Common Bank Interview Questions with Answers | Job Interview Tips
Tips: The probability that you are likely to be
asked this question is at least 80%. Make sure that you don’t rattle out
your bio data. Also ensure you complete your answer within 2 minutes so
the interviewers don’t get bored
Sample Answer:
My name is Simone Paul and I completed graduation in Economics with
Hons. scoring 86% distinction from ABCD College. I have a natural
interest in Finance and Economics. As a result I topped in my college in
3 subjects – which are Management Accountancy, Micro Economics and
Financial Management.
I have done a project in this field at
Ericsson and have attended two seminars held at Institute of Chartered
Accountants, which have given me great exposure to current industry
standards.
My mother is also a banker and father is MBA and head of marketing with a telecom company. I am the only child of my parents.
With this background, I am confident of excelling as Treasury Officer in your bank.
The above script is just an example; hence you should make your own answer.
Question #1.2 : After doing your Engineering in Computer Science, why do you wish to make a career in Banking?
This
is a good question. You have share with the interviewer that the scope
of finding a job by an engineer is not restricted to manufacturing or
technical sectors only and you are quite versatile.
Sample Answer:
Banking sector has evolved tremendously in the recent past. Banks are
no more offering banking services through its branches. Because of a
number of products and services being offered by the banks, the bank has
reached the home and office of its customers. For example, use of ATM
has allowed the customer draw cash from any machine 24 x 7. Similarly
mobile banking allows the customers to view the balance and also do the
transactions on the go. Hence technology is the need of the day as
modern banking rides on IT and future banking will need more of
technology.
Also banks need interactive websites and mobile
banking which are fast and secure. Marketing of Banking operations now
use large social media platforms.
For such highly evolved and
booming industry, there is a growing need for tech savvy and
enthusiastic professional with strong interpersonal skills. I am happy
to say that I match the ideal candidate’s profile very well.
Tips: Talking
about why the Banking Sector is the fastest growing sector can help
impress the selectors. Therefore, have some facts and figures ready as
to why Banking is the fastest growing sector.
Do not give answers
like, ‘I want a stable career’ or ‘I want white collar job’, as these
things may invite cross questions that must be avoided.
Read Also: NEW TANZANIAN JOBS OPPORUNITIES 2019 (6,110+ POSTS)
Sample Answer: Banking sector has evolved tremendously along the development of economy and the development of technology.
Role of banking is not just limited to its basic role of lending money and taking deposits. Over a period of time, this scope has been widened. Banks are contributing to facilitation of trade, encouraging the savings, bolstering of investments, transfer of funds, providing financial support to core sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
This has created demand for adequate professional management who can use modern managerial techniques and practices in banking industry.
Question #3.1 : Please discuss your views about the changes in Banking Scenario?
Suggestions for Answer:
To answer this question, the candidate should have done some serious study about the scenario of banking at Regional, National and International Level. In fact this is not a simple question and it has many hidden questions which want to check the knowledge and level of understanding of the candidate along with his awareness.
Sample Answer: Banking sector has successfully been adding new products and innovative services to its basket of products being offered to retail customer and institutional customers. I think the banking sector will keep its goal to accelerate the growth. Secondly each bank would like to optimize its costs of marketing and distribution so as to keep its overheads low without effecting its reach or quality of services.
With regards to changes, I feel that there would be marketing strategy which would be “socially engaging”. The leading banks would adopt “Intelligent Multichannel” approach over their brick and mortar branch banking.
Relating to this question, you may like to watch this video also:
Question #3.2 : In the changing Banking Scenario, what are the most important needs of the Banking Industry?
Suggestions for Answer:
This question is a natural extension of the previous question. If the candidate has given a good answer then there is all likelihood of the interviewer asking this question. To answer this question, the candidate should have done some deep thinking beforehand about the Banking scenario, its business practices and the marketing strategies.
Sample Answer: We are living in a digital age, where everyday technological innovations our style of living, doing the business and even the way we do a commercial transaction. The banks will have to catch up and offer (a) Multi Channel Optimization (b) Digital Distribution and most importantly (c) Effective Sales Efforts.
Relating to this question, you may like to watch this video also:
Question #3.3 : To implement these changes by the Banks, what are your recommendations?
Suggestions for Answer:
To be specific, the interview board wants to understand the future vision of the candidate.
Sample Answer: Banking sector has to achieve competitive differentiation; banks must define a clear strategy and customer proposition, and then develop the capabilities to reach these goals. Accenture recommends that banks should:
- Establish an overall strategy that includes the appropriate capability mix and investment choices.
- Develop an appropriate sourcing strategy to enable scale and deliver required capabilities at higher speed.
Relating to this question, you may like to watch this video also:
Question #3.4 : What is the changing role of banking sector?
