How to Interview for Bank Management Jobs

by Nicole Vulcan

You've worked hard to present yourself as a solid job candidate, and now that hard work has paid off. When you're preparing for an interview for a bank management job, you'll need to show you're responsible, educated and able to manage a staff of other bank employees. To give yourself the best chance possible, do plenty of preparation.

1. Research the bank to get an idea of its financial picture, its policy on lending and managing finances, and its reputation in the community. Check out the bank's website and online coverage and commentary, newspaper reports and stock figures to find out as much as you can about the bank. Also check out current interest rates and any trends in the banking industry. This background can help you speak coherently about your future with the bank during the interview. For example, if a bank is undergoing a restructuring, you'll be able to ask how your job will fit into the new picture.

2. Connect with current and past employees and managers of the bank to find out as much as you can about the company and its interview process. The fewer surprises, the better chance you'll have of impressing the hiring managers. Search for employees on LinkedIn, Facebook or other social networks and then ask them questions about what you can expect at the interview.

3. Prepare some examples of work you've done. If you've managed a bank before, you may have prepared financial statements or done market analyses for customers. You may have set up goal tracking or other employee motivation techniques that demonstrate your ability to manage people. Place a few documents in a black binder or other professional-looking portfolio and bring it to the interview.

4. Review the bank's interview invitation to make sure you're bringing everything you need to the interview. In some cases, the bank may ask you to answer a series of questions, take an assessment test or do other tasks ahead of the interview. As a manager, you'll be responsible for keeping employees on task and ensuring they can follow directions; you need to demonstrate you can do the same during your interview process.

5. Dress to the nines. For men, wear a suit that is neatly pressed and includes a well-matching tie and shined shoes. For women, wear a pants suit or suit jacket and skirt with a tidy blouse, hose and shined shoes. Bank managers are often the professional face of the organization, and they need to be well-dressed at all times.

6. Answer the interviewer's questions honestly, and don't be afraid to pause for a moment before answering each question. You're a professional who is responsible for making big decisions that affect people's lives. Therefore, if you make snap decisions or answer without some thought, the interviewers may see you as a bad fit. Be friendly, but also maintain your professionalism, poise and preparation.


  • Your research about the bank can help you to formulate some sample questions you may be asked during the interview. Have a friend do a mock interview using these questions, so that when you get to the interview, your responses to stock questions will be well-polished.

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