Understanding the profile, role & responsibilities of a bank clerk is important just like paying attention to the salary offered.Knowing the functions beforehand not only saves you from unexpected surprises while on duty but also gives you an extra edge in answering questions during Interviews.
The demand for bank jobs is only increasing with every passing year.
As clerical post is the first entry point for anyone wishing to become a banker, young graduates are showing great interest.So let us see the job profile of a clerk in detail.
First, How to apply for clerk posts?
Public banks were conducting exams for clerical vacancies on their own but 2011 onwards, a common written exam (CWE) to fill clerical cadre in all public sector banks has been introduced by IBPS.
Through this, a candidate interested to apply for clerk posts must
- Appear for CWE,
- Pass in all tests &
- Apply for vacancies based on the score.
Eligible applicants are then shortlisted for common interviews leading to final appointment in any of the 20 public sector banks.
Salary & Probation
With a 15% salary hike as per the 11th bipartite settlement, the take-home salary of clerks is expected to be approximately Rs.22-25,000/ month depending on the bank, post location & your qualifications.
All selected candidates for clerical positions will on probation for 6 months.After this period, they are assessed either through a short test or performance review & confirmed as permanent employees.
Roles & Responsibilities
For visitors and customers to any PSB clerks are the first point of contact for enquiries & guidance.
- The person inside the withdrawal & deposit counters are mostly of clerical grade. This is the reason some banks mention clerk as single window operators or cashiers.
- They are responsible for accepting payments, sanction withdrawals, verify cheques, issue demand drafts & other banking related services to customers.
- Back-office work like receipts collection, ledger maintenance, balance tally & other transactions must be keyed in the computer systems after office hours.
- In addition this, clerks may also have to take-up marketing of financial products of bank such as loans, deposits, schemes to visitors.(see SBI clerks to do marketing)
In short, clerks are like the face of bank.
Who can become a clerk?
This is the first question that may arise for many, especially if you are new to applying for upcoming bank jobs.The common eligibility conditions are,
- Pass in any degree
- Agelimit: 20 – 28 yrs
- Proficiency in the local language
- Computer certificate (depends on the recruitment)
The govt. modified rules specify graduation as the minimum educational qualification for any bank recruitments.
Career Growth
Clerks have the opportunity to take part in promotions conducted once every 2 years (subject to change) & get elevated as Officers.Promotions are held by taking into account the performance of employees & interviews.
After working for 3-4 years, you may also apply for jobs in private banks or other financial institutions as they prefer to recruit candidates with experience in banking industry.
The chances of getting a good offer that includes better pay & senior position are quite high in private sector.
* Looking to become an officer? Read about the job profile of bank PO
