22 Supermarket Cashier Interview Questions and Answers

Updated on: June 29, 2022

Appearing for a supermarket cashier interview may have your head full of doubts and concerns.

While it may seem that supermarket cashiers’ job is simple, it is in actuality quite complex.

Hence, the interview process is also multifaceted, often making it difficult to pass if you haven’t prepared beforehand.

At the interview for a supermarket cashier position, the interviewer will ask about cashiering, customer service, merchandising and sales work. 

A mix of skills and experience in a supermarket cashier position will help you ace the process.

Here is a set of interview questions and answers written specifically for a supermarket cashier position:

22 Common Interview Questions and Answers for Supermarket Cashier

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I am a passionate and reliable cashier who worked as a supermarket cashier for 5 years. The retail world fascinates me, and I love working in environments that are challenging.

2. What specific job duties have you performed in this role?

As a supermarket cashier, I have performed many duties, including greeting customers, checking their purchases, and identifying prices. Also, I have been busy scanning goods to ensure that the right prices are punched in. My work also includes processing cash and credit card payments, and I have also been handling upselling work at the cash counter.

3. Tell me something about the skills that you possess.

I am a highly-skilled individual, with excellent knowledge of operating POS systems. In addition, I am well-versed in managing transactions by following set protocols and rules. I am also competent in performing upselling tasks and introducing new products to customers.

4. What do you like most about this work?

Since I am a people person, I love meeting so many new people every day, which is actually the high point of my day.

5. What do you dislike about this work?

I haven’t had the chance to figure out if I dislike anything about this work.

6. Do you have any sales experience?

Yes, I began working as a retail sales representative, where I gained much experience in reaching out to customers and providing them with assistance in choosing the right products.

7. Why did you decide to take up a career as a supermarket cashier?

I felt saturated in a sales capacity, which is why I decided to try cashiering. And I soon realized that I excelled at cashiering more than I did at sales.

8. If you were asked to fill in for a sales representative, how would you react?

I would be more than happy to fill in for a sales representative if needed. I know the work, and I am sure that I can do justice to it.

9. What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my ability to ensure that a large percentage of customers at the cash counter buy at least one more item. I am great at upselling.

10. What is your biggest weakness?

I am a perfectionist, which can make things a bit difficult when perfection is impossible to achieve.

11. How do you handle conflict with customers?

I am trained to ensure that conflict does not arise. On the rare occasion that it does, I deal with it calmly, and by following company protocols.

12. Tell me about a time when a customer became angry with you.

It was during a Christmas rush hour that I accidentally gave the wrong change to a customer. It was $4 less than what it should have been. She pointed it out, and I rechecked and apologized. But she was not very nice about it, and began to yell at me, and called me a fraud and a thief. My manager came out and managed to calm her down, assuring her that no one can simply take a customer’s cash and pocket it owing to the stringent checks we had in place.

13. What experience do you have with exchanges and returns?

I am competent in handling exchanges and returns in accordance with company policies. I check all items to ensure that the reasons being stated for their return or exchange are valid. I also ensure that all documentation is properly managed.

14. On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you stand as far as mathematical skills are concerned?

I was an ace mathematics student in school. I will give myself a 9.

15. Do you have any experience in weighing and coding?

Yes. While I was working as a sales representative, I was rotated in the greengrocery section where I handled both weighing and coding work.

16. How do you handle cash discrepancies?

I make sure that cash discrepancies do not occur by ensuring that all check systems are in place. On the rare occasion that they do arise, I do not end my shift until I make sure that my drawer is properly balanced.

17. How would your colleagues describe you?

I am positive that they will describe me as a great team member. I am also sure that they will tell you that I am hardworking and meticulous.

18. Describe your ideal work environment.

An environment where everyone does what they are supposed to be doing to achieve a common goal is the perfect work environment.

19. How do you handle complaints?

I take customers’ complaints very seriously, which is why I delve deep into problems and ensure quick resolutions as best as I can.

20. If we decide to hire you, when can you join us?

At the moment, I haven’t handed in my notice, but I intend to soon. I can join you within 30 days of leaving my previous position.

21. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself working as a supermarket supervisor 5 years from now.

22. Do you have any questions for me?

I am interested in knowing more about your employee rotation policies.

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