Question Overview: This is a classic interview question, and it's one that's designed to see how the candidate will handle a difficult question. The best way to answer this question is to describe a weakness that's not really a weakness at all. For example, if you're interviewing for a teller position, you might say that you're a perfectionist. This isn't really a weakness, but it's also not something that you'd want to be known for.
Sample Answer: I'm a perfectionist. I like everything to be just so, and sometimes I get frustrated when things don't go my way.
Question Overview: This is a question that's difficult to answer, because it's so broad. The best way to approach it is to focus on the candidate's strengths and then describe how they might be improved. For example, if the candidate says that he or she is a hard worker, you might ask how he or she might improve his or her ability to work independently.
Sample Answer: I'm a hard worker and I'm always willing to take on more responsibility. I'm also very detail-oriented and I'm good at following instructions. I think my biggest weakness is that I sometimes get too caught up in my work and forget to take a break.
Question Overview: The teller position is a high-stress job, as there's always the possibility that a customer will become irate. The teller must be able to remain calm and professional, even in the face of a difficult situation.
Sample Answer: I've always been good at keeping my cool, even when I'm under pressure.
Question Overview: Bank tellers are often the first point of contact for customers, so it's important that they have the ability to remain calm and respectful, even when they're being yelled at. It's also important that they have the ability to diffuse the situation by explaining the bank's policies and procedures.
Sample Answer: I would try to remain calm and explain that I was sorry for the inconvenience. I would also try to find out what I could do to rectify the situation.
Question Overview: This is a fun question that will give you insight into the candidate's personality. The answers will vary, but it's important to note how the candidate responds. If he or she is too serious, it might be a sign that he or she is too uptight for the position. If he or she is too silly, it might be a sign that he or she isn't mature enough for the position.
Sample Answer: I'd bring a boat, a fishing pole and a book.
Question Overview: The candidate's answer to this question is a good indication of whether or not he or she has done his or her homework. If the candidate has researched the company, it's a good sign that he or she will be a good fit.
Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job in retail for some time, and I've heard good things about your company.
Question Overview: This question is designed to help you understand the candidate's expectations. If he or she expects to be a glorified cashier, for example, it might be a good idea to explain that the job entails more than just counting money. If the candidate expects to be a glorified secretary, explain that the job is more than just answering phones and taking messages.
Sample Answer: I expect to be able to handle all aspects of the job, from counting money to answering phones and taking messages.
Question Overview: The teller position is often a stepping-stone to a career in sales. If the candidate has had previous sales experience, ask him or her to describe it. If not, ask the candidate to describe his or her customer service experience.
Sample Answer: I've worked as a cashier at a retail store for the past two years. I've had to deal with a lot of different people and situations, and I've learned how to handle them all.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well the candidate can think on his or her feet. The teller will be asked to sell a number of products, from bank services to gift cards. It's important that the candidate be able to think quickly and clearly, as well as speak persuasively.
Sample Answer: I was working at a retail store when a customer came in looking for a birthday card for her husband. I asked her what kind of card she was looking for, and she said she wanted one that was funny. I showed her a few different cards, and she picked one out.
Question Overview: This is a classic interview question, and one that's often asked in the banking industry. The candidate should be prepared to discuss his or her personal history, as well as a time when he or she had to make a difficult decision.
Sample Answer: I was born and raised in Chicago, and I've lived there ever since. I went to college at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and I graduated with a degree in finance. I've worked at several banks in the area, but I'm most familiar with the operations at Bank of America.
Question Overview: The teller position is a demanding one, both physically and mentally. It's important to hire someone who is willing to make a long-term commitment to the job.
Sample Answer: I've been looking for a job for over a year now, and I'm committed to finding a position that I can be happy in for the long term.
Question Overview: The teller candidate should be able to give a fair assessment of the job's pros and cons. This is an opportunity to show that he or she is a realist, not a dreamer.
Sample Answer: I don't like having to deal with money all day. I'm more of a people person.
Question Overview: The teller candidate should always be prepared to present a sales report, as it's a way for him or her to demonstrate the ability to handle money and also to show that he or she is familiar with the bank's policies.
Sample Answer: I do have a sales report with me.
Question Overview: A good teller will be able to help customers in a number of ways, not just by opening accounts. For example, if a customer is having trouble balancing his checkbook, the teller can offer advice or direct him to the appropriate resources.
Sample Answer: I would suggest that he speak with a bank representative about the best way to manage his money.
Question Overview: This is a question that's often asked in job interviews, but it's especially relevant for tellers. The teller is the face of the bank, and it's important that he or she be a positive representative of the company. The teller should be able to describe his or her strengths and how they'll benefit the bank.
Sample Answer: I'm very good with people, and I'm always willing to go the extra mile to help a customer.
Question Overview: Tellers are often responsible for selling additional products and services to their customers, so it's important to know how well they performed in this area. If the candidate was a top seller, ask for details about what he or she did to achieve such success. If the candidate was not a top seller, ask for details about why not.
Sample Answer: I was able to increase my sales by 10% in the first year, and I was able to maintain that level of sales for the next two years.
Question Overview: The teller candidate should be able to explain how he or she meets sales targets, and how they might be able to exceed them. The candidate should also be able to describe how he or she might handle a situation in which a customer is unwilling to meet the sales target.
Sample Answer: I always make certain that I'm aware of the daily sales target, and I try to exceed it whenever possible. If a customer is unwilling to meet the sales target, I would ask them if there was anything else I could do for them.
Question Overview: Tellers are often the first and last people that customers see when they visit a bank, so it's important to hire someone who will make a good impression. The candidate should be able to describe his or her best qualities and how they'll be of service to the bank.
Sample Answer: I'm very good at math, which is an important skill for a teller. I'm also very friendly and outgoing, which will help me make customers feel comfortable.
Question Overview: This is a question that's designed to reveal the candidate's ability to handle difficult situations in a calm, professional manner. The teller should be prepared to describe a situation in which he or she was able to diffuse an angry customer.
Sample Answer: I had a customer who was upset because he thought I'd made a mistake with his transaction. I explained that I hadn't, and he calmed down.
Question Overview: This question is designed to gauge the candidate's interest in the position. If he or she is enthusiastic about sales, it's a good sign that he or she will be a good fit for the job.
Sample Answer: I like the challenge of selling something to someone who doesn't think they need it.