Bank Jobs Interview - How to face it successfully?

From D K TIWARI CFA

Edited by C.Rajakannan MBA BE( EEE)

Banking interviews are meant to gauge the potential of the candidate to see if he/she has the skills to be placed in any suitable post in the bank. Banking interview questions are meant to measure the attitude, skill and adjustability of the candidate, to draw a conclusion on his/her suitability in the firm. The interviewers will ask as many questions they think is necessary before recruiting any candidate as they are concerned with the fact that the quality and skills of the employees will determines the future of the company.

To become successful in the banking interview process, you need to be well prepared to face the different sets of banking interview questions. Banking interview questions also starts with some general questions about the candidate such as his/her family background, education, and interests. The second and third set of banking interview questions will be meant to know the candidate's work experience, nature, capacity, ideology, and ability to solve problems. Answering to the fist set of banking interview questions related to your family, qualification, or future planning will be quite easy.

The interviewer may typically begin with 'tell me about yourself". It is a common opener which is meant to set the ball rolling for the next few minutes ahead. Even though this is the common question which will be asked in most of the interviews you can score brownie points by answering the question a bit differently, but at the same time not deviating much from the context.

commonly asked banking interview questions include:

General Questions:
Why did you choose banking as your profession? Do you have any previous experience? Why you left your previous job? Why do you want to work for us? How long will you stay with us? Where you see yourself in another five years?

Finance related banking interview questions:

If you could buy one stock today, what would it be and why? Can you explain the effect of rising interest rates on the United States economy? What are the main issues ABC Company has to face before entering a given industry (Porter framework)? Explain the techniques you use to value firms? What do you mean by cost of capital?

When do you use a WACC versus a cost of equity?

Behavioral Questions:
Do you think you have leadership quality? Can you explain when did you show leadership? Have you think you can perform well in a group? What is your most noted accomplishment? What are your positive traits or strengths? What are your negative traits or weaknesses? What you can do for the company others people can't? Explain an example when you had a personal conflict and how you resolved it? Tell a time when you had an ethical dilemma and how you resolved it. What type of person do you find difficult to get along with? INTERVIEW : 100 Marks divided into following sections :. >Intelligence and Clarity of Thoughts : 10 Marks >Motivation : 10 Marks >Leadership qualities and Team Spirit : 10 Marks >Communication Skills : 10 Marks >Empathy and concern for the less privileged : 10 Marks >Initiative & Innovativeness : 10 Marks >Analytical Ability : 10 Marks >Interpersonal relationship :10 Marks >General demeanour and Attitude :10 Marks .

SOME DON'TS (THINGS TO BE AVOIDED)

Friends there are various things that we should avoid while interview. I paste here its link for downloaded. It is actually taken from website suggested by Tapan Kumar Patro ( A very senior member) i also read it and find very nice . http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html

SOME DON'TS (THINGS TO BE AVOIDED)

********On the day of the interview************. Download link:http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html Source : http://surijob.com/interview-tips.asp.

1 Don't study late in the night before the interview. A full night's sleep is a must before the interview to remain fit and fresh during the course of the day. 2 Don't eat an exceptionally heavy breakfast on the day of your interview as it might make you feel uncomfortable or heavy.
. Download link:http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html Source : http://surijob.com/interview-tips.asp.

1 Don't forget to close the door after you have entered the interview hall. 2 Don't forget to ask permission before coming in. Ask" May I come in, please" 3 Don't forget timely salutation when you have reached near the table of the chairman. Greet them according to the time. 4 Don't sit down on your own. Wait for the chairman's invitation to take a seat. But sit immediately. 5 Don't start of on your own. Let the chairman initiate the proceeding. 6 Don't speak too fast. Let every word you speak be clear and audible to all the members. 7 Don't make artificial or excessive gesticulation. Try to be as normal as possible. 8 Don't be emotional on any particular point just to win the favor of the interview board. 9 Don't interrupt the others. Let the chairman or the member complete his question. Only after he has finished speaking, in case you have not followed, you may request him to repeat. 10 Don't enter into any arguments with the chairman or any member of the board. 11 Don't try to avoid questions. If consecutively two or more members have put their questions, reply to each one in the same order. 12 Don't give evasive or confusing answers. If you are not sure of something be frank and politely say" Sir I am not aware of such a thing" or "Sir I am sorry I do not know' 13 Don't fiddle around with your buttons, your hair or anything else as it shows your nervousness.

