Cashier A Good First Job? (Explained & Solved)

With many cashiers out there interacting with customers to process goods and payments, there are bound to be plenty of vacancies for people looking for cashier roles.

In fact, there are something like 3.5 million cashiers in the USA alone.

So there should be no shortage of vacancies which is great if you’re looking for a cashier role!

So being a cashier a good first job?

Yes being a cashier is a good first job. It teaches you how to interact with customers, and how to deal with money. There are also plenty of vacancies available for cashier roles and it’s seen as a level entry role, meaning it should be easy to get a job. Importantly you will also start earning money

Starting off as a cashier is also a great way to kick off your career in retail.

You start off as a cashier, then as someone restocking shelves, to working in the stock room placing stock orders

If you are working in a large retail store there’s the opportunity to move into a specialized role such as delicatessen, butcher, bakery, etc.

Once you have an understanding of how the store operates and you have proven to be a resourceful hardworking employee you’re in the position to move into a store manager role (depending on the size of the store).

From the store manager, there is the possibility of moving into an area manager role or district role.

You could also look to move out into corporate roles such as merchandising or marketing etc.

What skills will I learn from being a Cashier?

On your resume, you will be able to demonstrate learned skills such as dealing with customers, working under pressure, managing money, and showing that you can work.

With any role, being able to deal with people is essential. So being a cashier your “people skills” will improve.

You will soon get used to dealing with cranky customers who will find a reason to blame you for minor things.

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How hard is it to learn to be a Cashier?

Learning to be a cashier is not difficult, so long as you are reasonably comfortable counting money and okay dealing with people.

Passing the wrong change to the customer will lead to complaints and embarrassment.

So, if your not comfortable counting money these things you can do to sharpen your money counting skills.

To help there are courses available that can teach you the finer point of handling cash and customer service.

The business will normally train new starters on how to use the cash registers.

Nowadays, they are much easier to use as they are computerized.

It’s just a matter of scanning barcodes and pressing a button to finalize the sale. Then it a matter of processing payment of the goods.

If you are not that comfortable dealing with people, that okay.

Being a cashier you can practice your people skills by interacting with the customers. In a short amount of time your “people skills” will be much improved.

Do you need cashier experience to work as a Cashier?

Employers prefer someone with experience, however, if you can demonstrate a positive friendly attitude and a team player that can deal with customers in a polite courteous manner.

You are in a good chance of landing a cashier role.

You also need to demonstrate the ability to handle transactions accurately, including basic maths and computer skills.

What qualifications do I need to be a Cashier?

You do not need any formal qualifications to become a cashier.

Some organizations might prefer you to have a high school certificate.

Qualifications demonstrating an understanding of customer service will also help you land the role.

Final Thoughts 

Being a cashier is a fantastic first job. Not only does it provide you with a good base to start your working life.

It also offers a career path from stockroom, to store manager through to more specialized roles.

Starting off as a cashier you will also learn “people skills”, including how to deal with difficult customers.

This a skill that is transferable across all job roles.

You will also understand how retail stores operate and lastly, you will have the satisfaction of earning a wage.

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