Application Process & Interviews at Rural Bank

It's a challenging process designed to find the best candidates for the job. Looking back it was a terrific experience that really helped develop my personal interviewing skills and one that provides immense satisfaction at the end, as you definitely earned the position you have been offered.

The process took a couple of months from the application deadline. It starts with applying online by submitting your resume and cover letter while filling out details about yourself such as your name, address, university, and degree. The next stage was to complete the cognitive test which was quite engaging. Successful candidates then proceed to pre-recorded interview followed by an assessment centre.

An in depth assessment that I felt was an achievement to get through in itself. It challenges you and you can get feedback on how you went in the assessment centre tasks even if you are unsuccessful to help you better your application into the future.

Online application Online interview Assessment centre

The process involved an online test and online interview, followed by an assessment centre and face to face interview. All spaced over a couple of months.

What are your career aspirations? What drives you to be successful? Who do you admire and why? What is it about agriculture and agribusiness that excites you? Why do you want to work for Rural Bank? How have you shown leadership and initiative in the past? Why would you be the best person for the job?

Give me an elevator pitch of yourself Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

What did I study at Uni, what I liked & Disliked about uni? What area of the bank I would like to work in after the graduate program? Where do I see myself in 5 years time? What is my connection with Agriculture? When have I made a mistake in the past and how did I deal with that?

Research your employer. Find out what they are about, what they value and identify where these values may align with those of your own. Be confident in yourself, but not cocky. Try to add a touch of your personality to your application and throughout the assessment process. Don't be afraid to showcase your skills and why you would be an asset to the company.

Research the businesses values and goals. Show your passion about agriculture and/or helping people. Be yourself in interviews.

Be yourself and don't compare yourself to the other graduates in the assessment centre. Be confident and show Rural Bank what you have to offer.

Make your application specific to the company. For the interview stage relax and be yourself

I would recommend that applicants read up on Rural Bank, understand their values and the aspects that differentiate themselves from other banks.