Before the hiring manager can be served, you need to prepare the cash register.
Okay, enough of the puns, what do we mean by this?
Well, before you start writing, you need to prepare a format.
The most common cashier resume format is known as “reverse-chronological”, and it’s one that we always recommend.
Essentially, this format puts your most recent and notable achievements up-top, which allows the hiring manager to immediately see the benefits in hiring you. We recommend all cashiers start with this format.
The following two resume formats can also be used:
Functional Resume – If you’re confident in your cashier skills, but haven’t worked at a checkout, this resume format is recommended for you. You see, format focuses on the skills you have, not your experience.
Combination Resume – Ever worked as a cashier, where you were able to perfect your skills? Then a combination format will work. The format combines both “Functional” and “Reverse-Chronological” formats.
Use a Cashier Resume Template
Already started your resume?
There’s a good chance that you’re using a Word document.
Although it’s an excellent tool for simple documents, Word is far from the best choice for resumes that look professional.
You see, Word isn’t the best for holding structure.
In fact, one small change can cause the whole document to fall apart!
To remove the headache and hours of frustration, use a cashier resume template. Any of the following resume templates can be tailored for the cashier position.
What to Include in a Cashier Resume
The main sections in a cashier resume are:
Work Experience
Contact Information
Skills
Education
To really impress the hiring manager, you can also add these optional sections:
So those are the sections you need, but what do you write for each of them?
Let’s find out!
Want to learn more about each of the different sections? View our guide on What to Put on a Resume.
How to Correctly Display your Contact Information
Accuracy is important when cashing-up at the end of your shift.
And your contact section is no different.
The section may seem easy to complete, but one mistake can result in an impressed recruiter who can’t contact you!
The contact information section must include:
Full Name
Title – Align this to the role you’re applying for, so “Cashier”
Phone Number – Check this number carefully
Email Address – Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname@gmail.com), not a funny one from your youth (vanessalovespizza321@gmail.com).
Location - City/Country.
Optional - relevant social medias.
Correct Example:
Vanessa Small - Cashier. 101-358-6095. vanessasmall@gmail.com
Incorrect Example:
Vanessa Small - Cashier Queen. 101-358-6095. nessathebessa@gmail.com
How to Write a Cashier Resume Summary or Objective
Establishments are always on the lookout for more cashiers.
However, this fact only leads to an increase in job applicants.
In fact, recruiters typically spend just a few seconds on each resume, due to the sheer volume of resumes they receive.
Yes, that’s correct!
Fortunately, there’s a way to make the recruiter treat your resume differently from the rest.
Just use a resume summary or objective.
As a cashier, you know that a friendly first impression is important. Similarly, both resume summaries and objectives can be thought of in the same way. They are short introductions that are positioned at the top of your resume.
They are both opening paragraphs, so what is the difference between a summary and an objective?
A cashier resume summary is a 2-4 sentence summary of your most notable experiences and achievements.
Cashier Resume Summary Example
Experienced cashier with more than four years of experience assisting customers in the check-out process. Awarded “Employee of the Year” in both 2018 and 2019. Seeking a cashier role at XYZ RETAIL, where my service skills and friendly personality can be leveraged to achieve the highest quality of service at your establishment.
A cashier resume objective is a 2-4 sentence paragraph of your goals and aspirations.
Cashier Resume Objective Example
Enthusiastic and friendly waitress at a busy restaurant with 2 years of experience at keeping guests satisfied. Multiple “Employee of the Month” award winner. Seeking to leverage interpersonal skills to become a cashier at XYZ RETAIL.
So, should a cashier use a summary or an objective?
Generally, those who have experience working as a cashier should choose a resume summary. An objective is ideal if you have the necessary skills, but haven’t worked as a cashier before.
How to Make Your Cashier Work Experience Stand Out
Employers love nothing more than a cashier who has “been there and got the t-shirt.”
As such, your work experience section is the best chance to impress.
Achieved highest up-sell rates in both 2018 (1.9%) and 2019 (2.6%)
Operated a checkout lane for 10+ hour shifts
Kept checkout procedures quick and accurate
As you can see, the above example focuses on the applicant’s best achievements. This allows the recruiter to see the benefits to hiring this applicant.
Instead of saying:
“Up-sold items”
Say:
“Achieved highest up-sell rates in both 2018 (1.9%) and 2019 (2.6%)”
The second statement shows that not only do you take your job seriously, but you add measurable value to the company.
Retail establishments need employees that can be trusted. So it’s a smart idea to show that you’re a hardworking applicant who can cope with long shifts.
What if You Don’t Have Any Relevant Cashier Experience?
Maybe you’re still at university, and looking for your first job?