Tips
This is a very commonly asked question and you must be prepared to answer it. The interviewer want to know about your approach and thought process. Your answer should show that you have been regularly following the developments in the banking industry and you are really keen to make a career in this industry.
Sample Answer
In the developing and developed economic system, banks play a very important role in economic development. Commercial banks are an important part of the financial system of the country.
Banks perform a number of important functions. For example, commercial banks encouraging people to save.
Secondly, the banks mobilize the savings of the individuals and organisations for the purpose of investments in various sectors of the economy. Thirdly, commercial banks help the process of capital formation. Fourthly, banks facilitate monetary transactions in foreign trade. Fifthly, banks provide instruments for the money to exchange hands without actually having physical money such as online transfer, Letter of Credit, ATM, Debit card, Credit Card etc.
Overall, banks promote a balanced regional development in the country by providing essential financial infrastructure and funds for economic development. Also you may like to watch this video :
Question #3.5 : What is KYC? Why it is important?
Tips
This is a question asked to check about your general knowledge and general awareness, specifically related to the banking industry. Therefore, please provide a crisp and short answer.
Sample Answer
K Y C means “Know Your Customer”. It is a process prescribed by Reserve Bank of India. Banks are required to obtain information about the identity and address of the customers.
The K Y C procedure is to be completed by the banks while opening accounts. It is also applicable to old account opened with K Y C. Banks are also required to periodically update their customers’ K Y C details.
The objective is to enable positive identification of customers by their respective Banks; and to prevent money laundering. This process helps to ensure that banks’ services are not misused.
Relating to this question, you may like to watch this video also:
Question #3.6 : What are the documents required by banks for KYC compliance?
Tips
This is a question in continuation to the question “What is KYC” and is specifically related to the banking industry. Therefore, please provide a correct and precise answer.
Sample Answer
The documents as mandated under KYC guidelines are:
- Photograph
- Proof of identity
- Proof of address
Relating to this question, you may like to watch this video also:
Question #3.7 : What are the functions of RBI?
Tips
This is a question asked to check about your specific knowledge on the subject and general awareness, relating to the banking industry. Therefore, please provide a crisp and correct answer.
Sample Answer
The Reserve Bank of India was established in 1935 and it was nationalized in 1949. As the Central bank of a country execute multiple functions such as:
- Regulate the issuance and circulation of Bank Notes
- Banker to the Government
- Custodian of Cash Reserves of Commercial Banks
- Custodian to Foreign Reserve of the country
- Lender of last resort
- Central Clearance and Accounts Settlement
- Controller of Credit
Relating to this question, you may like to watch this video also:
Question #3.8 : What is Fiscal deficit?
Question #3.9 :What is REPO rate and Reverse Repo Rate?
Question #3.10 :What is CRR rate?
Question #3.11:What is SLR rate?
Question #3.12 :What is Bank Rate?
Question #3.13 :What is Money Laundering?
4. Working Style Related Questions
Question #4.1 : How do you check your work for accuracy?
Question #4.2 : Tell me about a situation where you had to deal with an angry customer.
Question #4.3 : What is the recent skill you have acquired?
5. HR Questions
Question #5.1 : Why are you the best candidate for the job?
Question #5.2 : What are your strengths?
Question #5.3 : What are your weaknesses?
Question #5.4 : Why do you want to join our company?
Tips for preparing and appearing at the job interview
In addition to practicing for the commonly asked interview questions, a few more suggestions should be kept in mind by the shortlisted candidates appearing for the Interview Process. These are:
Interview Tip #1 Reach before time
As a serious candidate you must reach well before time. Make sure to reach about 30 minutes before the scheduled time of interview. Increase this cushion period if the traffic in your city is unpredictably heavy or you are going to a far off location and you are unsure of the location or if there are a few formalities to be completed before you may appear before the interview panel or a combination of these.
Interview Tip #2 Carry all Supportive Documents
In case you have been told then make sure to carry all the original documents for verification purpose as you may not be allowed to appear in the Interview.
In case this is not a requirement then it is still a good idea to carry good quality color photocopies of your degrees of graduation / post graduation, certificates of merit, recommendation letter, certification of participation in sports / extracurricular activities / voluntary work done etc.
Interview Tip #3 Be prepared to be there for 2 – 3 Hours
There could be a number of reasons which may require you to be present at interview venue for more than the actual interview time. For example, there could be certain formalities to be completed, or you may be required to wait for the results of first round and if selected there could be a second round soon after or simply the number of candidates present for the interview may make the scheduling go off track.
So carry some water or sandwiches or cookies – just in case.
Interview Tip #4 Be Natural, Calm and Composed It is quite natural that you may be a bit nervous or anxious before or during the Interview questions answers session. But practice deep breathing, take control of your emotions, think positive to put your best foot forward. Also do not memorize the answers as the interviewers can easily find out if you are speaking your or reciting answers read from a book or guide.
