NationStates Jolt Archive

I am going to be going to an interview this week or the next at a bank, and I was wondering if anybody has useful interview tips they'd like to share. This will be only the second interview I've ever been so, so I'm a bit nervous.

The first interview I've been to was the first round of interviews for this customer representative job I'm applying for at the bank. It was relatively easy for me, and I didn't prepare much, but I heard the second round is really tough. I feel a need to beat my adversary too, since I know who she is, and if she got the job over me, my ego would take a HUGE blow.

So I was wondering, with such a diverse crowd on NS, if anybody has been to any interview at the bank, or just has general interview tips they can share to help me out. Thanks in advance. :D

Should we really be openly discussing the finer details of how to do a bank job on an open forum? Walls have ears.

Should we really be openly discussing the finer details of how to do a bank job on an open forum? Walls have ears.
Not the actually job itself, but just how to get past the interview.

Whatever you do, DO NOT SMOKE POT DURING THE INTERVIEW!! Other than that I don't know of anything in particular to avoid.

Should we really be openly discussing the finer details of how to do a bank job on an open forum? Walls have ears.

Well if the interview goes well, then we have someone on the inside, see.

I am going to be going to an interview this week or the next at a bank, and I was wondering if anybody has useful interview tips they'd like to share. This will be only the second interview I've ever been so, so I'm a bit nervous.

The first interview I've been to was the first round of interviews for this customer representative job I'm applying for at the bank. It was relatively easy for me, and I didn't prepare much, but I heard the second round is really tough. I feel a need to beat my adversary too, since I know who she is, and if she got the job over me, my ego would take a HUGE blow.

So I was wondering, with such a diverse crowd on NS, if anybody has been to any interview at the bank, or just has general interview tips they can share to help me out. Thanks in advance. :D

I have had a fair share of managerial positions in my day, and I would say this could be more entertaining if we just list things you should NOT do...

for example, my brother was a driver at a pizza place... They decided to hire this young, thug guy to work phones (hey, I had nothing to do with the decision)... Anyhow, the guy had a criminal record, and was pretty much screaming "don't trust me" with his actions and personality. Well, his first day, he comes in, they start showing him how to answer phones, do the beginning parts of the job, and he keeps asking "When do I get to handle the money??" Long story short, he didnt work out too well...

hmm, wear a pretty dress...;)

I am told laying down on the ground to fill out paperwork is a no-no as well.....

Know what you want (the job I'm assuming). Don't be edgey, have self-confidence.

Well if the interview goes well, then we have someone on the inside, see.
Actually, are there Coast Capital Savings banks in Alberta?

SWEARING AND TALKING VERY LOUD IS A DRAWBACK AS WELL. Don't be too in-your-face, but get noticed (in a good way).

Know what you want (the job I'm assuming). Don't be edgey, have self-confidence.

Agreed. But don't be cocky.

We all hate cockiness.

(BTW, where are you in Alberta SD? I'm an Albertan too!)

Actually, are there Coast Capital Savings banks in Alberta?

*nods*

hmm, wear a pretty dress...;)
I already have one all prepared. Yes, I'm going to be wearing a skirt...*shudders* I hate skirts.

Agreed. But don't be cocky.

We all hate cockiness.

(BTW, where are you in Alberta SD? I'm an Albertan too!)

Stony Plain (Bohick, bum-fuck nowhere.....by Edmonton)

Stony Plain (Bohick, bum-fuck nowhere.....by Edmonton)

Yup yup, I know where that is!

Edmontonian, myself.

At least you aren't Calgarian! :D

I already have one all prepared. Yes, I'm going to be wearing a skirt...*shudders* I hate skirts.

Now this changes things, you have the whole option of wearing a skirt.... Girls in businessy skirts can be SMOKIN' HOT!!! You're hired..... Care to show us a pic??

Now this changes things, you have the whole option of wearing a skirt.... Girls in businessy skirts can be SMOKIN' HOT!!! You're hired..... Care to show us a pic??

*heads towards Danmarc with gun in hand*

Back AWAY from the Lady...

*jealous*

Now this changes things, you have the whole option of wearing a skirt.... Girls in businessy skirts can be SMOKIN' HOT!!! You're hired..... Care to show us a pic??
Oh please, show us the pic!! YAY, good post.

Oh please, show us the pic!! YAY, good post.

*smite*

I feel a need to beat my adversary too, since I know who she is, and if she got the job over me, my ego would take a HUGE blow.

