your due diligence before the interview by reviewing the job posting, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the industry the company is in.
Answer this question by mentioning you wish to work in the same industry the employer is in to demonstrate you have done your due diligence and wish to work for this employer specifically - and that you are not simply looking for just any job. Add the reasons why you wish to work in such industry.
Answer Example
"I know that you are in (X industry) and this is precisely the industry I wish to establish myself in because (X reasons why, such as passion for the industry and/or related courses taken in university that sparked your interest)."
3. Where do you see yourself in two to three years from now?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer about your short-term goals, however by ensuring your goals are related to the position and company you applied for.
Should your short-term goals significantly differ from the position or company, the interviewer may assume you will leave eventually the position if hired, for a better opportunity at another company, should one presents itself. As a result, you may be instantly disqualified.
Answer Example
"In two to three years from now, I would like to have grown within the company and having established myself as an expert expert in my field. I hope to eventually move up the ladder and become a Team Lead within the department. I wish to commit to my employer and contribute to the company's success."
4. Would you work holidays and weekends?
How to Answer
Always ensure to review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the work schedule. Should an interviewer ask such a question, it is highly likely you will have to work such schedules. As such, the interviewer will expect you to have applied for the position after carefully reading it, in turn expecting you to be able to work as needed.
Should these requirements be mentioned on the job posting and should you answer in the negative, you may be immediately disqualified. Not only would you not meet a crucial requirement for the role, this would also show you did not carefully read the job posting before applying and the interviewer may think you simply applied to get any job - and as such, you are not serious about working for this employer specifically and/or will not commit.
Answer Example
"I carefully reviewed the job posting numerous times before this interview and am aware of the work schedule. I am willing to work over the weekend, in the evenings, overtime, and holidays as required."
5. How will working for us help you reach your professional goals?
How to Answer
Answer this question by telling the interviewer what seems great about the company, e.g., their services, initiatives, growth opportunities, and so on. Make sure to answer by providing evidence that you did your due diligence before the interview (e.g., by mentioning something exciting you saw on the job posting, company website or social media pages), which demonstrates you are serious about working for this employer specifically and are not simply looking for any job. Link this evidence to your professional goals proving this position was made for you and it is one in which you will excel.
For instance, you can point to their seemingly friendly company culture as per some specific programs or initiatives you came across on their website, and say how friendly and how much of a team-player you are - and that this is exactly the type of work environment you are looking for.
Answer Example
"I saw on your website that your company is participating in the Run for the Cure benefiting the Breast Cancer Foundation. This is a great initiative contributing to the company morale by strengthening relationships while giving back to the community. I also always seek the opportunity to develop my team playing skills and hope to work with colleagues I will consider family."
6. What excites you the most about this position?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer the aspects of the job that excites you the most (based upon the job description) and why. Link your answer to some of your qualifications to demonstrate you are suited for this role.
Answer Example
"Being the main point of contact for banking matters is very exciting because I love numbers and working with customers. I also know that my educational and professional qualifications have prepared me for this role and will help me be highly successful."
7. What banking duties are the easiest and the most difficult for you to perform?
How to Answer
Always review the job posting before the interview and keep it closeby at the time of the interview. The interviewer wants to determine your boundaries; it is important to demonstrate you can manage anything that comes your way.
Provide example of easy and difficult duties on the job posting, and how easily you will be able to manage both. Provide example of the successful performance of these duties in a previous position, if you have any.
Answer Example
"An example of an easy duty is (X easy duty on the job posting/any other easy duty related to bank compliance), because when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), I (X similar easy duty successfully performed). An example of a difficult duty is (X easy duty on the job posting/any other difficult duty related to bank compliance), because when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), I (X similar difficult duty successfully performed)."
8. Tell me about your attendance record in your last position.
How to Answer
Employers are looking for reliability and commitment. As such, provide an example of your excellent attendance record and punctuality in a previous position, in a professional or volunteer capacity.
Answer by providing an example where, e.g., you were rewarded for your behavior or congratulated by a superior, or where it could have been difficult for someone to remain reliable, yet you were.
Answer Example
"I am extremely reliable and always on time. For instance, when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), I had to work very long hours, sometimes working overtime until 9pm, and start my day at 6am. This position was also located 30 minutes from my house and as such I had to ensure to get a good night sleep and prepare for the next day the night before. I am proud to say that I was always on time."
9. Tell me about a time where you had to deal with conflict with a colleague or superior, and how you resolved the situation.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your conflict resolution skills and your ability to remain professional and respectful in all situations.
Answer Example
"When working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), (... X example of a conflicting situation with a coworker or superior). To resolve the situation in a timely fashion, I (... what you did to revolve the situation). I remained respectful and professional at all times and ensured that my coworker/superior had to chance to be heard (...). In the end, the situation resolved and we were able to successfully work as a team to complete the project by the deadline."
