Bank of Montreal (BMO) Assessment Centre, Aptitude & Personality Tests, and Interview Process Preparation – 2024
What Is Bank of Montreal?
Also known as BMO, Bank of Montreal is not only the 4th largest investment bank in Canada, it is one of the largest banks in North America and has a large international presence. It has been in operation since 1817 and has not missed a dividend payment since 1829. There are programs available for students and new graduates, such as student internships, as well as capital market internships. Bank of Montreal offers benefits such as:
Medical coverage
Dental insurance
Retirement savings
Paid sick leave
Parental leave
Paid time off
What Is Bank of Montreal Hiring Process?
Application
The first step for job-seekers with BMO is to create an online profile and apply for your desired position. Be sure to submit a CV and cover letter with your application. Bank of Montreal allows you to apply for more than one job at a time, but separate applications must be filled out for each position. To be alerted to positions that may align with your skill-set you can join their Talent Community to be alerted to positions that may suit you. After submitting your application you wait for a confirmation email. If your application sparks interest, you will be alerted within a few weeks.
Phone Screening
The first interview will be done over the phone. They will review your CV and ask some basic questions about your background to determine if you are a good fit for the company.
Bank of Montreal Assessments
After the phone interview, you may be contacted to take online assessment tests. The test you take will be determined by the position you are applying for. For customer service based positions the tests you will be most likely to see are:
A simulation assessment: You will be asked to act as though you are a teller or an agent, and pick the best response to a situation.
Personality assessment: This is a psychometric test designed to determine how well your personality will fit in with the Bank of Montreal and the expectations they have of their employees. The personality test is multiple choice.
Math Assessment: You will be allowed to use a calculator on this portion. This will test your proficiency in math.
Verbal assessment: You will be tested on your language proficiency, to determine how well you can communicate, and follow written directions. Read more about verbal aptitude tests.
Talent Q Tests
Bank of Montreal uses the Talent Q assessment test to screen applicants prior to an in-person interview. This is a psychometric used to measure competency and skills, test personality, and determine your motivation. The Talent Q tests used by the Bank of Montreal are:
Aspects: This is designed for people applying for customer service roles. It measures your verbal, error checking, and mathematic abilities. It also helps measure the key competencies that the company is looking for.
Elements: This test is given to applicants for graduate and managerial positions. It measures logical and numerical reasoning and verbal competency. This test will have you focus on analyzing data and finding errors.
In addition to Talent Q, BMO usually uses SHL’s and Korn Ferry’s aptitude and perosonality tests.
Bank of Montreal Assessment Centre
During the assessment centre, you will meet other prospective employees as well as management. You will participate in a number of group activities. These are another tool used to determine your competencies, as well as how well you work with other people, and your leadership skills.
Face to Face Interview
The final step in the Bank of Montreal hiring process is the face to face interview. This will go in-depth and takes about an hour. The questions in this interview will be mostly behavioural such as:
What is the best way to handle an angry customer?
Why do you want to work for BMO and what do you think you bring to the company?
What is the most difficult situation you have had to handle at a job? How did you resolve it?
How to Prepare for Bank of Montreal’s Assessments?
Psychometric tests are developed without right or wrong answers but are measured based on what the company using them is looking for. When preparing yourself to take the Bank of Montreal online assessment tests, be sure you have carefully studied the company. This will help you determine the best answers for their tests. The skills-based tests will be judged for accuracy. Before taking these tests, take the time to study areas you feel weak in, or haven’t used for a while. Carefully read directions to avoid mistakes due to misunderstanding. If you prepare yourself properly, by taking the time to study the company and the required job skills, you will breeze through the hiring process and into the job.
