A bank relationship manager (or bank relationship officer) is a professional who works with the bank’s clients to help them make the right decisions with their accounts and investments and explain all financial services to them. Their role is vital to a quality banking experience as they possess a comprehensive knowledge of the industry and understand the client’s needs, as well as a clear understanding of all areas the client could possibly seek assistance in.
You are expected to discuss your existing clients’ financial needs, and also be on the lookout for new sales opportunities, identifying potential customers in order to produce more business. You must be well informed about all the new products your company offers, along with banking regulations. By doing so, you must be able to resolve customer complaints swiftly and effectively. You must also observe the competition to analyze their strategies and to stay ahead of the game, as that ensures customer satisfaction and the overall growth of the company.
For fulfilling the aforementioned duties, the following are some skills that you must have:
- Excellent communication and listening skills
- Ability to be clear and concise in explaining complex banking information
- Problem-solving attitude
- Analytical and open to learning and researching information
- Great sales and negotiation skills
- Attentive and customer-oriented
- Confidence and a trusting disposition
- Aptitude for fostering positive relationships
Following are several frequently asked questions in an interview for the job position of a banking relationship manager.
Question 1: What will your management style be like, as a banking relationship manager?
It is advisable to avoid buzzwords like persuasive or advanced as they are somewhat vague even with context, and do not quite reveal what you truly stand for. Instead, go for a more situational style, saying that you will manage according to the given situation.
Sample Answer: I consider building a team where each member of the team should clearly understand their role and have a sense of interdependency. They must grow as individuals that remember that the goal is the prosperity of all. I find instantaneous feedback and constructive criticism the most vital. You must own up and learn from your errors, overlooking them is nothing but expensive in time and efficiency.
Question 2: What are some mistakes you are looking to avoid in your position?
There is plenty you can discuss here; this question may highlight your principles and intentions to keep the work environment positive and considerate of all – colleagues as well as clients.
Sample Answer: Given how important of a factor trust is in my job, I would absolutely abhor being dishonest to my clients, as that would not only result in losses to my client but the massive customer dissatisfaction could harm the bank’s brand as well as the company’s reputation. In any workplace, disagreements are common, but I will make sure to avoid potential conflicts with my colleagues as it could lead to unnecessary hostility in the workplace that is productive to none.
Question 3: Why do you think you are well suited for this job?
This is quite a simple question, although there are still a few things you must be aware of. There isn’t any fixed right answer. Just ensure that you are being truthful and positive – do not make up a trait for yourself only because you think it will improve your profile.
You could list a few traits of yours that could potentially help you be good at the job. Naming your strengths and focusing on how your presence would benefit the company will play well in your favor. However, make sure that you do not denounce your fellow candidates, it will only put you in an unpleasant light and incapable of appreciating and working together with a team.
Sample Answer: I think that the position of a banking relationship manager is the best suited for me as I have always been an excellent communicator. Being part of a mathematics club in school helped mull my passion for solving complex mathematical problems along with a team, and to focus in chaotic situations, as well as to shine under pressure. I balance my perspective from the big picture to the tiny details, as both are important for the growth of not only the individual but also the organization as a whole.
Question 4: How would a typical day in work as a Relationship Manager pan out for you?
The answer to this may vary from one organization to another, but the crux of your activity must always consist of strengthening the relationship with and prioritizing existing customers, along with attracting new ones. You must state that you expect to be always on your feet, making calls and going out in the field regularly to network and visit clients. You should be also be spending time routinely to keep yourself updated on the latest products that you could pitch to your clients.
Sample Answer: I wish to maintain a daily schedule as it allows me to be more organized and productive. I see myself tabulating and documenting my clients in a list, each name followed by plenty of details, for example, the products and services they may need to avail, the time my company reached out to them most recently, what sales strategies are most successful with them, a list of connections that I have in the client company, which have the authority to impact sales decisions, upcoming meetings, and so forth.
I intend to continue improving our relationships as well as communicating with other members of the sales and marketing team, my goal being better sales volume that leads to the profit and spotless reputation of the company.
