7 Qualities Bank Jobs Recruiters Look For in Candidates

Bank jobs have always been considered to be safe and rewarding, from career standpoint. However, bank jobs are not for everyone; they do require a pre-determined skillset and certain traits in an individual's personality. The crux of this article is to provide you with information and pointers that a bank job interviewer judges the candidates on, so that it helps you land with a bank job.

Indicators of Future performance: Bank jobs recruiters prefer candidates with a consistent academic record, strong GPAs and experience. As it is believed that records of past performance are the indicators of future performance, keeping this notion in mind recruiters look for those with a high performance record. Banks look for candidates with past performance records as they are fuller proof predictors of performance and so it tops their checklists.

Proactive actions: Being a customer facing role, recruiters look for candidates who are proactive and go that extra mile to solve a customer query and will not dissuade from answering a customer. Bankers work in a customer centric environment, where the customer is treated as a king. Thus, serving the king is of prime importance and a banker needs to provide services to its customers along with quick and speedy Redressal of complaints and queries of the customers. Recruiters look for candidates who can pro-actively; provide solutions and assistance to a customer pertaining to their needs with prompt and swift actions.

A constant learner: We live in a society where everything around us is dynamic and constantly evolves with time. As a banker one needs to be a learner for the entire lifetime and should not stop learning. Banking as a function brings in reforms and updations to the banking guidelines; and in order to keep up with the changes a banker needs to be on a constant curve of learning. The learning's shall not be confined to the banking domain; keeping an eye on developments in the economy will help you become a sensitive banker I.e. A banker who is sensitive to the needs of a growing economy.

Analytical bent of mind: Risk management is the primary tasks that a banker does, which involves calculating and taking measures to de-rail any projected losses that a bank might have to go through. This makes it very essential for a banker to possess an analytical bent of mind, that helps in shaping the sound-ness of the banking sector. Analytical bent of mind helps bankers to analyze the financial background and capabilities of a customer, identify low yielding products such as loans, securities or bonds and optimum utilization of available financial assets to drive profits. Banking as a function involves high risk, and since all the banks are inter-linked somehow, failure of one banking institution will directly impact other banking institutions, this makes recruiters look for candidates who have advanced levels of analytical thinking so that they can project and avert losses.

7 Qualities Bank Jobs Recruiters Look For in Candidates

Professionalism: Recruiters look for candidates who have a deeper sense of the professionalism. Professionalism means the ability to perform and remain committed to the core principles of the profession under the most challenging situations. Bank jobs being customer facing and customer oriented; leaves no other option with the recruiter to look for candidates who can be passionate about the needs of their cus-tomers as well as do not compromise on logic while solving their needs. Taking the right decisions under pressure and stress; without compromising on the principles of profession is one of the major concerns of a bank jobs recruiter.

Accountability: Since bankers deal with customer's money, this is one of the most important trait for a bank job. Banks undergo audits, to scrutinize and verify the numbers to check financial frauds. And many of the financial frauds had been committed by bank employees in the past, banks look for candidates who are sincere, committed and trustworthy towards their job and society at large. Banks look for an accountable and reliable banker who can be the whistleblower and help the bank minimize financial frauds.

Hunger for growth: As a banker one needs to be hungry for growth, be it improving on communication skills, learning about new developments in the banking domain both at national and international levels. This is the only preparation one needs to do in order to apply for high paying bank jobs; which are a sure shot medium of growth in this domain. Hunger for growth, a motivational factor which will help you progress in your career in various stages.

Top 3 Rules to Land a Successful Career in Banking (or Any Career)

Every year many people dream of obtaining a challenging position within a great company, but so few of them actually reach the position of their dreams. A lot of people end up doing a boring or mundane job, waiting for an opportunity that never comes, or comes so late that we ask ourselves if it was really worth it.

But a few others climb the ladder of responsibilities with remarkable consistency and in only a few years. Sometimes they fall, but they seem to always get back on their feet in one way or another. They usually end up somewhere around the top of the hierarchy 20 years later. What skills or attributes do they have that is better than others? Are they simply better at the job? I know a lot of talented people, doing an excellent job, but that seem to be stuck for years at a low level of responsibility.

Is it pure luck? Luck plays a role for short term opportunities. But the fact that some people seems to always get better opportunities cannot just be explained by luck.

