5 Tips for Potential Applicants:

1. CV Alignment: In my experience, your CV should focus on your expertise and knowledge in banking and finance. Highlight your degree and any relevant courses you took during your coursework.
2. Emphasize Experience: Ensure your CV draws attention to any past bank teller experience, even if it's less than a year. Specific instances where you excelled in handling financial transactions or customer service should be included.
3. Product and Service Knowledge: Over time, I have noticed that a strong understanding of banking products and services can set you apart, even on paper. Showcase episodes where you have had a chance to cross-sell products or solve customer queries using product knowledge.
4. Soft Skills Highlight: Remember to highlight your proficiency in communication, teamwork, detail orientation and customer service skills. This job listing particularly values cross-selling and customer query resolution.
5. Contact Information: Ensure the email address and contact information provided on your CV is up to date and working. Given that applications are by email, the employer's first point of contact would be your email.

5 Areas to Take Note Of:

1. Specific Degree Preference: The employer seeks a degree in Banking & Finance or a related field.
2. Experience Requirement: There's a stipulated minimum of one year of experience as a Bank Teller.
3. Email Application Process: Applicants must send their CVs and copies of qualifications by email to [email protected].
4. Deadline: The application closes on Tuesday, 7th November 2023.
5. Position Specification: Applicants should clearly state the position they're applying for in their email.

3 Ways to Stand Out:

1. Tailored Cover Letter: From my observation, shaping your cover letter around your knowledge of the bank’s products and services can set you apart. Also, discuss how you can bring value to the Retail department in Mutare.
2. Demonstration of Passion: Portraying your enthusiasm for banking and finance in your application will likely catch the attention of the hiring managers, even in a crowded market.
3. Referrals or Recommendations: If available, include any recommendations or references from previous employers. It can provide an edge over other applicants.

3 Things Novice Applicants May Miss:

1. Role Clarity: The job listing calls for a versatile resource capable of handling financial transactions, cross-selling bank products and attending to customer queries. A novice might just focus on transaction handling.
2. Execution Speed: "Efficient and effective manner" indicates the bank's expectation for a high level of productivity and accuracy in transaction processing. Novices might underestimate the need for speed and accuracy.
3. Cross-Selling: Novice applicants may overlook the importance of understanding and selling bank products. However, cross-selling is a key part of the job and directly impacts the bank's bottom line.