Banking Interviews: 10 Things to Remember | Oliveboard

How to ace Banking Interviews: With almost all the major banking exams either underway or over, it is time to shift focus from the written stages to the interview stage. For most government and banking jobs, interviews are the last stage of qualification. All written exam-qualified candidates will be looking to cross over this hurdle too to reach their end goal.

However, interviews tend to make most candidates nervous due to unpredictability. As interviews depend solely on the candidate’s in-person confidence and presentation, it can be a common source of anxiety for most aspirants. So here are 10 things that are important to remember when preparing for banking interviews.

10 Things to Remember for Banking Interviews

1. Do your Research on the Bank

Do thorough background research on the bank and the job profile you’re interviewing for. Out of all the questions asked by the interviewer, 2-3 will be related to their company and the job profile you’re applying for. For instance, “What do you think will be your responsibilities?” There are several articles available online which describe in detail the various job profiles and responsibilities that bank employees have.

So before going for the interview, it’s a good idea to take out some time to visit their website and read about their Bank and the services they offer to save you that embarrassment.

2. Dress appropriately

Casual clothes must be absolutely avoided at any cost. Your attire determines the kind of first impression you will give your employers. Most private banks require their employees to be dressed in neat formals. It’s a good idea to wear smart formals to your interview regardless of whether you’re going for a private sector bank or Public sector bank.

Women can wear a plain and light-colored cotton saree or salwar kameez with a plain dupatta or a blazer with light colored blouse and trousers. Use minimum jewelry and makeup.

Men can go for a plain light-colored shirt and dark-colored trousers and a plain tie. A blazer would be good during the winter season. Make sure your shoes are polished, you are clean-shaven and your hair is neat.

3. Know your Resume

Your resume is like your marketing tool. You will definitely be asked questions from your resume. So know everything you have written in your resume and be prepared for the questions.

4. Be Punctual

It goes without saying that you should never be late for your interview. Employers in a bank are very particular about their employees being punctual, so it is wise to reach at least 15-20 minutes before the time of your appointment. This will also give you enough time to calm yourselves down and relax.

5. Silence your Phone

Make sure you switch your cell phone off or keep it on silent mode before entering your interviewer’s cabin.

6. Be Polite

Greet the interviewer(s) after entering with a firm handshake and do not sit until you have been asked to take a seat. A ‘Hello’ and ‘How do you do?’ would suffice, do not indulge in small talk with the interviewer(s).

7. Pay Attention to your Body Language

Do not indulge yourself in nail-biting, fidgeting, shaking your legs, playing with your resume/pen/hair, etc. Sit comfortably and maintain a proper and consistent posture throughout your interview. Nod when required and maintain strong eye contact with the interviewer(s) and smile. This will make you appear confident and relaxed. 

8. Do not bad mouth your previous employer

Never say bad things about your previous employer. This will make the interviewer think that you held a bad opinion about them and might just do the same with them.

9. Avoid using “I don’t know”

If you don’t know how to answer a particular question, do not right away answer with an “I don’t know”. Instead borrow some time from the interviewer to work out an answer using the two techniques mentioned here: How To Respond To Questions You Don’t Know The Answer To.

10. Thank the Interviewer

Last but not the least; do not leave the room without thanking the interviewer(s) for giving you his/her/their time.

Banking Interviews: Commonly Asked Questions

• Describe yourself.
• What made you take up Banking?
• What do you think differentiates us from the other banks?
• Tell us everything you know about our business model.
• What do you think will be your responsibilities and how well do you match those requirements?
• Why did you leave your previous company/Bank?
• Can you walk me through your resume?
• Why should we hire you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
• Would you be willing to shift to a different city if the job requires it?

The questions also include things related to current affairs and General knowledge. Make sure you’re aware of the latest happenings around the globe. Also, be prepared for questions related to Banking and the functions of banks.

Further References:

• IBPS PO Interview Tips & Job Profile
• Ace Your SBI PO Interview
• Tips To Ace Your Interviews
• My IBPS SO Marketing Officer Interview Experience

You may also subscribe to Oliveboard’s official YouTube channel for more detailed tips and tricks on acing your next interview.

We hope you keep the above tips in mind before giving your next interview.

Wish you all the very best.