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Cashier Interview Questions

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9 min read

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Cashier interview questions and answers.

  1. In your opinion, how can a 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier provide excellent customer service? See answer
  2. How comfortable do you feel receiving money and counting back change as a cashier? See answer
  3. Being a cashier requires focus and attention to detail in order to prevent mistakes. How do you stay focused while on the job? See answer
  4. Why do you believe you can be a good 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier? See answer
  5. You receive a $20 bill for an order totaling $5.52. How would you add up the change? See answer
  6. An upset customer wants to return an item that was not sold in this store. How would you handle the situation? See answer
  7. What POS software have you used in the past? See answer
  8. What would you do if you saw a coworker leaving with store merchandise? See answer
  9. When would you ask a customer for an ID if they tried to purchase an age-restricted item? See answer
  10. What strategies do you use to make sure the register count is correct at the end of your shift? See answer
  11. Are you comfortable dropping money in the safe at the end of your shift?
  12. What would you do if a customer was holding up the line trying to have a conversation after you scanned their items?
  13. Are you able to help stock the aisles and re-shelve items?
  14. How would you respond if another cashier asked for your help while you had a long queue of customers waiting?
  15. Cashiers may encounter scammers who try to get free items or trick them into giving away money from the register. How would you prevent this from happening at your register?
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Hire your next Cashier today.

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Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
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11 Cashier Interview Questions and Answers

In your opinion, how can a 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier provide excellent customer service?

Cashiers are customer-facing employees and for many businesses may be the only point of interaction between customers and the company. As such, they are responsible for being company ambassadors and must be willing and able to provide excellent service to everyone they interact with. The answer an applicant gives to this question will help determine their customer service skills and whether they would be a good candidate as a customer-facing employee. What to look for in an answer:

  • Friendly and approachable demeanor
  • An understanding of the importance of customer service
  • The willingness to go above and beyond
Example:

“I believe a cashier provides excellent customer service by engaging with each and every customer that they interact with. It’s their responsibility to ensure that a good impression of the business and its employees is made.”

How comfortable do you feel receiving money and counting back change as a cashier?

The position of 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier involves cash handling, so a prospective employee must be comfortable with taking in and giving out money on a regular basis. Their honesty and integrity are also important, as is experience using a cash register. An applicant should use this question as an opportunity to talk about previous cash handling experiences. What to look for in an answer:

  • Mention of honesty and integrity
  • Experience handling money
  • Accuracy in managing cash register
Example:

“I have a couple of years of experience managing a cash register and have never encountered any shortages or other issues. I believe in the importance of handling money with integrity.”

Being a cashier requires focus and attention to detail in order to prevent mistakes. How do you stay focused while on the job?

Mistakes at the cash register can be costly for a business, so it’s important for a 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier to be able to stay focused on the task at hand throughout the day. Because of the repetitive nature of managing a register, it’s easy to daydream and become lost in thought. An applicant must demonstrate the ability to stay focused on the details of each transaction. What to look for in an answer:

  • Well-thought-out and concise response
  • Willingness to focus on the details
  • Understanding of the role of attention on preventing mistakes
Example:

“I make sure to stay focused on what I’m doing by giving my full attention to each customer I interact with. This way I can provide an excellent experience while preventing errors at the same time.”

Why do you believe you can be a good 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier?

Although the position of cashier doesn’t require much training, employees must be willing to deal with long hours on their feet, potentially irate customers and routine work. This question will give you an idea of the motivation of your applicant, as well as any preconceived notions they might have. What to look for in an answer:

  • Friendly individual who likes to work with people
  • Doesn’t mind routine work
  • Previous experience
Example:

“I’ve been a 1780598108218cashier32.06cashier customer service5.3retail5.05fast food3.13teen2.08389045242392177.2514.8527.65HOURLY551817708962025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05cashier before and I enjoyed it. I like being able to interact with new people all the time and have gotten pretty good at handling a cash register.”

You receive a $20 bill for an order totaling $5.52. How would you add up the change?

Cashiers need to be able to handle money accurately and at a decent speed which means they need to have a good grasp on arithmetic and producing change. This simple question puts the applicant on the spot in the same way they would be while running the cash register. How they answer will give you a good idea about their math skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • An accurate mathematical calculation
  • Being able to answer quickly
  • Using the least number of coins as change
Example:

“I would give them back a $10 bill, four $1 bills, a quarter, two dimes and three pennies for a total of $14.48.”

An upset customer wants to return an item that was not sold in this store. How would you handle the situation?

