The best way to get a job as a bank officer depends on the position you want to apply for. After high school, teller and other customer service positions may require little to no education. Loan officers and managers, on the other hand, are frequently required to have some sort of college education. Consider which job you might want to pursue and take the necessary steps to get there to find the best path for you.
Fill out applications at local banks to find a bank officer position that does not require further education. Having some experience working with numbers or money, as well as obtaining some form of education after high school, will definitely help, though this is not always a requirement. Request a referral from anyone you know who works in a bank. Wait for a callback after you’ve completed several applications. Give them a call if you haven’t heard anything in a week to inquire about the status of your application.
The first step in finding a bank officer job that requires a college education is to obtain the necessary certification or degree. Loan officers and other higher-level bank employees are frequently required to have a four-year degree in business, accounting, or economics. Some banks may only require a two-year degree, so inquire about their specific requirements if you have a specific bank in mind. Keep in mind that you may not be able to get a job at your first choice right away, and a four-year degree will almost certainly help you get a job faster. You could also intern at a bank while in school to improve your chances of getting hired after graduation.
Begin filling out applications for your first choice banks once you have the required education level. When you walk in, ask to speak with the manager or assistant manager and tell him about your desire to work as a bank officer. Keep your resume on hand, but don’t expect an interview right away. If they aren’t hiring right now, leave a copy of your resume or a completed application and return in a few months. Don’t bombard the manager with phone calls or emails, but if you show up at regular intervals throughout the year, the manager will most likely remember you when a position opens up.
If you are called in for an interview, arrive on time and dressed professionally. Choose clothing in black, navy, tan, or brown, and make sure any unnecessary piercings or hair colorings are removed. Prepare your resume and maintain eye contact with the manager or hiring officer as you speak.
Without embellishments, answer all questions honestly and thoughtfully. If you don’t know the answer to a question or believe you’ve answered something in a way that doesn’t accurately reflect your positive qualities, give an example of a positive trait you have and a time when that quality came in handy. Don’t go overboard, but try to cast yourself in a positive light as much as possible without distorting the truth.