Have an interview at the bank, any advice?

[tammybear]

I have an interview for Natwest bank on Wednesday. I have a friend who works in Barclays and she was saying that I have to be able to do really good mathematics in my head, so I can work out change quickly, but does anyone else have any tips?

[jampot]

Yes, don't divulge that you're a kleptomaniac (if you are)

[jampot]

Seriously good luck - hope it all goes well

[tammybear]

lol thanks jampot

[pesme]

If they offer you a drink ask for water. When they ask you a question that you flusters you, calmly take a sip of water and look serene and think through the question. Don't be afraid to ask them to clarify something. Sounds silly but always works for me. Good luck.

[whizzz]

Don't go in with a stocking over your head.... sorry its been one of those days !
No - I hope all goes well.
Look calm & in control, plan some answers to what you think they may ask. Ask the Barclays friend about the sort of thing she does so that you can drop into the interview the fact that you're good at all these things - before they ask !
Good luck !

[Miaou]

When you are introduced to your interviewer, shake their hand firmly and look them in the eye. Also, keep eye contact with them when you are answering their questions.

Don't worry if you are nervous, they will expect it - after all, it shows that you care about getting the job!

[mummytosteven]

are you looking for a job as a counter-clerk? if you are then i have a friend that used to do that, so be aware that sales targets may be part of the job - e.g. for getting people to sign up for loans etc. you might want to ask about that side of the job. also have you sorted out clothes/shoes yet - if you have any nice new shoes, wear them - that is the sort of thing interviewers often look at, to see if you have smart shoes on! you could ask your friend what sort of thing to wear for the interview. also if you have submitted a CV, be prepared to answer questions about anything you have put on it!

[Miaou]

More thoughts - a lot of interviewers these days ask "What are your strengths" but also "What are your weaknesses". Think of a "good" weakness! eg. "I sometimes take work worries home with me" (shows you care) or "I can be a bit over-enthusiastic" (good if you are an extrovert). It's really worth thinking of an answer to this question before the interview - I'm sure it catches people out and they start saying "Well, I'm really bad at timekeeping...."

[tammybear]

its for working behind the cashier. dealing with the money and stuff. i think im going to wear a blue shirt and a black knee length skirt (too hot for trousers!). ive got some new black shoes that im going to wear. they all seem to wear shirts and black skirts there, so i thought id dress like them lol.

thanks for the advice so far. any more?

[Tanzie]

I interviewed someone once to run a small office and handle high level visitors (eg Government Ministers) and asked her what her strengths and weaknesses were. I forget her strength, but she said that her weaknesses were that she panicked under pressure and took sick leave if everything got too stressful!

I agree with "positive weaknesses", esp those that Miaou has mentioned.

PS My interviewee didn't get the job, but I did feel that I should have commended her on her honesty!!

[luckymum]

Tammybear - I used to work for Natwest. They are big on sales, teamwork and customer service. You don't need to be particularly good at maths. Be positive even about your weaknesses as Miaou said, sell yourself. Good luck