Cashier interview questions and answers

This Cashier interview profile brings together a snapshot of

what to look for in candidates with a balanced sample of
suitable interview questions.
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17 good cashier interview questions

What other customer-facing experience do you have?

Describe your experience with cash-handling.
This job involves repetitive tasks. How do you stay
motivated?
Walk us through a typical day at your last job. What were
your responsibilities?
Tell us about a time you made a suggestion that saved time,
money, or improved revenue.
What would you do if you knew that you would be extremely
late for your shift?
How would you deal with a co-worker who wasn’t doing their
share of the work?
What would you do if you had a slow day at work? How
would you spend your time?
Describe a time you had a disagreement with your
supervisor. How did you resolve the situation?
A customer tries to combine two offers that cannot be
combined. How would you handle it?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] How many years have
you been a cashier?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] Would say you have
good customer service skills?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] Have you had been
accused of theft at other cashier positions?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] Would you take
accountability for anything that goes missing in the cashier?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] Would you say you’re
good at math?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] Are you willing to take
a drug test for this position?
[Suggested by real hiring managers] How would you
describe yourself in 5 words?
Here are 17 essential interview questions and sample
answers to help identify the best candidates for this role.

1. What other customer-facing experience do you

have?

This question helps to understand the candidate’s

experience in dealing with customers, which is crucial for a
cashier role.

Sample answer:
“In my previous job as a barista, I interacted with customers
daily. I took their orders, made small talk, and ensured they
had a pleasant experience.”

2. Describe your experience with cash-handling.

This question aims to gauge the candidate’s familiarity and

comfort level with handling money, which is a key part of the
cashier role.

Sample answer:

“I’ve worked as a cashier for two years at a grocery store

where I was responsible for cash transactions, giving change,
and balancing the till.”

3. This job involves repetitive tasks. How do you

stay motivated?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to maintain

focus and enthusiasm in a job that can be monotonous.

Sample answer:
“I find satisfaction in doing my job well, even if it’s repetitive. I
also try to make small improvements to make the task more
efficient.”

4. Walk us through a typical day at your last job.

What were your responsibilities?

This question provides insight into the candidate’s previous

experience and how well they managed their responsibilities.

Sample answer:
“My day started with counting the cash in the drawer.
Throughout the day, I handled customer transactions,
answered queries, and kept my workspace clean.”

5. Tell us about a time you made a suggestion that

saved time, money, or improved revenue.

This question evaluates the candidate’s problem-solving and

initiative skills.

Sample answer:
“I noticed we were using a lot of plastic bags, so I suggested
we encourage customers to bring their own. We offered a
small discount as an incentive, which reduced costs and was
well-received.”

6. What would you do if you knew that you would

be extremely late for your shift?

This question tests the candidate’s sense of responsibility

and communication skills.

Sample answer:

“I would call my supervisor as soon as possible to let them

know and provide an estimated time of arrival. I’d also
apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

7. How would you deal with a co-worker who wasn’t

doing their share of the work?

This question assesses the candidate’s teamwork and
conflict-resolution skills.

Sample answer:
“I would first try to talk to the co-worker to see if there’s a
reason for their lack of contribution. If that doesn’t work, I’d
consult with my supervisor.”

8. What would you do if you had a slow day at

work? How would you spend your time?

This question gauges the candidate’s initiative and

productivity when not directly supervised.

Sample answer:

“I would take the opportunity to restock shelves, clean the

workspace, or perhaps learn more about new products so I
can better assist customers.”

9. Describe a time you had a disagreement with

your supervisor. How did you resolve the situation?

This question evaluates the candidate’s communication and

conflict-resolution skills.

Sample answer:
“I disagreed with my supervisor about the way a promotion
was being advertised. I presented my case respectfully,
backed by data, and we found a compromise.”

10. A customer tries to combine two offers that

cannot be combined. How would you handle it?

This question tests the candidate’s customer service skills

and adherence to company policies.

Sample answer:

“I would politely inform the customer that the offers can’t be

combined, but I’d try to find another way to give them value,
like pointing out other promotions.”
11. How many years have you been a cashier?

This question aims to gauge the candidate’s level of

experience in cashier roles.

Sample answer:

“I have been a cashier for [number of years]. During this time,

I have honed my skills in cash handling, customer service,
and maintaining accuracy in transactions.”

