Maturity, tact, and the ability to quickly explain bank procedures and services are important in helping customers complete transactions or make financial decisions. Many new tellers transfer from other occupations, and virtually all tellers have at least a high school education. Usually, new tellers in large banks receive at least one week of formal classroom training. In addition to instruction in basic duties, many banks now include extensive training in the bank's products and services, communication and sales skills, and instruction on equipment, such as ATMs and on-line video terminals. 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. They also offer correspondence courses and work closely with local colleges and universities in preparing courses of study.