Retail banker

Job description

Retail banks provide basic banking services directly to the consumer, ie the general public, rather than corporations or other banks. In addition to helping consumers, retail banks often serve businesses as well – so they can also serve as commercial banks.

Retail banking is not just about current and savings accounts; it is hugely diverse and includes products such as loans, mortgages and even insurance.

Many banks, particularly the larger organisations, offer graduate recruitment programmes. You will be given the responsibilty of handling the banking needs of the clients, such as lending and depositing. This experience could lead onto roles within branch management. Competition for jobs is quite high, but the fierce rivalry between the leading financial institutions means that there is a range of entry routes. Graduates working in flagship branches may operate in a team of around 40 members of staff. The majority of commercial banks operate on a global scale, which means that you may have the chance to travel at some point during your career.

Work activities

• Providing advice, information and services to help customers achieve their personal and business goals
• Performing a variety of sales and services jobs including: achieving negotiated personal sales and sales activity goals through the identification and satisfaction of customer needs
• Providing excellent customer service by offering a full range of customised financial solutions
• Building and maintaining a portfolio of customers
• Promoting and maximising the development and growth of residential mortgage business
• Promoting and selling lending and deposit products and services while applying sound risk analysis techniques and credit adjudication judgment.

Entry requirements

Although many graduates come from a financial background, many positions are open to graduates in non-finance disciplines too. Employers consider interpersonal and communication skills as important as numeric ability. It will be vital to be able to relate to the needs of your customer and their experiences as well as possess the skills to communicate with people on different levels. A higher second-class degree is a general necessity, as is a good knowledge of the products on offer.