Cashier interview questions and answers

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10 good cashier interview questions

1. What other customer-facing experience do you have?
2. Describe your experience with cash-handling.
3. This job involves repetitive tasks. How do you stay motivated?
4. Walk us through a typical day at your last job. What were your responsibilities?
5. Tell us about a time you made a suggestion that saved time, money, or improved revenue.
6. What would you do if you knew that you would be extremely late for your shift?
7. How would you deal with a co-worker who wasn’t doing their share of the work?
8. What would you do if you had a slow day at work? How would you spend your time?
9. Describe a time you had a disagreement with your supervisor. How did you resolve the situation?
10. A customer tries to combine two offers that cannot be combined. How would you handle it?

Here are 10 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.”

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.

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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.

 

Frequently asked questions