Credit Union Jobs Basics

Know the credit union jobs basics to find a great job
By Kate Esposito If you’re interested in banking but would also like to dip a toe in the not-for-profit world, a credit union career could be the perfect match for you. That’s because credit unions are member-owned cooperatives.

Credit union employment opportunities are available at all levels. Some common credit union job titles are tellers, who work with members making basic transactions, like deposits; member service representatives, who handle loans and other more in-depth services; and branch managers, who are responsible for supervising all employees at the credit union location. Jobs at credit unions are also available in corporate offices in marketing, collections and information technology. Here are some things you should know before you apply:

1. Employment at credit unions is not the same as work with publicly traded companies. If you're hoping to get a job that offers you stock options, it's best to search elsewhere.

2. Salaries for credit union job opportunities are good but not astronomic. This goes back to the not-for-profit aspect of credit unions.

3. The majority of credit unions are small. Very few are national or even regional. This can make for little room to advance in your credit union career, but can also provide a better work environment.

Find credit union jobs in your area

There are a lot of credit unions in the United States. The problem is that they do not publicize jobs, since they don't actively recruit or advertise to people outside their field of membership. Luckily, there are other ways to find out about jobs.
Try:  Go to findacreditunion.com's national search page. It's an easy way to find credit unions near you. Once you locate a credit union, you can go to its website to search for employment opportunities. If that search doesn't work for you, try the Credit Union National Association's page. It's not as user friendly but has a more comprehensive list.

Learn about the financial world to prepare for a credit union job

Most people with credit union careers know a little something about money. Whether you'll be dealing with cash directly or helping a member with financial planning, you need to know what you're talking about. Your knowledge or lack thereof will come across in your job interview.
Try:  If you don't know a lot about finance, spiff up your skills before you start pursuing credit union jobs. You can learn the basics at your local community college or through a free online seminar at CNNMoney.com.

Start your credit union career with an internship

At credit unions, jobs will be more forthcoming to those who already have their foot in the door. Getting an internship before seeking permanent full-time employment will give you good experience and allow you access to people with the authority to hire you.
Try:  Check out nonprofit job boards, such as Idealist.org. They often list internship opportunities at credit unions. Another good place to look, which may surprise you, is in the job listings on MySpace. You don't need to have an account to apply for jobs.

• If a credit union doesn't have employment opportunities posted, stop by in person and ask. Companies don't always advertise credit union jobs publicly.