At an interview for a universal banker position, you will need to ensure that you are prepared to answer the questions that you will be asked. These will include standard questions pertaining to banking procedures, as well as others to check your personality, and work ethics.
To prepare for a universal banker interview, make sure that you first create a list of all your accomplishments, experience, and skills. This will ensure that you are ready to respond to questions pertaining to cashing checks, opening accounts, and balancing drawers.
During the interview, it is imperative that you are able to answer all types of questions including those that have to do with customer service and problem-solving within a banking environment.
Related: Universal Banker Cover Letter Sample
Some sample questions and possible answers for a universal banker interview are provided below:
Universal Banker Interview Questions and Answers
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My interest in banking began when I held a short internship at The Bank of America right after I got my finance degree. Since then, I have been working in the banking sector. My main interest is in corporate banking, which is where I am pushing my career at the moment.
2. As a universal banker, what have been your duties in the past?
I have worked as a universal banker for 5 years. During this time, I have performed many duties including serving walk-in clients by providing them with information on offered services. Specifically, my work includes processing a variety of transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, and money orders. Attracting new customer relationships, and retaining existing ones is also part of my work. In addition, opening accounts, and providing clients with information on value-added services is also part of my work.
3. What skills do you possess which make you an excellent person to hire as a universal banker?
Both my communication and organizational skills are excellent, which is why it is easy for me to reach out to customers. Specifically, I am well-versed in processing transactions of all types, and can easily handle financial discrepancies. In addition, I am an expert in initiating referrals, and cross-selling bank’s products and services. Another skill that I possess is the ability to seek out new customers, and retain existing customers as well.
4. What do you like most about this work?
I love the daily challenges that I face when working as a universal banker. I get to meet so many new people, and I thrive on contact.
5. What do you dislike about this work?
Honestly speaking, nothing at all. I love my work which is why I have been working in this role for such a long time.
6. How do you handle adversity at the workplace?
There is hardly any time for adversity since banking is such a dynamic job. However, on the odd occasion that I face adversity, my main focus is on resolving the problem immediately. I do not dwell on it, and I do not let it linger for long.
7. What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is my ability to market products and services in a positive light, and convincing customers to take advantage of them.
8. What is your greatest weakness?
I sometimes feel that I go well beyond the call of duty. I work hard, and then I don’t know when to stop.
9. How do you handle cash drawer discrepancies?
My method of handling discrepancies is simple – do not let them happen. I ensure that all cash transactions are properly logged so that there is no room for errors. On the rare occasion that errors have occurred, I have made it a priority to check all my accounts and resolve it immediately. I do not let errors roll over to the next day.
10. Describe your perfect work environment.
Even though I understand that perfect work environments cannot exist, I wouldn’t mind working in one where everyone does their work perfectly, and on time.
11. What has been your greatest achievement?
Recent contact with a corporation ended up in me gaining 35 accounts from the same company, in one day. I believe that this has been my greatest achievement so far.
12. What do you like most about customer contact?
Getting to know people, and developing solid professional relationships is the essence of my work as a universal banker. I don’t think I can point out anything that I dislike about this work.
13. How do you handle irate customers?
No matter how hard one tries to keep the customer satisfied, there are always instances of dissatisfaction. When such an event happens, I do not lose my cool, but try to handle the actual issue. Customer satisfaction is my prime concern at all times.
14. Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.
A junior colleague was in a bit of a spot when he couldn’t handle a customer who was quite upset with him for forgetting to deposit his check. I intervened, and resolved the issues, ensuring immediate credit to the customers. I did not put down my colleague, but I did explain to him how this cannot be done again.
15. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake.
I am very careful while working, so mistakes are few and far between. Unfortunately, I accidentally missed out a check payment and was about to be grilled for it, when I quickly realized what I had done. So, I promptly processed it and saved myself from getting into trouble.
16. Why do you want to leave your current job?
I love the bank that I am working for. It is unfortunate that it does not work with corporate customers, which is where I aim for my career to go.
17. If we decide to hire you, when can you join us?
I can join you within 30 days of handing in my notice to my present place of employment.
18. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In much less time than that, I hope to be working as a corporate banker.
19. Do you have any questions for me?
I am interested in knowing about your products and services, and the marketing initiatives you take to get them to the right customers.