Gradually, even banking sector is introducing the concept of phone interviewing before the actual selection interviews. Phone interviews are screening interviews that help to weed out a considerable number of candidates before the formal face to face interview.
Phone interviewing questions are virtually same for every sector. However, responses greatly vary and candidates are evaluated based on their replies. Thus, prepare yourself well to excel at the phone interview for a job at the bank you are applying to.
Bank Phone Interviewing Questions
Give a small introduction of yourself with respect to your education, previous companies where you have worked, positions you have held in the past, interests etc. Keep your answers brief and to-the-point. The interviewers are not interested in knowing your personal details. Thus, avoid discussing them.
First of all, you should be qualified to apply for the current opening in the bank. Secondly, you have to mention the reasons for applying to this bank over the others. Do a thorough research about the bank, so that you can speak about its credibility and other factors that impelled you to put in your resume here.
The three strong points that you mention about yourself should solidify your chances of being selected as their employee. Hence, put across those good points that compliment your job profile.
Be careful when you have to answer this particular question. Avoid saying that you find working under pressure very difficult, or that you cannot handle stressful situations. Like any jobs, bank employees too have to work under pressure and/ or face difficult situations. Instead you can turn around your answer by saying that you set high standards of work for yourself; thus pushing you towards the extreme.
Over enthusiasm can also be one of the negative aspects that may put you forth.
Before the interview, read the recent news about the bank. In case there was a merger or an acquisition, start a discussion about that. Similarly, study the overall statistics about the bank - the previous years profit, employee strength, percentage customer growth rate, new development in business strategies etc.
The interviewer wants to evaluate if you are suitable for the current opening. Thus, it is better to know what duties and responsibilities that you are required to hold in the current job. Customize your answer and mention only those responsibilities that seem relevant to the new job profile.
Do ask a few insightful questions that will elucidate any doubts in your mind. Asking relevant questions will portray you as a keen, enthusiastic candidate.