25 Bank Teller Interview Questions & Answers
1. If you were CEO of your last banking company, what would you change?
How to Answer
Always begin by making a statement about how great of a job your CEO was doing or commenting on their strong effort. It allows the interviewer to see that you recognize the importance of the CEO's job and are appreciative of their efforts.
Next, share one thing you would change about the company. Maybe you would change the dress code to help enhance employee morale. Perhaps you would talk to HR about amping up benefits. Perhaps you would implement a fun employee event on a banking holiday, and offer an additional 8 hours of vacation time to make up for the day. Focus on things directly related to the business. What change would you make?
Entry Level
"I think it would be very challenging to be the CEO so I would hate to criticize their work. If anything, I would work on updating the social media marketing strategy. There is no reason why a banking institution shouldn't be on Facebook or Instagram!"
Answer Example
"Great question! If I were CEO of my last banking institution, I would look at lowering certain fees for low-income families and seniors. It's a small way to give back to your customers who may be on a limited budget."
Experienced
"The CEO of my previous company did an excellent job. If I changed anything related to the course of the bank, I would enforce a stricter dress code. I think it's important for employees to have a more uniform look in high-end banking."
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Develop a formal Teller training program that teaches the fundamentals of Bank transactions. I believe this gets everyone on the same page."
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2. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know if you are satisfied with your performance so far. This question can be a stressful one so take a deep breath and think about how you feel about the conversation.
If you feel that your performance in the interview is going well: "I believe that this interview has been quite informative and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?"
Entry Level
"If you feel that your performance in the interview is not going well: "I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview; although, I am trying my best. If there is anything more that I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."
Answer Example
"I believe that this interview has been quite informative and I am happy with my performance. Is there anything that I can clarify for you from this conversation?"
Experienced
"I feel confident about our discussion today and am looking forward to the next steps in the interview process."
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3. Do you enjoy socializing with customers?
How to Answer
The answer should always be that yes, you do enjoy socializing with customers! As a customer service professional, you enjoy interacting with your customers through friendly conversations when they are at the bank. Be sure to mention that this is an excellent way for the bank to retain its customers, and you look forward to providing the friendly environment through socializing with the customers.
Entry Level
"I have a lot of retail experience and enjoy mingling with the customers and helping them out. I am confident that I will enjoy socializing with your banking customers just the same."
Answer Example
"Socializing with customers is such a pleasure for me! When I am social with my clients, get to know their names, and ask them about their day, I feel re-energized in return."
Experienced
"Absolutely! My customers make my day brighter. By getting to know them and having a great conversation, my day goes faster. It also opens up the door for me to upsell on new products and services because they know and trust me."
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4. Are you applying for any other jobs?
How to Answer
It always puts a little bit of fire under the hiring manager if they are aware that you are actively looking for a new position. Tell the interviewer about your search so far.
Entry Level
"I am looking for a job that will provide me valuable growth opportunities. I have interviewed elsewhere; however, nowhere has been a perfect fit as of yet."
Answer Example
"I am keeping an eye out for viable positions. Although I am not in final stages with any other company, I am actively seeking a new position."
Experienced
"I am passively looking for a job at this time. In my current role, I am satisfied, but am keeping an eye out for future growth opportunities. Your position certainly caught my eye."
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5. What questions do you have for me?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the company website and other online resources to ensure the questions you are asking are not mundane, or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their company site!
Entry Level
"Here are some sample questions:
- When would you like to have this position filled?
- How long has this role been vacant?
- Is this a replacement search or a newly created role?
- What is your favorite part of working here?
- What is the company's primary goal for this position in the next 12 months?
- Is there anything from my background and experience that I can clarify for you?
- What do you see as the most significant change in this industry over the past three years?
- Is there any reason why you would not hire me?"
Answer Example
"Thank you for asking - I do have a few questions. What is top of mind when it comes to filling this role? Also, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position? And lastly, do you have internal candidates who are also interviewing for this position?"
Experienced
"I have banked with your institution for as long as I can remember and I am curious what the vision is for expanding in the future to new markets, especially considering the growth of e-commerce and online banking solutions?"
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6. What do you feel is the most important asset a bank teller must have?
How to Answer
There are many vital assets a bank teller must have. Which one do you feel the strongest about? Chances are if you think it's a valuable asset you likely possess it. Share what you think is the most substantial asset, and explain why you feel this way. There is no one right answer here!
