Cashier Interview
Cashier Interview Questions at Top U.S. Companies
Preparing for a cashier interview at a major retailer? Whether you’re applying at Walmart, Target, Costco, or Amazon’s Whole Foods, most employers want to see strong customer service skills, accuracy with handling money, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Each company has its own hiring style, but they typically ask behavioral and situational questions to see how you’d handle real-life scenarios at the register.
How to Apply for a Cashier Job
Step-by-Step Application Process
Search Job Openings:
Visit retail, grocery, and restaurant websites or job platforms like Indeed or Snagajob.Prepare a Resume:
Include basic details such as prior retail/customer service experience, cash handling, and communication skills.Submit the Application:
Most cashier roles have online application forms. Fill out availability, past job experience, and answer any behavioral questions.Pre-Hire Assessment (if applicable):
Some employers require an online skills or personality test focused on customer service and ethics.Interview Invitation:
If selected, you’ll be contacted for an in-person or phone interview.
What to Expect in a Cashier Interview
Typical Interview Format
Duration: 15–30 minutes
Setting: In-person at the store, or via phone/Zoom
Interviewer: Store manager or supervisor
Topics Covered:
Availability and scheduling
Handling busy hours and long lines
Experience with cash registers and payment systems
Teamwork and customer conflict resolution
Common Cashier Interview Questions and Answers
1. Why do you want to work as a cashier?
Sample Answer:
I enjoy working with people and am confident in handling money and transactions. A cashier role fits my strengths in customer service and staying organized under pressure.
2. How would you handle a long line of customers during peak hours?
Sample Answer:
I would stay calm and work efficiently, ensuring each customer gets prompt service without feeling rushed. If needed, I’d communicate with team members for additional support.
3. What would you do if a customer became upset over a pricing issue?
Sample Answer:
I would stay calm, listen carefully, and explain store policies respectfully. If needed, I’d involve a supervisor to resolve the issue quickly and professionally.
4. Have you ever dealt with handling money before?
Sample Answer:
Yes, in my previous job I regularly handled cash, credit card transactions, and balanced the drawer at the end of each shift.
Tips for Acing Your Cashier Interview
Dress neatly and professionally
Smile and maintain eye contact
Emphasize reliability and customer focus
Mention flexibility with working weekends or holidays
Bring a printed resume and references (if possible)
Cashier pre-employment test
If you’re applying for a cashier job, you may be asked to take a cashier pre-employment test as part of the hiring process. This test helps employers evaluate your ability to handle key responsibilities like cash handling, customer service, and basic math. You can find free practice tests online to help you prepare and improve your performance.
What’s Included in the Test?
Most cashier assessments include:
Basic Math Questions: Practice calculating change, totals, and percentages. Expect simple addition, subtraction, and working with decimals—skills you can sharpen with a free math practice test.
Situational Judgment Test (SJT): These questions ask how you would respond to real-world scenarios, like a customer dispute or a long line at checkout.
Personality Questions: Employers assess your honesty, reliability, and customer-focused attitude.
Why Take a Free Practice Test?
Using a free cashier test before the real assessment helps you get familiar with the format and avoid surprises. It also builds your confidence and gives you time to improve areas where you may be weak.
Tips for Success:
Take a free cashier assessment online to review common questions.
Practice mental math regularly—calculators aren’t always allowed.
Read each scenario carefully and think about how a good cashier would respond.
Be honest but positive in personality sections.
Whether you’re applying at a grocery store, retail chain, or restaurant, preparing with free cashier test practice gives you a competitive edge. It shows employers you’re serious, capable, and ready to deliver great customer service from day one.
interview questions and answers for cashier positions at 10 top U.S. companies
1. Walmart Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you handle stressful situations with long lines?
A: I stay calm, work efficiently, and greet each customer with a positive attitude to maintain a good experience.
Q2: What would you do if a customer accuses you of scanning an item twice?
A: I’d politely double-check the receipt and void the duplicate if needed, calling a supervisor if necessary.
Q3: How do you stay organized during a busy shift?
A: I keep my workspace tidy, follow procedures, and focus on one customer at a time.
2. Target Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you make a customer feel welcome at checkout?
A: I greet them with a smile, make small talk if appropriate, and thank them at the end.
Q2: What would you do if you didn’t know how to process a payment method?
A: I’d stay calm and ask a teammate or supervisor for help so the customer isn’t delayed.
Q3: How do you handle guests who are in a rush?
A: I work quickly but carefully, communicating clearly to move them through as efficiently as possible.
3. Costco Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you handle members who question a price at checkout?
A: I explain the pricing clearly and call a floor supervisor for assistance if needed.
Q2: What makes excellent customer service at Costco?
A: Being fast, friendly, and accurate while always showing appreciation for the customer’s time.
Q3: How do you deal with repetitive tasks?
