REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

nano · 03-02-2009, 08:42 AM

Hi im a student thinking about applying to a bank as a customer service rep part time. I have a few questions if you guys dont mind answering for me

1) as most know applications are all online now, you create an account and upload your resume, should I upload a cover letter aswell even if it does not say to?

2) when I upload my resume, what file should I upload it with? sending it in word seems kind of unprofessional because it is something that they can edit, and sometimes the format might be misaligned etc...

3) any other tips?

thanks

JSilver · 03-02-2009, 12:02 PM

In my opinion you should always have a cover letter to go along with your resume and application for such jobs as these. As for format, I have always been using Word and haven't heard an problems of it yet.

nano · 03-02-2009, 12:28 PM

thanks, also for people who got hired at a bank, what did you put as your objective in your resume?....ive always hated that part of the resume because it can be so vague...any tips?

tiger_handheld · 03-02-2009, 02:27 PM

why do you want a bank job?

if you answer that, there's your objective

misteranswer · 03-02-2009, 02:58 PM

Word is usually the preferred format because everyone has Word.

Apply everywhere and be prepared because the first interview will probably come without warning and on the phone.

azn_beef · 03-03-2009, 12:20 PM

You've picked the worst time in this economy to apply for a bank. If you haven't noticed they are slashing CSR teller jobs everywhere, and if they aren't laying people off they are deffinately cutting hours big time.

Try another job..seriously.

Adsdeman · 03-03-2009, 12:23 PM

Cashiers make pritty shitty money i heard. I went to the bank and they told me i was better off than alot of the staff in there. I am a driver and im 20!

nano · 03-03-2009, 01:32 PM

its not about the money, its about the experience I gain working in a financial instituition that I value. Im 20 aswell, completing my bachelors of commerce at ubc.

Adsdeman · 03-03-2009, 01:54 PM

y not go for it, if u are a good employee there will be room for promotion. Ur young and once you're in the skys the limit!

misteranswer · 03-03-2009, 06:06 PM

Plus once you're an employee you gain access to internal postings

Rev · 03-06-2009, 01:15 PM

Just talk to the Customer Service Manager (CSM) at a major branch, usually they can hire on the spot. It may not seem like it, but connection, connection, connection ...ask around see who knows a Branch Manager.

Its a terrible economy for everyone, but those who stand out will still do fine.

Present yourself well, get your CSC (even though you may not need it - it helps to show initiative - its only a week of reading), and bring a crisp resume with you. Most tellers now are on a casual basis so once you're in you're golden.

$11-13/hour seems to be the norm, unless you're at Coast Capital or Credit Unions, good luck!

clandestine · 03-07-2009, 08:11 PM

If you have Word 2007, install the PDF add-on so that you can save your resume as a PDF file. This ensures that your formatting is consistent. On many projects, I've had other people open the same file and the formatting doesn't match, especially when someone opens my word file from a MAC.

Just a tip, good luck!

westcoastgsr · 03-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn_beef

You've picked the worst time in this economy to apply for a bank. If you haven't noticed they are slashing CSR teller jobs everywhere, and if they aren't laying people off they are deffinately cutting hours big time.

Try another job..seriously.

I work at a bank. This is very true right now, we are not laying people off but we are cutting hours and not hiring because if someone leaves we will give those hours to someone in branch. Also during this time most people are done school soon and want to work more, but we dont have the budget or hours to give.

willystyle · 03-10-2009, 01:53 AM

If ur not planning to work in the Banking industry as a career choice, and just in it for the work experience, then go ahead, give it a shot. Otherwise, you should stay far away from it with a 10 foot pole.

Rev · 03-13-2009, 11:39 AM

Here are some info that might be useful for those in banking now or interviewing for jobs - and to set some realistic expectations!

Naturally individuals varies case to case but I thought pretty accurate overall (for those of you in retail banking can relate I'm sure

) Hope this helps

RBC Canada pay scale

CIBC

BMO

Scotia

TD

I'll find more if people find this helpful - I used to work for banks and found it stifling

vbikki · 03-15-2009, 01:56 AM

do they accept walk in resume and cover letter?

giCe · 03-15-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbikki

do they accept walk in resume and cover letter?

some banks do, others require you to apply online.
like a lot of other people here said, it's all about who you know and referrals

Tapioca · 03-16-2009, 09:19 AM

Working at a bank part-time while you are a student is a decent way to make some money. However, you'll soon realize that you won't make it big unless you aim high (e.g. financial planning, commercial sales, etc.) If you're good at sales, you'll succeed at a bank.

_TiDy_ · 03-17-2009, 10:29 PM

I am an assistant manager at a CIBC and we mostly do hiring's through the online system but I accept walk-ins on occasion. There is no harm in dropping off your resume at a branch.

TRDood · 03-17-2009, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tapioca

Working at a bank part-time while you are a student is a decent way to make some money. However, you'll soon realize that you won't make it big unless you aim high (e.g. financial planning, commercial sales, etc.) If you're good at sales, you'll succeed at a bank.

bank is all about sales now.
i have worked at a bank part time for almost 4 years now. i started since 2nd year university. it's a pretty slack job.. but if you want to move up, either 1. connection 2. have some kickass ball licking skills.

yiujun · 03-21-2009, 11:13 AM

when i was in sauder, my friends and i all applied for banking jobs in 2nd year. out of maybe the 8 of us, 2 of us found a job.
1 @ rbc, me @ hsbc.
she had to fight with 30 people over her position. i got my job because of connections with one of the most revenue-generating PFS (personal finance sthsth) managers.
that was back in like 2006, when the economy was pretty good.
unless you have good connections or an amazing persona + resume, then it may be a tad difficult for you to step into a position right now through handing in a resume online.

kumiho · 06-18-2009, 03:06 PM

i heard 90% of the online apps go straight into the garbage can after filtering system. ppl here are right, unless u have great connection and/or kick-ass personality & background, u're most likely out of luck.

welcome to post-recession job market.