Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why are you interested in this Commercial Banker role?
3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
4. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult client.
5. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?
6. What is your experience with financial analysis and lending?
7. What are your salary expectations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a structured approach to answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This framework helps you provide clear, concise, and impactful answers by focusing on a specific situation, the task you were responsible for, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. By using STAR, you can effectively demonstrate your skills and experience to the interviewer.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself.

* Example Answer: “I’m a highly motivated and results-oriented professional with [number] years of experience in the banking industry. I have a strong track record of success in relationship management, loan origination, and portfolio management. In my previous role at [previous company], I was responsible for [briefly mention key responsibilities]. I’m passionate about helping businesses succeed and thrive, and I’m always eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges. I’m confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer uses the STAR method by highlighting a specific situation (previous role), the task (key responsibilities), the actions taken (achievements), and the results achieved (success in relationship management, loan origination, and portfolio management). It also demonstrates the candidate’s passion for the industry and their eagerness to contribute.

2. Why are you interested in this Commercial Banker role?

* Example Answer: “I’m excited about this opportunity because it aligns perfectly with my career goals. I’ve always been passionate about working with businesses and helping them achieve their financial goals. I’m particularly interested in [mention specific aspects of the role or company that appeal to you]. I believe my skills in [mention relevant skills] make me a strong candidate for this role, and I’m confident I can make a significant contribution to your team.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s research and understanding of the role and company. It highlights the candidate’s passion for the industry and their specific skills that align with the requirements of the role. It also conveys the candidate’s enthusiasm and commitment to the position.

3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

* Example Answer: “One of my strengths is my ability to build strong relationships with clients. I’m a good listener and I always strive to understand their needs and goals. I’m also highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me manage my workload efficiently. As for weaknesses, I can sometimes be too focused on getting things done perfectly, which can sometimes lead to me being slow to delegate tasks. However, I’m working on improving my delegation skills by trusting my colleagues and empowering them to take ownership of their work.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer provides a balanced and honest assessment of the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. It demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to learn and improve. The candidate focuses on a strength that is relevant to the role (relationship building) and addresses a weakness in a way that shows they are actively working to overcome it.

4. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult client.

* Example Answer: “In my previous role, I had a client who was very demanding and frequently changed their requirements. They were also very skeptical of our recommendations. To address this, I took the time to understand their concerns and explain our rationale clearly. I also proactively provided them with updates and progress reports to build trust and transparency. Ultimately, we were able to successfully complete the project and build a positive relationship with the client.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer uses the STAR method to describe a specific situation (difficult client), the task (addressing client concerns), the actions taken (understanding concerns, providing updates), and the results achieved (successful project completion and a positive relationship). It demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle challenging situations with professionalism and a client-centric approach.

5. How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks?

* Example Answer: “I’m a big believer in using a to-do list and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I also utilize time-blocking techniques to allocate specific time slots for different tasks. This helps me stay organized and focused, ensuring that I’m able to meet deadlines and manage my workload effectively. I also find it helpful to regularly review my progress and make adjustments as needed.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of time management principles and their ability to prioritize tasks effectively. It provides specific examples of techniques used, such as to-do lists, time-blocking, and regular review of progress.

6. What is your experience with financial analysis and lending?

* Example Answer: “I have [number] years of experience in financial analysis and lending. In my previous role at [previous company], I was responsible for [mention specific responsibilities related to financial analysis and lending]. I have a strong understanding of financial statements, credit analysis, and loan structuring. I’m also proficient in using [mention relevant software or tools]. I’m confident in my ability to analyze financial data, assess creditworthiness, and make sound lending decisions.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s experience and expertise in financial analysis and lending. It highlights specific responsibilities, skills, and knowledge related to the role. It also shows the candidate’s proficiency in using relevant software and tools.

7. What are your salary expectations?

* Example Answer: “Based on my experience, skills, and the requirements of this role, I’m seeking a salary range of [mention salary range]. I’m open to discussing this further and I’m confident that my contributions will be a valuable asset to your team.”

* Why this answer is strong: This answer provides a clear and concise salary expectation without being overly specific or revealing too much information. It demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of their worth and their willingness to negotiate.