Though previous bank experience is a plus, it isn't strictly necessary when you're looking for a teller. More important is the candidate's ability to handle cash, his/her comfort level when encountering large or complicated transactions and the candidate's reliability. Restaurant servers or retail clerks, for example, might have all the experience you're looking for, as long as they were reliable and consistent in their previous roles. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience with handling cash or check transactions
• Ability to count cash back to a customer
• Level of experience

Since bank customers are trusting the establishment with their hard-earned money, it's essential to hire employees who take their work seriously. That's not to say that the work environment can't be fun, only that the workers should respect the importance of their duties. The teller candidate could be exceptionally warm and personable, serious and efficient, or a combination of all four. Encourage them to open up about their best traits and fully describe them. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to respect the serious nature of the work
• Willingness to describe their unique skill set
• Enthusiasm for the position

People often describe "banker's hours" as if they're speaking of something simple, but the reality of a teller's life is often more difficult than it appears. Not only will tellers be spending long hours on their feet, they'll be spending those hours chatting with a parade of patrons—some of whom might not arrive in a good mood. For a teller, a calm, positive demeanor is a must. What to look for in an answer:

• Willingness to work long hours standing up
• Ability to converse in a friendly yet professional manner
• Familiarity with customer service

A bank is a professional environment, but the customers don't always adhere to the proper decorum, especially if they're coming to speak about a mistake (perceived or otherwise) that the bank has made. In these situations, it's imperative for the teller to remain calm while doing everything in his or her power to rectify the situation. If customers are treated with respect, there's a better chance they'll calm down. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to handle pressure
• Willingness to ask for help when needed
• Demonstration of the gentle, respectful demeanor that's required

Familiarity with bank teller software is a definite plus, as it would minimize the amount of training that the successful candidate would ultimately need. However, as these programs also usually resemble a number of other business operating systems, any computer experience (as it relates to customer service) might be sufficient. If candidates reveal a lack of experience, ask for a more general overview of their computer literacy. What to look for in an answer:

• Level of experience
• Degree of computer literacy
• Willingness to adapt to the needs of the business