14 Don't change your stand. Be consistent in the line of argument you have chosen unless properly reasoned. Do not give self contradictory or conflicting answers. 15 Don't readily agree with everything the interviewer says, if you have valid arguments to support your point of view. In case of disagreement be polite and say" I beg to differ, sir because..........." and try to convince him of your own point of view. 16 Don't try to gain favor of the chairman or any of the members by giving a biased opinion, to please him. This will not show your maturity or integrity. 17 Don't enter into any political controversy. Never try to gain the favor of the interviewers by speaking against or in favor of any particular community. 18 Don't give up. While presenting a point, don't stop abruptly until the topic is changed by the interviewer. 19 Don't miss the opportunity to compliment the interviewer e g " I hear this for the first time, sir" 1 Make sure that you are courageous through out. Remember to say" please" "Thank you" etc as often as you can. 2 Be comfortable and relaxed. You have no reason to suffer from an inferiority complex. You want to be selected and the interviewers before you have the task of finding a suitable candidate. It is a situation of mutuality. 3 If confronted with an odd or confusing question, don't become nervous. Instead try to answer with clarity and confidence. 4 Be attentive and alert throughout the interview. 5 Speak in a clear voice and make sure each word is audible to the interviewers. 6 Be a good listener so that you know what is being asked. If you are unable to understand any question, request the members to repeat it saying "I beg your pardon". Don't start your answer until you have understood what is being asked (Don't frequently ask for repetition, but re-state for confirmation). 7 Give well thought out and balanced answers but be prompt so that the interviewers are able to ask as many question as they like. You have to help them make a proper judgment. You can do that only by giving your best. Your much delayed answers may indicate your lack of clarity. 8 Be relaxed through out, without showing any sign of anxiety. Try to give the impression of being an "ambitious young man willing to take on any challenges". 9 Look at all the members one by one while addressing your answers and don't concentrate all the time on the chairman or any particular member of the board. 10 When you are replying to a question asked by any particular members, look at him directly and address your answer to him. 11 Maintain a pleasant expression throughout. You should not look ill at ease, anxious or bored. 12 If you are discussing a serious problem, you should adopt a serious expression. You can not continue to smile when a grave or tragic situation is being discussed. 13 If the chairman or any member appreciates your discussion or the point you have made, take the opportunity to immediately thank him for the compliment.

**********After the interview************. Download link:http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html Source : http://surijob.com/interview-tips.asp.

1 While leaving the room, don't turn back to look at the members. Don't forget, your manner of leaving the hall, is being observed by the interview board. 2 Don't extend your hand for a handshake with the chairman. Let him offer his hand first if he wants to. 3 Don't forget to close the door. 4 Keep sitting. Get up only when the chairman asks you to do so. 5 Thank the chairman and the members of the board while getting up. 6 After the interview, if the chairman extends his hand, shake hands with him confidently and thank him while holding his hand firmly. 7 Don't take a feeble grip as it indicates inferiority complex and lack of self confidence. A firm grip indicates that, on the other hand indicates you have confidence. 8 Put your chair in its proper place with grace and confidence

D.K.Tiwari CFA SOME DON'TS (THINGS TO BE AVOIDED)

********On the day of the interview************. Download link:http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html Source : http://surijob.com/interview-tips.asp.

1 Don't study late in the night before the interview. A full night's sleep is a must before the interview to remain fit and fresh during the course of the day. 2 Don't eat an exceptionally heavy breakfast on the day of your interview as it might make you feel uncomfortable or heavy.

********During the interview************.

Download link:http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html Source : http://surijob.com/interview-tips.asp.

1 Don't forget to close the door after you have entered the interview hall. 2 Don't forget to ask permission before coming in. Ask" May I come in, please" 3 Don't forget timely salutation when you have reached near the table of the chairman. Greet them according to the time. 4 Don't sit down on your own. Wait for the chairman's invitation to take a seat. But sit immediately. 5 Don't start of on your own. Let the chairman initiate the proceeding. 6 Don't speak too fast. Let every word you speak be clear and audible to all the members. 7 Don't make artificial or excessive gesticulation. Try to be as normal as possible. 8 Don't be emotional on any particular point just to win the favor of the interview board. 9 Don't interrupt the others. Let the chairman or the member complete his question. Only after he has finished speaking, in case you have not followed, you may request him to repeat. 10 Don't enter into any arguments with the chairman or any member of the board. 11 Don't try to avoid questions. If consecutively two or more members have put their questions, reply to each one in the same order. 12 Don't give evasive or confusing answers. If you are not sure of something be frank and politely say" Sir I am not aware of such a thing" or "Sir I am sorry I do not know' 13 Don't fiddle around with your buttons, your hair or anything else as it shows your nervousness. 14 Don't change your stand. Be consistent in the line of argument you have chosen unless properly reasoned. Do not give self contradictory or conflicting answers. 15 Don't readily agree with everything the interviewer says, if you have valid arguments to support your point of view. In case of disagreement be polite and say" I beg to differ, sir because..........." and try to convince him of your own point of view. 16 Don't try to gain favor of the chairman or any of the members by giving a biased opinion, to please him. This will not show your maturity or integrity. 17 Don't enter into any political controversy. Never try to gain the favor of the interviewers by speaking against or in favor of any particular community. 18 Don't give up. While presenting a point, don't stop abruptly until the topic is changed by the interviewer. 19 Don't miss the opportunity to compliment the interviewer e g " I hear this for the first time, sir"

During the interview (Some other Points).

