Top cashier skills to look for in candidates

1. Customer service

Included in 23.40% of cashier job postings

Customer service involves interacting directly with customers, addressing their questions and resolving issues to ensure a positive shopping experience. This skill is essential for roles that require frequent customer interaction and where maintaining customer satisfaction is a priority.

Job description example: Ability to effectively resolve customer inquiries and issues or Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess customer service skills through behavioral interview questions that focus on past experiences dealing with customers. Role-playing scenarios during the interview can also help evaluate a candidate’s verbal communication skills and ability to handle customer interactions effectively.

2. Cashiering

Included in 22.65% of cashier job postings

Cashiering involves accurately processing transactions, managing cash and providing excellent service. This skill is important for roles where handling financial transactions and maintaining accuracy are critical.

Job description example: Experience handling cash transactions and operating cash registers.

Assessing the skill: Employers can evaluate cashiering skills by asking candidates about their experience with cash registers, point-of-sales (POS) systems and transaction management. Practical assessments, such as mock transaction scenarios, can also be useful.

3. Communication skills

Included in 18.16% of cashier job postings

Effective communication is necessary for cashiers to assist customers, answer questions and ensure transactions go smoothly. This skill is particularly important in roles that require clear and concise interaction with customers.

Job description example: Strong verbal communication skills for customer interactions.

Assessing the skill: Assess communication skills through interviews by focusing on how candidates articulate their thoughts and how they handle customer inquiries. Observing visible demeanor and active listening during the interview can also provide insights.

4. English

Included in 7.37% of cashier job postings

Proficiency in English is important for cashiers to communicate effectively with a diverse customer base. This skill is essential for roles in regions where English is the primary language used in customer interactions.

Job description example: Professional-level fluency in spoken and written English.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess English proficiency by conducting part of the interview in English, evaluating both verbal and written communication skills through various tasks or questions.

5. Restaurant experience

Included in 6.84% of cashier job postings

Restaurant experience can provide cashiers with the ability to multitask in fast-paced environments, often requiring them to handle both food preparation and cashiering duties.

Job description example: Experience in food preparation and handling, including proper sanitation practices.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess restaurant experience by asking candidates to describe their past roles in food service, focusing on their ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

6. Guest services

Included in 6.79% of cashier job postings

Guest services skills involve creating a welcoming and supportive environment for customers, often in high-end or hospitality settings. This skill is important for cashier roles where exceptional customer service is expected.

Job description example: Experience in guest services, particularly in luxury or boutique settings.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess guest services skills by asking candidates to describe past experiences where they provided exceptional service in hospitality settings. Role-playing scenarios can also help evaluate these skills.

7. Basic math

Included in 6.75% of cashier job postings

Basic math skills are necessary for cashiers to ensure accurate transactions and manage cash effectively. This skill is needed in roles where cash handling and transaction accuracy are important.

Job description example: Proficiency in basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess math skills through simple arithmetic tests during the interview or by asking candidates to solve basic math problems related to transactions.

8. Cash handling

Included in 6.03% of cashier job postings

Cash handling involves managing cash transactions with precision and integrity. This skill is vital for cashiers who deal with large amounts of cash daily.

Job description example: Experience handling large amounts of cash in a previous role.

Assessing the skill: Employers can evaluate cash handling skills by discussing past experiences where the candidate was responsible for managing cash. A practical test involving cash counting or transaction scenarios with customers can also be helpful.

9. Computer skills

Included in 5.22% of cashier job postings

Computer skills are increasingly important for cashiers as modern registers and POS systems become more advanced. This skill is necessary for roles that involve using technology to process transactions.

Job description example: Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and basic computer skills.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess computer skills by asking candidates about their experience with POS systems and other relevant computer literacy by administering a skills test for their business’ preferred software.

10. Bilingual

Included in 4.45% of cashier job postings

Bilingual skills enhance customer service by allowing cashiers to communicate effectively with customers who speak different languages. This skill is particularly valuable for businesses who serve or are located in diverse communities.

Job description example: Fluency in both English and [specific language].

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess bilingual skills by conducting part of the interview in the second language and evaluating the candidate’s fluency and ability to switch between languages. You can also administer a written assessment as part of your hiring process.

11. Retail sales

Included in 3.69% of cashier job postings

Retail sales skills combine customer service, product knowledge and sales techniques. Cashiers with these skills can assist customers in making informed purchasing decisions.

Job description example: Experience in retail sales, with a focus on customer service and product upselling.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess retail sales skills by asking candidates to describe past experiences where they successfully upsold products or assisted customers with purchasing decisions.

12. Management

Included in 3.67% of cashier job postings

Management skills are essential for cashiers who will supervise others or take on leadership roles, like a head cashier. These skills include team leadership and decision-making.

Job description example: Previous experience in a supervisory role or team leadership.

Assessing the skill: Employers can evaluate management skills by discussing the candidate’s experience in leading teams and by asking about specific situations where they had to manage others.

13. Computer literacy

Included in 2.25% of cashier job postings

Computer literacy refers to a broader understanding of technology, beyond just using POS systems. It includes using various types of software and understanding basic computer operations.

Job description example: Understanding of computers and ability to troubleshoot basic issues.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess computer literacy by testing the candidate’s ability to use different software applications and by discussing their familiarity with basic computer troubleshooting.

14. Time management

Included in 2.03% of cashier job postings

Time management skills help cashiers work efficiently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which is essential in busy retail environments.

Job description example: Ability to multitask and manage time effectively during peak hours.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess time management skills by asking candidates to describe how they prioritize tasks during busy periods. You can ask time management interview questions to gain a deeper understanding of candidates’ abilities.

