If you’re looking for a job where you don’t need experience to get started but there is a lot of room to grow into an interesting and lucrative career, banking is a good place to start.
In fact, while many banks will require a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position, at others, even a high-school diploma may be sufficient.
Whatever your educational qualifications or the requirements of the job, it can still be nerve-wracking to apply for a job when you don’t have any experience.
That’s why we’re going to walk you through the process of creating a cover letter for a bank job with no experience. A cover letter is the first impression that an employer has of you, so making it great is important.
Preparing to write a cover letter for a bank job with no experience
Since you don’t have direct experience with other bank jobs, you will need to think about the experience and qualities that you do have and how you might relate them to the requirements of the job.
First, you should take a look back at the job post itself and see if it names any specific qualities that a candidate should have, such as “detail-oriented.”
Next, you might want to do some research on banking jobs to give you an idea of the qualities and experience that could help a person succeed in this position.
Finally, you should think about the qualities that you need to be a good bank employee. Examples of these include:
- detail-oriented
- conscientious
- trustworthy
- good with numbers
- organized
How to start a cover letter for a bank job with no experience
Your cover letter should follow standard business letter format. This is not the time to get creative!
This means that you should either have letterhead with your name and address on it or your letter should have your name and address at the top.
Under that will be the name of the person you are writing to, if you know it, their title, and the address of the company.
The job ad may include the name of the person you should write to and their title.
Your salutation should be businesslike, using the person’s name.
If you don’t know their name, use their position, such as “Dear Hiring Manager.” You can also use “To Whom It May Concern.”
Get right to the point in the first paragraph, stating the position that you are applying for.
What to put in the body of a cover letter for a bank job with no experience
In the body of the cover letter, you should highlight the points that you most want to bring attention to.
For example, if you were the treasurer of a club in school or took finance classes, this shows that you have some money-related or financial experience and knowledge.
If you have experience from another job that might help, you should also mention that.
Include any concrete examples of on-the-job success. For example, if you excelled by a certain percentage at your sales job, this is the place to highlight that.
If there are any special circumstances you need to explain, such as a resume gap, you can do that here as well.
However, you should keep this section brief. A cover letter should not be more than a page long, so just one or two paragraphs is usually sufficient for the body.
What to put in the conclusion of a cover letter for a bank job with no experience
This can be just a sentence or two. Basically, what you want to do is thank the reader for their time and make the mention of looking forward to hearing from them or to an interview.
You should have a formal conclusion. Stick with something neutral like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” and follow it with your full name.
How to write a cover letter for a bank job with no experience but a relevant college degree
Maybe you don’t have any banking experience, but you do have a college degree in finance, business or a related area. If this is the case, you should highlight your educational background although you should also mention any other relevant experience.
Sally Simmons
123 Oak Drive
Sunnyville, OH 11111
May 5, 2021
Alice Barnes
Hiring Manager
First Key Bank
99 Elm Street
Sunnyville, OH 11111
Dear Ms. Barnes,
I am writing in response to a job posting on the First Key Bank website for a teller. As a recent graduate of Sunnyville College with a degree in finance, I think I am an excellent candidate for this position.
During my last two years of college, I worked first as cashier and then assistant manager at Cathy’s Collectibles. This gave me experience in handling money and working with the public. I was also responsible for balancing the registers for the day on the nights when I closed. I am comfortable working with and being responsible for large sums of money.
As a finance major, I took classes in financial management, investment and portfolio management, and principles of banking among others.
I achieved a 4.0 grade point average in my major and graduated at the top of my class. As a member of Sunnyville College’s Women in Business club, I attended regular seminars and talks on succeeding in the business world, and I am eager to apply the knowledge that I have acquired to a banking position, where I feel it will be an asset.I am eager to discuss the position further. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.Best Regards,
Sally Simmons
How to write a cover letter for a bank job with no experience or related educational background
The writer of the letter below has a degree and some job experience, but in different areas. Notice how she makes an effort to show how her education and experience are still relevant to the job she’s applying for.
Fran Jones
456 Poplar Drive
Sunnydale, IL 99999
July 30, 2021
Hiring Manager
Sunnydale City Bank
1 Main Street
Sunnydale, IL 99999
Dear Hiring Manager:
I am responding to your job posting at the career office of my college campus for a bank clerk. I have three years of experience as an administrative assistant in a car dealership, and I have just completed my degree in English. I think my background in working with the public and my excellent communication skills would make a me an asset to Sunnydale City Bank.