Entry Level
"Here are some critical qualities a bank teller should possess:
- Attention to detail
- Ability to listen to customer's needs
- Attentiveness
- Positive Attitude
- Relationship Building
- Strong work ethic"
Answer Example
"I believe the most important asset a bank teller should have is the ability to build trust with their customers. When banking clients feel good about where they bank, they tell others."
Experienced
"I have found, through my years as a bank teller, that the most crucial skill a teller must have it the ability to build rapport with a client. If your clients like you they will purchase additional products from you and have fewer grievances when they come in."
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7. Do you hand count or use the counting machine?
How to Answer
The answer is, you probably use both methods for counting cash. If you have handled money as the teller before, the odds are that you have utilized both. Many financial institutions have cash machines that even dispense the correct withdrawal amount for the customer, so you never touch the cash.
The interviewer wants to know what experience you have to ensure they provide you with the best training possible if you are selected for the job.
Entry Level
"Because I am new to my career as a teller, I have not yet used a counting machine. I am great with quickly counting cash by hand from my years of experience doing cash-outs in the pub I worked for."
Answer Example
"In my current position, I use both the counting machine and hand counts. I am comfortable with either method. Do you have a preference for your institution?"
Experienced
"I have extensive experience using both the counting machine and utilizing hand count. I utilize the counting machine for any deposit or withdrawal over $300."
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8. How well do you know online banking?
How to Answer
If you are unfamiliar with online banking, we recommend visiting your financial institution's website before your interview to learn the basics of how it works. It's a great tool!
Tell the interviewer that you are familiar with online banking, and share what you know! You can share that a variety of services can be performed through online banking such as transferring money, paying bills, applying for loans, viewing bank statements, and depositing checks in some situations. Be sure to mention that you look forward to learning anything else that online banking has to offer.
Entry Level
"I have been online baking in my personal life for about six months now. I have more to learn but would be comfortable walking a customer through the basics." v"
Answer Example
"I am a pro with online banking. No concerns here. My only question is...how did we ever live without it?"
Experienced
"I am an expert in online banking! I work with many of my banking clients, teaching them how to bank online."
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9. Would you mind working at another branch if needed?
How to Answer
If you are able to work at another branch and have transportation to do so, we encourage you to be open to this. It shows the interviewer that you are a team player willing to meet simple requests that allow the company to be successful.
If you are unable to work at another branch, share with the interviewer that you would love to help out, but you are unable to do so. If you are comfortable doing so, be sure to mention why you are unable to help out. You might state that you do not have a vehicle, and you are only able to get to branches within walking or biking distance.
Entry Level
"I am happy to work with any branch where you may need me. I am a team player and live quite central in this city, so it's easy for me to travel to various locations."
Experienced
"Absolutely! I am accustomed to working at other branches in my current role and am happy to do the same in your organization. I am a team player!"
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10. If asked, how do you believe your coworkers would describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can honestly say your co-workers enjoy collaborating with you. Select a few positive and unique keywords that genuinely define your work ethic.
Entry Level
"Some great words to use:
- Encouraging
- Helpful
- Engaged
- Positive
- Hard-working
- Punctual
- Reliable"
Answer Example
"I know that my coworkers respect my work ethic. If I had to guess how they perceive me, I think they would say that I am a reliable person, an encouraging teammate, and a strong mentor."
Experienced
"I believe my coworkers would describe me as personable, reliable, and easy-going. We all seem to get along great because we work off of each others' strengths."
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11. 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 as a bank teller, and the interviewer is hoping to hear that you are great at it! And, staying organized is critical. Share 1-2 strategies that you utilize to help you keep track of details during conversations with customers.
Entry Level
"If I am engaged in conversation, I will type a few notes quickly into my computer. The customer does not see the notes, and it's easy for me to reference during the conversation while remaining on task."
Answer Example
"One way that I keep track of details while engaging in conversation with customers is to have a scratch piece of paper nearby to jot down notes. It helps me to keep track accurately while still allowing the customer to feel that I am engaging in the conversation."
Experienced
"I have an excellent memory and can make frequent eye contact while still taking notes on the computer. This is a skill I have acquired during my many years' experience as a bank teller. I want my customers to feel they are being listened to."
