Baml video interview -
Tackling tricky graduate interview questions at the Bank of America assessment centre
It’s likely you’ll have either two or three interviews during the Bank of America recruitment process. Past candidates have said those interviews cover competencies, motivation and bank/market/technical knowledge including being asked to make a specific investment recommendation if you had £100,000 to spend and – for technologists – being asked to describe the Java collection framework. There’s also evidence of candidates being asked ‘curveball questions’ such as, ‘Estimate the financial value generated by tie sales in the USA’. Below we explore some of the typical types of questions that could come up during your interviews.
Example questions about the bank and the division
Past candidates have typically been asked ‘Why do you want to work for Bank of America?’ and ‘Why this division?’. If you require guidance on the ‘why do you want to apply to us?’ question, specific advice is available here.
More specific questions that’ll enable Bank of America to better gauge your knowledge of it may also be asked; possible questions include ‘What are the biggest issues facing Bank of America today?’, ‘What distinguishes us from our competitors?’ and ‘Which global market trend might most affect Bank of America in the coming year?’.
To answer these, you should...
Read Bank of America’s graduate employer profile on this hub and the ‘about us’ section on its website for a general overview of what the bank does and who it serves. That should be your foundation. You should then find out what’s going on in the marketplace and how it may affect the business. Particular financial online/offline publications – such as Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and City A.M. – or the business sections of newspapers including The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph will also help you to deepen your knowledge.
Bank of America example question: what will you struggle with most in this role?
This question could also be worded along the lines of, ‘What do you think will be a challenge in this role?’. It’s advisable you view the ‘struggle’ as a challenge. Doing so will give you room to respond with the skills or qualities that you’d apply to overcome the difficulty. This question is designed to assess your adaptability and your understanding of what it takes to do the role rather than your weaknesses.
To answer this, you should...
Research what the job entails. For more detail, check if there’s more information on LinkedIn, which the bank uses to advertise jobs. On LinkedIn you’ll also be able to read the profiles of graduates who have completed the programme, or are currently doing so. Bank of America also has a presence on Twitter.
However, if you have any specific questions, it might be worth contacting the recruitment officer. If you have broader questions about the investment banking industry, visit TARGETjobs Finance.
Relate what you’ve found out to the working world. If you've applied for a client-facing role, would dealing with customers’ demands within a tight timeframe be a challenge? If you have gone for a technical position, would you need to brush up on your IT skills?
Bank of America example question: tell us about an idea that you managed to sell to your colleagues
On the global technology industrial placement programme, for example, entry-level technologists have been expected to collaborate with software testers.
To answer this, you should...
Recognise that Bank of America recruiters don’t expect you to arrive at your interview with a perfectly persuasive technique. What they will expect, however, is that you can identify the importance of being able to influence a decision and identify when the skill should come into play.
You’ll be able to convince them with a good example. Did you persuade colleagues at work or university to agree to your idea? What was the outcome? Remember to pinpoint the approaches or strategies that you used. Did you argue your case with logic? Did you focus on the needs of the group?
Bank of America example question: tell me about a time when you built a good relationship with a client
Focusing on the needs of the other party is a key ingredient when dealing with clients, or co-workers. For example, on the global corporate and investment banking analyst programme, graduates have been required to ‘help the team deliver solutions to clients’.
Once the other party is convinced that you’ve got their interests in mind, he/she is more likely to trust you. Mutual trust is one of Bank of America’s top corporate values. It’s mentioned on its website specifically about trust between teams within the bank – but, of course, being trusted by your customers is also vital.
To answer this, you should...
Choose an example where you can clearly show that you took time to listen to the client carefully and found out about their interests and expectations. These steps are essential to winning them around.
Remember not to view clients as just paying customers of a company you worked for. They should be seen as the recipients of the products/services you deliver in a range of settings, be it in a classroom or on a football pitch.
If you don’t have a specific corporate client-related experience, focus on when you have engaged with peers, students or attendees. Did you complete a teaching English as a foreign language course and build good relationships with the students? Think about the techniques you used.
