Are you a people person? Do you enjoy assisting customers with their financial assets? Are you comfortable with handling large sums of money on a regular basis? Would you enjoy answering customers’ questions on banking options, as well as other questions pertaining to your company? If so, a job as a bank teller could just be the job for you!
Before pursuing a career as a bank teller, stop and ask yourself if it is really something you would enjoy doing. Although bank telling has its perks, it also has its downsides, as does any job. Deeply consider if this would be something you would be decent at and if it would be something you would enjoy. A job as a bank teller can be very enjoyable and rewarding. It is one of those jobs in which having great customer service skills is a must. Bank tellers assist very diverse customers on a daily basis. Customers come in all shapes and size, of all races and ages, and of very different financial statuses. It is vital that all bank tellers treat each customer with the same respect and courtesy, regardless of who the customer may be. Bank tellers also should expect conflicts with customers and must be able to deal with difficult and upset customers. No matter how rude the customer may be, every customer must be dealt with in a strictly professional manner.
If you have decided to look into becoming a bank teller, the next step is deciding what type of bank you would like to work for. There are many different types of banks, such as home town banks, small banks, regional banks, national banks, and credit unions. Home town banks, as well as small banks and credit unions, are a bit more intimate with customers, seeing as how you will be assisting many of the same customers on a regular basis, thus getting to know the customers are a bit of a deeper level. However, regional and national banks, though they do see many of the same customers on a regular basis, operate on less of an intimate level. Regional and national banks have many more customers than home town banks and small banks; therefore, creating an intimate bond between bank tellers and their customers simply is not as likely in regional and national banks. If you would like to build an intimate bond with your customers then working in a home town or small bank would be better for you. If not, then a regional or national bank may be a better choice for you.
What Banks Look For?
Banks look for certain qualifications in their bank tellers. As previously mentioned, customer service skills are vital, for this is a customer service employment position. In addition to having adequate customer service skills, it is also important that you have some experience in handling and balancing money, such as a prior cashiering job or something of that nature. Having basic computer skills is also important, seeing as how bank tellers use computers in their daily work. Banks also expect their employees to have good credit and no criminal record. Having a decent amount of credible references will also boost your likelihood of obtaining a job as a bank teller.
The first step to becoming a bank teller is searching for a bank telling job. Use a career search engine, such as BankingandFinanceCrossing, to find the specific type of bank telling job you are looking for. Once you have found what you are looking for, begin applying for those customer service jobs as a bank teller. The application process may be a series of questions on an application form, or it could be simply sending your resume to the appropriate person. Whichever method the bank requires, fill it out to the best of your ability.
Once you have completed the application process, wait for an interview. If you are called for an interview, arrive several minutes earlier than your scheduled time. This will so that you care about getting this job and that you are punctual. You should also dress to impress (i.e. a nice suit, skirt, hair nicely done, look polished, etc.). During the interview, expect to be asked a series of questions about your prior experience in customer service jobs, and also expect to be questioned about your reasoning for wanting to work as a bank teller and why it is that you want to work for that bank in particular. Be ready to answer any and all questions with detailed responses. Really sell yourself to this prospective employer. If all goes well in your interview, you should be offered a job and be on your way to becoming a bank teller. Good luck!