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12. Describe a time when you really felt good about your workplace performance.
How to Answer
You could discuss a time you achieved a significant goal or received an award for top performance. Talking about a time when you calmed an upset customer can be an excellent example for this question as well.
Entry Level
"I feel great about my workplace performance when I show up to work a little bit early, help my colleagues with their overflow work, and put a smile on my customers' face every day. I have a strong work ethic and look forward to putting this to work for your banking institution."
Answer Example
"I feel great about my performance when I successfully handle a customer complaint. One example is an upset customer I dealt with this week. I listened to every word the customer had to say. Next, I apologized to the customer with a calm voice and sincere heart. Finally, I offered the customer a reversal on the service fees associated with the transaction in questions. They left happy, and I felt great!"
Experienced
"Last week I caught a major clerical error on an account of my favorite elderly client. She likely would not have noticed; however being on a fixed income, I know how important savings are to her. The error that I caught returned $500 to her savings account. She was so thankful."
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13. Competition is tight for this role. Why are you better than our other applicants?
How to Answer
Bragging about yourself can be challenging to do. Tell the interviewer what sets you apart- big or small!
If you can't think of ways that you are unique, ask a few friends or family members what they feel sets you apart from other people. Their observations may help you understand how you are perceived.
Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! This could include any industry accolades, exceptional achievements, additional industry related training, a second language, or how involved you are in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.
Entry Level
"I'm passionate about smart financial decisions and would always have an eye out for useful products and services to upgrade your existing customers. I am excited about the idea of delivering value to your organization and will hustle for the opportunity to go above and beyond for your organization."
Answer Example
"You should hire me because I am unlike anyone else you have interviewed before. When I started working for my current company, I was the youngest bank teller they had ever hired. That didn't stop me from becoming the #1 upseller in the branch within six months. I am dedicated to customer service and engaged in the banking industry to the point where I commit myself to taking at least one business development or leadership related workshop every business quarter. I am a competitive achiever. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."
Experienced
"I know that my years in retail sales has prepared me to be a great asset to your team. I believe that I am the best fit for the role because of my experience in customer service, handling cash, and my understanding of financial products. Having been a customer for years, I know that I will be able to bring more fire and excitement to the role than my fellow applicants."
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14. Why do you want to be a bank teller?
How to Answer
The interviewer needs to hear that you are excited at the prospect of being a teller for their bank. Talk about what interests you about this bank teller opportunity. Perhaps you enjoy math and mingling with people. Maybe you are pursuing a career as a financial advisor, and this is a great way to begin that career path. Whatever interests you about being a bank teller, share it!
Entry Level
"I have been banking with your institution for a couple of years now and see how much your tellers seem to enjoy their work. I like the hours offered here and the fact that I could utilize my accounting diploma as well."
Answer Example
"I want to be a bank teller because I believe it's the strongest start I can gain for my future career as a mortgage specialist. I aim to grow with your institution and believe that this is the best first step I could make."
Experienced
"I have worked as a bank teller for one of your competitors for the past four years. Although I love the team I work for, and the bank is a well-known one, it's a small branch which means minimal growth opportunity for me. I want to work here, as a bank teller, so that I can eventually grow into a loan specialist role with your institution."
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15. A bank teller needs to be very detail oriented. Do you always double check or proofread your work?
How to Answer
Double checking and proofreading are essential parts of a job well done, especially when it comes to working with other people's wealth! Assure the interviewer that you are diligent when it comes to submitting good, clean, work.
Entry Level
"I am so accustomed to working under pressure and tight deadlines in university that I do forget to double check my work at times. This is a habit that I have consciously been working on to improve. When it comes to counting money and being present with my clients, that is never a concern."
Answer Example
"Spelling and grammatical errors are a pet peeve of mine. I will triple check my work if there is time! I feel that it is critical to submit error-free work."
Experienced
"I try to, but in today's quick response age, I know that I send emails with mistypes at times. With that said, I concentrate very well on reports and accuracy with my clients. Their money is important to them, and they need to feel comfortable with me handling their funds."
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16. How well do you think on your feet?
How to Answer
As a Bank Teller, you need to be great at thinking on your feet! Bank Tellers may need to do the occasional mental math or think about other products and services to offer to customers, on the fly.
