How to Be Bank Teller - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 30, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Banking technology has drastically changed the way customers interact with their banks. In the past, customers would go to their local bank branch and wait in line for a long period of time to carry out transactions with a bank teller. Now, customers can access their accounts online, use ATMs, or use mobile banking applications to complete the same tasks.

As a result of this technological advancement, the role of the bank teller has been drastically reduced and many have been laid off. fewer tellers have been hired and those that remain are often required to have more advanced customer service and technical skills. This shift has led to more efficient banking services but has also had an effect on job security in the banking industry.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Bank tellers must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
Enroll in a postsecondary program. A postsecondary program related to banking and finance is not required but may increase an individual's chances of landing a bank teller job.
Gain experience. Many banks prefer to hire bank tellers with experience in retail or customer service, so gaining experience in those areas may be beneficial.
Apply for a bank teller job. The best way to land a bank teller job is to apply with a bank. Applications can usually be submitted in person, online or via email.
Pass the background check. Banks typically require background checks for bank tellers because they handle money. Individuals with a history of financial issues or criminal activity may be disqualified from the position.
Complete the on-the-job training program. Most banks provide on-the-job training for new bank tellers. This training typically takes a few weeks and covers topics such as customer service and banking regulations.

The ideal and efficient bank teller is one who is knowledgeable of banking services and procedures, has an excellent customer service attitude, and is organized and efficient. Having knowledge of banking services and procedures allows the bank teller to answer customer queries accurately and quickly. A good customer service attitude helps to create a positive experience for customers, as they will feel comfortable and confident when interacting with the bank teller.

Being organized and efficient allows the teller to quickly process transactions and reduce wait times for customers. The combination of these three qualities makes a bank teller ideal and efficient, providing customers with a positive banking experience.

You may want to check Bank Customer Service Representative, Bank Examiner, and Bank Compliance Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Greet customers and identify their banking needs
Process customer transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, loan payments, and more
Answer customer inquiries, direct them to the appropriate staff members, and resolve customer complaints
Sell banking products, such as money orders, travelers checks, and savings bonds
Cross-sell additional bank services and products
Balance cash drawers and maintain accurate records of transactions
Follow internal procedures and regulatory standards for customer identification
Refer customers to appropriate personnel for additional services or assistance
Maintain customer records and update account information as necessary
Assist with training new tellers

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service skills
Attention to detail
Ability to handle cash/money accurately
Knowledge of banking products and services
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to multi-task and prioritize
Knowledge of relevant banking laws and regulations
Proficiency with computers and banking software
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically

Good customer service is the most important skill for a bank teller to have. It is essential that bank tellers are able to handle customer inquiries in a timely, efficient and friendly manner, otherwise customers may become frustrated and unsatisfied with their experience. strong communication skills are needed in order to explain the complexities of banking products and services to customers in a way that they understand.

Bank tellers must also have excellent mathematics skills, as they must be able to properly handle customer transactions. Finally, attention to detail is also an important attribute for a bank teller to possess, as mistakes could lead to customer losses or errors in transactions. By having these important skills, a bank teller can effectively provide top-notch customer service and ensure that customers have a positive experience when visiting the bank.

Bank Loan Processor, Bank Loan Underwriter, and Bank Investment Analyst are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a bank?
How would you handle a difficult customer?
What do you know about the banking industry?
How do you ensure accuracy in customer transactions?
How do you ensure customer confidentiality?
What would you do if a customer had an issue with their account balance?
How do you handle customer disputes and complaints?
What methods do you use to ensure compliance with banking regulations?
How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks?
How do you keep up-to-date with current banking technology and trends?

Common Tools in Industry

Cash Counter. A device used to count cash quickly and accurately (eg: Coin counting machine).
Calculator. A device used to perform basic math operations (eg: Printing calculator).
Computer. A machine used for tasks such as data entry, information retrieval, and communication (eg: Desktop computer).
Check Scanner. A device used to read data from checks, such as account numbers and amounts (eg: Magnetic ink character recognition scanner).
Security System. A system designed to protect personnel, property, and other assets from unauthorized access (eg: Access control system).
Debit Card Machine. A device used to process debit card payments (eg: Point of sale terminal).
Database Software. A program used to store, organize, and retrieve information (eg: Customer Relationship Management software).
Phone System. A system of telephones and equipment used for communication (eg: VoIP phone system).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Bankers Association
American Institute of Banking
Consumer Bankers Association
The Credit Union National Association
Independent Community Bankers of America
Institute of Financial Operations
National Association of Federal Credit Unions
The Risk Management Association
Retail Banking Research Association
The National Bankers Association

We also have Bank Fraud Investigator, Bank Data Entry Clerk, and Bank ATM Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Financial Institution. An organization that provides financial services and products to its customers.
Bank Account. A type of financial account held by a bank and used to store, manage, and access money.
Overdraft. A situation in which an account holder withdraws more money than is available in their account, resulting in a negative balance.
Debit Card. A payment card used to withdraw money from an account or to make purchases with funds from the account.
Credit Card. A payment card used to make purchases and borrow funds from an issuing bank.
ATM. An automated teller machine that allows customers to withdraw cash and perform other banking activities such as depositing funds or checking account balances.
Balance Inquiry. An inquiry that shows the current balance of an account.
Deposit. The action of putting money into an account.
Withdrawal. The action of taking money from an account.
Cheque. A written order instructing a bank to pay a specified sum of money from the drawer's account to the payee's account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of a Bank Teller?

The primary responsibilities of a Bank Teller include handling customer transactions, such as deposits, withdrawals and payments, processing account maintenance requests, verifying customer identification, and providing customer service.

What qualifications are required to become a Bank Teller?

To become a Bank Teller, the minimum qualifications usually require a high school diploma or GED and at least six months of cash handling experience.

What is the average salary of a Bank Teller?

The average salary of a Bank Teller is approximately $30,000 per year.

What is the typical work schedule for a Bank Teller?

The typical work schedule for a Bank Teller is usually full-time and may include weekends and holidays.

What other duties might a Bank Teller be asked to perform?

Other duties that a Bank Teller might be asked to perform include counting and verifying cash, reconciling daily cash transactions, selling money orders and travelers checks, and answering customer inquiries.