Banking industry is an attractive prospect for jobs seekers in our country. However, the number of applicants is high and the recruitment process is quite rigorous. It can sound scary and for the freshers it presents a challenge as well as an opportunity.
Here is what you should know if you are preparing yourself for a career in the private banking industry.
Don’t wait up to apply
Private banks usually require you to apply online through a website where one has to fill out their personal information and qualifications. Based on this information, the initial shortlist is made and applicants are called for exams. A common mistake is waiting for the last moment before one gets to applying. Sometimes the servers can lag due to heavy user activity during deadlines and sometimes there could be technical issue. You are better off if you apply as early as possible. This also gives you time to manage your documents if you are missing anything.
Learn the process
Some of the banks arrange an online test at the initial stage. Others arrange for an online interview. Some may call for an interview first based on a shortlist and some might make a shortlist and arrange for a written test. Which is which? As an applicant, it is your job to find out. So, after applying, start asking around. Do some research online and see what you can find out about the recruitment process of the bank you are applying to. It is highly likely that you will find groups of like-minded applicants on social media. Being in those groups can keep you updated.
Find the pattern
After your application, learn how the recruitment will take place and start preparing for the different phases of the recruitment process. There might or might not be an online test. But one thing is certain; there will be a written test at some point during the recruitment process and securing a higher mark on this written test will determine whether or not you will succeed in the end.
Go through previous questions to find the pattern of the written test. With some minor deviations, the questions usually follow a pattern. Learn how the marks are distributed and then identify where do you lack in your preparation.
Math and English will take you far
In private bank exams, having a good command over Math and English will give you an advantage. It’s not like there will be very difficult questions from these subjects but the questions can be a little bit critical. These are easy to answer but with limited time and space, these can pose a challenge. A clear idea about the calculation process and a good command over the English language can ensure a better mark. Remember, the questions are fairly average, the trick lies in being able to solve them quickly.
Write, write and write
Most students in our country panic whenever they hear the words ‘free hand writing’. It’s such a terror that there are countless tricks and courses offered to teach ‘free hand writing’. And like it or not, most bank exams will feature at least one such question that requires you write on a topic which can be basically about-anything. Since the scope of the question is so vast, all you can do is build your ability to write. And the only way to do that is to write, write and then write some more.
Mock test and questions can come handy
Testing your ability through mock tests are always a good idea. They build your time management skills and at the same time teaches you how to handle the pressure of an exam. There are many mock test questionnaires available online for those who are interested. Besides, one can always collect the previous questions from question banks or different books that are available in the market. Studying previous questions can teach you about question patterns and believe it or not, quite often some questions are repeated. That is always a happy coincidence.
Many applicants panic about viva and documentation and many other issues. Don’t be one of them. As an applicant, your first objective is to pass the initial phases. Viva and documentations are part of the final recruitment process and they can be handled accordingly when the time comes. When you are preparing for the exams, think about only the exams at hand and nothing beyond.