See, what you do is, get some exlax...

Now this changes things, you have the whole option of wearing a skirt.... Girls in businessy skirts can be SMOKIN' HOT!!! You're hired..... Care to show us a pic??
...

Tweety would kill you first...so, I'm thinking no to preserve your life.

Besides, last time my pictures made it onto the internet, it turned out...unpleasant...

...

Tweety would kill you first...so, I'm thinking no to preserve your life.

Besides, last time my pictures made it onto the internet, it turned out...unpleasant...

I'm sure deep down somewhere Tweety has a sense of humor like the rest of us... It is almost our DUTY to request pictures when you mention wearing a skirt.. I think it is actually in the guidelines of signing up for Nationstates..

*heads towards Danmarc with gun in hand*

Back AWAY from the Lady...

*jealous*


Jealousy is not very becoming..

I'm sure deep down somewhere Tweety has a sense of humor like the rest of us... It is almost our DUTY to request pictures when you mention wearing a skirt.. I think it is actually in the guidelines of signing up for Nationstates..

Do not!

I'm sure deep down somewhere Tweety has a sense of humor like the rest of us... It is almost our DUTY to request pictures when you mention wearing a skirt.. I think it is actually in the guidelines of signing up for Nationstates..
Along with being in section 8 subsection 42.6541 of the Codes of Man.

Along with being in section 8 subsection 42.6541 of the Codes of Man.

But I'm female!

Penises...*shakes head*

See, what you do is, get some exlax...
O_O wtf is that? Do I dare to ask?

But I'm female!

Penises...*shakes head*


That whole sentence sounds so bad........... just think of a guy at a urinal, shaking the last drop......

That whole sentence sounds so bad........... just think of a guy at a urinal, shaking the last drop......

Le Laugh. But really, MEN.

O_O wtf is that? Do I dare to ask?

And you offer that crazy bitch a ride to the interview. Before you pick her up, stop by some coffee shop, and get a couple coffees (one for her, one for you). Put the exlax in her coffee. When you pick her up, hand her her coffee. When you finally get to the interview, her bowels should be rarin' to go.

-snip-


Just come here, and I'll hire you to do many "jobs" ;):p

Just come here, and I'll hire you to do many "jobs" ;):p

Oh Zi...

Hehe, I like the plan SD...very devious indeed.

That whole sentence sounds so bad........... just think of a guy at a urinal, shaking the last drop......
Haha, that was a good one. HILarious!

Let's see. Other surefire ways to not get the job.... I would say closing out the little "quiz program" companies always use, so you could look at porno would be a pretty safe bet..

Oh Zi...

Hehe, I like the plan SD...very devious indeed.


Oh tweet.:rolleyes:

I'm sure deep down somewhere Tweety has a sense of humor like the rest of us... It is almost our DUTY to request pictures when you mention wearing a skirt.. I think it is actually in the guidelines of signing up for Nationstates..
But I probably won't wear a skirt because I hate them. They're so inconvenient and hard to walk long distances in. Deciding to wear pants was the greatest decision women has ever made.

But I probably won't wear a skirt because I hate them. They're so inconvenient and hard to walk long distances in. Deciding to wear pants was the greatest decision women has ever made.

That is a bit disappointing. i am sure you are a hottie in a skirt, most self-conscious people are much hotter than they give themself credit for...


Another good pizza place story.... This pizza place hires a driver that has a glass eye (already sounds like a bad idea), well, on his first delivery, he comes back to the store, and tracks a 25 foot trail of the smelliest, grossest dog poop throughout the store, not only making customers nautious, but the coworkers as well. After that, the guy took another delivery, and just never came back...

true story.

And you offer that crazy bitch a ride to the interview. Before you pick her up, stop by some coffee shop, and get a couple coffees (one for her, one for you). Put the exlax in her coffee. When you pick her up, hand her her coffee. When you finally get to the interview, her bowels should be rarin' to go.
meh, it's been done.

But I probably won't wear a skirt because I hate them. They're so inconvenient and hard to walk long distances in. Deciding to wear pants was the greatest decision women has ever made.

Skirts are useful for some things, and walking is not one of them. Nor are high heels. Long distances = pain.

But I probably won't wear a skirt because I hate them. They're so inconvenient and hard to walk long distances in. Deciding to wear pants was the greatest decision women has ever made.
But pants are rarely as much fun as skirts! I mean sometimes, maybe. Even then, skirts are almost always hotter.

