Cashiers
What is a Cashier?
A cashier is a retail professional who handles transactions between customers and the store. Their primary responsibility is to process sales transactions, accept payments, and issue receipts. Cashiers work in various establishments, including grocery stores, department stores, restaurants, and other retail environments. They typically operate electronic cash registers and must maintain accuracy when processing cash, credit cards, and debit transactions.
In addition to processing payments, cashiers often provide customer service by addressing inquiries, assisting with product selections, and ensuring a pleasant shopping experience. They may also handle returns, exchanges, and gift card transactions. Cashiers must adhere to the store's policies regarding refunds and exchanges and often must maintain accurate cash drawers throughout their shifts.
Cashiers need to be attentive and efficient as they work in a fast-paced environment, often interacting with numerous customers throughout their shifts. Good communication skills are essential for effective customer interaction, and attention to detail is critical to avoid errors in transactions. While most cashiers do not require formal education beyond a high school diploma, many employers offer on-the-job training to familiarize them with store procedures and equipment.
Overall, a cashier plays an essential role in the retail experience, acting as the final point of contact for customers and contributing to the overall efficiency of the business.
Tasks
- Receive payment by cash, check, credit cards, vouchers, or automatic debits.
- Greet customers entering establishments.
- Issue receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers.
- Assist customers by providing information and resolving their complaints.
- Monitor checkout stations to ensure they have adequate cash available and are staffed appropriately.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Operating system software
- Accounting software
- Office suite software
Tools Used
- Ticket dispensing machines
- Bar code reader equipment
- Commercial use scales
- Packaging compactors
- Security cameras
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Skills
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Process sales or other transactions.
- Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
- Issue money, credit, or vouchers.
- Calculate costs of goods or services.
- Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$22580.0 - $37190.0
This career will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.