I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Bank of America (Chicago, IL) in Jul 2011
Interview
The process started with filling out the application online and then a personality test; which was normal for any type of sales/customer service position. Upon passing with a "recommended" (no scores) I was contacted by an associate recruiter that scheduled a phone interview with the VP of recruiting.
The phone interview lasted approximately 45 minutes and asked the usual questions some behavioral but most regarding my background and why I wanted to work for BoA. She was very plesant and ready to answer any and all questions I had regarding the position and the company. Upon being looked at as desirable by the head of recruiting she scheduled a one on one interview with the branch manager I would be working for. There was no panel interview I believe it depends upon your market whether they are 1:1 or panel.
The in-person interview again was normal nothing out of the ordinary, not intimidating; it was actually very friendly and warm. Again I think it depends on the market and the personality of whom is doing the interviewing.
The process took a bit longer I believe than it normally would because the Branch Manager was on a two week vacation. This was the only downside to the process.
Advice: be yourself, be enthusiastic , and be ready with examples of what you have done in various customer service/ sales situations.
Online application for this job I was not very prepared for it as it is not my main field but wanted to try to change careers and I thought it would be an opportunity to work on my communication skills
Very upfront with open ended questions. Had to do a mock phone call in front of the hiring manager and another representative. It was a little intimidating but I survived.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They asked me specific questions about my sales goals and what are my specific methodologies.
Long, it was a nice process but asked a variety of questions. some of the questions pertained to other times working with clients but other questions were more personality driven
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Name a time you had to help a client and it was difficult