In my position as administrative assistant at Sunnydale Motors, I actually took on a number of different jobs, including some bookkeeping and working with other financial records. I devised a more efficient filing system in my time there and occasionally even helped out with sales. As a bank teller, I can bring that same versatility and ability to learn quickly on the job.I am excited at the prospect of a long career with Sunnydale City Bank, and I am eager to hear more about the position. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview.Sincerely,
Fran Jones
How to write a cover letter for a bank job with no experience and no college degree
Many jobs today require a bachelor’s degree as a matter of course even if you can acquire the necessary knowledge and training on the job.
However, this is not always the case, and if you have a high school diploma but no further schooling, you may still be able to get a bank job with no experience.
If you are taking classes that are relevant to the job, you should mention them in the cover letter.
Alec Brown
37 Lark Drive
Pleasantdale, CA 22222November 1, 2021
Pleasantdale Bank
47 Moneybanks Drive
Pleasantdale, CA 22222
To Whom it May Concern,
I am excited to send you my resume for the job of teller at Pleasantdale Bank. I graduated from high school this past spring and have been working at Billy’s Burgers, where I think my experience handling money and dealing with customers has prepared me well to assist banking customers. In January, I will begin working on my associate’s degree in banking at Pleasantdale Community College.
I am detailed-oriented, and I work well in stressful situations. I am also good with numbers. At Billy’s Burgers, I have learned the importance of making sure every transaction is accurate and that the customer goes away happy. I will bring this same level of conscientiousness to my work at the bank.
I am passionate about working in the banking industry, and I want to help carry out Pleasantdale Bank’s mission of becoming the top banking choice for the local community. I look forward to scheduling an interview with you soon.
Sincerely,
Alec Brown
Marcel Iseli
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.
FAQs
What do you say in a cover letter if you have no experience? ›
skills that show you can learn on the job. your strengths and contributions that show you are a stand-out applicant. school work experience or volunteer work that demonstrates your strengths and contributions. involvement in sporting or community clubs.
Will a bank hire me with no experience? ›If you have no experience working in a bank, you will most likely want to look for jobs that are labeled either as "Teller" or "Teller 1". This are entry level teller positions.
How do I write a cover letter for a bank job application? ›As an organized and professional lover of mathematics, I am confident that I can succeed as a Banker. While I am calculated and technical, I am also friendly and have the communication skills vital to the job of a Banker. I believe that my experience and education prove me well-qualified for the Banker position.
How do you say you don't have experience but willing to learn? ›Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation.
How do I make a bank resume with no experience? ›- Include your contact information. ...
- Create a targeted objective. ...
- Include prior employment with any relevant experience. ...
- Showcase your education. ...
- Emphasize your skills. ...
- Finish with awards or achievements that are relevant.
If you're asked a question about prior experience regarding something you've never done, the best way to answer isn't to say, “No, I've never done that.” Or, “No, I don't have experience in that area.” The best way to handle the question is to say something along these lines: While I have not had any direct experience ...
How do you politely say you have no experience? ›Using your own words, try something along the lines of: "I am interested in an entry-level position. I know I have much to learn, and I'm looking for an opportunity that will let me build a solid professional foundation.
Why should we hire you with no experience? ›Because I am a good team member. That helps your organization. You should hire me because as I am a fresher I can learn many things and grow my career. And if you give me a chance, I will definitely give my 100% efforts which are good for me as well as good for the origination also so.
What do banks look for when hiring tellers? ›Most bank teller positions require candidates to show substantial prior work experience or aptitude in customer service positions. Aside from strong math skills and exceptional attention to detail, strong customer service skills are critical to excelling as a bank teller.
What do banks look for when hiring? ›Because of the access that employees have to consumers' sensitive information and the financial institution's money, most banks request the following types of searches: Criminal background search. Employment history. Education history.
What can you do at a bank with no experience? ›
As a bank teller with no experience, you need to learn how to access customer accounts, perform deposits, authorize withdrawals, cash checks, give change and handle other cash transactions, and maintain customer privacy and security.
What is the best cover letter for bank teller job? ›I'm delighted to have the opportunity to apply for the Bank Teller position at Foundry Bank. I am extremely detail-oriented and have an intuitive skill in customer engagement. I also pride myself on respecting the deadlines that are set for me as well as achieving any sales goals in a prompt manner.
What should a cover letter say example? ›mention the job (or kind of job) you're applying for (or looking for) show that your skills and experience match the skills and experience needed to do the job. encourage the reader to read your resume. finish with a call to action (for example, asking for an interview or a meeting).
What is a letter of interest for bank? ›A Letter of Interest (LI) is an indication of financing terms EXIM Bank is prepared to consider based on a limited review of a transaction/project. A standard LI is a pre-export tool used to help strengthen a company's financing bid.
