Small Business Relationship Manager VP
Posted Aug 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026
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
Walk me through a portfolio you managed. How many clients, what was the mix of loans and deposits, and how did you decide where to spend your time each week.
What they are checking: whether the candidate has actually run a portfolio with real numbers versus just handled individual accounts
Tell me about a time you grew revenue from an existing client relationship rather than just bringing in someone new. What did you spot and how did you approach it.
What they are checking: ability to expand relationships and cross-sell, not just hunt new business
Tell me about a deal where you had to work with a treasury management or wealth management specialist to get the client what they needed. What was your role versus theirs.
What they are checking: whether they can quarterback a deal across business lines without just handing it off
What's your process for building a referral network in a new market. Give me an example of a relationship that actually turned into business.
What they are checking: real business development track record versus generic networking talk
Tell me about a client you almost lost to a competitor bank. What happened and what did you do.
What they are checking: retention instincts and how they handle competitive pressure
Tell me about a time a client was upset about a decision the bank made, maybe a declined loan or a fee. How did you handle it.
What they are checking: how they manage difficult client conversations and whether they escalate or report complaints properly
What would you do
A long-standing client's financials show declining cash flow but they're asking to increase their line of credit. What do you do next.
What they are checking: judgment on balancing client advocacy with sound credit discipline
A prospective client wants a loan structure the bank's policy doesn't support. How do you handle that conversation with them.
What they are checking: ability to say no and manage client relationships without damaging trust or bending policy
How do you keep compliance and risk requirements front of mind while you're also trying to hit growth goals.
What they are checking: awareness of regulatory obligations like BSA and suspicious activity reporting without treating them as an afterthought
You're new to this Pewaukee market. What's your plan for the first ninety days to start building a pipeline.
What they are checking: concrete go-to-market thinking rather than vague enthusiasm about community involvement
About the work
How do you read a business's financial statements to figure out if they can support a loan request.
What they are checking: basic credit analysis competency, since this role feeds deals to portfolio managers
What commercial lending products have you sold or supported, and how do you decide which one fits a given business's situation.
What they are checking: depth of product knowledge across term loans, lines of credit, SBA, and deposit products
Describe your weekly routine for prospecting new business. How many calls or visits, and how do you track what's working.
What they are checking: whether their sales process is disciplined and measurable rather than reactive
Practice this interview out loud.
Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Associated Bank from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.
Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Associated Bank.