Just come here, and I'll hire you to do many "jobs" ;):p
:rolleyes: I like jobs that don't compromise my morals and dignity, thanks.

Skirts are useful for some things, and walking is not one of them. Nor are high heels. Long distances = pain.


Skirts= Thomas Happy

But pants are rarely as much fun as skirts! I mean sometimes, maybe. Even then, skirts are almost always hotter.

You know what's hot?

A man in a kilt.

It's a form of skirt, so it's okay to like it....

:rolleyes: I like jobs that don't compromise my morals and dignity, thanks.


geez man..neither you nor tweet will give me a break...what does a man gotta do around here? :D

:rolleyes: I like jobs that don't compromise my morals and dignity, thanks.

:eek:

Well, I'm done for then.

You know what's hot?

A man in a kilt.

It's a form of skirt, so it's okay to like it....
Y'know what, I'll wear a kilt any day of the week, as long as you wear a skirt, or Ladamesansmerci wears a skirt ,or girls in general wear skirts, bonus points for mini-skirts.

Y'know what, I'll wear a kilt any day of the week, as long as you wear a skirt, or Ladamesansmerci wears a skirt ,or girls in general wear skirts, bonus points for mini-skirts.

Well, then you must wear one one Tuesdays and Thursdays, as those are the days I am required to wear my skirt to school.

:eek:

Well, I'm done for then.


:eek:

Well, then you must wear one one Tuesdays and Thursdays, as those are the days I am required to wear my skirt to school.
Will you spread the word amongst your womenfriends to increase the skirt wearing frequency? Hopefully causing a new sensation to sweep the land, whatever land you may be in?

:eek:
:eek:

You know what's hot?

A man in a kilt.

It's a form of skirt, so it's okay to like it....
*seconded for kilts*

A man who can wear a kilt just for the sake of it is teh hotn3ss. :p

Still looking for a pic...... Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasse...:fluffle:

:eek:

What? Really now!

What? Really now!
No, it was just a +1 boost to the post count, so I took it.

Still looking for a pic...... Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasse...:fluffle:

*smite*

Still looking for a pic...... Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaasse...:fluffle:


You must either be Eut's puppet or you are a horn dog...WELCOME!:D

Will you spread the word amongst your womenfriends to increase the skirt wearing frequency? Hopefully causing a new sensation to sweep the land, whatever land you may be in?
I will spread the word amongst my men friends to increase skirt wearing frequencies. :p

I will spread the word amongst my men friends to increase skirt wearing frequencies. :p

As long as they wear them properly...:rolleyes:

I will spread the word amongst my men friends to increase skirt wearing frequencies. :p
But of course! Thought it may take more time for you to see results, as most of us don't already own kilts. I think the safe bet is to start wearing your skirts now, and to not rush us into the kilt wearing too fast. You can trust me with this, honest!:cool:

As long as they wear them properly...:rolleyes:
Meaning?

Meaning?

No underwear. :D

No underwear. :D
*copies and pastes*

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO sending this to the gnome.

btw, how the fuck did we get on this topic? Back to interview tips, people!

No underwear. :D
Well the same would have to go for women skirts! Fair's fair:D

*copies and pastes*

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO sending this to the gnome.

btw, how the fuck did we get on this topic? Back to interview tips, people!
But this is totally on topic, we're discussing a vital wardrobe decision! VITAL!

Well the same would have to go for women skirts! Fair's fair:D

Oh no. Kilts, traditionally, are not worn with underwear. But women's skirts are.

I don't deem what society renders. So don't look at me.

* puts foot down *

ok, everyone back on topic before i start given out detention!!!!!!!shift+1!!11!

Oh no. Kilts, traditionally, are not worn with underwear. But women's skirts are.

I don't deem what society renders. So don't look at me.
But...but...but...you're no fun. :(

serious question... What are you actually applying for? A call center position for a bank, or like a teller position?

serious question... What are you actually applying for? A call center position for a bank, or like a teller position?
Customer Representative is what they are calling it. It's basically a teller.

fuck...i'll have to wear a skirt.

*goes off and kills self*

Customer Representative is what they are calling it. It's basically a teller.

fuck...i'll have to wear a skirt.

*goes off and kills self*

Remember to shave above the knee! :D

TIP: Try not to express any political, social, economic/class, or really any beliefs that you have unless pressed, in which case be vague, unless you have good reasoning to back up your views. This just turns off a lot of people, spouting views without them being asked for.