However, I also wish to spend some time weekly to research our contenders and analyze the newest trends in the industry, not just for my knowledge, but also to brainstorm ideas we can implement in order to stay on top of our game and not lose clients to the competition. This is my vague idea of the day, and I would surely enjoy hearing more from you.
Question 5: How would you discover new sales opportunities?
With this question, you should make it clear that you intend to be active on the ground level of the industry as it will portray that you are serious about the growth of the company. This will also play into you being a great researcher – something that the job position of a banking relationship manager should be splendid at.
Sample Answer: I wish to constantly be on the move to learn of the newest prospects that will be beneficial to the company since I believe that the best opportunities are right before us – we must only be willing to take the initiative to look for them, identify them, and utilize them in the most efficient way possible.
Being a brilliant communicator, I intend to pay attention to networking. After collecting my findings of the market trends from various sources, I will combine them and communicate them with my team to ensure that we are targeting all areas of interest in the industry whilst being highly productive in doing so.
Question 6: How did you find out about our company and what makes you want to join us?
This question helps you be a lot more noticeable among your peer interviewees since it demonstrates initiative and eagerness on your behalf. In these technological times, every company has quite the apprised internet presence – be it via social media, their website or LinkedIn page, and more, so it is always a safe bet to do your homework before you step into that interview room. You must be able to interweave your own principles with the company’s roots, their work ethic, and priorities, and why they appeal to you.
You can take the opportunity to express your admiration for the company’s reputation and the principal people that work there, its founders, and so forth. While the interviewer does not expect you to be completely well-versed about the company’s entire history (which might rather make you seem like quite the surface-level flatterer), a little here can still be successful.
Sample Answer: Having been quite involved in the industry and all the latest updates about the same, I was not surprised to read so much about [Company name], given its impeccable reputation and consistently peaking performance over the years.
Going through the Mission and Vision page, I felt like my own personal beliefs resonated with those of the company. After all, I have always had the innate feeling to not only contribute to the country and its economy but also to directly affect the lives of the general people positively, using my skills to the maximum.
The fact that the company is also known for its involvement in countless charities and regular social awareness campaigns, further propel me towards wanting to be part of such an honorable organization.
Question 7: How do you expect to be a good leader while working at this company?
For the past few questions, you have been making it clear that you have had a fruitful experience working with teams in the past, it is now time for you to elaborate more on that topic, and display a sense of true leadership.
This question can not only highlight you as a competent leader, but also several other traits of yours that are most required in such a work environment, such as empathy, self-awareness, communication, and an ability to delegate.
Sample Answer: I aim to create an interpersonal team of skilled individuals that grow and work together, productivity and efficiency being our goals. As a leader, I see myself providing constructive criticism to my subordinates, motivating and inspiring them, coaching them to optimize their potential by utilizing and expanding their skillsets, and looking out for their successes. I shall strive to maintain an encouraging work environment that ensures the growth of all.
Question 8: What will be your goal while working at this company?
This question shines a spotlight on your commitment to your job as well as your own ambitions. Your answer to this will help your interviewer to determine what your driving force is, and how it shall play out in the company’s requirements in a successful candidate.
They may determine whether you are goal-oriented, a vision-led individual, a reliable and committed employee, and so forth. Try to form your response in a way that displays evolution in your career that heavily supports the company’s needs as well. Stay concise and true to your principles on this one.
Sample Answer: I intend to be a major contributor towards the common goal of the steady growth of this company, by means of several methods such as creating a new product or service, implementing a new and effective way of management, and so on. I dream of the company being a pioneer of the new banking era and being directly involved in this accomplishment. I aim to transform into a professionally disciplined individual, enhance my skills and knowledge to a great extent.
Question 9: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
One of the most frequently asked questions in any given job interview. It seems rather simple, yet several fail to prepare for it which makes it all the more crucial. Often used as an icebreaker, this question is asked to put you at ease and get you speaking frankly and truthfully.
