Personal Banker Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What type of questions should I ask as a personal banker to achieve sales or a new client? I am going to have an interview and they will be asking me to role play as a personal banker...the manager will be the customer. I know not much about the financial world to know questions to ask...what type of questions should i ask to lead to a sale? I NEED HELP!

Answer: Generally speaking, you can find the answers either from your manager or at the library or even online via a search engine. I can't answer your question, except to relate something that happened to me, as a customer, a few years ago: I went to a newly opened bank, and was warmly greeted at the door by one of the managers (i.e., he didn't crush my hand in a handshake nor was it effete; he didn't act like a circus clown or car salesman ("HOW can WE help YOU toDAY?"); he was dressed in a suit and tie, etc). Since all the managers were busy with customers, he took care of me, personally. He was friendly and intelligent, but that didn't matter, because I would have opened an account, regardless (I got some kind of bonus for opening the acct, but can't remember what it was). A couple of months later, I returned to the bank for some reason, and saw him sitting at his desk. As soon as he saw me, he stood up, smiled, and said, "How are you, Mr. X?" I was totally floored that he remembered my name! THAT was amazing! I've been a customer of banks for YEARS, and they wouldn't know me from "Adam", but this guy remembered me after only about a half-hour visit AND after two months had passed! Even if he has a photographic memory, it showed a lot of class! (some tellers might recognize me, and say something like, "Nice to see you, again," but not use my name). Conversely, I detest being called by my first name, unless I tell them (i.e., bank, grocery store, gas station, whatever), that it's okay to do so. I am a customer, not their friend or relative. Show respect! Anyway, I had to move out of the State, and had to close my account, but, I assure you, that simple gesture would have kept my money at that bank! Good luck!

Question: Is there a great deal of sales pressure in a personal banker position with US Bank? I am interested in knowing more about the work of a Personal Banker with US Bank. I realize that one component of a banker's work is to open new accounts, cross-sell other financial services to existing customers, and try to seek out new customers. Therefore, would you describe this job as a high pressure sales position? Are there specific sales quotas that bankers have to meet to avoid losing their jobs?

Answer: Sales job = Pressure, otherwise it's just customer service.

Question: What is it like to be a personal banker at citibank? i am interested in a career with citibank and was just wondering if anyone out there was a personal banker and was willing to share some expierences, good or bad.

Answer: pretty good, stock options are great, wish the stock would do better Chuck Prince does not know how to run a company!!!

Question: How can i succeed at a Personal Banker interview? Im applying for a personal banker position at wells fargo, But i dont have any bank work experience only in sales and Coustemer service. I need all the advice i can get, plaese help me prepare for my interview. Thank you

Answer: The objective of an interview is to convince the employer that you will be able to fulfill the organizational needs and fit into the company culture. Certain steps taken by you will definitely help you create a better impression on your interviewer. Update your resume , prepare for the interview questions , research the company and dress appropriately for the job . More details and information at http://www.precv.com/

Question: What is the best bank to work for in San Diego, California? For a personal banker position? I'm considering applying for personal banking positions at various banks in SD. As far as salary, benefits, hours, work environment - what's the best bank or credit union to work at? Anybody who's ever worked as a personal banker or similar position - what's your opinion? I have a Bachelors degree, (graduated egregia cum laude) and have just over 2 years customer service/cash handling experience.

Answer: Bank of America - San Diego, CAappears to be the best bank to work. Personal Bankers (PBs) are responsible for offering and selling financial products and services (i.e. Credit Cards, CD's IRA's, Loans) to both consumer and small business customers. Establish, develop, retain, and deepen long-term relationships with current and potential customers in the community. Meet sales and customer delight goals by proactively meeting and greeting customers quickly identifying needs as they enter the store. Perform tasks such as opening deposit accounts, taking loan applications, handling customer service requests, etc. Support other sales associates as needed. Perform senior teller functions when assigned to in-store locations. The salary is about # $30,000.

Question: I have an interview as a personal banker? I have never work on sales or bank, and i have an upcoming interview as a personal banker in well fargo, what do they usually asks during the interview, any suggestions and tips would be appreciated. thanks! what type of question should i ask during the interview?

Answer: They will ask you a lot of questions about your past work experience, especially regarding selling products to customers. The more experience you show you have in selling things (it doesn't really matter what you sold in the past), the better. Also, be prepared to tell about a time where you either upsold or cross-sold a product to a customer (upselling being getting the person to buy a more expensive thing or cross selling as getting people to buy other products when they actually came for something else). You should definitely ask about compensation, whether it's commission-based, a regular wage plus bonuses, or just straight pay no matter what. Then you should ask about the goals they have and how hard they are to get them... and then finally you should ask how they generate leads, whether it be you telemarketing or if they have website leads or if you have to go out into the market to drum up business.

Question: How much does a personal banker usually make? How much would a personal banker usually make if the branch is new and has quite new prospects

Answer: no reason you shouldn't be able to top $30,000/mo.

Question: Why would an employer ask an employee to open a direct deposit account exclusively with their personal banker? ...as opposed to letting the employee choose the branch and personal banker with whom to open the checking account with direct deposit?

Answer: they shouldn't ask you that. you bank where and when you want. that's why we live in the USA freedom of choice, right? if you don't want direct deposit, you shouldn't be forced to have it. Question this employer, it is your right as am employee. It is your money - you are earning it. Where it goes once he pays you, is completely up to you.

Question: Can I be a personal banker without a degree? I would love to become a personal banker, but I don't have a degree (I start school next August) Are there any banks or brokerage firms that would hire someone without their degree?

Answer: Washington Mutual doesn't require one. But I don't know how much longer they'll be around.... If you are in the southeast, try a Synovus affiliate. Enter any bank as a teller and be outgoing as heck. Work that in to a personal banker position. I was a branch manager and promoted a few from tellers that had great people skills. They did great.