Bank of America example question: explain three features of object oriented programming (OOP)
You could be asked to explain OOP or to discuss the disadvantages of using indexes, along with a series of other ‘tech’ questions if you’ve applied for one of Bank of America’s technology programmes. Some previous candidates have said their Bank of America interviewers had a list of basic and advanced technical questions, and they wish they had come to the interview better prepared.
To answer these technical questions, you should...
Go over the job description to anticipate the types of questions that could be asked. Also check LinkedIn for any current or previous Bank of America technologists, to see if there’s more information on the requirements of the role.
Then compare your findings to what you did in your degree (Bank of America has specified that computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering degrees may be advantageous) as well as your related work experience.
Bank of America example question: can you give me an example of a time you showed resilience or motivation in the last 6–12 months?
Bank of America wants all its graduate recruits and interns, irrespective of what they’ve applied for, to have the ability to withstand stress and hit targets in the face of obstacles. The graduate roles, especially front office, are challenging, require sustained mental concentration and managing several projects at once.
To answer this, you should...
Pick a recent example if possible. Doing so will show how ‘ready for work’ you are, and your recent university, work-related or extracurricular experiences may be more pertinent to the role. An example where you encountered an unforeseen challenge or the project involved a steeper learning curve than you had expected could be particularly effective. Following through in these circumstances would show that you are resilient and motivated.
Other examples could be training and completing a marathon in spite of injury; gaining good academic grades in spite of illness; or following through on a fundraising bid after others dropped out.
More help from TARGETjobs:
Video interview FAQ
What is an On Demand interview and how can I prepare?
An On Demand interview is an interview you record at your convenience. When you start the interview, you will have the option to take practice questions to become familiar with the system prior to recording your real interview questions. You may also visit the Bank of America campus website for additional details on how to be successful.
How long will it take to complete my video interview?
Your first round video interview will take up to 15 minutes to complete. Please set aside enough time to complete your interview at one time.
What should I do if I am logged out of the system during my video interview?
Please be aware that you will be automatically logged out by the system after 30 minutes if it is left sitting idle for this period. If you are logged out during or after completing your video interview, please log back into the system.
Related Topics
Источник: https://bankcampuscareers.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/mobile-0/brand-4/candidate/faq/topic/local/20Common Interview Questions for Personal Bankers
Personal bankers work at retail banks. Serving as the face and the sales arm of the financial institution, they help individual clients meet their banking needs by providing advice, explaining options, and recommending the most appropriate financial services. They offer and discuss new checking and savings accounts, auto loans and mortgages, along with ancillary products like overdraft protection. Personal bankers may also provide insurance and investment products, or refer customers to agents within the institution who can assist them with additional financial products.
Interviews for personal banking jobs typically focus on responsibilities and essential skills necessary for the position, such as financial knowledge and strong customer service skills. Most personal banking positions are not considered entry-level, although some beginning positions are available, so interviewees should be prepared to describe any relevant education or experience in customer service, sales, finance, or banking in great detail.
The following are a few questions likely to come up during a job interview for a personal banking position.
Key Takeaways
- Personal banker job interviews concentrate on personal finance expertise and customer service skills.
- One common interview question: “How do you choose products to suggest to clients?”
- Another common question: "How do you handle difficult or confused clients?”
- A third common question: "Why do you want to work at our bank?"
“How Do You Choose Particular Products to Suggest to Clients?”
This is one of the most common interview questions for personal bankers, and to answer it properly, you must have a convincing knowledge of the bank’s products and their benefits, uses, and returns. Personal bankers often have a great influence on their clients, and the position's responsibilities are equal parts customer service and sales.
The more knowledgeable you are about the products you are selling, the more successful you will be. It is crucial to have a keen understanding of each individual client’s needs and financial situation to best identify the products most beneficial for them.
Sample Answer:
“I enjoy listening and getting to know my customers, building long-term relationships with them. By taking the time to understand their goals and needs, I am better able to identify what products will help them succeed and grow.”
Banking customers often feel more comfortable discussing and buying financial products with someone they know. By stressing you want to build long-term relationships, you are communicating that you not only want to make a sale, but you are also looking to cultivate long-term customers.
“How Do You Handle Aggressive, Demanding, or Confused Clients?”