While you should be ready to answer this question, avoid making your answer sound memorized. However, you must try and be concise in your response – since the interviewer has a job to do as well, respect their time. Unless you are asked about something specific, it is always welcome to discuss your education, work history, relatable hobbies, and outside interests, as well as your current situation.
You can start with what your current role is, its scope, and a huge recent accomplishment if you have had one. Next, talk about how you got into the current role and/or mention any previous experience that is relevant to relationship management. It is now that you should transition into what you’re looking to do next and why being a banking relationship manager at this very company appeals to you.
You can choose any order you prefer, although try to end off with tying your ‘life story’ to the new company and position, as it gives it a lot more meaning and convinces the interviewer why you’re here.
If you feel like it is comfortable enough, you could illustrate why you are passionate about this field, it helps engage the interviewer and deems you as a competent candidate who earnestly wishes for this job and will be a hard worker when they finally get it. Remember, this is often your first impression, which makes this one of the most important questions you will be asked in this interview.
Sample Answer: I graduated with a Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) degree in 2017, and was offered an account management position from a telecommunications company I had interned with. I loved working with customers and managing and growing my accounts, which further encouraged me to seek out management jobs with a primary focus on customer relations.
After that, I stayed a full year and learned a ton about how to build and manage accounts successfully and I ended up becoming the top performer in my group before leaving. I left at the 1-year-mark to pursue a very similar position within an industry I’m much more excited about – banking.
I’ve been working at this national bank for 2 years but learning about [Company name], I feel ready to take my career to the next level so that’s why I’m currently looking for a new opportunity. Working here would definitely be very fruitful for my ambitions and I believe that I can make a lasting impact during my tenure here.
Question 10: What are your strengths and how will they impact your work ethic while working as a banking relationship manager?
This question is a great opportunity for you to reveal your strongest points to the interviewer, who is looking for you to be confident and self-aware. Since the job of a banking relationship manager is heavily reliant upon communication skills, you can take this occasion to actually flaunt them. Make sure that you start off with your greatest strength, as that will make you stand out from your peers.
Sample Answer: The job offer of a bank relationship manager requires great communication skills as a highly desirable skill. I would say that my communication skills are easily my greatest strength. I have a very clear and eloquent way of speaking which makes me suitable for successfully dealing with clients and companies alike.
I am also very amicable and I perform remarkably under pressure, being a problem solver. I believe my loyalty and trustworthiness will also come in handy for my job, and help me excel at it.
Question 11: What are the weaknesses that you feel might affect your work?
Usually, a follow-up from the previous question, but just as important. This time, it is you evaluating yourself, just make sure to not delve too deep into this. Avoid listing weaknesses that directly pertain to the skills you need to be a relationship manager but ABSOLUTELY do not claim that you have no weaknesses at all as that will make you seem very egotistical, insincere, and a fake. The key here is to take a small, work-related weakness and how you are making efforts to improve upon it.
Sample Answers:
I understand that you have a sizeable Spanish customer base. I have trouble speaking in Spanish, although I feel like I am gradually improving at it by attempting to converse with my friends and doing some light Spanish reading.
Being harshly honest I believe that I am extremely straightforward at times and this can be misinterpreted at times. I have been practicing mindfulness of late that can help me be a lot more thoughtful about the words I choose.
Question 12: What are your salary expectations as a banking relationship manager?
A tricky question at face value, but pretty decent to work in your favor if you know what you are doing.
Make sure to research and understand the average salary range in this field. You should pay attention to illustrate your knowledge, goals, and skill sets before jumping onto this question since this is not just an innocent question curious about your expectations – it is an evaluation of what you project with your response.
Bear in mind that the employer intends to hire you for what they believe you are worth and how much your contributions to the organization are worth. To stay safe, however, you can stick with saying that money is not a key factor and that your main goal is to develop in your tenure at this company.
Sample Answer: While I would like to get better acquainted with the precise duties required to be a banking relationship manager – which is what I am hoping to achieve during this interview – upon my research I understand that similar positions offer salaries between [average range] and [upper range]. Given my experience, expertise, and skills, I would expect to receive payment in that range.