Or maybe, you have experience with serving customers, but never behind a cash register?
Whatever the situation, the hiring manager needs someone they can trust.
With that said, just because you’ve never worked as a cashier, doesn’t mean you lack the relevant skills and experiences to be a cashier!
You just need to show that you have the skills and that you’re keen to learn.
For example, if you’ve worked as a waitress in a coffee shop, you can talk about any crossover skills and experiences. Just like a cashier, you would need to be able to deal with customers and have a positive attitude.
Use Action Words to Make Your Cashier Resume POP!
A recruiter has a similar job to a cashier.
Except, instead of facing never-ending streams of shopping, they face pile after pile of resumes.
One of the best ways to do this is to use power words:
Created
Determined
Formulated
Initiated
Finished
How to Correctly List your Education
Now, you don’t need a degree to become a cashier.
But that doesn’t mean you should skip this section.
In fact, all you need to do is enter your education history in the follow format:
Degree Type & Major
University Name
Years Studied
GPA, Honours, Courses, and anything else you might want to add
Example:
High School Diploma
Westlake High School, Texas
Graduated 2017
Still concerned? Let’s answer some most frequent questions that we get:
Whether you’re a master up-seller or able to operate POS systems at warp speed, the hiring manager will want to know.
This is the place to boast about your skill-set.
But is there anything specific that the hiring managers want to see?
Well, yes.
You can look at the job ad to identify which specific skills the company is looking for.
Here are some of the most common cashier skills:
Hard Skills for Cashiers:
Accuracy
Computer Skills
Mathematical Skills
Product Knowledge
Point of Sale (POS) Systems
Loss prevention techniques
Soft Skills for Cashiers:
Personable and friendly
Endurance (long hours)
Sales skills
Team player
Memory and recall
Conflict resolution
Pro Tip:
Don’t get too confident with the soft skills. You see, the recruiter will likely ask for examples of when you have displayed the skill listed. As such, only include skills that you actually posses.
Each of the main resume sections should be complete and ready to be bagged.
But don’t close your cash register just yet.
Your resume needs to stand out!
The following sections are optional, but they could play significant role in whether you get an interview or not.
Awards & Certifications
Have you ever won an employee of the month award?
Have you improved your knowledge and skills with any third-party courses, like those on coursera?
Whatever the award or recognition, sing it loudly in your resume!
Languages
Applying to a Korean Food Shop?
Then being fluent in Korean is a good way to shortcut your resume to the top of the pile.
Whether it’s required that you speak a certain language or not, the ability to speak multiple languages is impressive – and no one can argue with that!
Rank the languages by proficiency:
Native
Fluent
Proficient
Intermediate
Basic
Interests & Hobbies
Now, you may be wondering, “how is my love of golf related to my work as a cashier?”
Well, it allows the recruiter to find out WHO you are.
So, if you want to show your personal side, make sure to list your personal interests and hobbies.
You see, a resume displays the important information.
But nothing speaks to a recruiter like a cover letter that gets personal.
Do it correctly, and you’ll become the recruiter’s favorite applicant.
Here’s a winning structure:
Your cover letter should include the following sections:
Personal Contact Information
Include your full name, profession, phone number, email, and address
Hiring Manager’s Contact Information
Include their full name, position, location, email
Opening Paragraph
Grab the reader’s attention with a powerful opening paragraph. Concisely mention…
The position you’re applying for
A summary of your experiences and best achievement to date
The Body
Once you’ve got their attention, you can delve further into the following specifics:
Why you chose this specific establishment
What you know about the establishment’s culture
How your skills will be beneficial to the establishment
If there are any similar establishments you have worked in before
Closing Paragraph
Avoid ending the conversation abruptly, you should:
Conclude the main points of your letter
Thank the hiring manager for their time and the opportunity
End with a call to action. This is a great way to take the conversation further. A simple “At your earliest opportunity, I’d love to discuss more about how I can be a valuable member of staff at XYZ” will work.
Formal Salutations
Although the cover letter should have a personal touch, the letter should end in a professional manner. A simple “Kind regards” or “Sincerely” will work a charm.
Because if you followed the above steps, you’re about to secure an interview!
Let’s total up what we’ve learned today:
Choose the best format in regards to your specific situation. We recommend the reverse-chronological format, and then following the best practices on the layout.
Hook the recruiter with a brief resume summary or objective
Highlight your most relevant and notable work experiences, rather than your bar duties
Match your resume with a convincing cover letter to stand out
Andrei combines academic knowledge with over 10 years of practical experience to help job seekers navigate the challenges of resumes, interviews, and career growth. Through the Novorésumé Career Blog, he offers actionable advice to simplify and ace the job search process.