10. In your opinion, what constitutes outstanding customer service?
How to Answer
Answer this question by putting emphasis on respect, good communication and professionalism. You should always take time to carefully listen to customers and ensure you are a good representative of the company.
Answer Example
"Customer service involves professionalism, excellent communication and respectful interactions. It is imperative to always listen to what the customers have to say and take their perspective into consideration. It is furthermore mandatory to do your best to resolve their issues in a timely fashion."
11. Tell me about your customer service experience.
How to Answer
Always review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved in this role.
Answer this question by providing examples of past customer service experiences in a professional, volunteer, or alternatively educational (i.e., university) setting, while mentioning some of the duties involved (as per the job posting) performed in other positions, should you have such experience. This will demonstrate you already have the required experience for this role.
Answer Example
"While in university, I worked as a part-time (X position tile) for (X company), where I was responsible for (X duties related to those listed on the job posting). I also worked as (X position title) for (X company) upon graduation from university, where I was responsible for (X duties related to those listed on the job posting)."
12. How would your current or former employer describe you?
How to Answer
Ensure to always review the job posting before an interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits the employer is seeking. Answer this question by mentioning some of the familiarity traits listed by providing an example in a professional setting.
Answer Example
"My former employer would say that I am a very hard worker, that I have excellent communication skills and that I am extremely customer-oriented."
13. Share an experience you had in dealing with a difficult customer and how you handled the situation.
How to Answer
Answer this question by providing examples of your customer service and relationship building skills. Furthermore mention your ability to work under such situations while remaining calm, collected and professional at all times. Lastly, provide an example of a situation reflecting your ability to handle a difficult customer.
Answer Example
"An example of a situation with a difficult customer is (X situation) when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company). (.... X details regarding the situation and how you respectfully and successfully handled the situation). I always remain calm and professional as I must ensure to adequately represent the company at all times. I calmly listen to the customer, and then do my very best to assist him/her in a timely fashion. Should I be unable to solve his/her issues, I immediately get in touch with my superior, or a more experienced colleague should my supervisor be unavailable."
14. How would you define success as a Bank Compliance Officer?
How to Answer
Answer this question by mentioning what constitutes success for you, such as meeting all deadlines, being recognized as a team player by your employer, and so on.
Do not mention monetary incentives. The objective is to show the interviewer you wish to grow as a professional, not simply be rewarded monetarily.
Answer Example
"Success is meeting my daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals and being recognized as a hardworking professional by my employer. The company's success is my success. I also value becoming the best in my field."
15. Why do you want a career as a Bank Compliance Officer?
How to Answer
Provide an answer as to the reasons that led you to pursue a career as a Bank Compliance Officer, and link this answer to the position you are applying for - so as to demonstrate your chosen career field/original career goal is in line with this role.
Answer Example
"I decided to pursue a career as a Bank Compliance Officer because I [X reasons for pursuing that career, such as a love of banking, and so on]. I sincerely feel the position I applied for is a perfect fit as I will be able to use my banking skills and compliance experience."
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16. What is your greatest strength, and how will it help you in this role?
How to Answer
Always review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved and preferred personality traits from the successful incumbent.
Answer this question by telling the interviewer what your greatest strength is, related to the position you applied for. Ensure to mention how this strength will contribute to your success in this role.
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is that I am extremely meticulous. For instance, I also always review my work at least twice before submission to superiors or colleagues to ensure that my work is accurate."
17. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve in that area?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what your greatest weakness is, however by ensuring that this weakness can be a strength in this position.
Answer Example
"I am a very hard-worker and sometimes find hard to stop working at the end of the day, resulting in numerous long days at the office. To improve in that area, I do my best to use lists every morning by prioritizing the work that needs to be done by the end of the day, and the following tasks that are not as urgent. Doing this significantly improves my time management skills and makes me more productive at work."
18. How do you handle stress and pressure?
How to Answer
Employers are looking for individuals who can perform under stress and pressure. For instance, tell the interviewer you remain calm, professional and productive under stress and when faced with numerous deadlines.
Answer Example
"I thrive under pressure and stress serves as a motivation for me to perform to the best of my abilities."
19. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your knowledge of the company you applied for. It is imperative to always conduct your due diligence before an interview by reviewing the job description, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the company and work involved. It is also important to show the interviewer you did not apply to the advertised position simply because you are looking for just any job, but that you wish to work for this company specifically.
Answer Example
"I reviewed the job description and website before this interview and know you are a company specializing in (X services you noticed on the company website). I am particularly excited about (X programs/initiatives) that I saw on your (website/social media pages) as I (X reasons you are excited about these programs/initiatives, such as passion or similar initiatives undertaken in school or volunteer capacity)."