Customer Representative is what they are calling it. It's basically a teller.

fuck...i'll have to wear a skirt.

*goes off and kills self*
*LaLaland0 high-fives Danmarc*
Not about the killing yourself, about the skirt.;)

TIP: Try not to express any political, social, economic/class, or really any beliefs that you have unless pressed, in which case be vague, unless you have good reasoning to back up your views. This just turns off a lot of people, spouting views without them being asked for.
:eek:

Real advice? Thank ye.

Customer Representative is what they are calling it. It's basically a teller.

fuck...i'll have to wear a skirt.

*goes off and kills self*

If you ever get a place in the US let me know, I can possibly get you a job here with a HUGE company........one of the top US based companies.... customer service.... doesnt require skirts either, although we do appreciate those that look hot in skirts..

If you ever get a place in the US let me know, I can possibly get you a job here with a HUGE company........one of the top US based companies.... customer service.... doesnt require skirts either, although we do appreciate those that look hot in skirts..
Thanks for the offer, but if I ever go down to the States, it'd be for my Masters or Ph. D, during which time I would be living on scholarships and wouldn't need a job to pay for my tuition.

Thanks for the offer, but if I ever go down to the States, it'd be for my Masters or Ph. D, during which time I would be living on scholarships and wouldn't need a job to pay for my tuition.

*toots own horn*

:p

okay, i'll give some actual advice...

if you wear a skirt, keep it at the knee or below. Appear professional at all times (if you have your ears pierced, nothing dangly, no more than one hole in, no facial piercings). In other words, modesty. When you enter, give a firm handshake...don't crush the persons hand. Two or three hand pumps, no more than that. Also, make sure your palms are not sweaty when you shake. You have about 30 seconds to make an impression. From there, unless you screw up horribly or unless you do stellar, they will have subconsciously decided about you. Don't carry things in with you that are not relevant. Have your own pen. Smile. Keep makeup and perfume subtle. Speak clearly, make eye contact. Answer questions honestly, and keep it short and simple. For example, if he asks what experience you have, he really doesn't care about your past jobs...simply saying "I worked at ____ and did _____" is a fine answer. Esp. for a customer service spot, you want to be warm and friendly while keeping it professional.

Again, you want to give the best impression in those first 30 seconds to minute. We judge based on first impressions, and it is very difficult to change those, be that a good thing or a bad thing.


sorry...I've been interviewing all week.

ETA: don't forget...you have TWO names. Don't introduce yourself with just a first name, you will come off as a ditz. Shake the persons hand and greet them with "Hello, I'm Jane Doe", not "Hi, I'm jane". you want the full name to stick in their head. Also, use proper english, not slang.

Don't say this:
Interviewer: So where do you see yourself in five years?
Peter Griffin: [thinking] Don't say doing your wife. Don't say doing your wife. [aloud] Doing your, uh, [looks at picture on desk] son...



But I would recommend having a few shots of vodka before-hand. It'll open you up, give you confidence and make you appear more lively, energetic and spontaneous.
Don't be afraid to offer a few lay-backs to the interviewers while you're at it.

Here's a good list of Do's and Don'ts:

http://www.jobweb.com/joboutlook/2006/worst_interviews.htm


Also some others, that aren't as humorous (but very helpful nonetheless):
http://www.venturi-staffing.com/mistakes.asp

Tips (some mentioned before, but meh...)

1) Don't be late. Do NOT be late! It's better that you're waiting on them rather then vice versa.

2) Dress nice, look nice. (A skirt sounds about right :) )

3) Keep eyecontact during the interview. Don't brag, but be confident and polite.

4) Be prepared, know the company and the position. Ask relevant questions, but not about something you clearly should know (if answers can be found in the job description, for example)

5) Don't talk too much, and by this I mean don't blabber away. No long monologues, try to keep it short and to the point.

6) Don't brag, be honest, and try to back up your statements if you can (almost like debating here, eh? "Link me!" ;) ). And bring (extra) copies of your resumé, diplomas, etc.

Well, that's the basics I guess... And try not to be too nervous, eh? I wager you're going to do just fine. Best of luck to you :)

oh...also, know your weaknesses and how to put a positive spin on them. For example, when I applied for my first bartender job, it is hard to get one without any experience, so I spun it to say that I didn't have the bad habits and was more trainable.

Employers also love to ask what your weaknesses are...things like being a perfectionist are good. things like your heroin habit are bad.