Personal bankers deal with a wide variety of clients, and since they are the face of the entire institution to the customers, it is vital they present themselves professionally at all times. Impatient, judgmental, or temperamental people are not likely to have successful careers as personal bankers.
You must have the ability to tailor your approach and adjust your sales techniques for every client. While one client may wish to sit and chat before getting down to business, another may just be trying to open a checking account before their lunch break is over. Discuss your ability to clearly change your communication style to best meet the needs of your customer.
Sample Answer:
“My passion for helping people reach their financial goals is much stronger than my ego. Every client deserves my respect and I pride myself on my professionalism and integrity. I am confident in my communication skills and comfortable varying my approach if necessary.”
The bank relies on personal bankers to represent the company in a positive manner at all times. By putting the needs of the bank's customers over your own, you show true dedication to their best interests and prove you are a team player. Interviewers are seeking candidates who can prove they have a passion for personal finance as well as strong interpersonal communication skills and a desire for helping people succeed.
"Why Do You Want to Work at Our Bank?"
This one—a typical question for any position in any field—can be especially tough, since you may feel one financial institution is as good as another. But try to make a convincing case that this particular bank means a lot to you, and you have reasons for choosing it over the competition (beyond the fact that they're hiring). Research the place and its products, and try to single out those that are unique and that you admire. Cite their reputation and their clientele.
Sample Answer:
"Maybe it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: XYZ Bank has such a sterling reputation in the industry—it sets the gold standard for institutions that cater to individual clients, and those are the people I want to serve. In particular, I admire the bank's marketing methods, and the innovative products, like A, B, and C, that it has introduced to the public over the years."
With this answer, you can demonstrate that you've done your homework about the company and are familiar with it—never a bad thing in an interviewer's eyes. Of course, you should try to link the items you cite with your own experience and expertise. This response can also lead naturally into where your career path, and where you see yourself in five years—another common interview question for personal banker jobs.
Common Interview Questions for Personal Bankers
Personal bankers work at retail banks. Serving as the face and the sales arm of the financial institution, they help individual clients meet their banking needs by providing advice, explaining options, and recommending the most appropriate financial services. They offer and discuss new checking and savings accounts, auto loans and mortgages, along with ancillary products like overdraft protection. Personal bankers may also provide insurance and investment products, or refer customers to agents within the institution who can assist them with additional financial products.
Interviews for personal banking jobs typically focus on responsibilities and essential skills necessary for the position, such as financial knowledge and strong customer service skills. Most personal banking positions are not considered entry-level, although some beginning positions are available, so interviewees should be prepared to describe any relevant education or experience in customer service, sales, finance, or banking in great detail.
The following are a few questions likely to come up during a job interview for a personal banking position.
Key Takeaways
- Personal banker job interviews concentrate on personal finance expertise and customer service skills.
- One common interview question: “How do you choose products to suggest to clients?”
- Another common question: "How do you handle difficult or confused clients?”
- A third common question: "Why do you want to work at our bank?"
“How Do You Choose Particular Products to Suggest to Clients?”
This is one of the most common interview questions for personal bankers, and to answer it properly, you must have a convincing knowledge of the bank’s products and their benefits, uses, and returns. Personal bankers often have a great influence on their clients, and the position's responsibilities are equal parts customer service and sales.
The more knowledgeable you are about the products you are selling, the more successful you will be. It is crucial to have a keen understanding of each individual client’s needs and financial situation to best identify the products most beneficial for them.
Sample Answer:
“I enjoy listening and getting to know my customers, building long-term relationships with them. By taking the time to understand their goals and needs, I am better able to identify what products will help them succeed and grow.”
Banking customers often feel more comfortable discussing and buying financial products with someone they know. By stressing you want to build long-term relationships, you are communicating that you not only want to make a sale, but you are also looking to cultivate long-term customers.
“How Do You Handle Aggressive, Demanding, or Confused Clients?”
Personal bankers deal with a wide variety of clients, and since they are the face of the entire institution to the customers, it is vital they present themselves professionally at all times. Impatient, judgmental, or temperamental people are not likely to have successful careers as personal bankers.
You must have the ability to tailor your approach and adjust your sales techniques for every client. While one client may wish to sit and chat before getting down to business, another may just be trying to open a checking account before their lunch break is over. Discuss your ability to clearly change your communication style to best meet the needs of your customer.
