Study Guide: Preparation for the Skills Assessment for CIBC

Instructions: Please read the following study guide provided in order to prepare for the
specific test required for the selection process. Bare in mind that you must pass with a
specific grade. Once you have completed it, please fill out the following form: TEST

● Educational Background:
○ Familiarize yourself with the required educational levels for positions at CIBC.
○ Investigate if specific degrees in finance, economics, or related fields are valued.
○ Review your own educational background and highlight how your studies align
with the needs of CIBC.

● Banking and Financial Knowledge:

○ Study key concepts in finance, such as types of investments, interest rates, and
banking products.
○ Research liquidity, compound interest, and other relevant terms in the financial
domain.
○ Learn about different investment options and the associated risk levels.

● Customer Service Orientation:

○ Research best practices in customer service, such as empathy, problem-solving,
and effective communication.
○ Learn how to handle challenging situations with customers and how to turn them
into positive experiences.
○ Practice offering solutions and alternative options to address customer concerns.

● Sales and Relationship Building:

○ Learn about sales strategies and how to present the benefits of financial
products.
○ Investigate how to identify cross-selling opportunities and how to approach them
with customers.
○ Understand the importance of building long-term relationships with customers
based on trust and satisfaction.

● Teamwork and Collaboration:

○ Study how to contribute effectively to teams and how to resolve conflicts
constructively.
○ Research how to communicate and collaborate with colleagues from different
departments to achieve common goals.
○ Learn how to be a supportive team member and provide assistance and
encouragement to your peers.
 ● Adaptability and Problem Solving:
○ Learn how to address complex problems by breaking them down into
manageable parts.
○ Practice problem-solving in hypothetical situations or based on previous
experiences.
○ Research techniques to adapt to changes and unforeseen situations in the work
environment.

● Communication Skills:
○ Study the importance of clear and effective communication in the workplace.
○ Practice communicating technical information understandably to non-technical
audiences.
○ Learn how to actively listen and fully understand others' needs and concerns.

● Compliance and Ethical Standards:

○ Research regulations and ethical requirements in the banking and financial
industry.
○ Learn how to make ethical decisions in challenging situations and when to seek
guidance.
○ Understand the importance of adhering to regulations and ethical standards to
maintain integrity.

Additional Tips:
● Utilize online resources such as finance websites, customer service tutorials, and books
related to banking and business ethics.
● Practice with multiple-choice questions for each area to familiarize yourself with the
types of questions you may encounter.
● Good luck with your preparation! Remember that this guide is just a reference and you
can adjust it according to your needs and preferences.

Vocabulary

1. Educational Background:
● Higher Education: Refers to studies beyond secondary education. Often, positions in the
banking sector, such as at CIBC, require at least a university degree in related fields like
finance, economics, or business administration.

2. Banking and Financial Knowledge:

● Liquidity: The ability to quickly convert assets into cash without significant loss.
● Compound Interest: Interest calculated not only on the principal (initial amount) but also
on previously accumulated interest over past periods.
● Investments: Assets acquired with the goal of generating income or appreciation in the
future, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.
3. Customer Service Orientation:
● Empathy: The ability to understand and share others' feelings and concerns.
● Problem Solving: The skill to address and find solutions to challenges faced by
customers, offering alternatives and choices.
● Effective Communication: Conveying information clearly and understandably, and
actively listening to fully comprehend customer needs.

4. Sales and Relationship Building:

● Cross-Selling: Offering additional products or services to an existing customer, based on
their needs and preferences.
● Long-Term Relationships: Establishing lasting connections with customers through trust,
communication, and meeting their needs over time.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration:

● Collaboration: Working together with colleagues to achieve common goals, sharing ideas
and skills.
● Conflict Resolution: The ability to handle disagreements and tensions within the team
constructively, seeking solutions that benefit all.

6. Adaptability and Problem Solving:

● Adaptive Challenges: Situations that require adjustments and changes in strategy to
overcome obstacles.
● Critical Thinking: Evaluating situations objectively and logically to make informed
decisions.
7. Communication Skills:
● Clear and Concise Communication: Conveying information directly and in an easily
understandable manner, avoiding technical or confusing jargon.
● Active Listening: Paying full attention to what the speaker is saying, to understand their
viewpoints and needs.

8. Compliance and Ethical Standards:

● Financial Regulations: Laws and guidelines governing conduct and practices in the
financial industry, designed to protect customers and maintain the integrity of the
financial system.
● Ethical Decisions: Choices based on values and moral principles, even in challenging
situations where ethical dilemmas may arise.