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Mortgage Loan Originator

Fifth Third Bank · Aurora East, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a deal that nearly fell apart before closing. How did you save it, or what did you learn?

What they are checking: Problem solving under deadline pressure and honest communication with buyers and agents.

How do you keep borrowers and agents updated so nobody is surprised as the file moves through processing and underwriting?

What they are checking: Communication habits that protect the customer experience and keep referral partners sending business.

What would you do

This role relies on outside referrals from realtors, builders and personal contacts. How would you build a referral network in markets like Aurora, Cary, Lincolnwood or Wheaton?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic, active plan to generate their own pipeline rather than waiting for leads.

A realtor who sends you a lot of business asks you to push a file through that you think has a problem. What do you do?

What they are checking: Integrity under pressure from a key referral source, which matters greatly in regulated lending.

The posting mentions cross-selling objectives. How would you introduce other Fifth Third products to a new mortgage customer without it feeling pushy?

What they are checking: Whether they can deepen relationships with relevant offers rather than scripted add-ons.

When an exception comes up on a file, how do you decide whether to escalate it?

What they are checking: Respect for the defined escalation protocol and good judgment about when a problem is beyond their authority.

About the work

Walk me through how you take a residential first mortgage from application to closing.

What they are checking: Command of the full loan process, since the posting says the originator owns the loan from application to closing.

A borrower's file is close to approval but their debt-to-income ratio comes in just over the guideline. What are your options?

What they are checking: Knowledge of underwriting guidelines and creative but compliant ways to restructure a loan.

How do you explain the difference between a conventional, FHA and VA loan to a first-time buyer?

What they are checking: Product knowledge and the ability to explain choices in plain terms so the customer can decide.

What compliance rules shape what you can and cannot say to a borrower about rates and fees?

What they are checking: Awareness of disclosure rules, fair lending and licensing obligations for mortgage originators.

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The full job description

As published by Fifth Third Bank.

Make banking a Fifth Third better® We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank. GENERAL FUNCTION: Performs a wide range of duties relating to the origination of residential 1st mortgage loans for outside referrals. Meets standards and objectives defined by management for mortgage loan sales and cross-selling objectives. Assumes overall responsibility for the residential mortgage loan from application to closing. Responsible and accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and personally following policies and procedures as defined. Accountable for always doing the right thing for customers and colleagues, and ensures that actions and behaviors drive a positive customer experience. While operating within the Bank’s risk appetite, achieves results by consistently identifying, assessing, managing, monitoring, and reporting risks of all types. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop referral contacts (realtors, builders, professional and personal contacts). • Maintain knowledge of Fifth Third Mortgage Company's policies and procedures. • Maintain knowledge of available loan products, processing procedures, and underwriting and general departmental guidelines. • Follow defined protocol for escalation exceptions. • Take applicant applications by completing Fannie Mae form 1003 on the laptop. • Utilize the laptop for communication and access of daily rates, applicant credit reports, Loan Prospector responses and transmitting the loan to LOMAS. • Collect appropriate documentation from each applicant and deliver loan package in the time frames set by management. • Manage pipeline for all originated loans through closing and complete required management reports. • Communicate with branches and/or applicants of providing timely updates and progress reports. • Maintain high levels of customer service while managing each applicant's and support staff's expectations. • Attend and participate in all Consumer Lending meetings as required by management. MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: • High school diploma or equivalent mandatory. Four-year college degree preferred. • Knowledge of conventional and/or government lending guidelines. • Knowledge of residential mortgage processing, underwriting, and closing procedures. • Knowledge of federal lending regulations governing real estate lending. • Demonstrated organizational skills. • Strong written and verbal communications skills. • Demonstrated teamwork and customer service skills. • Proven computer skills. • Basic sales technique skills. • Strong desire to excel in a competitive environment. • This position requires S.A.F.E. Act registration at the time of employment through the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS). The NMLS web site (mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org) provides the MU4R questions and registration required for employment in this position. #LI - SM1 Mortgage Loan Originator At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day. Compensation for this position is largely incentive-based. Incentive compensation is combined with either a base salary or a draw to determine total cash compensation, and incentive compensation is based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance. More information can be obtained upon request. Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner. LOCATION -- Aurora, Illinois 60502 Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee. Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

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