A: I stay focused by setting small goals and remembering each customer deserves great service.
4. Kroger Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you handle coupons that won’t scan?
A: I check expiration dates and scan again, then ask a supervisor if the system won’t accept it.
Q2: What do you do if your register is running low on change?
A: I notify the supervisor so the drawer can be replenished before it becomes an issue.
Q3: How do you assist elderly or disabled customers?
A: I offer help with bagging and can call for carryout assistance as needed.
5. CVS Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you handle confidential customer information?
A: I never speak loudly about prescriptions and ensure printed materials are handed directly to the customer.
Q2: What would you do if someone tries to use an expired coupon?
A: I’d politely explain CVS policy and offer alternative deals if available.
Q3: How do you manage customers waiting at the pharmacy and front register?
A: I prioritize based on urgency and ask for help when needed to avoid delays.
6. Walgreens Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: What steps do you take when selling restricted items like tobacco or alcohol?
A: I check ID as required and follow all legal and store guidelines.
Q2: How would you react if a customer became angry over a return policy?
A: I’d stay calm, explain the policy clearly, and involve a manager if necessary.
Q3: What do you do when the register is not functioning properly?
A: I alert a supervisor and try to keep the customer informed while the issue is resolved.
7. Home Depot Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you help customers purchasing heavy or bulky items?
A: I offer assistance or call for help to ensure safety and good service.
Q2: What would you do if a customer questioned the price of a tool?
A: I verify the item number and price, and involve a floor associate if needed.
Q3: How do you promote Home Depot’s customer service values?
A: I stay helpful, proactive, and friendly with every customer interaction.
8. Lowe’s Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you handle questions about items outside your department?
A: I give what help I can and connect the customer with the right associate.
Q2: How do you ensure a fast, accurate checkout?
A: I stay focused, scan carefully, and keep distractions to a minimum.
Q3: What would you do if you saw a pricing error on the shelf tag?
A: I’d report it to my supervisor so it can be corrected quickly.
9. Sam’s Club Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you manage peak hours and long member lines?
A: I work quickly and politely, keeping the line moving while still being accurate.
Q2: What would you do if a member requests a refund at the register?
A: I’d explain the refund process and direct them to the returns desk.
Q3: How do you handle membership questions during checkout?
A: I answer what I can and call a team lead for specific account inquiries.
10. Amazon (Whole Foods/Physical Stores) Cashier Interview Questions
Q1: How do you keep up with tech-driven checkout tools?
A: I stay updated through training and adapt quickly to new systems.
Q2: How would you handle a customer using a mobile payment that doesn’t go through?
A: I’d ask to try again or offer an alternative payment method and call support if needed.
Q3: How do you ensure Whole Foods customer service values are met?
A: By being warm, helpful, and respectful of each customer’s time and preferences.
FAQ
Why do you want to work for Delta Air Lines?
(Tip: Show passion for aviation, interest in Delta’s global brand, and alignment with its values.)Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.
(Focus on service, problem-solving, and initiative.)Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult coworker or team conflict.
(Highlight communication skills, empathy, and collaboration.)What would you do if a customer was angry or upset with your service?
(Delta looks for calm, professional, solution-focused responses.)How do you prioritize safety in your work?
(Crucial for operational and inflight roles—mention procedures and responsibility.)Describe a time you had to adapt to a sudden change or emergency.
(Delta values flexibility and staying calm under pressure.)What does excellent customer service mean to you?
(Relate your answer to Delta’s reputation and standards.)How do you stay organized and manage time under pressure?
(Especially relevant for gate agents, operations, and corporate roles.)What would you do if you noticed a coworker ignoring safety procedures?
(Demonstrate integrity, leadership, and safety-first thinking.)Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
(Delta values growth-oriented candidates—mention career development within the company.)
FAQs About Cashier Applications and Interviews
Most cashier positions require a high school diploma or GED. However, many entry-level roles accept candidates with no formal education if they demonstrate reliability and customer service skills.
Highlight any experience with customer service, cash handling, point-of-sale (POS) systems, teamwork, and problem-solving. Also include your availability and any relevant soft skills like communication and accuracy.
Visit the company’s official career page or use job boards like Indeed, Snagajob, or Glassdoor. You’ll typically need to create an account, fill out a digital application, and sometimes complete a personality assessment.
Expect questions like:
“How would you handle a difficult customer?”
“What would you do if your drawer was short?”
“How do you stay organized under pressure?”
Most companies process cashier applications within 3–7 business days. Interviews and onboarding may take up to two weeks, depending on background checks and scheduling.
Emphasize your willingness to learn, your people skills, and any volunteer or school experience that demonstrates responsibility and communication. Practice common interview questions in advance.
Some employers use basic math or personality tests to assess your trustworthiness, decision-making, and ability to follow rules. These are usually short and multiple-choice.
