Settlement Officer - Any Advice for Video Job Interview?

Hi all, I just got offer an video interview with Westpac for the job settlement officer

I am very nervous. Is there anyone can give me some idea of how will the interview go and is there any advice?

Many thanks for the help.

Comments

  • +4

    How the interview goes will ultimately be down to you.

  • +6

    Here's today's article from the Onion on that very issue, it's not very helpful at all!
    https://www.theonion.com/common-mistakes-everyone-makes-duri…

    • +1

      Thanks for the laugh 😂

    • +1

      Now I want a stromboli. Looks delicious.

  • +5

    Have your CV in front of you so you can refer to it quickly if there's a specific query on it.

    Try to relax and be yourself. Your professional self. If things start getting unbearable, "I'm sorry, I've never done a Zoom job interview before" is your one emergency excuse. Try to avoid having to say that.

    Relate any stories you tell back to a strength, business skill or item from your CV. "What's something you hated about your old job?" should be answered with "There was a problem with X, which made it difficult, but I spoke to my supervisor and we figured out a way to avoid that, and then X was no longer an issue and I was given a business hi-five". Don't say "My boss was a total Nazi" and leave it at that.

    If your cat jumps up onto the desk, DON'T throw it at the wall or scream at it. Just acknowledge it, and drop it on the floor. Confirm to the interviewer that the cat won't be coming to work with you.

    If the interviewer asks you to put the cat back onto the desk and starts asking questions to it, don't be jealous. They're testing how well you work in a team (and possibly the cat will be your new supervisor).

    Do research about the company and have some questions to ask at the end for when they say "Is there anything you'd like to ask me?". These should show you're interested in the company/its culture.

  • +1

    Vodka generally works

  • +2

    Dress naked. Then imagine yourself wearing clothes during interview. Great way to settle any nervousness about the interview.

    • +3

      and to show them that you are full with confident.
      VERY VERY full.

    • +3

      How does one "dress naked"?

  • +1

    What is a Job Settlement Officer? If you can tell us that, your job interview will go smoothly

    • No idea, but if it is what I think it is, surely they'd want someone confident from the get go especially when it's time hustle the client for money.

  • +4

    Used to work for Westpac. Can't fully recall my interview but i was just my usual self. Maybe it's just me, i find it easier if i treat the interviewer as an older acquaintance i haven't seen for a long time. Be friendly, relaxed and professional. Make sure you know all the stuff on your resume.

    To appear more confident and not slurring your words, try talking slower. I find it works well when i talk 25% slower during interviews. Gives me time to organize my thoughts properly before it comes out. Don't need to rush head on into any questions the interviewer asks. If you are not sure about something, just let them know you will find out and get back to them instead of bullshitting.

    • +1

      To appear more confident and not slurring your words

      Agree. Avoid having a stroke during the interview.

  • -3

    They ask you questions, you respond

  • +2

    I'd suggest dress as you would for a face to face interview. If you would normally wear a suit, wear the suit (ie, don't just wear a shirt and tie, make sure you wear pants too). It sounds a little silly, but you will probably find you get your head in the right frame of mind, rather than if you're wearing good top, but shorts and thongs.

    Test your connection before hand, so you know what the camera sees, and that the mic is working, so you're not doing it 5 minutes before the interview starts.

    • +1

      make sure you wear pants too

      This is actually an important point, just in case you need to stand or move to deal with a minor technical issue. You don't want to flash your trakies (or worse, leggings).

      Also test the lighting to ensure it will look flattering at the time of day the interview will be.

  • -2

    I am very nervous

    Why, is there something you are not tell us?

    Randomly found this from seek for the said type of role

    • speaking with senior stakeholders, and ensuring all missing information is captured and or received to complete the process
    • clearly communication with callers regarding their settlement queries and provide assistance that produces customer satisfaction

    • -1

      Their (Westpac's) writing skills don't seem up to scratch.

      • -1

        In that case, might be a good fit for OP.

  • +1

    It's an entry level job so they won't ask you anything difficult
    They just want to make you can perform the role and be the right culture fit

  • +4

    When asked about your weakness don't say "I am not good with numbers…"

  • +1

    Good luck. If it’s meant to be, doesn’t matter how well you do the interview. Just be yourself and not exaggerate too much. I got a job from an interview I thought I flunk.
    Lower your expectation that you won’t get this job and that you’re using this interview as a practice for next time.

  • +1

    Do something that will standout from the crowd in a positive light for what ever you perceive they are seeking . Don't just be a boring sheep that they won't remember . A bit of acting required :)

  • +2

    For video interviews I recommend you prep the following. Test your device and check the video app you’re going to be using. Make sure the tech all works. Make sure the lighting is good on your face so they can see you clearly. Make sure there’s nothing odd in your background that will draw focus! Make sure your environment is quiet and there are no interruptions. Use a device in landscape orientation - not portrait as they’ll likely be viewing you from a laptop. Dress well - but don’t wear a tie, you’re at home. Have your resume, have a few examples of your experience written down somewhere. Also - have at least two questions prepared to ask about the job. Make sure you can give a good summary of your background and why you want the job in 5 minutes. Smile and relax! Just have a nice conversation, have a glass of water with you.

  • +1

    Focus on talking about attention to detail and timeliness. Settlements area in a big 4 is always crunch time. They hate when mistakes are made which delays loans being settled and complaints arise. Give examples on how you tackle these 2 problems.

    Banks hire because they need to plug a gap, understand what that is. You normally pick this up early in the discussion, "we are hiring to replace an existing headcount or due to increased workload" etc.

    Risk management is very important for the big 4. Focus on how you won't comprise risk and what you will do if you detect a failure in the process.

    Finally, try to be memorable since there are tons of people trying for these roles. Light humour won't hurt, but learn to read the mood in the interview. If the manager is literally reading off a script, just answer the question directly. If it is more conversational, try to tell a story and relate. People always want to work with others they can relate to.

    Note: these are from exp working in Big 4s in the last 10 years.

  • +1

    Thanks everyone. Just done hopefully I got to the next stage

    • +6

      Was the interview at 10pm on a Friday night?

      • It was a pre record one so it can be complete anytime

  • Head over to Tube

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