1 Make sure that you are courageous through out. Remember to say" please" "Thank you" etc as often as you can. 2 Be comfortable and relaxed. You have no reason to suffer from an inferiority complex. You want to be selected and the interviewers before you have the task of

finding a suitable candidate. It is a situation of mutuality. 3 If confronted with an odd or confusing question, don't become nervous. Instead try to answer with clarity and confidence. 4 Be attentive and alert throughout the interview. 5 Speak in a clear voice and make sure each word is audible to the interviewers. 6 Be a good listener so that you know what is being asked. If you are unable to understand any question, request the members to repeat it saying "I beg your pardon". Don't start your answer until you have understood what is being asked (Don't frequently ask for repetition, but re-state for confirmation). 7 Give well thought out and balanced answers but be prompt so that the interviewers are able to ask as many question as they like. You have to help them make a proper judgment. You can do that only by giving your best. Your much delayed answers may indicate your lack of clarity. 8 Be relaxed through out, without showing any sign of anxiety. Try to give the impression of being an "ambitious young man willing to take on any challenges". 9 Look at all the members one by one while addressing your answers and don't concentrate all the time on the chairman or any particular member of the board. 10 When you are replying to a question asked by any particular members, look at him directly and address your answer to him. 11 Maintain a pleasant expression throughout. You should not look ill at ease, anxious or bored. 12 If you are discussing a serious problem, you should adopt a serious expression. You can not continue to smile when a grave or tragic situation is being discussed. 13 If the chairman or any member appreciates your discussion or the point you have made, take the opportunity to immediately thank him for the compliment.

SOME DON'TS (THINGS TO BE AVOIDED)

**********After the interview************. Download link:http://www.ziddu.com/download/13216173/InterviewTips.doc.html Source : http://surijob.com/interview-tips.asp.

1 While leaving the room, don't turn back to look at the members. Don't forget, your manner of leaving the hall, is being observed by the interview board. 2 Don't extend your hand for a handshake with the chairman. Let him offer his hand first if he wants to. 3 Don't forget to close the door.

4 Keep sitting. Get up only when the chairman asks you to do so. 5 Thank the chairman and the members of the board while getting up. 6 After the interview, if the chairman extends his hand, shake hands with him confidently and thank him while holding his hand firmly. 7 Don't take a feeble grip as it indicates inferiority complex and lack of self confidence. A firm grip indicates that, on the other hand indicates you have confidence. 8 Put your chair in its proper place with grace and confidence.

->one thing i would like to suggest while facing an interview is just BE YOURSELF.This really helped me in cracking SBI's GDPI. ->Show them you are unique from the others. In my SBI's interview i think i was the only guy who didn't wear tie....so the 1st question they fired at me was "Why you are not wearing a tie when others are wearing it?" This was the time to show my uniqueness and impress them. ->Remember one thing when you are telling them about your hobbies then be prepared to answer some tricky question on your hobbies.So be cautious while telling about your hobbies. ->Your gestures and postures gives a clear cut idea of your personality.I hope you all know the rules of gestures and postures. ->Make sure you know about all the rates and their significance. ->Stay updated withGK and english vocab.In SBI they asked me on both of these ... so be prepared to some extent. -> Some times you need to be a bit Diplomatic. ->Presence of mind:you'll be asked some tricky question and a quick with proper thinking is required in answering such questions so keep your mind alert.

Introduce Yourself
How to Properly Introduce Yourself at a Job Interview. The sequence i follows in my interview is.

# Name & Native Place. #Qualification (only major degrees and/ professional qualifications) #Experience ( if any) # Hobbies

# Strength # Special Achievements. Note: Its not an hard & Fast rule......Its only my opinion.
I am Dhirendra Kumar Tiwari. My native is Delhi. I did M.COM MBA & CFA. Now I am purshiung FRM from GARP, USA. Presently I am Working with HDFC Bank Ltd. In my family my father is a doctor and mother is housewife. I have two siblings. About my hobbies i would like to long driving, net surffing in evening at late night and listening soft music. I m smart woking, very confidant passionate and positive attitude guy. My special achievements are I was Gold medlist while my MBA & Got appraisal awards in Ashok ley land & HDFC Bank. Its all about myself. Reply: 1.Take an extra 30 minutes to get ready the morning of your interview to look your best. Choose clothing that fits the employer's work environment (formal, semiformal or casual) and properly groom yourself. Style hair plainly, and keep it away from your face. Nails should be clean and short. Splurge on a professional shoe shine. 2. Leave your house in plenty of time to arrive at least 15 minutes early for your interview. This way, you'll arrive with enough time to calm any jitters and recheck your appearance in a bathroom mirror. 3 Make sure you have fresh breath. Carry mints with you or chew gum until you arrive at the interview location. An age-old trick to combat bad breath is to chew parsley. Before brushing your teeth in the morning, eat a bunch of parsley. Chew it slowly and wash it down with water. Parsley is a natural odor-killer and it doesn't leave you with that tell-tale minty breath, which can also be offensive if it's too strong.

D K TIWARI CFA ~MODERATOR~ SBI+ALL BANK PO ASPIRANTS COMMUNITY