1. Explain me how would you handle an angry customer?
Imagine being on the job and a man comes into the store a second time to complain that he was double charged for a bag of chips. He feels scammed and wants his money back immediately. How would you handle it? This is the kind of question you will get in your interview. A good answer might be that you would go ahead and refund him the money to keep him as a customer since it was a small purchase. You might say you'd grab a supervisor for assistance. You might also mention that watching the sales screen during each checkout keeps you from making many of those mistakes. This kind of answer shows that you can handle irate customers professionally and that you want to prevent the problem in the first place.
2. Tell us 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.
3. Tell us has a large amount of money ever come up missing at your past employment?
Be candid with the interviewer sharing if your drawer was ever previously off by a large dollar amount. We all make mistakes and this can happen from time-to-time. The key is to share if the money was found and how you learned from your mistake. Simply tell the interviewer who reconciled your drawer for you to find the mistake, and mention that you recognized the importance of the mistake ensuring that it never happened again.
4. Tell us do you have any experience of cash balancing and amounts reconciliation?
Yes. In fact it was part of my duty at my previous workplace. I performed cash and records balancing daily before closing.
80.54 (take your time if you need it, but produce the correct reply)
First, I believe it is my responsibility as a human being to treat other people and their possessions with the same respect with which I hope to be treated. Secondly, I believe that it would be my responsibility as an employee of this company to protect both the company's assets and its reputation. I could never choose personal gain through dishonesty over performing my job with integrity.
7. Explain me why Would You Want To Make Cashiering As A Career?
I am good with both cash handling and customer service. Since these two aspects of a cashier's work are the most important, I excel in this role.
8. Tell me why Do You Think Customer Service Skills Are Essential For A Cashier?
Since the cashier deals with public and represents the company or the store, customer dealing skills are a must.
You should respect the hierarchy. It is the duty of the supervisor the consider the quality of your work, and to tell you how to do it. They will be responsible for any negative effects, not you. Say that you would follow their orders.
A simple question, but you should not take it lightly. Calculate the coins, and always try to use the lowest possible number of coins. This helps with the speed of work.
11. Can you tell us how comfortable are you with checking IDs for alcohol and tobacco?
Federal Law is not only very strict when it comes to alcohol and tobacco sales, it is also very strict when it comes to identifying or carding those who purchase those items. It is a serious duty that should be seriously considered. It is good to remember, however, that if you are not comfortable checking IDs for alcohol and tobacco then you shouldn't say you are. Alcohol and tobacco are commonly purchased items, so you are sure to see them come down your conveyor belt or across your counter.
This is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are not flustered easily and still work well under stress and pressure.
"The key is to prepare for the shift ahead both mentally and strategically. I would still provide exceptional customer service, but also adjust my work style to be faster paced than usual so that the lines would move quickly. A positive attitude and great service can outweigh a slight wait in line. If after some time the lines were still long, I would consult with my manager about calling in another coworker to help cover the shift."
13. Tell us 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.
Interviewers are looking for team players who support their management team by offering positive and constructive feedback where it is due. Begin by telling the interviewer that you like to talk positively about your leadership team with your co-workers recognizing what your managers are great at. Next, mention that you do not complain about your managers, and you might offer constructive feedback if it is necessary. Feel free to provide an example of a time you have done so! For example, you might state that you had a manager who intimidated some of the newer employees because they only talked with the new employees when they had done something wrong. You might share how you pulled your manager aside and explained your perspective offering your friendly feedback. Be sure to mention the success you had with the conversation, and share how appreciative the manager was to receive your feedback.
First, I recount the physical cash. If the difference persists, I check the records. The error is almost always somewhere on the cashier's table. The key to cash balancing is not panicking and checking vigilantly for the discrepancy.
I previously worked as a cashier at a supermarket, and once a customer became very upset that she was not getting a discount she thought she should get. I began explaining that the sale only applied to quantities of 10 or more, but the customer kept interrupting and loudly insisting that I stop trying to rip her off. I made sure to fully listen to her, and I took the time to explain how the sale worked and how she could add more items to qualify for it. After a few minutes, she finally understood. She apologized for her behavior and thanked me for being patient.
First, I recount the physical cash. If the difference persists, I check the records. The error is almost always somewhere on the cashier's table. The key to cash balancing is not panicking and checking vigilantly for the discrepancy.
18. As you know this job is repetitive. Tell me how you will find a motivation to do it well?
Say that you do not mind repetitive work, that you actually enjoy it. You can even say that customers change every day, that you enjoy the small chit-chat you'll have with them while performing your job, and won't get bored in work. Or you can go with any other reason that helps you to maintain your motivation and focus.
19. Can you tell me particularly difficult situation that you handled involving customer?
At Macy's, a customer got quite antsy when he realized that he did not get the change that he was supposed to. He gave me a $100 bill and I was required to return $20 to him but accidentally gave him $10. He got very upset and asked to see a supervisor. I apologized but did not offer too much of an explanation of my error as I somehow gauged he was too upset to listen to me. I called my supervisor before the situation got out of hand.
I take short 3-5 minute break after every hour and also deal with customers in between receiving cash for purchases which breaks the monotony. This enables me to carry out the core cashiering tasks specially hard cash handling effectively, in a focused manner.
21. Tell us have you ever gone above and beyond your normal job duties to help a customer?
Yes. I used to work at a home improvement store, and I worked primarily in the back room. Once, while checking inventory just inside the back room door, a customer called through the open door asking for help finding a product. I had a lot left to do, but I knew that the store was busy and that the sales associates were likely all helping other customers. I walked with the customer to the aisle where the product was and helped her determine which type was best for her project. It was inconvenient for me, but I believe in always putting the customer's needs first.
I have several years of experience as a cashier, so I have sharpened my ability to perform at a high level. One of the most important techniques I employ is to focus completely on the task at hand instead of letting my mind wander. It's easy to daydream when doing repetitive tasks, but I fight this tendency by maintaining cheerful interaction with customers while still keeping things moving quickly.
I take short 3-5 minute break after every hour and also deal with customers in between receiving cash for purchases which breaks the monotony. This enables me to carry out the core cashiering tasks specially hard cash handling effectively, in a focused manner.
24. Explain me about A Problem You Faced As A Cashier And How You Overcame It?
It was the annual closing when I had worked only two weeks at my first job. While balancing the cash there was a major discrepancy that just wouldn't resolve. I solved the problem by conveying it effectively to the management, taking guidance, following instructions and remaining calm. On checking and rechecking several times, I found out the wrong entry. I perform balancing daily ever since.
25. Explain me how flexible is your schedule?
The key to both of these cashier interview questions and answers is your willingness to be flexible. You will most likely be working in a store with more than a couple of other cashiers who will call in sick at some point. This means that there may be more opportunities for you to pick up extra hours. This could also mean that the store will need you to work when you may not want to. Be open about what works for you and what doesn't in regard to days of the week, time of day, and shift length. If you are flexible, say so. Companies will be more likely to hire someone that can work a little extra or on short notice.