Actually I think that you can create your own luck, and that some people are extremely good at it. During my career I worked with a lot of different people. Some were successful and others were not as much. I have noticed some common characteristics in those who had the most brilliant careers. I truly believe that by following a few lines of conduct you can increase a lot your chance for success.

Here they are:

1 - Say "no" a lot

If you know where you want to go and you know your value, then you shouldn't accept work in a field that doesn't interest you, even if it is supposed to be temporary, or if it "is better that what you have now". Learn to say no when someone offers you a job that is not what you want or does not show your full potential. Learn to ignore the people around you that want you to be reasonable, and tell you how great position is, it could very well be great but that is not what you want to do.

The only time you should compromise on that is when the position that is offered to you is part of the normal process to get where you want to go. For example if you want to be a trader, accepting to be an intern before getting a full time position is something natural,however working in the back office is not.

Top 3 Rules to Land a Successful Career in Banking (or Any Career)

I know so many people who accepted the first proposition that came to them after graduation, thinking they will get better opportunities later. The truth is: once you start doing something, people see you differently, and have a harder time considering you for another job other than that which you are currently doing, whatever your qualities. If you keep insisting and refusing jobs you don't want to do, they may consider you for the position of your dream.

And if you don't make it in the end, what did you lose? The opportunity to do a boring job for the rest of your life? These kind of opportunities will always be there, trust me, don't accept them while you didn't do your best to do something else. So learn to say no, and to say no early.

2 - Don't get too comfortable

If you feel too good in your current position, it could impact your evolution. If your goal is to climb the ladder of hierarchy, you have to be constantly on the move looking for opportunities. In every company, there are people that did the same thing for so long that nobody will think of giving them different responsibilities. And they shouldn't, because most of the time, these people have lost the sense of challenge and the taste for change. They actually are so afraid of change that sometimes even moving from a working location to another can impact their performance. They are like a tree, people have always seen them where they are, and nobody can see them anywhere else.

So when you feel you've become too comfortable for too long, act now before it is too difficult to move. Scout for opportunities internally, and even in other companies. And above all: accept to take a reasonable amount of risk. Of course you could end up in a situation that is worse than it is now. But every positive thing in life come with a certain level of risk. And the most successful people will meet failure at some point. If you are always on the move and mobile, it will be much easier to get back on your feet after this. I think that is what makes the difference between those for whom failure means the end and those for whom it means a new challenge.

3 - Find that thing that sets you apart from others

If you want to succeed, of course you have to be good at what you are doing. But at a certain point, everybody is good in their core field, and that is not anymore the sole criteria for promotion. When the managers have to choose between you and others, you have to be the obvious choice. You have to become the one that has something more.

For example these recent years in banks, those who understand computers and programming have a certain advantage over the others. Because algorithmics and automation has become so important in the banking field, those who can understand the systems, and even able to build their own tools are the only ones who really master the whole process. And they are still so many bankers from the time where it was only about math and finance. Those who don't adapt to the technology changes are no longer evolving, and choosing them for a managerial position means there is a good chance that they will apply old school methods and forgo keeping up with the digital revolution.

Resume Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Banking Job Search

The Objective

I put the objective on the top of the list. I believe it is the most common reason recruiters will stop reading your resume and move on. Being a graduate with almost no prior experience is possible, but it is not an excuse to not clearly define what you hope to achieve. Adding an objective to the top of your resume is crucial, but it has to be very specific to the recruiter. I have seen so many objectives such as "Looking for a role in investment banking" or "Targeting a front-office position", these are not clear enough goals. The banking sector is so diversified and divided into so many sections and levels that you should be very specific when applying for a role. This will facilitate the Human Resource job and they will be able to send your resume to the right department.

The Generic Resume

Let's take a look at the following scenario: you are about to graduate and have two internships on your resume, both are in the banking sector but different departments and job titles. You don't really know what job you would like to do in the investment banking sector, or still hesitate between several positions.

This is completely fine, most of us went through this phase. However, even if you are in doubt at the beginning, it surely must not be visible from the recruiter's perspective. What is the solution for this? It is simple, stop mass mailing one resume for all positions you apply, but rather adjust it to make it relative to the job for which you are applying. If you apply for a quantitative position, you should demonstrate your mathematical and computer science skills. On the other hand, if your aim is to be in sales, you should focus more on your social skills and not emphasize too much the technical parts. Even if your resume already fits the job description, take some time to update your resume and rearrange it so the recruiter will think you are a high profile that could fulfill the position, and it will most likely lead to an interview.

