3 Restaurant Cashier Interview Questions and Answers

Introduction

This question is important as it assesses your customer service skills and ability to remain calm under pressure, which are critical for a cashier in a busy restaurant environment.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response
• Clearly describe the customer issue and the context in which it happened
• Explain the steps you took to address the customer's concerns
• Highlight any techniques you used to de-escalate the situation
• Share the outcome and what you learned from the experience

What not to say

• Blaming the customer for the situation without taking responsibility
• Not providing a clear resolution or outcome
• Describing a situation without demonstrating your role in it
• Forgetting to mention the importance of customer satisfaction

Example answer

“At my previous job at a café, a customer was upset about being charged incorrectly. I calmly listened to their concerns and checked the receipt. I found an error and apologized sincerely. I corrected the charge and offered a complimentary drink as a goodwill gesture. The customer left satisfied and thanked me for resolving the issue quickly. This reinforced for me the importance of empathy and effective communication in customer service.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your attention to detail and ability to manage cash transactions accurately, which is crucial for maintaining the restaurant's financial integrity.

How to answer

• Discuss specific processes you follow to ensure accuracy, such as double-checking amounts
• Mention any tools or systems you use to assist with cash handling
• Explain how you manage high-pressure situations while maintaining accuracy
• Describe your approach to balancing cash drawers at the end of shifts
• Share any experiences where you identified and corrected errors proactively

What not to say

• Saying you rely solely on memory for transactions
• Overlooking the importance of cash handling procedures
• Not mentioning any experience with cash registers or cash management systems
• Failing to demonstrate a proactive approach to avoiding errors

Example answer

“I always count the cash in my drawer at the beginning and end of each shift and keep track of my transactions throughout the day. I double-check the amounts before handing change and use a cash register that assists with calculating totals. In my previous role, I managed to keep my drawer balanced without discrepancies for over six months, which was a point of pride for our team.”

Introduction

This question assesses your customer service skills and ability to handle conflicts, which are crucial in the fast-paced restaurant environment.

How to answer

• Use the STAR method to provide a structured response
• Clearly describe the situation and the customer’s issue
• Explain your approach to addressing the problem calmly
• Detail the steps you took to resolve the situation
• Share the outcome and any feedback received from the customer

What not to say

• Avoid blaming the customer for the issue
• Don't focus on the negative experience without mentioning the resolution
• Refrain from using jargon that the interviewer may not understand
• Neglecting to mention any follow-up actions taken

Example answer

“At my previous job at a local restaurant, a customer was upset because their order was incorrect. I calmly listened to their concerns, apologized for the mistake, and assured them I would fix it immediately. I quickly replaced their meal and offered a complimentary dessert as a goodwill gesture. The customer left satisfied and even complimented us on our service. This experience reminded me that active listening and empathy are key in customer service.”

Introduction

This question tests your attention to detail and accountability, which are vital for a cashier role in a restaurant.

How to answer

• Describe your process for verifying cash and handling transactions
• Explain the importance of double-checking orders before processing payments
• Discuss how you manage cash drawer discrepancies
• Mention any tools or systems you use to maintain accuracy
• Share experiences where your attention to detail prevented errors

What not to say

• Saying you never make mistakes without acknowledging the risk of human error
• Failing to mention any specific methods you use for accuracy
• Ignoring the importance of training and ongoing learning
• Being vague about your cash handling experience

Example answer

“I always double-check the order details before processing payments to ensure accuracy. Additionally, I regularly reconcile my cash drawer at the end of my shift to catch any discrepancies early. In my previous role at a high-volume restaurant, this attention to detail helped me maintain a 100% accuracy rate in cash handling for six months. I also encouraged my colleagues to adopt similar practices to foster a culture of accuracy.”

Introduction

This question assesses your attention to detail and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for a Head Cashier responsible for maintaining financial accuracy.

How to answer

• Explain your systematic approach to reconciling cash registers
• Detail how you investigate discrepancies, including any tools or methods you use
• Discuss how you communicate findings to your team and management
• Share examples of how you have resolved discrepancies in the past
• Highlight the importance of accuracy and trust in handling cash

What not to say

• Claiming to have never experienced a discrepancy
• Blaming others without taking responsibility
• Being vague about your processes or tools used
• Failing to mention follow-up actions taken after discrepancies

Example answer

“At Tesco, I implemented a double-check system for cash counts at the end of each shift. If discrepancies arose, I would first review transaction logs and compare them against the cash count. In one instance, I discovered a counting error that was quickly resolved by retraining team members on our cash handling procedures. This not only maintained accuracy but also helped build trust within the team.”

Introduction

This question evaluates your training and leadership abilities, crucial for a Head Cashier who must ensure team members are well-prepared.

How to answer

• Outline the training program or methods you used
• Explain how you assessed the new cashier's learning style
• Discuss how you provided feedback and support during the training
• Share any challenges faced and how you overcame them
• Highlight the importance of creating a positive training environment

What not to say

• Saying you don’t have time to train new staff
• Focusing only on technical skills without mentioning customer service
• Neglecting to mention follow-up support after training
• Being negative about the experience or the trainee

Example answer

“When training a new cashier at Sainsbury's, I developed a structured program that included shadowing experienced team members and hands-on practice. I assessed her learning style and provided tailored feedback, which boosted her confidence. After her training, I continued to check in weekly to address any questions she had, ensuring she felt supported. She quickly became one of our top performers.”