Maturity, tact and the ability to quickly explain bank procedures and services are important in helping customers complete transactions or make financial decisions. In general, banks prefer applicants who have had high school courses in mathematics, accounting, bookkeeping, economics and public speaking. Previous cash handling experience is also important to employers. New tellers at larger banks receive at least 1 week of formal classroom training. Often, banks simultaneously train tellers for other clerical duties as well.
Advancement opportunities are good for well-trained, motivated employees.
Experienced tellers may advance to head teller, customer service representative, or new accounts clerk. Outstanding tellers who have had some college or specialized training offered by the banking industry may be promoted to a managerial position. Banks encourage this upward mobility, by providing access to education and other sources of additional training. These organizations have several hundred chapters in cities across the country and numerous study groups in small communities, and they offer correspondence courses. They also work closely with local colleges and universities in preparing courses of study.