How do I sell myself in an interview with no experience? ›- 1) Use the job description terminology. Spend time really reviewing the opportunity. ...
- 2) Create experience. I don't mean lie. ...
- 3) Research the Company. ...
- 4) Research Yourself-Dive Deep on Google. ...
- 5) Build your Profile on LinkedIn. ...
- 6) Be Available and Flexible. ...
- 7) Think about References. ...
- 8) Listen.
What other jobs have you held? If you have no industry experience, you can answer this question by briefly describing other jobs you've had up to that point. If there are transferable skills between previous jobs and the position you're applying for, you can structure your question around these similarities.
How can I impress an interviewer with no experience? ›- Know both the job description and desired skills inside-out.
- Research the company, the position you're applying for, and the interviewer (if you know who they are). ...
- Identify problems that you can solve for the company.
- Dress professionally, look presentable, and be well-groomed.
- Identify your most impressive qualities. via GIPHY. ...
- Open with a personal statement. via GIPHY. ...
- List skills rather than roles. via GIPHY. ...
- Don't forget “obvious” skills. via GIPHY. ...
- Treat your extra-curricular activities like jobs. via GIPHY. ...
- Play up your degree. ...
- Add some personality.
Investment banks look for five main things in a resume - quantitative & analytical ability, initiative and motivation, communication, teamwork & leadership skills, and passion for finance. To be successful as an investment banker requires a very specific set of hard and soft skills.
What is a good objective for a resume for a bank teller? ›The resume objective section should be filled with the action verbs correlated with being a bank teller. These critical terms include cash management, accounting, customer satisfaction, experience with Excel sheets, finance, accountability, trustworthiness, and attention to detail.
How do you answer why do you want to work here with no experience? ›
- “Honestly, I just need a job, and this one looked interesting.” This is a candid response, to be sure. ...
- “I see this as a step to bigger and better things.” ...
- “I've heard this company offers good pay and benefits.”
- Professional summary (even if you have no experience in your resume)
- Key skills you've learned in school and other experiences.
- Education and academic achievements.
- Classes, training and certifications.
- Personal or academic projects relevant to the job.
For starters, I have all the skills and experience listed in the job description, and I'm confident that I can make an immediate impact on your company. It's not just my background in leading successful projects for Fortune 500 companies, but also my passion for the industry that drives me to succeed.
What to say when Why should we hire you? ›“Over the years, I have acquired relevant skills and experience, which I shall bring to your organization. I have also worked tirelessly on my communication abilities and teamwork skills, which I will put to use in my future career, which would be in your organization if I am selected for the position.
What skills do banks look for? ›- Thorough understanding of banking and financial solutions.
- Good interpersonal and excellent communication skills.
- Excellent numerical skills and working knowledge of banking software.
- Working knowledge of regulations and best practices regarding personal, commercial, or business banking.
Customer service skills
Bank tellers are responsible for greeting and assisting customers. In addition to strong core mathematical skills, they need to be friendly, personable, and helpful. You can gain these skills from any customer service oriented job.
- Popular, Inc. 4.1 $21.56per hour. 1,190 reviews5 salaries reported.
- Umpqua Bank. 3.4 $21.40per hour. 337 reviews68 salaries reported.
- Investors Bank. 3.4 $20.45per hour. ...
- First Citizens Bank. 3.2 $19.50per hour. ...
- M&T Bank. 3.5 $19.44per hour. ...
- Show more companies.
Working in banking offers a huge variety of opportunities as well as the possibility of early responsibility, rapid career progression and good pay and benefits. It's also a challenging profession that looks to its talented new workforce to help boost the economy and restore public faith in the industry.
How do I ace a job interview at a bank? ›The best way to prepare for a banking interview is to create and practice answers for the questions you feel you are most likely to face. These sample questions provide an example of how to reason through the purpose of each question, then craft a compelling response.
Why am I fit for a bank job? ›Example: “I feel that a career in the financial industry would be the most beneficial use of my knowledge and skills in accounting and problem-solving. I have always been fascinated by the financial world, am ambitious and hard-working and can bring great value to your company.”
What is the best entry-level job at a bank? ›
- Assistant manager.
- Personal banker.
- Security guard.
- Teller.
- Fraud analyst.
- Notary public.
- Assistant underwriter.
- Tax preparer.
To get a job in a government bank, you have to clear the IBPS exam. SBI conducts its exam for each post of its bank. Three stages of exams are Pre, Mains, and Interview. Private banks conduct preliminary tests and interviews.
What are 3 things a bank can do for you? ›- Checking Accounts.
- Savings Accounts.
