Working in retail banking

book12

I wonder if anyone on here works in the retail banking industry (i.e. working in a branch), and give me advice on how to get into it.

I have the following work experience:

• data entry at a bank's head quarters (in this job I have developed and improved transferrable skills like team work, communication, and problem solving skills. In addition, I have learnt how the bank works in terms of the 'back office' related things.)
• IT jobs (I know this doesn't relate to retail banking, but during the work experience, I have developed the transferrable skills as mentioned above

Unfortunately, the above work experience don't have any customer service and/or retail experience, and their job descriptions usually say something about experience in retail or customer service. By the way, I do have some knowledge of banking products though, since I have a few of them myself. I understand that training will be provided if I get hired. I must start somewhere to gain those customer service/retail experience, obviously. Oh yeah, a few years ago, as a summer job, I got an interview for a retail job working in a clothing shop, which I didn't get in the end.

I will be graduating this year with an IT degree. During the degree, I have developed the transferrable skills mentioned above again. Being in a recession, I think it's a good idea to be flexible on the job hunting process. I will be finding IT jobs and retail banking jobs.

Do you think it's worth applying?

Atermis

i think you should apply to asda, you get such a great uniform (plusmore chance of getting a job)

henm01

book12 wrote: »

I wonder if anyone on here works in the retail banking industry (i.e. working in a branch), and give me advice on how to get into it.

I have the following work experience:

• data entry at a bank's head quarters (in this job I have developed and improved transferrable skills like team work, communication, and problem solving skills. In addition, I have learnt how the bank works in terms of the 'back office' related things.)
• IT jobs (I know this doesn't relate to retail banking, but during the work experience, I have developed the transferrable skills as mentioned above

Unfortunately, the above work experience don't have any customer service and/or retail experience, and their job descriptions usually say something about experience in retail or customer service. By the way, I do have some knowledge of banking products though, since I have a few of them myself. I understand that training will be provided if I get hired. I must start somewhere to gain those customer service/retail experience, obviously. Oh yeah, a few years ago, as a summer job, I got an interview for a retail job working in a clothing shop, which I didn't get in the end.

I will be graduating this year with an IT degree. During the degree, I have developed the transferrable skills mentioned above again. Being in a recession, I think it's a good idea to be flexible on the job hunting process. I will be finding IT jobs and retail banking jobs.

Do you think it's worth applying?

I work for a major bank but I'm being made redundant in August after many yearsworking for the Group. Your timing isn't so great for a career in banking but please don't let that put you off.

Most of the major banks have a Grad Scheme and we take on approx 10 in the Retail Banking Division per year. Contact the relevant HR Depts directly (this may take a number of phone calls until you find the right department) or do you know anybody currently working within the banking industry? - if you do, any vacancies are internally paged first then are open to external candidates.

Good luck

book12

Atermis wrote: »

i think you should apply to asda, you get such a great uniform (plusmore chance of getting a job)

They will reject me, as I am over qualified for the job...

henm01 wrote: »

I work for a major bank but I'm being made redundant in August after many yearsworking for the Group. Your timing isn't so great for a career in banking but please don't let that put you off.

Most of the major banks have a Grad Scheme and we take on approx 10 in the Retail Banking Division per year. Contact the relevant HR Depts directly (this may take a number of phone calls until you find the right department) or do you know anybody currently working within the banking industry? - if you do, any vacancies are internally paged first then are open to external candidates.

Good luck

I understand my timing is not good. It's just an another area I am interested in.

I have looked at the grad schemes, but I don't qualify, due to not meeting the qualifications requirement. I do not know anyone that work within the banking industry.

I guess I will contact the HR departments and see their websites for vacancies.

DON79

I work in a branch and they have just taken on a new starter and we have had people with a degree working just at the customer service jobs before (although they did leave and move onto something better! ).

I work for lloyds (hbos) group and tbh I didn't think we would be recruiting but my branch has been short staffed. We just had a notice in the window inviting people to apply via our website.

So its worth a try IMO! And you do have relevant experience even if it is not customer facing, we employed a silly 18 yr old who didn't last even six months, she eventually left or got the sack (not sure which) and she had no experience whatsoever at any job so don't think that you have no chance.

book12

DON79 wrote: »

I work in a branch and they have just taken on a new starter and we have had people with a degree working just at the customer service jobs before (although they did leave and move onto something better! ).

I work for lloyds (hbos) group and tbh I didn't think we would be recruiting but my branch has been short staffed. We just had a notice in the window inviting people to apply via our website.

So its worth a try IMO! And you do have relevant experience even if it is not customer facing, we employed a silly 18 yr old who didn't last even six months, she eventually left or got the sack (not sure which) and she had no experience whatsoever at any job so don't think that you have no chance.

I think I'm going to give it a try. Good to hear that my work experience is relevant. I thought it wasn't due to no customer role by facing them.

I've heard that people usually start at a cashier position and go on from there. I don't mind doing this. Also, training is also provided. Do you know how long this usually takes?

by the way, Lloyds TSB is one of my options for a retail banking job. How is the recruitment process like?

DON79

i work in the hbos bit and we have a four week induction course. i have worked for them for ten years+ though so i imagine the recruitment is a lot different from when i started so can't help with that, sorry.

hope you get something soon.

Donna

chivers1977

I work for a Bank and did a couple of years as branch manager.

The branch network of most banks is geared around sales and referrals. While this is meant to be carried out as part of providing good customer service, you will be targeted on sales of particular products or referrals for mortgage advice, insurances or independent financial advice.

I do think that working in a bank can offer you a broad range of skills and of course if you are mobile, you may be able to move through different roles.

You would normally have a telephone interview and then at least one face to face interview.