20. Tell me about your banking compliance experience.
How to Answer
Answer this question by mentioning your banking compliance experience in any capacity, i.e., even in positions you did not work as a Bank Compliance Officer but nevertheless had similar duties, as per the job posting.
Answer Example
"I worked as a Bank Compliance Officer for (X company) where I was responsible for (X duties). I also performed banking compliance duties at (X company) where I was officially hired as a/an (X title). My duties involved (X banking compliance duties)."
21. Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about the accomplishment you are the most proud of, which was successful as a result of your project management and leadership capabilities. Provide an example preferably in a professional capacity and related to the position you are applying for. Alternatively, provide any accomplishment in another professional capacity, in a volunteer capacity, or in a university setting.
Answer Example
"The accomplishment I am the most proud of is managing a very large project on a very tight deadline. The project was (X project related to the position you applied for, as per the job posting), which I successfully led and managed while employed for (X company) as (X position title). The project involved (X further information pertaining to this project, including areas related to the position you applied for, as per the job posting)."
22. How do you decide what gets top priority when scheduling your time?
How to Answer
Answer this question by providing evidence of your time management skills.
Answer Example
"I frequently work on multiple projects simultaneously, which I throughly enjoy. To make sure I meet deadlines, I identify the most pressing projects based upon their due dates, and use to-do lists and a calendar to keep track of all upcoming duties and important events. I review my lists every morning and at the end of each day to ensure the duties assigned were completed in a successful fashion. I also do not hesitate to work overtime if necessary."
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23. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor?
How to Answer
Give the interviewer an example of your conflict resolution skills, past or future, i.e., how you have dealt, or would deal, with conflict at work - and what you would do to resolve the issues in a timely fashion. If you do not have any example in a professional situation, you can provide an example of conflict in volunteer capacity or university setting.
Example 1: "I once worked with a supervisor who did not provide any timeline for the projects he assigned to me, yet became extremely agitated when I did not deliver within a few hours. As I had no idea he had such timelines in mind, I requested a meeting with him to tell him about my concerns and that I can absolutely adjust to tight deadlines, however I require prior adequate notice so that I can organize my days accordingly and delegate other duties if necessary. I also told him I cannot anticipate he would want something done right away upon receipt. He told me he did not realize he had provided unclear instructions and promised to be more clear in the future, which he were."
Example 2: "No situation comes to mind, however I would remain professional and respectful, and seek to resolve the conflict in a timely manner. I would request a meeting with my supervisor so that we can calmly discuss our points of view and ultimately find a resolution. "
Answer Example
"I once worked with a supervisor who did not provide any timeline for the projects he assigned to me, yet became extremely agitated when I did not deliver within a few hours. As I had no idea he had such timelines in mind, I requested a meeting with him to tell him about my concerns and that I can absolutely adjust to tight deadlines, however I require prior adequate notice so that I can organize my days accordingly and delegate other duties if necessary. I also told him I cannot anticipate he would want something done right away upon receipt. He told me he did not realize he had provided unclear instructions and promised to be more clear in the future, which he were."
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24. Ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your career goals in ten years from now. Ensure to link your career goals to the company you are applying for to show the interviewer you can be a long-term asset for the company and that you are looking for stability.
Answer Example
"In ten years from now, I would like to have grown within the same company I started off with, having acquired skills enabling me to establish myself as an expert in my field. I would love to be responsible for more managerial duties and ultimately lead a team of professionals."
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25. What motivates you to succeed?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your passion for this career, what motivates you to be the best in your field, and what you look forward to the most in this position.
Review the job posting before your interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved, and mention one or many duties that you look the most forward to (related to your motivation), and why. This will show the interviewer that you are passionate about your work and that you also did your due diligence before your interview.
Answer Example
"What motivates me the most in my career is becoming the best in my field. Also, for instance with this position, what motivates me the most is the opportunity to serve clients of different cultures and acquiring further relationship building skills."
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26. Give me a time when you went above and beyond the requirements for a project.
How to Answer
Provide an example of a situation in a professional capacity, preferably related to banking and/or compliance. Alternatively, provide an example in any other professional or volunteer capacity, or in a university setting; add that you are positive your skills will be transferable in this role.
Answer Example
"I am particularly proud of the time I (X project you are the most proud of). I went above and beyond because the client's satisfaction mattered to me and my employer, and (X other reasons why you went above and beyond). The client was so satisfied by the high level of commitment and quality of my work that he hired our company for all of his upcoming projects."
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27. Why should we hire you?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits or profile required for this role. Answer this question by outlining a few of the listed qualifications that you also possess, making you the best candidate for this role. Alternatively, mention your top qualifications and qualities which will ensure your success in this role.
Answer Example
"As you can see on my resume, I have the required educational qualifications, holding a bachelor's and master's degree in X, as well as years of relevant experience. I furthermore am a hard worker, a team player and work tirelessly."
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