Cashier

 Function: Retail

  About Cashier:  Handles customer payments, operates cash registers, and provides friendly and efficient service. This role falls within the Retail function of a firm.  Key aspects of this role are covered below to give you an idea about your own resume and help you distill your own experiences for a prospective employer in interviews

 Primary Activities 


  A Cashier in the Retail function is typically expected to perform the following activities as a part of their job. Expect questions delving deeper into these areas depending on your level of experience. This is a representative list and not a complete one; the latter are generally based on the exact nature of the role

  •  Process Customer Transactions: Scan items, enter prices, and calculate totals for customer purchases
  •  Handle Cash & Electronic Payments: Accept cash, credit cards, and other forms of payment from customers and provide accurate change
  •  Maintain Accurate Cash Register: Ensure the cash register is properly balanced at the beginning and end of each shift
  •  Assist Customers With Inquiries: Answer customer questions, provide information about products or store policies, and resolve any issues or complaints
  •  Bag & Package Items: Properly bag and package customer purchases to ensure they are secure and undamaged
  •  Maintain Clean & Organized Checkout Area: Keep the checkout area clean, tidy, and well-stocked with necessary supplies
  •  Promote Store Loyalty Programs: Inform customers about loyalty programs, encourage sign-ups, and explain the benefits
  •  Upsell & Cross Sell Products: Suggest additional items or promotions to customers to increase sales and enhance their shopping experience
  •  Process Returns & Exchanges: Handle customer returns and exchanges, following store policies and procedures
  •  Monitor & Prevent Theft: Keep a vigilant eye on customers and merchandise to deter theft and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate personnel

 Key Performance Indicators 


  Cashiers in the Retail function are often evaluated using the following KPI metrics. Address atleast some of these metrics in your resume line items & within your interview stories to maximize your prospects (if you have prior experiences in this or a related role). This is not a comprehensive list and exact metrics vary depending on the type of business

  •  Sales Revenue: The total amount of money generated from sales transactions
  •  Average Transaction Value: The average amount of money per transaction
  •  Number of Transactions: The total number of sales transactions processed
  •  Customer Satisfaction Score: A measure of customer satisfaction based on feedback or surveys
  •  Accuracy of Cash Handling: The percentage of cash transactions accurately processed
  •  Time per Transaction: The average time taken to complete a sales transaction
  •  Productivity: The efficiency of the cashier in processing transactions
  •  Upselling Rate: The percentage of customers who are offered additional products or services
  •  Return Rate: The percentage of products returned by customers
  •  Cashier Attendance: The percentage of scheduled shifts attended by the cashier

 Selection Process 


  Successful candidates for a Cashiers role in the Retail function can expect a similar selection process as the one outlined below. Actual process may vary depending on seniority, size/type of company etc.

  • Phone screening

    A brief phone call to assess basic qualifications and availability

  • In-person interview

    A face-to-face interview to discuss your experience, skills, and customer service abilities

  • Role-play scenario

    Simulating a cashier transaction to evaluate your ability to handle customer interactions and process transactions accurately

  • Mathematical skills assessment

    A test to assess your ability to perform basic calculations quickly and accurately

  • Customer service skills assessment

    An evaluation of your ability to handle difficult customers and provide excellent service

  • Background check

    Verification of your employment history, criminal record, and other relevant background information

  • Reference check

    Contacting your provided references to gather insights about your work ethic and performance

  • Final interview

    A final interview with a hiring manager or store manager to discuss your fit for the role and potential offer


 Interview Questions


  Common Interview Questions that a Cashiers in the Retail function is likely to face. Prepare stories that tailor to your own experiences that may help you answer these questions effectively. This is not a complete list and more questions will be added over time. Use the topic tags in the search box below to filter by specific topics


  Link   Question   Topic(s)
 Link
Tell me about your previous experience as a cashier.
 Experience 
 Link
How do you handle difficult customers?
 Customer Service 
 Link
What would you do if you noticed a coworker stealing?
 Ethics 
 Link
How do you handle cash transactions and ensure accuracy?
 Cash Handling 
 Link
Describe a time when you had to multitask in a busy retail environment.
 Time Management 
 Link
How do you handle long queues and ensure customer satisfaction?
 Customer Service 
 Link
What steps do you take to prevent theft or fraud at the cash register?
 Security 
 Link
How do you handle situations where the cash register doesn't balance?
 Problem Solving 
 Link
Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to assist a customer.
 Customer Service 
 Link
How do you handle situations where a customer wants to return an item without a receipt?
 Customer Service 
 Link
What would you do if you noticed a pricing error on a product?
 Attention to Detail 
 Link
How do you handle situations where a customer is unhappy with a purchase?
 Customer Service 
 Link
Describe a time when you had to handle a cash shortage or overage.
 Cash Handling 
 Link
How do you ensure accuracy when processing credit or debit card payments?
 Cash Handling 
 Link
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an irate customer.
 Customer Service 
 Link
How do you handle situations where a customer wants to use expired coupons?
 Customer Service 
 Link
Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively with a team to achieve a goal.
 Teamwork 
 Link
How do you handle situations where a customer wants to speak to a manager?
 Customer Service 
 Link
Tell me about a time when you had to handle a high-pressure situation at the cash register.
 Stress Management 
 Link
How do you handle situations where a customer wants to use an expired gift card?
 Customer Service 


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