Credit Professional 2018 Spring_2018_magazine | Page 24

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personal work-related matters.
You should, however, learn
about the primary skills
used on the job and the
daily challenges.
sweaters and conservative
dresses are recommended for
casual office days, weekend
work, and social events.
Applying for the Job
Start with research. Whenever
you apply for a job, you should
do some research into the
position and company. Learn
the bank’s mission statement
and strategies. Mention these
in your cover letter and use
sure to do your best! Wear
them to show why you would
formal business attire, act
be a good fit for the position.
professionally, and make eye
contact. Use your knowledge
Apply directly. Go directly to
from your informational
the bank you are interested in interviews to ask questions and
working with and ask for an
show that you have made an
application. First impressions
effort to learn about the job.
matter. When you approach
The information you gathered
the bank, be sure to wear
earlier will also prepare you to
presentable clothes and carry
answer questions about your
yourself professionally. You
potential role with a bank.
may not have applied yet but
people may remember you if
Follow up with the interviewer.
you should return.
Send a thank you note.
Express your gratitude and
Apply via the internet.
include a few sentences about
Browse your bank’s website
your continued interest in
and find out how to apply for
the job.
the job you want.
Step 3
Send in your resume and
cover letter. Whether you have Preparing for Your First Days
spoken to a bank manager and on the Job
he is referring you for the job or
you are answering an ad, you’ll Build a professional
need to send in your resume
wardrobe. Once you’ve been
and cover letter for the job.
offered a job, you’ll need to
Remember to say in your cover have a set of work clothes.
letter where you heard about
Dress standards vary by
the position and if anyone is
institution, so pay attention to
referring you. This will show
what other employees are
that you are not a random
wearing at your potential work
applicant and will improve your site. Often you will need to
chances of getting the job.
purchase several suits, dress
pants or skirts, and collared
Nail the interview. If you are
shirts. Business-casual attire
called in for an interview, be
such as polo shirts, khakis,
Spring 2018
23
Clear your schedule. Avoid
starting a banking job shortly
before any major personal
events. Training is often
intense. Travel is sometimes
required in the beginning
as well.
Stay sharp. You will be
learning a lot of new
information. You will also be
asked to take exams that could
result in the loss of your new
position if you do not achieve
passing scores. Keep your
personal life as stress-free as
possible for the first several
months of your new
banking career.
A bank teller is more likely to
be tested before being hired.
There are quantitative
reasoning tests and personality
tests that help employers
determine if you are right for
the job.
Investment bankers and other
representatives need to take
tests to obtain licensure.
The series 79 test is common,
but tests vary by position.
Your employer will inform
you of which one you need to
take. Note that the tests are
long and expensive, so
prepare adequately.
Relax. Any new job can be
stressful in the beginning.
A job in banking may throw a
lot of training and information
your way. Make an effort to
relax after work so that you
perform your best the next day.
The Credit Professional