Resume Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Banking Job Search

The No-Spirit resume

Employers like to see as much information as possible up front, but they are looking for qualitative and not quantitative information. During the small amount of time the recruiter will spend reading your resume, he needs to understand your goals, as well as your accomplishments. Therefore for each experience, you should breakdown it in two to three lines and add a line with your achievements. For example, if you worked on building a trading algorithm that resulted in a sharp ratio of 3.5, that's definitely an experience to mention. For a given position, the manager will see dozens of resumes, very comparable to each other in terms of academics and job titles. The difference between you and another candidate will be in the results that you have achieved during that experience.

How to Write a Winning Banking Job CV

Finding a job with a top banking organization requires hard work and perseverance. The quality of your banking job CV will determine the results of your search for meaningful employment.

Your curriculum vitae should be formulated to highlight your qualities and skills along with your qualifications and working experience if any.

A good starting point is to consider who it will be targeted to, what message to convey and the kind of response it is designed to solicit. This will require you to customize all your banking job resumes to the standards of the institution where you seek employment.

Your curriculum vitae must show that you are an exceptional candidate for the job as compared to other similar job seekers.

Networking is also a common way of finding banking jobs. You should expand your networks whenever you get the chance so you can increase your chances of getting the best jobs through your references.

If you are pursuing a career in banking you should comprehend the duties and responsibilities of your field of work. The banking industry is quite demanding but a committed individual can be able to cope. Some of the jobs you can expect to perform include:

1. Dealing with routine bank transactions

2. Handling of checks and credit cards

3. Processing of loans

4. Marketing and selling financial products

5. Handling client withdrawals and deposits

6. Preparing Travellers checks for clients

7. Dealing with customer queries

Your resume should reflect capability to perform the above tasks plus others effectively. The following points must be present in your curriculum vitae.

Summary of Objectives: The objectives should include career objectives and your leadership qualities relevant to the job. It should portray your ambitions and goals if you should you secure employment with the prospective bank.

How to Write a Winning Banking Job CV

Contact Information: The second paragraph should include your daytime contact details. These will include: Full Name, phone number, address and email.

Candidates Career Summary: Here you will highlight your erstwhile professional working experience in the banking sector. You should demonstrate your ability to effectively carry out responsibilities for the prospective bank and its customers. You must clearly indicate your performance level and contributions to your former employer. You should also include your past working experience with other banks, positions held and roles undertaken, leadership roles assigned, professional skills gained, names of the banks you have worked with and similar information.

Academic Qualifications: This part of the resume displays your complete academic profile beginning from Grade School to College Graduation and any other specialized short courses undertaken in between. Your Banking Job CV must also show the name of the Educational Institutions, years of completion and Degrees /Diplomas awarded.

Personal Achievements: Under this sub heading, you can show the accolades, merit certificates and medals awarded to for excellence in relevant fields.

Relevant Skills: Under this sub heading, you should indicate both natural and technical aptitude for computers, banking software, languages and other similar skills required for banking jobs.

A Banking Job resume with the above details highlighted in an eye catching format is most likely to get you an interview and place you well near to getting your dream banking job career.

Career in Banking Jobs

The banking industry has passed through a volatile period and even though it has seen its share of hard times, banking jobs are expected to grow over the next decade. Many of these jobs are for administrative staff and support. In fact, nearly 64 percent of banking jobs are of this type. These areas are where the biggest opportunity for jobs will be found as they have a high turn over rate.

Management positions are commonly filled from within the company by promoting highly skilled personnel and these jobs are more competitive to obtain. These jobs require suitable education such as an MBA.

There are also specialized jobs within the banking industry and these require additional training and certifications. For example, those who wish to pursue a career in mortgage lending might want to take the Certified Mortgage Banker program available through the Mortgage Bankers Association. Someone seeking employment selling securities needs to hold a license from the National Association of Securities Dealers.

When competing for top level banking jobs, proper training and credentials is important. Of equal importance is the type and amount of experience in the industry as most upper level jobs are filled by promotions from within. A willingness to start at the bottom and work your way up is a good attitude to have when it comes to these jobs.

 Career in Banking Jobs

Banks deal in all kinds of transactions and it takes all kinds of skilled personnel to handle them properly. In addition to support staff, management staff, and mortgage lenders, banks also need auditors, accountants, computer specialists, and even legal personnel.

