JobsAssociated Bank

Residential Loan Officer

Associated Bank · Appleton, WI

Posted Aug 4, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 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.

Behavioral

Walk me through how you would build a referral pipeline with real estate agents and builders in this market from scratch.

whether the candidate has a concrete, repeatable method for generating business rather than relying on inbound leads

Tell me about a time you kept a loan on track when the borrower's situation was messy or the file looked like it might fall through.

persistence and problem-solving under a deal that's at risk of falling apart

Tell me about a time a loan file got stuck in processing and you had to work with the internal team to get it moving again.

how the candidate collaborates with processors and underwriters rather than just handing off and hoping

Tell me about the toughest customer relationship you've had to manage during a loan process, and how you kept them informed and calm.

communication skill and emotional steadiness with borrowers under stress

Where have you had success building a referral network in the past, and what made those relationships actually produce business rather than just polite contacts?

proof of prior networking results versus aspirational claims

Technical

What do the S.A.F.E. Act registration requirements actually involve, and what happens if a loan officer isn't properly registered?

real working knowledge of licensing obligations versus just having heard the term

Explain what Regulation Z under 12 CFR Part 1026 requires of you day to day when you're taking an application.

depth of compliance knowledge specific to Truth in Lending, not just general familiarity

Describe your process for a pre-qualification interview, from first contact to recommending a loan product.

whether the candidate has an actual structured process versus improvising each time

What's your experience with the record-keeping and reporting side of loan origination, and what tools have you used to track your pipeline?

practical familiarity with origination systems and documentation discipline

Situational

A borrower comes to you wanting a loan amount that their income and debt don't really support. How do you handle that conversation?

ability to deliver hard truths to customers while preserving the relationship and staying compliant

How would you approach outreach to low-to-moderate income borrowers or underserved areas in a way that's genuine rather than a box to check?

whether the candidate sees community lending as substantive work or just a compliance line item

How do you decide when a customer's needs go beyond a mortgage and it's worth referring them to another product or banker here?

cross-sell instinct and whether the candidate thinks holistically about the customer relationship

If you found out a colleague was cutting corners on a compliance requirement to close a deal faster, what would you do?

integrity and willingness to escalate through proper channels like the ethics hotline rather than looking away

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Associated Bank.

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you. Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process. Associated Bank conducts a thorough background check on all new hires. Job Summary The Residential Loan Officer plays a key role in building and growing customer relationships while guiding borrowers through the mortgage application process. This role offers the opportunity to expand your industry network, develop expertise across banking products, and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve This position requires a credit check per 12 CFR Chapter X, Part 1026, Truth in Lending, Regulation Z. Operates in full compliance with internal policies and procedures as well as applicable regulations and laws, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering and S.A.F.E. Act requirements. Must submit required information to meet registry requirements, obtain a unique identifier, and maintain the registration requirements as directed by the S.A.F.E Act. Key Accountabilities • Develop and maintain relationships with real estate professionals, builders, attorneys, and other referral sources to generate new business. • Conduct compliant mortgage pre-qualification interviews and recommend loan solutions aligned to customer needs. • Manage residential mortgage loan applications from origination through processing while ensuring regulatory and policy compliance. • Proactively follow up on leads and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective borrowers. • Partner with customers to identify additional banking needs and refer or cross-sell appropriate products and services. • Promote mortgage lending programs within the community, including outreach to low-to-moderate income individuals and underserved areas. • Collaborate with internal processing teams to support timely and efficient loan closings. • Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports related to loan origination and customer activity. Education & Experience Required • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. • 1+ years of residential mortgage processing or loan origination experience within a financial institution or mortgage banking company. • Ability to meet S.A.F.E. Act registration requirements and maintain compliance with applicable regulations. • Successful completion of a credit check in accordance with Regulation Z requirements. Preferred • Experience building referral networks within the real estate or financial services industry. • Knowledge of mortgage lending products, compliance standards, and community outreach initiatives. • Strong relationship-building, communication, and customer service skills. Why You’ll Love Working Here At Associated Bank Careers , you’ll join a collaborative team focused on helping customers and communities thrive. We invest in professional growth, career development, and creating opportunities for colleagues to expand their expertise across the organization. Apply today to make an impact. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified parties, including but not limited to people returning to the workforce, people with disabilities, those without a college degree, and veterans or those with military experience. In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life.  • Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans.  • Paid time off to volunteer in your community.  • Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focused Colleague Resource Groups.  • Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities.  • Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave, an employee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more.   • Personal banking, loan, investment and insurance benefits.  Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest. Join our community on  Facebook ,  LinkedIn  and  X .   Compliance Statement Associated Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse workforce. We support a work environment where colleagues are respected and given the opportunity to perform to their fullest potential. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Fully complies with all applicable enterprise policies and procedures. Acts in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations as outlined in training materials, including but not limited to Bank Secrecy Act. Responsible for reporting suspicious activity to Financial Intelligence. Responsible to report all customer complaints as prescribed and procedure violations to management or HR. Responsible to report ethical concerns as needed to Associated Bank’s anonymous Ethics Hotline. Associated Bank provides additional assistance throughout the application, interview and hiring process. Please contact  leavesandaccommodations@associatedbank.com  if you need an accommodation at any time during the process. Associated Banc-Corp participates in the E-Verify Program. E-Verify Notice  English or Spanish . Know Your Right to Work  English  or  Spanish . Associated Bank is Pay Transparency  compliant. The pay range represents anticipated base pay for this role. Actual pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, work location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role. For certain positions, total compensation may also include incentive, commission, or bonus opportunities not reflected in the posted base pay range. $17.00 - $25.85 per hour

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