Resources · Interview Prep
Interview prep for commercial lenders
A short checklist for commercial bankers heading into an interview: lenders, relationship managers, credit and treasury. Read it the night before. When you want the detail, the full Interview Handbook is one click away.
Before you go
Know your story. Why you are open to a move now, what you want next, and your three or four strongest accomplishments, with numbers attached.
Know your numbers. Portfolio size, annual production, the deposits you brought in, and credit quality over the last two or three years. Be ready to explain a down year.
Know your non-compete. Find your agreement and read it before you get to an offer: what it restricts, for how long, and where. Tell your recruiter what it says, and have your own attorney review it if the terms are significant.
Research the bank. Its size and ownership, recent news, and the people you are meeting.
Bring several copies of your resume. Be able to explain it: why you left each role and what you did there.
Dress conservatively. You would rather overdress a little than underdress.
Walking in
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the interview. Not thirty.
In the room
Find out early what they are looking for, then sell yourself against it.
Negatives are the kiss of death. Never talk down about your old boss, your current bank, or a former role.
Do not over-talk. Nerves make people talk too much. Answer the question, then stop.
The money question
Be honest, give your target, and let your recruiter handle the negotiation.
“As I told [recruiter], my target to make a move at this point in my career is [X]. I know that is something you and [recruiter] will work out, so I will let the two of you handle it.”
If they press, repeat it once and move on.
Questions to ask
“What is a win in this role from your point of view?”
“What short-term problems do we have?” Saying “we” helps them picture you on the team.
“What could I get done in the first 60 to 90 days that would make you feel good about hiring me?”
When they ask if you have any questions at the end:
“If you hire me today, how will you know a year from now that I was the right fit?”
Closing the interview
It is up to you to close. When the interview is wrapping up, summarize and declare your interest.
“Based on what I have heard so far, I am interested in pursuing this.”
Show interest even if you are not 100 percent sure. A lack of interest can send them to the next candidate. Until you have an offer, there is nothing to say yes or no to. Once an offer arrives, you are in the driver’s seat.
After you leave
Get each interviewer’s name and email so you can send a thank-you note the same day.
If you are working with a recruiter, call them as soon as you walk out. Your read on the interview shapes what they say to the bank next.
The full version
The Alpha Search Interview Handbook
Everything above in detail, plus video interviews, behavioral questions, references, resigning well and counteroffers. Thirteen sections, free to read.
Ready for your next move?
Commercial bankers can put themselves forward directly. A recruiter reads every submission personally, and nothing goes to a bank without your go-ahead.