Metro Bank PLC Retail Associate Interview Questions
& Process

Two managers interviewed me and asked the questions as outlined in the email that you get which was fine. The way they responded to me was quite rude. The manager was making faces when explaining my hard work! The same hard work that has literally gotten me into medical school to become a doctor. I don’t understand why they had the attitude! Personally, if someone makes faces and essentially makes fun of your hard earned experiences that you’re proud of, don’t bother working for them. I definitely dodged a bullet. Also, metro bank loves to pride themselves on customer service but when I walked in the Ilford branch- no one is smiling and the atmosphere is off…

I submitted my application online more than two months ago. Due to the Covid19 situation, the waiting period was longer than usual. They first sent me a game to play, which I believe was some sort of psychological assessment. It was quite easy and a unique experience, unlike anything I'd encountered before. After that, I was scheduled for a phone interview, but we had trouble connecting. I then received an email stating that my interview was postponed because of Covid19. I was in touch with my recruiter, who was very helpful, and when the position reopened, I had another phone interview. Unfortunately, that interview also had connection issues, so I was scheduled for a third one a week later, and we were finally able to complete it. I was quite stressed, but the recruiter helped me relax during the call, and it went well. Subsequently, I had another interview scheduled with the manager via video call for safety. I was very nervous, but I felt more at ease as the interview progressed. I didn't appreciate the final part where the manager presented hypothetical customer situations and expected me to respond. While I understand the need to assess responses, I feel it doesn't accurately reflect real-life reactions, as one can easily 'act' in such a scenario. Overall, I enjoyed the process, and both interviews were successful.

After applying online, they ran a credit check and sent me a GIA test. The test was simple, but the final stage took 2 hours. It was difficult and I don't understand its relevance, but you can end it early. Next was a telephone interview, which was delayed by 2 weeks because my interviewer forgot to call. You should brush up on your Metro Bank knowledge and have some bullet points ready about what makes Metro different and why you want to work there. They also asked 5 simple maths questions (calculator allowed, but easy enough without). Then came the M Factor audition in Holborn. Around 40 of us attended, but no group pressure as we were applying to different stores. The M Factor has four segments. First, a presentation about Metro Bank (take mental notes). The next three segments were in a random order. I had the roleplay first, probably the easiest. In a room with tables and Metro employees, two employees per candidate performed roleplays. You get three sheets, one at a time, with a situation to roleplay. Be empathetic, offer a beverage, use their name. Your knowledge of processes doesn't matter as much as how you treat customers, though a basic understanding helped me. After the roleplay, they had an informal interview (likely not assessed) which felt like interview prep, and they asked if I had questions. Always have questions! Next was a written assessment, very basic. We thought of ideas to improve the bank and presented one on paper to Metro's CEO. This was frustrating as I was in a group with little boys who didn't acknowledge my ideas and one accused me of copying, while another made a backhanded remark. They were competitive, which only hurt them as we were assessed on colleague interaction. Just let your ideas be heard professionally, don't sit back, and write the email decently. They offered water during this. The last part was the interview, a relaxed environment in separate rooms with two Metro employees. Basic questions were asked: tell us about you, what you know about the bank, why you're suited. I was asked for 1 example for each of the 5 AMAZE values, using the STAR format. Prepare 5 examples beforehand. If they ask no further questions, you've done it correctly. Prepare questions to close the interview, like asking about their roles and how long they've been there. To close, we were told of three outcomes: 1. Pass and get the job. 2. Pass, but no vacancies, so join the talent pool. 3. Fail, but get feedback and advice for reapplying. They called me 7 days after.