Sample Answer:
“My passion for helping people reach their financial goals is much stronger than my ego. Every client deserves my respect and I pride myself on my professionalism and integrity. I am confident in my communication skills and comfortable varying my approach if necessary.”
The bank relies on personal bankers to represent the company in a positive manner at all times. By putting the needs of the bank's customers over your own, you show true dedication to their best interests and prove you are a team player. Interviewers are seeking candidates who can prove they have a passion for personal finance as well as strong interpersonal communication skills and a desire for helping people succeed.
"Why Do You Want to Work at Our Bank?"
This one—a typical question for any position in any field—can be especially tough, since you may feel one financial institution is as good as another. But try to make a convincing case that this particular bank means a lot to you, and you have reasons for choosing it over the competition (beyond the fact that they're hiring). Research the place and its products, and try to single out those that are unique and that you admire. Cite their reputation and their clientele.
Sample Answer:
"Maybe it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: XYZ Bank has such a sterling reputation in the industry—it sets the gold standard for institutions that cater to individual clients, and those are the people I want to serve. In particular, I admire the bank's marketing methods, and the innovative products, like A, B, and C, that it has introduced to the public over the years."
With this answer, you can demonstrate that you've done your homework about the company and are familiar with it—never a bad thing in an interviewer's eyes. Of course, you should try to link the items you cite with your own experience and expertise. This response can also lead naturally into where your career path, and where you see yourself in five years—another common interview question for personal banker jobs.
There’s no doubt that the Coronavirus pandemic has changed many things about how we do business forever. One process that has been completely turned upside down is that of hiring. As companies open themselves up to hiring, not only will they be flooded with resumes from those who were laid off or furloughed, they are also facing the challenge of how to interview safely. And with many departments juggling more obstacles than ever, time is precious. Enter on-demand interviewing.
What is an on-demand interview?
According to Interview Stream, a popular video interviewing software, “in an on-demand video interview, the candidate is usually asked to respond to preset questions that are recorded by the recruiter or hiring manager, and the answers are reviewed later.” So that means it will just be you on camera; no one there to respond to your answers, ask you follow up questions, or give hints to how well you’re doing.
What kinds of questions will you be answering?
Because this is a truncated interview, hiring managers will want to get as much information as possible. This means they’ll focus on behavioral questions. Your answers should be detailed accounts of situations you’ve experienced at work or in school. Below are some examples of popular behavioral interview questions:
- Discuss a time when you faced a conflict while working on a team.
- Tell us about a time when you faced a lot of pressure at work. What happened, and how did you handle it?
- Describe a time when you managed a project. Walk us through your project management strategy from start to finish.
- Tell us about your proudest professional accomplishment.
How should you answer on-demand interview questions?
Because there’s no interaction with an interviewer, it can be particularly challenging to get your personality through during an on-demand interview. Your answers must be enthusiastic, professional, and thorough. It’s essential that your answers give a glimpse into who you are as an employee. Hiring managers will be looking for a positive attitude, self-motivation, and flexibility.
While recording answers, it will feel awkward. But the lack of response doesn’t mean you need to fill dead space with rambling! While your answers should be thorough, keep them concise. Describe your past experiences in detail but come to a clean and confident end. Try your best to avoid filler words and endings such as, “so… yeah!” or “and stuff.”
How can you prepare ahead of time?
Your appearance will be more critical than ever during an on-demand interview. Make sure you have a plain, uncluttered backdrop with no noise in the background. Pick out a simple but professional outfit. Make sure your hair is combed and tidy, and your face bright and refreshed!
If you’re lucky enough to have access to the interview questions prior to your on-demand interview, this is an incredible opportunity! Write your answers down multiple times and practice reading them aloud to friends or family. As you’re recording your answers, you don’t want to come off stiff, so avoid reading right off a page. Repeated practice will build up your “muscle memory” and help the answers roll right off your tongue! You can even baml video interview recording on your laptop and watching your answers back. While uncomfortable, it can be a great way to expose your body language and any answers that may be slightly off.
For more video or general interview tips, be sure to explore our candidate resources.