If these are things that you can do, that's fantastic! Tell the interviewer that you can think quickly and would be able to do mental math, problem solve and think about other products and services to offer the customer quickly.
Entry Level
"I think very well on my feet and have taken some online workshops related to upselling and overcoming objections."
Answer Example
"I think best when the pressure is on! When I can get to know my products very well, I have the utmost confidence."
Experienced
"Eight years experience has taught me a great deal about thinking on my feet. I am great with customers, and am intuitive when it comes to products and services they may benefit from."
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17. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of situation you work best in.
Entry Level
"I tend to find it difficult to maintain my excitement level in slow-paced or red tape environments. I much prefer to be busy and challenged on a regular basis."
Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."
Experienced
"I do not work well in micro-managed environments. I cannot concentrate with someone watching my every move. I am experienced and reliable and much prefer to be treated accordingly."
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18. What do you know about our banks culture?
How to Answer
Company culture and fit is a significant factor when considering a career move. Assure the interviewer that you have put thought, research, and consideration into how the company culture will work for you.
Entry Level
"I read many positive reviews online about your financial institution and company culture. You offer great incentives to keep people motivated, and it seems to be the type of fast-paced environment that values innovation and performance. My type of place!"
Answer Example
"I have researched your company through your social media channels and on glassdoor.com. Your employees have great things to say, and overall it seems that you have fun while you work. I am looking forward to joining a banking organization, like yours, that is upbeat and thoughtful with an eye on helping small business owners, at the same time."
Experienced
"I know what I read on your website, and reviews on LinkedIn, Google, etc. Your website information was very appealing, but there were mixed reviews online. I do not put a lot of emphasis on reviews, as I know that most people only take the time to leave a review if they are upset. There was only a handful total, and I see that you have hundreds of employees."
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19. Do you know anyone that works in the banking industry?
How to Answer
Interviewers need to be aware of any potential conflicts of interest when working with money, and it is imperative to be candid with the interviewer about any relationships you have with people who work in the industry.
Think through your friends, immediate family, and extended family. Do any of them work for a bank, credit union, or mortgage company? If so, tell the interviewer the person's relationship to you, where they work, and what role they work in. In many cases, these links are not a big deal. The bank just wants to be aware of them.
Entry Level
"I am not aware of anyone in my family working in the banking industry. I am newer to my career; however, I plan to network and become well known in this industry over the years."
Answer Example
"My mother is a mortgage broker with (company name) and has been there for 12 years. She is part of the reason I initially took an interest in the banking industry."
Experienced
"Through my twelve years in the banking industry, I have come to know many great individuals from fellow tellers, mortgage brokers, and loan officers. Is there a specific connection you would like to know more about?"
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20. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
Many interviewers will start off with this question, which could throw you off a bit. You've done all of this research on the company but have you prepared to talk about yourself?
The interviewer is looking for relevant information to the position for which you applied. Respond by mentioning your education, how many years of experience you have in your field, and be sure give some details about your most current position. Conclude your response with a statement about what you are looking for in a position at this time.
Entry Level
"I recently graduated from my securities course and am interested in learning more about banking products, from the front lines. I have lived in this town for fifteen years and am well known by the community. I volunteer on the weekends at the food bank and participate in hot yoga classes whenever I can."
Answer Example
"I have a B.A. in Finance from the University of Michigan. I have three years of experience in small business banking. My most recent position was with a small local branch, and I'm currently looking for a position that will allow me to grow into a leadership opportunity."
Experienced
"With pleasure! I have over ten years of experience with selling professional services and am interested in growing my career to the next level. On a more personal note, I love to read, go hiking and spend a lot of my extra time volunteering with the humane society."
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21. How do you look for counterfeit monies?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you understand the precautions required when working as a bank teller. Perhaps a customer you have never seen before intends to make a significant cash deposit. Are you extra diligent? There are many ways to detect counterfeit money. Name a couple of ways that you take precautions against fake money.
Entry Level
"Some of the most common ways to check for counterfeit bills are:
- You can use a money pen. If it turns black, the bill may be forged.
- You can hold it up to the light to see a thin vertical strip that has the words for the dollar amount of the bill.
- There is a watermark embedded in the bill that can be seen from both sides of the bill when held up to the light.
- You can hold it up to the light to see if the holograph of the face image is on the bill."
