Cashiers make financial transactions in retail stores by accepting cash, credit cards, debit cards, checks or digital credits through newer point-of-sale systems like ApplePay. They are also responsible for bagging items, honoring discounts, and requesting product price checks. A cashier’s role is an excellent opportunity for various job seekers, including those with or without college or high school degrees. In the following article, we’ve written a few tips that can help you write a good resume for this job.Let’s begin by looking at the three main types of resumes below.
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Job Duties of a Cashier
In most retail organizations, cashiers are professionals who host either the entry or exit point of that retail outlet. Their job includes the following duties:
Greeting customers politely.
Scanning purchases made by customers.
Keeping a complete record of purchases, including any differences in payment methods or discounts. Some customers, for example, choose to pay for different items with separate credit cards.
Packing purchases neatly based on the businesses’ requirements.
Exchanging or returning purchases made by customers while ensuring they reflect the software-based inventory.
Entertaining customer queries regarding store policies.
Informing customers about new offers, rewards or vouchers.
Counting money at the end of the day to make sure it matches sales.
Maintaining stock and placing them on shelves throughout the day.
Picking up heavy items from large deliveries.
Pricing goods.
Developing relationships with inventory partners.
Using scanners, calculators and other necessary equipment, including hardware and software.
Cashier Median Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of cashiers is $23,650, with the hourly wage being $11.37.
Top Skills for Cashiers
A cashier is required to carry out a myriad of tasks, and for that, it is necessary to possess a particular set of skills. Let’s have a look at them:
- Expert in handling financial transactions: Although this is the most apparent skill for any cashier, it is the most crucial one. You should know how to count money, calculate change, and balance bills with precision. If you want to thrive in the long haul, a decent knowledge of advanced arithmetics is critical. In case of complex transactions, you should know how to use point-of-sale (POS) software, which helps streamline sales, tracks purchases in real-time and manages business data.
- Thorough understanding of retailers’ policies: Cashiers should have a robust knowledge of the industry’s policies and guidelines in general and specific retailers. Retail alcohol sales, for example, depend on obtaining and holding on to a proper sales license to sell beer and wine. Like convenience stores or gas stations, some types of stores may not be eligible to sell liquor, depending on the state. Cashiers should be aware of these norms and deal with customers accordingly, including knowing when to check ID.
- Adept at computing: While quick mathematical skills lead to efficiency in performing tasks related to calculation, knowing how to use computers for work helps cashiers carry out duties smoothly. Some of the software that cashiers use is made by Vend, Nextar and Erply, the tech used by most U.S. government-sanctioned outfits.
- Multitasking: Cashiers operate registers, maintain purchase records, and update sales manuals. They should be able to perform all these tasks quickly and without clumsiness. Clumsiness leads to time-wasting, leading to profit loss, and shows a lack of confidence. In many organizations, cashiers have duties other than the sales department. They are assigned mopping floors, discarding the trash, and placing merchandise on the shelf.
- Customer service proficiency: A cashier must maintain a polite and courteous tone while interacting with customers. This is because good communication etiquette will help you build rapport with customers and improve their goodwill. If you are confident of your interpersonal skills, list them in your resume.
- Physically fit: Cashiers usually stand for long intervals to perform billing and packaging tasks, so good stamina is a prerequisite.
Educational Requirements for Cashiers
Education
There’s no particular qualification required to become a cashier. Many students work in this role while pursuing their studies. Employees prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma or an equivalent degree. But a good knowledge of mathematics counts as an advantage. Candidates with some computing background are preferred, as they may help update older retail processes in the store through research and getting new technology partners. Some enterprises are also more likely to hire candidates who can speak and understand foreign languages, especially Spanish in the U.S.Training and certification
Cashiers generally do not require a professional certificate. But employers prefer candidates with training experience. Below are a few programs that will help you in your job as a cashier.- Vocational schools: The Cashier Training Program by the GMC Training Institute is a comprehensive course designed to offer students hands-on experience as a cashier. In this 40-100 hour course, they perform in a real work environment and acquire skills and knowledge indispensable for a cashier role. After that time, they will identify acceptable and unacceptable checks better, calculate sales taxes, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills.
- For-profit companies: Alison’s Customer Service training is an excellent pick for your career as a cashier. It is a free training program, which will equip you with essential customer service skills that are inevitable for this role. You will get to know the basics of communication, greeting customers, and handling customer grievances. At the end of this online program, you will receive a Continuing Professional Development group certificate.
- Member associations: The Customer Service and Sales training program offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) is a classroom-based program designed for entry-level candidates looking to learn sales and customer service skills. To participate, you should have completed 10th grade. It generally takes 40-60 hours to complete the program, and you will learn to assess customer needs, the basics of store operations, and the selling process.
- Industry-related certifications: The Higher Education Cashiering Professional Certificate (CSPC) program by the Professional Development Group (PDG) is an online certification program for aspiring cashiers. Through this, you will come across numerous aspects of this career, including cash-handling, customer service, cash drawer balancing, and billing processes.
Cashier Resume-Writing Tips
Many students want a cashier job because it comes with the job training option and has flexible hours. But it is a tough job. It invites situations that seem difficult to handle. A cashier also has to accomplish many tasks quickly. If you have any doubts about writing a resume for this job, here are some tips.
- Insert action verbs. Add powerful action verbs that work like keywords, such as “completed,” “trained” and “resolved.” Proper use of keywords shows your confidence and willingness to work in this field. You can use these verbs mainly in the skills section.
- Throw some light on the education section. If you are a student, write a detailed summary of your education. Mention how your academic knowledge can be an advantage to this job. Also, write in detail about your extracurricular activities, hobbies and interests. Don’t hesitate to write anything that highlights your being active and enthusiastic. Even if you are not a student, mention your qualifications in detail. Mention hobbies and other interests briefly.
- Remember: Skills play a prominent role. From communication to time management to multitasking, mention every relevant detail about you. Here is how you can ace the game in your skills section:
- Get a thorough look at the job description.
- Take a mental note of all the primary skills required for this role.
- Now divide the skill section into various parts. For instance, if the job description requires you to possess technical knowledge of computers, interpersonal skills, hard skills, and so on.
FAQ
What are the advantages of working as a cashier?
- It’s one of the most convenient jobs for people who are pursuing their education.
- It also enables individuals to work within flexible time slots.
- There’s no particular degree required. Basic knowledge of calculation, operating computers, mathematical skills, and communication skills is all that one needs.
- On-the-job training is another significant advantage. One can later use this in each or training section.
What is the work environment like for cashiers?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the food and beverage industry holds the maximum percentage of cashiers, followed by general merchandise stores, gasoline stations, restaurants, and pharmacies and drugstores. A significant chunk of their work includes standing behind counters or checkout stands. Their work hours vary from one company or store to another.