Applied online which was straightforward. I uploaded my CV and cover letter. I then had to do an online test which only included a verbal reasoning test and situational judgement. The verbal reasoning test was timed (30 questions, 20 mins). I only managed to answer just over half of the verbal reasoning questions but still got invited to a face to face interview. Face to face interview was one week later. Face to face interview was in St.Albans branch with branch manager. He introduced himself and explained that the interview was in 3 parts- I introduce myself, he would ask 7 competency questions, i ask questions. He asked me 'tell me about yourself'. He asked how I traveled to the interview (he wanted someone who lives less than an hour away). Why banking? 7 competency questions. (I received descriptions of the competencies by email as soon as I booked an interview.) Main competencies for community banker are control environment (risk), Interpersonal skills and Technical skills -(customer service, digital savvy, planning/organising) Control environment question: When have you had to follow guidelines Customer service: when have you convinced someone to buy a product (He wanted someone with strong sales experience) Tell me about a time when you did not show a customer how you were feeling Describe a weakness you have overcome. What made you want to overcome it? When have you worked in a team? When have you implemented a suggestion from someone else. Digital savvy: when have you recommended an app to someone When have you had your performance measured. (He wanted someone who has been in a job where you have meetings with your manager to review whether you are hitting targets and selling enough). Unfortunately I did not get an offer. At the interview I asked whether there was anything that would make him hesitant to offer me the role. He was very honest and said I have not got much sales experience and experience of having my performance measured. He said people who come from a sales background do well at the job.

Digital and automated. You didn’t meet a hiring manager or anyone from the team in person until your first day. Video questions and lots of screening required of you which causes delays in onboarding.