Question 13: How will you handle meeting a tight deadline as a banking relationship manager?
This question will allow you to demonstrate how you shall plan to overcome challenges using your organizing skills. The banking field is well-known for its strict schedule and unanticipated deadlines, and by means of asking this question, the interviewer is looking to see whether you can be capable of handling them competently.
Sample Answer: I feel like I thrive well under pressure and if I were to handle a tight deadline, I would remain calm and completely focus upon the task at hand. I will begin by prioritizing my projects by deadline, significance, and difficulty respectively. By recording my deadlines on a digital calendar or spreadsheet, I can easily access and manipulate the list that will help me be more productive.
Question 14: How do you suggest compensating for your lack of experience?
Firstly, you must inform the interviewer about any experience that they are unaware of. In addition to that, you must also state any skills or exceptional traits you have that could be used in your job. Once that is done, inform the interviewer that you are a quick learner when it comes to tasks and new information in a reasonable amount of time, which is further aided by your strong work ethic.
Although, only mention this if you can truly live up to those expectations. You can also include an example from your life where you had to learn a new skill in a short period of time and excelled at it. Remember, you being confident while responding to this question can go a long way.
Sample Answer: I believe that experience is gained as a consequence of being exposed to a particular field for a long period of time. Once I am given a chance to get involved in this very field, along with my ability to quickly learn and retain my knowledge, I guarantee you that I will be successful. I joined my previous job with no prior knowledge of certain operating systems and software, however, I got familiar with the interfaces within a quick day or two which helped me out a ton during my tenure.
Question 15: Do you have any questions for us?
Without a doubt, one of the most popular questions. This will be your final opportunity to persuade the interviewer why you are the right choice for them.
Asking a couple of questions here can highlight your keenness on taking up the job. However, it is important to note that asking about holidays, pensions and other information is an absolute NO. There is a time and place for everything, even these questions that can be asked at the time when you receive an offer of employment.
You should do some research beforehand and ask a question or two that focus on areas of the job where you can prove to be an asset. You can certainly impress the interviewer by asking practical questions regarding particulars about the organization as well as the position itself.
Other questions may directly include productivity, expectations, training, and several other logistics. Try to keep the questions limited to three to four. A bold question would be asking the interviewer whether they have any reservations about your suitability for the job and considering you. Overcome these by responding with confidence and try to devise a workaround for these issues.
Sample Questions:
Thank you so much for your time. I think we’ve covered mostly everything but before we finish, I would like to take the opportunity to ask you if you have any reservations regarding my suitability for this job?
Is there anything else I can do or provide to help you make your decision?
What are the next steps in your recruitment process before you can make an offer?
TIPS FOR ACING THE INTERVIEW
- As you may have read in several questions earlier, it is almost always very helpful to do your own research on the organization’s background and ideals.
- Make sure to be well-versed in all the services the company offers, as this might also help you be aware of how aligned you and your potential employers are. Research might also help you have some questions about the company and asking them at the end of your interview is bound to engage the interviewer and increase your chances to be selected considerably.
- Although it’s hard to know what questions you are going to be asked in the interview, there are a few general questions that are always safe to have prepared beforehand. Although do remember that memorizing these answers is NOT the key!
- Ensure that you put time and effort into your appearance, as first impressions definitely matter. Pre-interview research comes in handy here too, you can learn whether your company is a highly formal suit-and-tie affair or the keeping-it-simple business casual.
- Make sure you’re punctual for the interview, as no matter how splendid it goes for you, walking in fifteen minutes late won’t help your odds to impress the interviewer. Being on time also helps you stay calm during the interview, remember to smile when greeted, and be wary of your body language – sit tall, proud and confident.
- Confidence is key. After the interview is over, you may have a rough idea of how well you performed and how decent your chances might be. As you stand up and engage in a final handshake, be upfront as a concluding statement. If you believe that you nailed the interview, be bold: “I’m going, to be frank with you – I think that the interview went really well and I think I’d be a great asset here. Where do I stand as of now?”