12. Would you say you have good customer service

skills?

This question assesses the candidate’s perception of their

own customer service abilities, which are crucial in a cashier
role.

Sample answer:

“Yes, I pride myself on having excellent customer service

skills. I am attentive, friendly, and committed to ensuring a
positive shopping experience for every customer.”

13. Have you ever been accused of theft at other

cashier positions?

This question addresses the candidate’s integrity and any

past accusations related to theft.

Sample answer:

“No, I have never been accused of theft at any of my

previous cashier positions. I understand the importance of
honesty and integrity in handling financial transactions.”

14. Would you take accountability for anything that

goes missing in the cashier?

This question assesses the candidate’s sense of

responsibility and accountability for any discrepancies in the
cash register.

Sample answer:
“Absolutely, I would take full accountability for anything that
goes missing in the cashier. I understand the importance of
accuracy and security in handling cash transactions, and I am
committed to promptly addressing and resolving any
discrepancies that may arise.”

15. Would you say you’re good at math?

This question evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in basic

math skills, essential for accurate cash handling.

Sample answer:
“Yes, I am confident in my math skills. I am adept at quickly
and accurately performing calculations, which is crucial in
ensuring the precision of transactions and maintaining the
integrity of the cash register.”

16. Are you willing to take a drug test for this

position?

This question is often asked to ensure compliance with

company policies and industry standards, especially in roles
that involve handling financial transactions.

Sample answer:
“Absolutely, I am willing to take a drug test for this position. I
fully understand and support the importance of maintaining a
drug-free workplace, especially in a role that involves
responsibilities like cash handling.”

17. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

“This question encourages the candidate to provide a brief

self-assessment, showcasing qualities that align with the
requirements of the cashier role.
Sample Answer: Reliable, detail-oriented, friendly, efficient,
and customer-focused.”

What does a good cashier candidate look

like?

A good cashier candidate is not just someone who can

handle money accurately. They should also have excellent
customer service skills, the ability to multitask, and a positive
attitude. Reliability and integrity are also key traits.

Jump to section:

• Introduction
• Operational and Situational questions

Cashier Interview Questions

The Cashier position is an entry-level, frontline position for

your establishment. “Frontline” refers to their position as
brand ambassadors who interact directly with your
customers. The opportunity to deliver great customer service
and make a good impression is in their hands. For this
position, you’ll want to hire people who are personable.
You’re looking for candidates who are service-oriented and
who genuinely enjoy talking to people.

Related: How to attract and hire entry-level employees

What are the responsibilities of a cashier?

Cashier responsibilities include handling cash transactions

with customers, scanning goods, collecting payments,
issuing receipts, refunds, change or tickets and redeeming
stamps and coupons.

Previous cashier experience is not necessary for this

position, especially if you’re able and willing to put in the
time to train new hires. However, previous customer-facing
and cash-handling experience is always helpful and
desirable.

Use these interview questions to find out what isn’t on their

resume. Are your candidates organized? Reliable? Can they
think on their feet? If they’re unable to resolve a situation on
their own, will they make the right judgment call and ask for
help? How well do they work with others on a team? Finally,
the responsibilities for this position are repetitive. During
these interviews, make it a point to evaluate your candidate’s
self-motivation.

• Use this checklist to interview someone for a job at

your retail store

Let’s summarize some of the questions and add a few more

divided into specific types.

Operational and Situational questions

• What other customer-facing experience do you have?

• Describe your experience with cash-handling.
• This job involves repetitive tasks. How do you stay
motivated?
• Walk us through a typical day at your last job. What
were your responsibilities?

• Tell us about a time you made a suggestion that saved

time, money, or improved revenue.
• What would you do if you knew that you would be
extremely late for your shift?
• How would you deal with a co-worker who wasn’t
doing their share of the work?

• What would you do if you had a slow day at work?

How would you spend your time?
• Describe a time you had a disagreement with your
supervisor. How did you resolve the situation?
• A customer tries to combine two offers that cannot be
combined. How would you handle it?

• A customer wishes to return an item for a refund. What

procedure do you follow?
• A customer has a question, but you don’t know the
answer. What are your next steps?
• Describe a time you went above and beyond to deliver
excellent customer service.