Common Cashier Interview Questions and

Tips for Answering

When you are interviewing for a position as a cashier, regardless of

industry, you need to highlight your focus on customer service and
accuracy.

Companies want to hire cashiers who are good with money and good with
people. Your goal is to show that you’re both, and to demonstrate that
you’re a pleasant, reliable person to work with, as well as a positive public
face for the company.

For many customers, you’ll be their only point of direct interaction with the
organization, so it’s essential that you show you’ll make a good impression.

By learning some of the most common cashier interview questions and tips
for answering each, you can enter your interview feeling confident and
prepared.

Tips for a Cashier Interview

Prepare answers to common interview questions. Before you even get to
the interview, be sure to prepare by reviewing common interview questions
such as "What are your strengths?" and "How would you describe
yourself?"

Make sure you have answers prepared for these interview questions, since
you will most likely be asked at least a couple of them.

Review the top skills for the job. Before the interview, also be sure to
review the job listing to make sure you have a sense of the top skills
required for the job.

Be prepared to answer questions about those skills. While every job is

different, most companies want cashiers who have strong customer service
skills, as well as candidates who possess skills like basic accounting,
computer literacy, and familiarity with the company’s products. Because
cashiers handle money, you might also be asked questions about integrity.

Provide specific examples. When answering questions during the interview,

be sure to support your answers with specific examples from your past
work experience or schooling.

Using specific instances in your answers gives your responses more weight
and credibility, allowing the employer to see how you'd succeed in the role.

Dress professionally. Finally, don’t forget to dress professionally for the

interview, even if the job itself will involve wearing a uniform.

Choose neat, clean, conservative clothing, and avoid heavy makeup or

perfume. Your goal is to impress the hiring manager with your skills and
experience, not to grab their attention with your attire.

Cashier Interview Questions

While most job interviews share common questions regardless of the type
of job, there are some specific questions you will likely face when applying
for a role as a cashier:

1. What does excellent customer service mean to you?

As a cashier, you will be working with the public at all times. It is essential
that you provide excellent service, and that your standards of service match
your potential employer's. In your answer, highlight the importance of good
service, identifying solutions, and resolving issues to the customer's
satisfaction.

If possible, offer examples of times when you went the extra mile to provide
customer satisfaction. (Reminder: it’s important to be positive. The
unvarnished truth might be that the customer was a pain, but it will be more
persuasive if you spin the story to focus on your ability to give excellent
customer service by resolving their issue.)
2. Do you prefer working alone or as a part of a team?

Cashiers typically work independently, but working within a team is a key

part of the job; you will work closely with stockers, floor managers, and
others.

As you respond, stress that you can work independently and can thrive on
your own, but that you appreciate the support and expertise a team can
give you. Emphasize your ability to communicate with others and support
your colleagues.

3. What if a coworker calls out sick and you're on your own?

This is a common issue in service industries, so you should expect a

question like this. When short-staffed, cashiers can face long lines and
frustrated customers.

When answering this question, it's important to highlight the role of

politeness and efficiency. However, you should also mention that if, even
working at your fastest, the lines keep lengthening, you would consult with
your manager about calling in other workers or asking other employees to
take over another register.

It may be tempting to answer this question by emphasizing your ability to

handle ever-increasing volumes of customers, but even the world’s fastest
cashier needs help now and then. The hiring manager doesn’t want a
candidate who insists that he or she can do everything without help; that’s
just not realistic.

4. How are you with handling money?

A key part of a cashier's job is handling money, so trustworthiness and

integrity are important. In your answer, highlight your experience managing
money, your past employers' feedback on your honesty, and your accuracy
in managing the cash drawer. You might also mention your familiarity with
certain technologies often used in retail, such as barcode scanners and
credit card readers.
5. Tell me about a time you delivered excellent service.

For this question, paint a vivid description of the situation so that the hiring
manager understands what happened and what actions you took. Also
emphasize the positive outcome for the customer. Highlight when you went
above and beyond the standard response of a cashier and focused on the
customer's needs.

Source: Download 14 Best Job Interview Questions and Answers PDF

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