Need further explanation

Question

So I recently applied for a bank teller job and though I have never worked in a bank I have years of cash handling, retail, sales and customer service. I never got called for an interview but instead they sent me an email saying that while my skills and qualifications are commendable they decided to go with someone else. So what am I doing wrong? I can never get a bank job or interview despite having a degree in business administration and accounting. Should I just give up on applying to banks?

AJ Mitchell · Answer

Destiny, hang in there! It does sound as though you may be considered overqualified. Some options to think about, along with all the great ones already shared... have you tried applying at a credit union? Aim higher and apply for other in-branch roles such as a financial coach or lender. Best wishes!

Hind A. Washington · Answer

Could it be that you're over qualified for a teller position? This is a usually entry level position with no degree required besides GDE.  Also, rejections come in many forms such as no response at all (rude) and an email. It's not unusual to get rejection emails. Many times, they're system generated. I wouldn't take it personal. With that said, you may want cast a wider net to help open your horizons in case a career in banking doesn't pan out.

Natalie Kozlowski · Answer

I agree with AJ! Definitely apply for roles that you think you are underqualified for.  Since you have experience, you may have better luck with roles that aren't entry level.

Deb Strickland · Answer

Depending on your age, location, qualifications it can easily take 6 months of constantly applying for jobs and networking to get an offer. There could be 100+ people applying for that one job and maybe 20 are qualified then maybe 5 are interviewed. It is never an enjoyable process to go through.

It's always best to find someone who works there and can pass on your resume. Find out what qualifications other tellers had when they started. And sometimes, it's just luck and right-place-right-time. The reasons one candidate is picked over another equally qualified person often comes down to the LIKE factor. Can I see myself working with this person all day.

If this is what you really want to, there is no reason to quit.

Marcia Kaoru Wilbur · Answer

Hi. Did you just prefer to work in the bank or just not like accounting? I know a lot of accounting professionals or tax preps only work during the season but there is plenty of accounting work in business offices year-round. Do you prefer to work as a teller? Have you considered managing a business office or perhaps an accounting office. My sister is a successful six-figure earner without a CPA because she learns a lot about tax code and she has a degree and a lot of experience. Sometimes she works for businesses but she has a client base she built over the years. I'm just saying that if you want to be a bank teller great but if you have a degree in accounting and business administration and you just need a job... Maybe look for one closer to your degree.

Need further explanation

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.