Question for Bank Tellers?

Question

I just recently got hired as a full-time Bank Teller at Cornerstone Community Financial Bank. I have TONS of Customer Service experience, cash handling and Retail Manager experience. I have to say that I am still a little bit nervous and I start tomorrow. So my question for you is, were you nervous when you started at the Bank in your teller position, how long did it take you to catch onto things? Were the people who trained you patient with you as far as learning everything? Do you REALLY enjoy your job, what are some important things that you would think I would need to know? Thank you so much for your help, helpful answers need only apply.

Answer 1

Hello!  Congratulations on your new job!!  Okay, to answer your question:  Yes, I was very nervous but I knew I would be okay because people usually give you a break if they know you are new.  It usually takes me about a month to get used to a new job, statistically though, people say it takes ninety days for a new hire to be fully integrated into the system so you have some time before they will expect you to know everything.  The people who trained me were sooo polite and nice.  Once I was trained though, they expected me to take care of customers quickly and efficiently.  I did enjoy that job but mostly because it was helping people who usually didn't know what was going on (with overdrafts and fees especially).  Some importants things to remember, the problems are caused by something the customer did or did not do (unless it is truly fraud) and it's not your fault for what happened (unless you said you would do something and didn't do it).  Ask to make sure how much you are authorized to "refund" or "credit" the customer.  At the bank I work for, I am allowed up to $100.00 for a first time problem (that's about three overdraft fees) and I can waive most fees for money orders, cashier's checks, and notary services without too much hassle but use your discretion.  The most helpful thing I can say would be to not take anything personally.  Working in the banking industry is hard because you are dealing with people's hard earned money and they have emotional attachments to money.  Just do your best to find out what went wrong and make sure it is fixed and doesn't happen again.  If the customer is truly in the wrong (and they sometimes are) just ask them if they want to talk to a banker or your supervisor.  And if your supervisor waives the fees or allows the customer special treatment, don't take it to mean that you did something wrong or somehow you weren't doing the right thing.  Supervisors sometimes just want to get the person out the door without losing business so they might do what you just told the customer wasn't possible.  Otherwise, follow the rules, be courteous, and have fun.  The best tellers do more than just hand out money or take money.  They make the customers feel safe about their money and the bank they use.  

Good luck and congratulations again!!  I'm sure you'll do just fine!