Common banking test may be a one time exercise but the selection gets over only after each bank completes its interview proceedings.So candidates have to prepare for every bank interview just like preparing for exams earlier.It is not always easy to read the minds of panelists.
Due to this personal interview sessions always tend to create panic among young people.But by being bold & ready to encounter any type of question with confidence, it is possible to keep fear at bay.
To all those candidates shortlisted in the main examination, here is the strategy to prepare for interviews.
Procedure & Marks
From the applications received, candidates will be shortlisted for interview stage based on their CWE scores and no. of vacancies.From 2013 onwards, common interviews for banking jobs are to be introduced.
It shall be conducted for 100 or 50 marks & the minimum marks to qualify for final selection shall be 40-50%. But for you to compete with others, securing the max. score is important, which can be attained by proper preparations.
What to Prepare
Although, predicting exact questions is not possible, there are certain topics that are sure to be touched by the panelists during an interview for bank posts.
1. Personal details
This will be the first section wherein you are asked about your family, education etc., Normally the question is like ‘Tell us about yourself’. Start with a short introduction about family background & move on to highlight your skills & achievements or college projects. (checkout how to answer tell me about yourself)
2. Study your resume/ biodata
The biodata or resume carries great importance as its the official document about you. As bulk of the questions would revolve around the data you provide, pay attention while filling the form given at the interview venue.
Get familiar with what you have written so as to avoid giving wrong answers.
3. Banking knowledge
Applying for a bank job & don’t know what is a term loan?The chances of you making it to the final list would only get distant.There are roughly about 100-130 regularly used words in banking & financial sector.
There is no alternative apart from memorizing those terminologies but it isn’t that hard since banking awareness is a section of the common bank exam. Rather than relying only on websites,you can also purchase some books that provides detailed explanations.
4. Latest news
‘What is the current repo rate’, ‘Who is the chief of Asian development bank’ – answers to these would be known only if you read newspapers everyday.
Not limited only to economy, you could also encounter questions about national events such as the recent satellite launch, location of asia`s largest solar park etc.,
G.K books may help for historical data but newspapers & news channels are your only source for latest happenings.
5. Know Your State
Public banks are now demanding applicants for clerical posts to posses proficiency in local language of the state.
In addition to testing your language skills, expect queries on the no. of districts in your state, names of ministers,governor or about a place of importance.
These questions need not necessarily test your knowledge but enables the interviewer to deduce your communication skills.
6. Know about the organization
Few questions on history, performance, awards or chairman/MD of the bank could be asked to gauge your level of preparation & interest in taking up the job.
Visit the bank`s website, look for a section ‘About us’ under which all the info ranging from mission, vision to previous year`s financial results will be available.
7. Know yourself
Now comes the real part, where you need to talk more.What could you be questioned on? What are your strengths & weaknesses? What is your biggest achievement? How can you be useful to our bank? Answering these can get tough if you have not though about this in advance.
Responses like ‘My biggest strength is working hard’ & ‘Short temper is my weakness’ will only send wrong signals to the interviewing panel.Don’t sound too vague or object of ridicule.
While officer post requires managerial & team building skills, clerical employees are required to have good customer handling capabilities. Understand the job profile & frame answers that could bring these qualities to the fore.
8. Why bank job?
Are you applying for entry level posts in banks with BE/MBA/MCA degrees? If yes, either of the following questions could be heading your way
- Why are you applying for banks with technical degree
- Are`nt you overqualified for PO/ clerk position
The best answer here shall be the real reason which pushed you to write CWE & apply for bank jobs.Try to come up with a reply that would convince the panel.
Checkout our previous post – How to answer why you chose bank jobs to read on what to say in detail.
These are the 8 sure shot questions that you need to prepare for cracking upcoming bank interviews!!