How to Be Cashier, Catering - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 15, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cashiering and catering businesses have become increasingly important in the modern economy. As more people turn to eating out, businesses have had to keep up with the demand by providing reliable customer service, quality food, and efficient catering services. As a result, cashiers and caterers are in higher demand than ever before.

Cashiers must be knowledgeable about food preparation, customer service, and pricing; caterers must be organized, creative, and skilled in customer service. With their help, businesses can provide customers with enjoyable experiences, increase customer loyalty, and improve their bottom line.

Steps How to Become

Get a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require cashiers to have at least a high school education. If you don't have a diploma, consider earning a GED.
Receive On-the-Job Training. Many cashiers learn their job through on-the-job training. You'll learn how to use the cash register, how to handle customer transactions, and other important duties.
Take a Food Safety Course. If you plan on working in catering, you'll have to take a food safety course. This will teach you about proper food handling, storage, and preparation.
Get Certified. Many employers require cashiers and caterers to be certified in their field. You can become certified by taking an exam from the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation or the American Culinary Federation.
Get Licensed. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a state license to work as a cashier or caterer. Check with your local government to see if this applies to you.
Obtain Food Handler's Card. Most states require food handlers to have a food handler's card. This is a certification that shows you've completed a food safety course.
Develop Your Skills. To be successful as a cashier or caterer, you'll need to develop strong communication and customer service skills. Practice interacting with customers in different scenarios, such as handling complaints or answering questions.
Find a Job. Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start applying for cashier and catering jobs. Look for openings in restaurants, supermarkets, catering companies, and other businesses.

The ability to be an ideal and capable Cashier or Catering professional requires a few important elements. Proper customer service skills are essential for Cashiers, as interacting with customers and providing quality service is a key part of the job. For Catering professionals, the ability to multi-task, work quickly and efficiently, and stay organized are all necessary attributes in order to be successful.

both roles require excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as problem-solving abilities in order to meet customer demands. When all of these elements come together, Cashiers and Catering professionals can provide exemplary customer service and ensure customer satisfaction.

You may want to check Pastry Chef, Catering, Executive Catering Chef, and Corporate Catering Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Cashier: process customer payments and provide customer service.
Catering: plan, prepare and serve food for events and functions.
Baker: create and bake a variety of bakery products.
Waiter/Waitress: take orders, serve food and drinks, and provide customer service.
Dishwasher: clean dishes, kitchenware, and other items according to sanitation standards.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent customer service
Knowledge of food preparation
Knowledge of menu items
Cash handling and money management skills
Ability to multi-task
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational skills
Ability to take and process orders accurately
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong attention to detail
Knowledge of Point of Sale (POS) systems
Ability to upsell and recommend menu items
Communication skills
Ability to follow instructions
Problem solving skills
Knowledge of local health and safety regulations

Having the right skills is essential for success in any job, and this is especially true for Cashiers and Caterers. One of the most important skills for Cashiers is strong customer service and communication skills. Being able to effectively interact with customers and handle payment transactions are incredibly important to ensure a positive customer experience.

For Caterers, time management is key. Being able to plan ahead and accurately estimate the necessary resources for an event can help make sure that all the necessary tasks are completed on time and on budget. Both Cashiers and Caterers must also have strong organizational skills in order to stay on top of their tasks and make sure everything is running smoothly.

Finally, both Cashiers and Caterers must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and remain cool under pressure. Having these key skills will help ensure success in any Cashier or Catering position.

Kitchen Catering Manager, Marketing Assistant, Catering, and Dietary Aide, Catering are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you handle customer complaints?
What experience do you have with handling money?
How would you handle a situation where you are given the wrong change?
Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?
What methods do you use to ensure customer satisfaction?
Do you have any experience with inventory management?
How do you stay organized during a busy shift?
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer.
How do you handle customer requests for items that are out of stock?
What techniques do you use to maintain accuracy when handling cash transactions?

Common Tools in Industry

Cash Register. electronic device used to record and process sales (eg: Verifone VX 520)
Credit Card Machine. device used to process credit card payments (eg: Ingenico iCT250)
Point of Sale (POS) System. computerized system used to track sales and inventory (eg: Square POS)
Cash Counting Machine. machine used to count and sort cash (eg: Cassida C500)
Inventory Management Software. software used to keep track of inventory (eg: Fishbowl Inventory)
Food Preparation Equipment. equipment used to prepare food (eg: commercial kitchen mixers)
Refrigeration Equipment. equipment used to store food at safe temperatures (eg: walk-in coolers)
Food Delivery Boxes. boxes used to transport food orders (eg: insulated food delivery bags)
Catering Supplies. supplies used to organize and serve catered events (eg: chafing dishes, serving trays, etc. )

Professional Organizations to Know

National Restaurant Association
International Caterers Association
National Association of Cashiers
American Culinary Federation
Special Events Society
International Special Events Society
National Restaurant Association Education Foundation
International Foodservice Manufacturers Association
National Association of Catering Executives
National Association of Professional Catering
International Catering Association

We also have Special Events Catering Manager, Catering Coordinator, and Kitchen Steward, Catering jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Cashier. A person who is responsible for handling the payment of merchandise or services.
Catering. The business of providing food and other services for a special event or occasion.
Food Preparation. The process of preparing food for consumption, including cleaning, cutting, cooking and serving.
Inventory Management. The process of organizing, tracking and managing the inventory of an organization.
Customer Service. The practice of providing excellent customer service in order to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Sanitation. The practice of keeping an environment clean and free from germs and other contaminants.
Point of Sale (POS). A system used to record and process sales transactions in a retail setting.
Receipts. Documents given to customers when they make a purchase, which show the items purchased and their cost.
Cash Drawer. A secure box used to store cash in a retail setting.
Food Safety. Practices and procedures used to ensure that food is safe to consume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to become a cashier?

The minimum age to become a cashier is usually 18 years old.

What qualifications do I need to become a catering assistant?

To become a catering assistant you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic food safety knowledge, and experience in customer service.

How much does a cashier usually make?

Cashiers typically make an average of $11.17 per hour.

What is the role of a catering assistant?

The role of a catering assistant is to assist in the preparation and service of food and drinks, set up and break down the event area, and help manage the event budget.