- Loan Services.
At most investment banks, cover letters that accompany resumes are barely read, if read at all. Applications are typically screened according to your resume, with school and GPA as the first filter. If you went to a “name” school and have a strong GPA, then your resume and cover letter are read in more detail.
Are bank teller jobs hard to get? ›No, it is not hard to be a bank teller.
You only need a college degree to become a bank teller, and teller positions are not difficult to find. Although being a teller does not pay well, it does open the door to new job opportunities.
- Proof That You've Done Your Homework. Recruiters and hiring managers want to see that you know what you're getting yourself into. ...
- An Explanation of How Your Skills Relate to the Job. ...
- Your Excitement About the Position.
- Make It Personal. To make your cover letter seem more personable, it's a good idea to address the reader directly. ...
- Past, Present, and Future. ...
- Research is Key! ...
- Keep It Brief.
Here's a simple-but-powerful cover letter introduction template to use as an example: Dear [First Name], I was excited to come across the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a [Current Job Title] with [# of Years] years of experience, I have become competent in [Relevant Skills & Job-Related Abilities].
What is the difference between a letter of interest and a cover letter? ›A cover letter goes with your resume in a job application, but a letter of interest is for jobs that aren't advertised. A letter of interest is more exploratory, and must pay special attention to the company and its needs. That almost always means doing deeper research and even informational interviews.
How do you write a good expression of interest letter? ›- Research the company thoroughly.
- Address the right person.
- Customise each letter.
- Include all the necessary information.
- Write a solid opening paragraph.
- Detail your qualifications and work experience.
- Conclude on a positive note.
How do you write a good statement of interest? ›
Ideally, the statement will address (1) your interest in the field/industry/organization, (2) how the opportunity will help your career plans, and (3) demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of and specific interest in the organization or company.
Do I need a cover letter if I have no experience? ›You should really only be sending a cover letter if you know the hiring manager's name and have some specific information about the position. So if you know nothing specific about the hiring manager or job, and the company hasn't asked for a cover letter specifically, then you probably don't need to send it.
Do banks require cover letters? ›Applying for a job in investment banking requires a cover letter as part of your application. Most hiring managers expect a cover letter when you apply to their organization so they can learn more about your experience and skills.
What is the entry level cover letter for bank teller? ›I'm delighted to have the opportunity to apply for the Bank Teller position at Foundry Bank. I am extremely detail-oriented and have an intuitive skill in customer engagement. I also pride myself on respecting the deadlines that are set for me as well as achieving any sales goals in a prompt manner.
What do banks look for in an employee? ›Because of the access that employees have to consumers' sensitive information and the financial institution's money, most banks request the following types of searches: Criminal background search. Employment history. Education history.
What do bank employers look for? ›The most important information that should go on a background check is the person's name, age, current address, previous addresses, current and previous employment history, education history, criminal history (if any), driving record (if any), credit score (if any), medical records (if any) and social media accounts.
How long should a banking cover letter be? ›How long should a cover letter be for investment banking jobs? Keep your investment letter of application to between 200–300 words, depending on your previous experience. That's plenty of space to talk up your work history and achievements.
How do you write if you have no experience? ›Writing a resume with no formal work experience means emphasizing other aspects of your life that'll showcase your skills and passions—like your education, and involvement in activities like extracurriculars or volunteering. Having dedicated sections for a summary and a list of skills can round out your resume.
How do you answer an interview question with no experience? ›What other jobs have you held? If you have no industry experience, you can answer this question by briefly describing other jobs you've had up to that point. If there are transferable skills between previous jobs and the position you're applying for, you can structure your question around these similarities.
What should a bank letter include? ›Bank Letters should contain:
Renewal Date. How LOC is secured. Current amount owed and amount available (actual dollar amounts)
What is covering letter from bank? ›
A banking cover letter is the Application Cover Letter that a candidate uses to provide additional information that can be helpful to his/her application for a job position in the banking industry. There are a lot of individuals waiting for a chance to prove themselves, their abilities, and their qualifications.
What qualifies as a bank letter? ›A bank confirmation letter (BCL) is a letter from a bank or financial institution confirming the existence of a loan or a line of credit that has been extended to a borrower.
What skills should a bank teller have? ›- Skilled at receiving and processing banking transactions.
- Strong mathematical skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Knowledge of proper cash handling procedures.
- Ledger balancing.
- Balance allocation.
- Cash drawer maintenance.
- Loan processing.
I possess the honesty, integrity and customer service skills that are necessary for helping people make the important financial decisions that people often find intimidating. I'm committed to answering their questions accurately and providing customers with a positive experience."