Essential Community Banker Review

My role at Barclays is a Community Banker Essential, this entails working behind the counter, helping customers with their day to day transactions, queries and helping them to resolve any issues they may have. My responsibilities include; setting up for the day ahead such as helping retrieve the tills and setting up of the books and bag, working behind the counter and in the banking hall assisting customers.

From this role I have hugely increased my communication skills and my knowledge regarding retail banking, I feel I have developed a much stronger understanding of banks roles in society and the services they provide. Furthermore, I feel I have become a stronger communicator within the team and with customers. Additionally, I am undertaking an apprenticeship and studying for an RBCB which again has hugely increased my knowledge surrounding the industry. I have been on a variety of training courses such as WebExs regarding great customer service, savings, ID and V and KYC.

I thoroughly enjoy the programme which I am studying, it is helping me develop my knowledge in an area which I had not studied before and is giving me knowledge which I can apply to the job. All of the team are fantastic, helpful and patient, I feel like a team member and that I've been working in the branch for years.

I feel very valued by Barclays, I have regular one to ones with my manager who gives me feedback on a variety of areas, good and bad, helping me improve further. Not only this, I have been mentioned in monthly area call, received feedback from higher members of staff through text and on our internal chat system.

I have received a huge amount of training and help on my programme, both from the apprenticeship aspect and within the role as an Essential Community Banker. I have been on many WebExs as well as receiving verbal support from those who have been at the branch for a longer period of time. I have observations to support my development as well as regular one to ones with my manager where we discuss my achievements and my activities.

I have regular meetings with my Capita Talent Coach who again, gives me feedback on the work I have completed. Not only this, my Talent Coach gives me feedback through the Learning Lounge on each section of my work highlighting where I have done well and where I could improve. I am able to contact him via phone or email if I have any queries.

I have regular meetings with my manager to discuss my development and my achievements within the month. There is always someone I can ask for help or guidance and I feel comfortable to do so and if there is not someone there I am able to consult KIT and the support tools within in the Barclays systems.

My salary meets my costs completely fine, I am comfortably able to afford my travelling costs which I pay for on a weekly basis as I purchase a weekly bus pass as well as being able to have enough to treat myself.

There are a variety of opportunities outside of work such as helping at company events such as careers fayres and social events such as the yearly area event night. These allow me to meet new people inside and outside of work. There is also the opportunity to support a charity.

Yes

I would recommend Barclays to a friend because the company care about your development and will help you become the best possible "you" that you can be. They will give you guidance and support to find a career path which suits you and a huge amount of avenues can come from working for Barclays. Working here will help all skills like communication, teamwork, knowledge, time keeping and organisation.

My advice to those applying to Barclays is, firstly, prepare for your interview by looking into the Barclays Values, their products and services and how you are digitally active. You must look into products and services because that will be a huge part of your job, answering customer queries on products. Also be prepared to work hard and give you everything to your team because you will be recognised and it will be reciprocated. The onboarding process is long but worthwhile and you will have a lot to take in when you have your first day.