I applied online and received a phone call from the branch manager within a week of application. Branch manager went over the basics of the positions, the sales environment, and duties of the in-store banker. The in-store banker has three roles: teller, personal banker, loan officer. I agreed to a group interview to take place a week later.
The group interview consisted of nine applicants total meeting with one interview facilitator and three branch managers taking notes in the back. The facilitator is only there to conduct the interview, ultimately it was the branch managers who you needed to impress. We started by pairing off for introductions and sharing what we knew about in-store banking and US Bank as a company.
After introducing ourselves, we had a group role play scenario if we were stranded on an island after having only be able to salvage 15 items from our boat. The group had to sort these 15 items (on laminated cards) into priority order. Items included things like rations, fresh water, map, fuel, plastic sheet, netting, etc. This activity seemed to bring out several qualities such as how do you work in a group, are you engaged with your peers, do you lead or follow, what kind of things do you prioritize? The group then presented the final list as a team.
Interview portion consisted of two questions, provide an example of an outstanding customer service and discuss your experience with selling products or services with a sales goal. Each candidate volunteered to respond as we went around the room with the option to not answer if you so desired.
Following the two question interview, the facilitator picked up a variety of common office supplies and placed them at the front of the room. Each candidate had to choose an office supply and sell the item to the facilitator, taking on the role of a salesperson at a store. Items included paper, pencils, pens, crayons, clips, folders, binders, etc. This exercise showed your ability to sell, overcome objections, deal with difficult customers, close a deal, and sell in-store products/service like a credit card. You had to take ownership, pitch the item you were supposed to sell, but also cross sell other products. Don't forget to sell the company credit card.
Once we had pitched our office item, we were asked to step outside and were then called back in to meet with the branch managers who had sat in the back of the room quietly the whole time. These questions were more direct towards your experience such as why do you want to leave your current employer, are you aware that this is a sales driven position, what would you do immediately to improve sales, can you work these hours and these days? How much do you expect to be paid?
At the end of the interview, managers stated that they would be in touch if interested. Received a phone call several days later stating that the position I had applied for had been filled, but wanted to know if I was interested in commuting to a more distant branch. Declined due to drive time, but was told to expect another call from another branch manager closer by. Overall interview was different than usual, but straightforward and honest. Group interview was laid back and allowed you time to craft a good response. Did not feel like a competition against the other candidates, but rather an opportunity to showcase your skill set.