How to Get a Job as a Cashier

• If you're a student, you need a flexible work schedule. Cashier jobs will often work around your classes.
• Got kids? Being a cashier can give you money for their school fees.
• Love to shop? Cashiers often get a discount just for being a store employee.
• Stressed about Christmas gift expenses? A seasonal cashier job can be Santa's early gift to you.
• If you need a part-time job, there are many places where cashier jobs may be available.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, your next job, or a part-time job, a job as a cashier may be what you’re looking for. Consider the job description, demand for cashiers, and benefits for cashier jobs in your city if being a cashier is something you're interested in.

Any store that sells things needs cashiers. Even stores that have a self-checkout area or “U-Scan” machines still need a cashier standing by to help customers in case there’s a problem. Consider where you, your family and your friends typically buy things. Look for cashier jobs at:

If you’re willing to serve food, you can also find cashier jobs in bakeries, coffeehouses, cafés, fast food restaurants, and sit-down restaurants. Swimming pools, amusement parks, zoos and aquariums may also have cashier jobs for those interested in selling souvenirs or food.

• Arts and crafts stores
• Bookstores
• Candle, greeting card and gift stores
• Drug stores
• Clothing stores
• Electronics stores
• Furniture and hardware stores
• Grocery stores such as Kroger and supermarkets like Aldi
• Locally-owned businesses
• Office supply stores
• Jewelry stores
• Savings clubs (stores that require shoppers to buy a membership card)
• Shoe stores
• Superstores (stores that sell everything)

A cashier’s job is to accurately take the payment for the merchandise the customer buys. Depending on what type of merchandise the customer has purchased, you may be bagging merchandise or wrapping fragile items. You’ll be responsible for accurately receiving cash, checks and credit card payments from your customers, and keeping these records according to your employer’s policies. Cashiers may also be called to the sales floor to help customers, perform price checks, straighten items on the sales floor, be a fitting room attendant, or with other miscellaneous duties.

• Cashier job salaries vary based on the location, company and whether or not a commission is included.
• Those who work part-time typically do not receive health insurance.
• Many cashiers work for at or close to minimum wage and no commission, although some companies offer higher pay.
• It’s common to receive a merchandise discount such as a 10% off or 25% off, whether you work full-time or part-time.
• Cashiers who work full-time may be eligible for a benefits package. Some companies, such as The Home Depot, offer a flexible spending plan and tuition reimbursement for full-time employees.
• To check typical cashier salaries in your area, visit glassdoor.com.

One of the hidden perks of being a cashier is being the first to know when items go on sale or clearance. If you've been eying something expensive and it's not in your budget to buy, working at the store means you'll get the word first if it's going to be discontinued. You might also get a sneak preview at the schedule of when things are going to be marked down, giving you the chance to purchase things you wouldn't otherwise be able to have. Combine this inside knowledge with the ability to save by using coupons, and you could score some great deals.

Being a cashier is considered a “customer service” position, so if you don’t think you would enjoy lots of interaction with other people, this is probably not the job for you. As a cashier, you will encounter many different people from many different walks of life. Sometimes they will be polite; other times they may not. Before accepting a job as a cashier, you should ask yourself how comfortable you will be working with the general public every day.

• Walk in to several stores and ask if cashier job applications are being accepted. Be persistent- apply to several stores.
• Look inside store windows for postings that say “Help Wanted” or “Now Hiring”.
• Use online job boards to apply for cashier jobs.
• Inform your friends, family and neighbors that you're interested in a cashier job so they can let you know if they hear of a job you're not aware of.