Zina Khan – Bank teller

Hello, my name is Zina Khan. I’m 26 and I’m single.

I moved to New Zealand during my Sixth Form year. After doing my Sixth Form year, I decided to go to polytechnic to do a secretarial course in order to develop new skills. 

I had always thought working in a bank would be interesting and I used to wonder about the work bank tellers did. I used to go to the bank and think 'how do the tellers get to work here and will I ever get a job in a bank?' 

Before I started working for the bank I did a travel qualification and worked in a department store. I think I had two roads to choose from: I could go into the travel industry or the banking industry.

I decided banking looked more interesting and I aimed for that. I had a goal, which was to work as a bank teller and when I set goals I like to achieve them. I knew I could do it because I had dealt with money before and I love working with people. I have been working in the bank for two years, after applying for a position through the newspaper.
 
I just love working as a bank teller; my favourite part of the job is providing excellent customer service. I love giving wonderful service. The moment the customers see your smiling face; no matter how angry or how bad they feel it improves their day. It's great when customers say 'you did such a good job.' That sort of reaction from my customers really makes my day. 

You meet all sorts of people working here, you make lots of friends, and when you see regulars on the street they wave and say 'hi'; that's very rewarding.

Banking is basically sales today. I enjoy this part of the job because I’m meeting my customers' needs. Everything is focused on sales, if you achieve your sales targets you get rewarded. But you are not just selling; you have to sell according to the customers' needs, what they want and what is best for them. If you can sell them the right product you can make them really happy.
 
I love working here; I look forward to coming to work. I think I'll stay in the banking industry but I will move forward because there are lots of opportunities. I've gained lots of experience and developed lots of relationships but I would like to move on because my plan is always to keep expanding my knowledge.