15. Maths

Included in 1.87% of cashier job postings

Math skills are necessary for ensuring accurate financial transactions and managing inventory. Cashiers rely on these skills to perform basic arithmetic.

Job description example: Proficiency in basic math, including calculations without the aid of technology.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess math skills by administering a simple math test during the interview or by asking candidates to solve transaction-related math problems.

16. DRG

Included in 1.67% of cashier job postings

DRG, or diagnosis-related group, is relevant in healthcare settings where cashiers may need to understand medical coding. This skill is necessary for roles that involve billing and coding.

Job description example: Familiarity with DRG coding and medical billing processes.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess DRG knowledge by discussing the candidate’s experience in healthcare billing and by asking them to explain the coding process.

17. Food service

Included in 1.62% of cashier job postings

Food service skills are valuable for cashiers in quick-service restaurants or food-related establishments. These skills include food handling, sanitation and customer service.

Job description example: Experience as a cashier in the food service industry.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess food service skills by asking candidates to describe their experience in the food industry and with food service related cashiering systems.

18. Sales

Included in 1.56% of cashier job postings

Sales skills enable cashiers to engage customers, recommend products and contribute to sales growth. These skills include negotiation and product knowledge.

Job description example: Experience in a sales-focused role with a track record of achieving sales targets.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess sales skills by discussing the candidate’s experience in upselling and cross-selling and by asking them to demonstrate their sales approach during the interview.

19. Writing skills

Included in 1.45% of cashier job postings

Writing skills are important for cashiers who need to maintain accurate records, fill out forms or communicate with customers and colleagues through written communication.

Job description example: Clear and legible handwriting for completing transaction logs and receipts.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess writing skills by reviewing a sample of the candidate’s handwriting or by asking them to complete a written task during the interview.

20. Organizational skills

Included in 1.32% of cashier job postings

Organizational skills help cashiers manage their workspace, keep track of transactions and ensure everything is in order. These skills contribute to efficiency and accuracy.

Job description example: Experience in maintaining an organized workspace, including managing cash and supplies.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess organizational skills by discussing the candidate’s approach to maintaining an orderly work environment while multitasking.

21. Spanish

Included in 1.30% of cashier job postings

Spanish language skills are valuable in areas with a large Spanish-speaking population and allow cashiers to provide better service to Spanish-speaking customers.

Job description example: Fluency in spoken and written Spanish.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess Spanish language skills by conducting part of the interview in Spanish and by evaluating the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in both languages.

22. Upselling

Included in 1.26% of cashier job postings

Upselling skills allow cashiers to suggest additional products or upgrades, increasing sales and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Job description example: Experience in a role that involved upselling products or services to customers.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess upselling skills by discussing past experiences where the candidate successfully upsold products and by role-playing a sales scenario during the interview.

23. Supervising experience

Included in 0.94% of cashier job postings

Supervising experience is important for cashiers who will be leading a team or managing other employees. This skill involves leadership and decision-making.

Job description example: Previous experience managing a team.

Assessing the skill: Employers can evaluate supervising experience by asking candidates to describe their leadership style and by discussing how they have managed teams in previous roles.

24. Microsoft Excel

Included in 0.71% of cashier job postings

Microsoft Excel skills are useful for cashiers who need to track inventory, manage data or perform financial calculations.

Job description example: Experience using Excel for data entry, inventory management, or financial tracking.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess Excel skills by asking candidates to demonstrate their proficiency with basic Excel functions during the interview or by administering a simple Excel test.

25. Sanitation

Included in 0.61% of cashier job postings

Sanitation skills are essential for cashiers working in environments where cleanliness is critical, such as food service. These skills ensure compliance with health regulations.

Job description example: Experience in maintaining cleanliness and following sanitation protocols.

Assessing the skill: Employers can assess sanitation skills by discussing the candidate’s knowledge of health and safety regulations and by asking them to describe how they maintained cleanliness in previous roles.

Other top cashier skills in demand

Here are an additional 25 cashier skills that are common in cashier job postings on Indeed:

26. Microsoft Office: Included in 0.56% of cashier job postings

27. Microsoft Word: Included in 0.52% of cashier job postings

28. Phone etiquette: Included in 0.51% of cashier job postings

29. POS: Included in 0.46% of cashier job postings

30. Hospitality: Included in 0.40% of cashier job postings

31. Serving: Included in 0.39% of cashier job postings

32. Leadership: Included in 0.38% of cashier job postings

33. Microsoft Outlook: Included in 0.36% of cashier job postings

34. Analysis skills: Included in 0.34% of cashier job postings

35. 10-key typing: Included in 0.29% of cashier job postings

36. Employment & labor law: Included in 0.24% of cashier job postings

37. Marketing: Included in 0.24% of cashier job postings

38. Merchandising: Included in 0.23% of cashier job postings

39. Cooking: Included in 0.18% of cashier job postings

40. Stocking: Included in 0.17% of cashier job postings

41. Kitchen experience: Included in 0.17% of cashier job postings

42. Windows: Included in 0.16% of cashier job postings

43. Pricing: Included in 0.16% of cashier job postings

44. Baking: Included in 0.16% of cashier job postings

45. Food safety: Included in 0.14% of cashier job postings

46. iOS: Included in 0.13% of cashier job postings

47. Culinary experience: Included in 0.12% of cashier job postings

48. Food preparation: Included in 0.11% of cashier job postings

49. Data entry: Included in 0.10% of cashier job postings

50. Payroll: Included in 0.10% of cashier job postings

¹Indeed data (US), January 2023 – Dec 2023