Question: I'm a 19 y/o Personal Banker...How can i start putting my money to work.? I was on an internship in high school with a bank and now landed a position as a personal banker/financial representative making 16 an/hr plus commission. Whats the best way i should budget money and how i can start investing, putting my money to work?

Answer: If you have a spare $50 per month, put it into a Roth IRA in an aggressive mutual fund. Talk to a financial planner, such as one from Primerica. 19 is a little young to really worry about that too much, but not a bad idea if you have the money. Don't waste your time or money with stock trading until you have built up some risk capital. Stay out of debt. Do not, unless you absolutely must, use a credit card. Save up to buy things. If you have some cash and want to buy something down the road, put the money in a Certificate of Deposit or similar, earn some interest while waiting. Don't buy things unless you have the money. Then there's some tricks, suppose you want to buy an appliance, a new stove for example, and you have the cash to pay for it. The store is offering one year no interest no payments. Put the money away to draw interest, use the store credit. Then take the money out after its term, and pay back the store. You're putting someone else's money to work for you. If you choose to buy life insurance buy term, not whole life or 30 year plans. You're much better off buying cheaper life insurance now and saving for retirement. Later in life you won't need very much life insurance, so why pay for it.

Question: What is the difference of teller from a personal banker? and who gets more money? Do I need to be over 18? or getting a highschool diploma is not enough to be a teller or a banker?

Answer: All the answers are good. Let me give it to you in layman's terms. The tellers are the ones that work behind the counter and process your checks and deposits. These are usually entry level jobs and usually only require that you be at least 18, have your High School Diploma, and have some cash handling experience. They deal with a lot of money so previous jobs as cashiers and the like are encouraged. These jobs are easier to get and don't pay as well but there is room for advancement and most banks promote from within. Banks are also known for being aggressive with training and advancement meaning you have a good chance of moving up the corporate ladder. Most of the "personal bankers" started out as tellers. I am one of them and my entry level teller experience was a very good one that has done me well over the years and has advanced me nicely. The "personal bankers" are usually the ones that do the account maintenance and discuss the products and services with the customers. They are more experienced than tellers (usually) and are often licensed to do loans and sell insurance products or investments. They are the ones that (in general) open your account for you, discuss your financial goals and needs, and help you in meeting those goals by referring you to the proper financial product. They have many names and are often called account officers, private client officers, personal bankers, or like me, financial service representatives. They are also the ones that deal with your problems such as overdrawn accounts or basically any unhappy situation. It is true that some banks empower their tellers to do a part of what the "personal bankers" do. In general, the personal bankers need much more banking experience or training to get them to that point. You usually see them working at a desk and are often directed to them if you have a situation that the tellers are not equipped to handle. Personal bankers are in a way also sales orientated. They often have goals to meet that require them to make sales calls or leave the branch looking for new prospective customers. This added burden, as well as the additional responsibility, means the job does usually pay better up front. There are always exceptions from one banking institution to another. Being a beginning teller usually isn't glamorous, but it's a great start. The hours are usually good with plenty of paid holidays. Banks are known to be family orientated so they work with you when sudden things happen like doctors appointments, etc. Plus, working at a bank usually gets you really good benefits. Plus, if you do well, they will train you so you can take your experience in the direction that best suits you. Good Luck.

Question: I NEED HELP! What questions do a personal banker ask to get you to set up an account?!? I had an interview with a manager at chase he asked me to role play as a personal banker and I had NO IDEA of what questions to ask to get the guy to sign up an account. I had no idea! What should I do? He said I need to perfect my role playing and that i need to think of the right questions to ask! Anyone know?

Answer: Well banks have different accounts that are better ford different customers. This is usually based on how much money they have. Some examples of questions would be. What kind of balances do you normally keep in your account? What method do you use to pay for you day to day items? What specific services are qualities are you looking for in bank account? How many checks would you say your write a week? Are you familiar with online banking? Do you have any credit needs?

Question: How much should a Personal banker at a bank make? salarie and comission? What would be a good bank to work for(im currently a Personal Banker @ washington Mutual) I need a bank that pays good!!!!!!!!!HELPPPPPPPPPPPP

Answer: Banks dont pay good, sorry

Question: What is the difference between a teller and a personal banker? A local bank is hiring for both positions, and neither require work experience. Which is easier and which pays more?

Answer: A teller deals with anyone and everyone who calls/comes into the bank. It's very high stress, as far as banking is concerned. A personal banker is the single point of contact for high end customers (at Wells Fargo, it was $25,000 plus). The stress is not as high.

Question: take a job as personal banker or get into nursing program? I'm very stress out about my decision to take a job as personal banker, train on the job, about another dollar in hr of what i'm making now as a teller. Or Enter into the nursing program next january which I will really need to take a part time job to finish my general studies. I'm a full time teller, attending to school taking 8credits this semester, with two daughters 5 and 2yrs old. I don't really know what to do. My husband supports me, but he will prefer for me to stay at the bank, because of the financial need that we'll have if I only work part time. Any advice will be appreciate it...

Answer: What do you want to do? Nursing is an incredibly rewarding profession and it has immense opportunities. It is an extremly varied profession. You can work in a hospital, clinic, flight nursing, consutant work, research, critical care ambulance work etc. The hours are also variable. I don't know where you live but California also pays very well. I was a single mother of five children and was able to support my children on my salary and still love my work. The job stability of nursing is superior to the banking industry. In the long run, the financial stability is better.

Question: What questions should I ask as a personal banker to get a new client? I need help for my interview! I am doing role play what questions are best to ask? to get you to want to sign up an account

Answer: Highlight the services and the interest rate that you provide to your clients.