Banking jobs also require an ability to deal with the public in a friendly and helpful way and an attention to detail and numbers. Advantages to banking careers are the pleasant working conditions and hours as well as the opportunity to have holidays and weekends off in most branch locations.

Top Banking Interview Questions

Banking is one of the fields which are evergreen just like mechanical engineering. It is quite true that it provides so many job opportunities every year. You need to stay in line and you will definitely get some kind of job in the bank. You might apply for the class one post or the clerical post. However you will have to pass an interview.

Some of the interview questions which can be asked from you are as follows:

1. Which is the most important subject for a cashier who works in some bank?
The cashiers have to count lots of money daily. Hence, there are two subjects which are important for them. The first one is definitely the mathematics and the second one is the accounts. These two are the most important subjects for them.

2. Do you feel that you can become a cashier?
Yes why not? I have all the qualification and I am honest as well. Hence it is quite true that I will be a very good cashier. But let me tell you one thing that I do not want to become a cashier. I want to become a probationary officer.

3. What was your performance in the written examination?
Definitely, I performed quite well. I think you must have got my result with you and hence you should know that I have performed very well. The last line is quite important. If you will answer like this then the recruiters will definitely get an impression that you are a very good and confident person. You will definitely gain a respected position in the eyes of the recruiters. This will cement your position as well. It is quite sure that your selection will be confirmed.

 Top Banking Interview Questions

4. Suppose you have two children. How will you be related to the brother of one of your children's son?
These types of question are asked very frequently in banking sector. As far as this question is concerned, it is quite sure that you will be the grandfather. However I have just taken this question as an example. The toughness of this type of question will definitely be much more. You need to prepare very well if you want to be the successful person.

5. Do you know that which is the strongest country in the world?
These are the general knowledge questions. As far as this question is concerned, it is quite true that it is USA. But you will be asked tougher question.

Why Investment Banking Careers Are Still a Great Choice

The five-year anniversary of the collapse of Lehman Brothers has led many in the industry to look back and reflect at the events that took place around that time and what has changed since. Recently among those of us that were in the market at the time, these types of secular changes and the question of "why investment banking careers" have naturally been a major talking point.

One funny person remarked that five years ago, people were saying "we're all going to lose our jobs", whereas now everyone is saying "we're all going to leave our jobs".

Yes, it was funny. It was funny because it reflects the situation that a number of seasoned bankers are now faced with. In today's environment, most work longer and harder, in more challenging market conditions than before, face far tougher capital and regulatory requirements. They also enjoy fewer perks of being in the job, take home less pay than previously and to top it off, in many jurisdictions they pay a higher rate of tax on what they do take home. These things are leaving us to question what we all should be doing.

Apples to apples

But all of this needs to be put into some sort of perspective. Pre-crisis comparisons look pretty unfavourable in most industries. Careers in investment banking and financial markets remain attractive and rewarding in absolute and relative terms, and are likely to continue to be for the foreseeable future.

Moreover, the situation for investment banking graduates, relative to those in other industries, is even more attractive. Compared to more senior positions, the declines in compensation have been for less pronounced. As an analyst your income will still be higher than many of your classmates, your bonus will still mostly be in cash and despite overall job cuts, the street is still showing its desire to keep the young blood walking through the door.

With this in mind, it's important not to approach your job search half-heartedly. Since investment banking remains an attractive career, you should ensure that you commit fully to it and try as hard as possible to get an edge over other candidates. The early you start preparing, the more of an edge you will be able to gain.

What will my friends think?

But what about how becoming a banker will be perceived by others? A number of students we've spoken to are concerned by this. We really wouldn't worry. All of us have many friends outside the industry, and frequently meet new people from other walks of life on a regular basis. To be honest, our profession has never really been an issue. The majority of people are curious about banking and financial markets, reflecting the general lack of comprehension by the wider public of what happens there and what working in investment banking is actually like.

Why Investment Banking Careers Are Still a Great Choice

Besides, do you really want to associate with people that judge by your occupation anyway? Of course, some banter is inevitable, and if you don't have a sense of humour then an investment bank is probably not the place for you to work.

Above all, make sure that you research thoroughly. network effectively and prepare adequately for interviews. You need guidance from people who've been there and done it. It's also important to keep abreast of developments in financial markets. A number of years ago we were in the position of having to find jobs. Through effective networking and preparation we were able to secure multiple front office offers between us, and still highly recommend investment banking and financial markets as a career choice.