Answer Example
"Every time I accept cash, I check the watermark to ensure that it can be seen from both side of the bill. Also, I check the authenticity of the holograph image. Is there a particular way your institution prefers to protect against counterfeit money?"
Experienced
"My current employer prefers that I use a money pen for large cash deposits. Do you have a preference here?"
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22. Why did you leave your last job?
How to Answer
Be honest with the interviewer about why you left your last job. Focus your answer on personal development versus the downfall of the company. Talk about why you decided to leave the company to better yourself.
Were you fired from your last job? It can be a bit uncomfortable to talk about, but you need to be honest with the interviewer. Share why you were let go from the company, taking complete responsibility for your actions that resulted in your termination. Finally, share what steps you have decided on to ensure you are never let go again.
Entry Level
"I like my current job; however, I am starting to outgrow my responsibilities. I want to find a job that is more challenging by including more one on one client contact and gaining sales experience."
Answer Example
"I chose to leave my last job for an opportunity with better hours. I needed to spend more evenings with my children. I'm proud of myself for recognizing that need and am excited about what's to come!"
Experienced
"I was laid off from my position when the company merged with a competing organization. It was an unfortunate turn of events for me, but I am thrilled at the idea of getting back on my feet in this bank teller role with your financial institution."
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23. What signs of trustworthiness have you demonstrated in the workplace?
How to Answer
Being trustworthy is of utmost importance as a bank teller. You are handling large sums of money after all! Trust can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Show the interviewer that you are aware of the importance of building trust in the workplace.
Entry Level
"Here are some ways to display that you are trustworthy:
- Ensure that you are always on time to work.
- Ensure all of your daily tasks are complete.
- Bring a consistent and positive attitude.
- A willingness to help out when needed.
- Accepting changes to processes and procedures with a positive attitude.
- A balanced drawer at the end of each shift.
- A willingness to learn new duties.
- Pride in your work."
Answer Example
"I show signs of trustworthiness by showing up to work when I am expected, and on time. I ensure there are zero discrepancies in my work and I respect the personal boundaries of my colleagues."
Experienced
"I have always been a consistent person, building trust in the workplace through a balanced drawer, a positive attitude, and a willingness to lend a hand. My references will attest to this when you call them."
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24. Customers can become upset if they wait in line too long. What techniques do you use to calm an angry customer?
How to Answer
In the banking industry, keeping customers happy is a team effort. Share that you work together as a team to keep customers calm.
If lines are getting longer than you'd like, you can have someone mingle with customers in line, provide chit-chat to keep them happy, and they can check to see what services the customer is looking. Perhaps someone else in the branch can assist.
Entry Level
"Customer service is my specialty! If lines are long, or a customer is angry, I make sure they feel appreciated and heard. Most people just want to know that you understand that their time is valuable."
Answer Example
"When lines are long, I like to ensure that everyone on the teller line has a smile on their face and apologizes for the delay when the customer gets to the counter. Most of the time, a friendly greeting and recognition of the inconvenience are enough."
Experienced
"For one reason or another, customers tend to become edgy in banks. I make sure that I always have a smile on my face. I try to remember names as often as possible, so my customers feel important. In the case of an angry customer, it's always helpful to apologize and acknowledge their feelings."
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25. How many years of cash handling experience do you have?
How to Answer
Think back to your work history. Remember those teenage years working at the fast food place or grocery store? You might have handled cash there. Or, how about your serving job as a college student? That counts too! Add up how many years of experience you have had, and share the total amount with the interviewer.
Entry Level
"I started working at the age of sixteen in a retail-based role where handling cash was a part of my daily responsibilities. As my employer's trust in me grew, I took on further responsibilities that included cash-outs and bank deposits. All-in-all, I have approximately ten years experience in handling cash without any discrepancies. I am trustworthy and accurate."
Answer Example
"I worked at a busy pub while putting myself through college. I was entirely responsible for my cash float, ensuring that customers did not short me at the end of the night, and also doing cash-out and bank deposit prep for the manager. In total, I have four years of experience handling physical cash."
Experienced
"Physically handling cash, I have eight years of experience in a bank teller position at a smaller branch in my hometown. For the past two years I have worked primarily in e-commerce so, although there is no physical cash taken, I am accountable for ensuring that invoices are paid accurately and on time."
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