Cashiers may have to process returns and determine if an item is eligible for a return based on the store's policy. They should be prepared to explain their reasoning to customers and stay calm even if they get upset that they can't make the return. This question helps the interviewer understand how an applicant might respond to a stressful situation where they had to either break store policy or risk making a customer angry. A successful response should demonstrate:

  • Acknowledgment of the store's return policy
  • Respect for the customer
  • A calm and composed attitude
In an actual workplace situation, the employee's response would depend on how the customer responded to the store policy, but a good answer might look like this:
Example:

"If a customer attempted to return an item that I was certain we didn't sell, I would first ask the customer for a receipt to see if I could clear up any confusion by comparing the item name on the receipt to what they brought in. I would explain that our store didn't sell that item and we unfortunately couldn't process a return or exchange. I'd tell the customer that I was sorry for the inconvenience and understood their frustration, but would stay firm on the store policy."

What POS software have you used in the past?

Cashiers often rely on point-of-sale (POS) systems to process transactions, manage inventory, and ensure smooth store operations. Familiarity with POS software can indicate an applicant's ability to handle basic cashier responsibilities, troubleshoot issues, and adapt quickly to new systems. This question helps you to evaluate the prior experience with retail technology and assess their comfort level with learning or using similar tools in your store. A strong response should demonstrate:

  • Familiarity with commonly used POS systems (e.g., Square, Toast, Lightspeed, Clover)
  • Confidence in handling tasks like scanning items, processing payments, and managing returns
  • A willingness to learn new systems
The specific software an employee uses will vary in a retail setting, but a good answer might include details about their experience with the systems they've used and how they adapted to them.
Example:

"In my previous role at a retail store, I primarily used Square for processing payments and managing inventory. I became proficient at scanning items, handling cash and card payments, and issuing receipts. When I moved to a restaurant position, I learned to use Toast, which helped me understand how to manage split payments and track orders more efficiently. I'm confident in my ability to quickly learn any new system your store uses and apply my previous experience to adapt smoothly."

What would you do if you saw a coworker leaving with store merchandise?

Cashiers may encounter situations that test their honesty and commitment to store policies. This question helps you to gauge an applicant's sense of integrity, ability to handle sensitive situations, and willingness to uphold company rules. It also puts them in a scenario where they need to think critically about how to respond to potential theft while maintaining professionalism. What to look for in an answer:

  • A clear understanding of company policy regarding theft
  • A calm and discreet approach to reporting the situation
  • Avoidance of direct confrontation or accusations
Example:

"If I saw a coworker leaving with store merchandise, I would not approach them directly or make assumptions. Instead, I would document what I observed and report the incident to my manager or supervisor discreetly. I understand that situations like these are sensitive, and I would want to ensure the issue is handled professionally and in line with company policy."

How would you respond if another cashier asked for your help while you had a long queue/line of customers waiting?

Cashiers need to balance multitasking, teamwork, and customer service in a fast-paced environment. This question helps the interviewer assess how applicants prioritize tasks, manage stress, and support their coworkers without neglecting their responsibilities. What to look for in an answer:

  • A focus on maintaining excellent customer service
  • The ability to prioritize tasks effectively
  • A willingness to help coworkers without causing delays
Example:

"If another cashier asked for my help while I had a long line, I would briefly assess the urgency of their situation. If it was something quick, like answering a question or grabbing an item, I’d help them as efficiently as possible without significantly slowing down my line. If it were more complex, I’d let them know I needed to finish helping the customers in my queue first and suggest they ask the manager or another available team member for immediate assistance."

When would you ask a customer for an ID if they tried to purchase an age-restricted item?

Cashiers play an important role in enforcing laws and store policies regarding selling age-restricted items. This question helps you to evaluate an applicant's knowledge of these rules, attention to detail, and confidence in addressing potentially sensitive situations with customers. What to look for in an answer:

  • Familiarity with laws and store policies about age-restricted items
  • A respectful and professional approach when requesting ID
  • An emphasis on compliance over customer pressure
Example:

"I would ask for an ID anytime a customer tried to purchase an age-restricted item like alcohol, tobacco, or lottery tickets, and they appeared to be under the age limit set by law. Even if I wasn't sure, I'd be cautious and politely explain that I needed to see their ID to complete the transaction. If they couldn't provide one, I would tell them I couldn't sell the item without their ID and apologize for the inconvenience."

What strategies do you use to make sure the register count is correct at the end of your shift?

Accuracy in cash handling is a critical responsibility for cashiers. This question can help you to learn how well the applicant stays organized, manages their register throughout the shift, and prevents discrepancies. What to look for in an answer:

  • A methodical approach to handling cash and payments
  • Steps to prevent errors during transactions
  • Emphasis on attention to detail and accountability
Example:

"To ensure my register count is correct at the end of my shift, I always double-check cash amounts when I open my drawer and count change back to customers carefully. I stay mindful of each transaction throughout the day and avoid distractions while handling money. At my shift's end, I slowly recount my drawer and compare it to the register report to confirm everything balances. If I notice a discrepancy, I immediately alert my manager to investigate further."

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Download our free step-by-step guide for encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the Guide

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