The Walgreens pharmacy and drug store is a great place to look for a new job if you’re in the neighborhood. Plus, with over 225,000 employees, the company is a major employer. Still, you want to make sure you can answer the Walgreens interview questions aces so you can stand out from the other people who apply.
Fortunately, that isn’t as challenging as you’d expect. If you get ready and follow these tips, you’ll be ready for anything the hiring manager throws at you. Here’s what you need to know.
Landing a cashier job at Walgreens can be a great entry point into the retail industry. As one of America’s largest drugstore chains with over 9,000 locations, Walgreens offers stability, growth opportunities, and good benefits. But first you have to impress the hiring manager in your Walgreens cashier interview.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the top 25 Walgreens cashier interview questions along with tips and example responses to help you win the job.
Overview of the Walgreens Cashier Role
As a Walgreens cashier your main responsibilities will revolve around managing transactions, engaging with customers, and maintaining the checkout area. On a daily basis you can expect duties such as
- Operating the cash register and processing payments accurately
- Balancing the cash drawer and preparing deposits
- Bagging items, processing returns, and issuing refunds/store credit
- Promoting the Walgreens loyalty program and pharmacy services
- Resolving price discrepancies or customer complaints
- Ensuring checkout areas are clean, organized and properly stocked
- Adhering to all cash handling protocols and loss prevention policies
The role requires strong customer service skills, basic math abilities, attention to detail and the ability to stand for extended periods. Cashiers are the face of the store, so Walgreens looks for friendly and professional candidates who can deliver excellent experiences.
Now let’s get into the interview questions!
Top 25 Walgreens Cashier Interview Questions and Answers
1. How familiar are you with operating a POS system?
As a Walgreens cashier, working on a point-of-sale (POS) system will be a major part of your daily responsibilities. Interviewers want to gauge your comfort level using a POS to efficiently ring up orders, process returns, apply discounts, manage the cash drawer, and more.
Highlight any POS system experience you have, even if not specific to retail. Focus on key abilities like entering data accurately, troubleshooting issues, and adapting to new features. This shows you can learn and operate their POS system seamlessly.
Example: “I’m very comfortable with POS systems. In previous jobs, I frequently used our POS to ring up sales, balance the cash drawer, and generate reports. I pick up new software easily, so I’m confident I could quickly learn your POS system and use it effectively to create fast, seamless transactions for your customers.”
2. How would you handle a long line of impatient customers?
Walgreens stores often deal with lines and impatient customers, especially during peak times. Interviewers want to know you can maintain positivity and efficiency when dealing with these common retail challenges. Keeping customers happy is key.
In your response, emphasize patience, teamwork and keeping things moving. Outline strategies like calling for backup at the register, opening additional lanes, and keeping lines organized. Reassure them you’ll remain calm and focused on providing quick, friendly service.
Example: “If faced with long lines and impatient customers, I would call for an additional cashier to open a new register lane. This helps get the line moving quickly again. I would also apologize for the wait and thank customers for their patience, while scanning their items as efficiently as possible. Working as a team, we can get customers checked out smoothly while maintaining a friendly atmosphere.”
3. How do you ensure accurate cash handling?
Managing cash transactions forms a big part of the cashier role at Walgreens. Interviewers will want to know you have the skills to accurately handle cash payments, provide correct change, and keep the drawer balanced throughout your shift. Proving you take cash control seriously will instill confidence.
Emphasize attention-to-detail, adherence to policies, and being comfortable working with large cash amounts. You can also discuss practices like regularly counting the drawer and immediately reporting any discrepancies you discover. Convey that cash handling accuracy is a top priority for you.
Example: “I take cash handling accuracy very seriously. I count the drawer at the start and end of every shift, and recount periodically throughout to ensure my transactions match the amount of cash on hand. I am comfortable working with large cash amounts from my previous experience. Most importantly, I am extremely detailed when providing change and always verify the amount with the customer. Following proper cash protocols minimizes the risk of errors.”
4. How would you handle a customer who becomes angry or upset with you?
Dealing with upset customers is an inevitable part of working at the Walgreens cash wrap. Interviewers want to know you can maintain composure and resolve issues professionally if faced with a disgruntled customer. Keep the response focused on calming the customer down and solving their problem.
Emphasize listening skills, empathy, apologizing, remaining calm and collected, and getting support from a supervisor when needed. Position yourself as someone who takes ownership of the situation and turns negative interactions into positive outcomes.
Example: “If a customer was upset with me, I would first listen calmly to understand why they are angry and empathize with their perspective. I would apologize for any inconvenience they experienced and assure them I will do whatever I can to make it right. If I couldn’t resolve the issue, I would get my supervisor involved immediately. My focus would be de-escalating the situation and regaining their trust through effective communication and problem-solving.”
5. A customer wants to purchase an item you think is wrong for them. How would you handle this?
Sometimes a Walgreens cashier may feel a customer is making a purchase that doesn’t seem appropriate for them, such as certain OTC medications or beauty products. Interviewers want to hear how you’d handle these sensitive situations professionally and diplomatically.
In your response, emphasize tactfully checking if the customer needs any guidance and respecting their choice if they do not. Avoid seeming judgmental. Quickly pivot to excellent service regardless of concerns – this impresses interviewers.
Example: “If I felt a customer was purchasing something potentially wrong for them, I would tactfully ask if they require any guidance or recommendations. However, if they decline, I would absolutely respect their decision. My duty is to provide courteous service, not judge their choices. I would simply focus on completing the transaction efficiently and thank them for their business.”
6. How would you go about upselling customers on our store credit card?
Pushing store credit cards is a reality of retail cashier jobs. Interviewers want to hear you’re comfortable doing this in a friendly, natural way. Avoid responses that make you seem overly pushy or salesy.
Focus your answer on benefits like special discounts or rewards. Share ideas for casually mentioning the card as an option without pressuring customers, while highlighting perks like saving money. Convey your understanding that sign-ups are good for the store.
Example: “I would upsell the Walgreens credit card conversationally when appropriate during transactions. For example, if a customer is discussing a future purchase, I might say ‘That sounds great! Our store card could save you 15% on that purchase.’ I aim to inform customers without being pushy or disingenuous. I understand sign-ups are beneficial for the store, so I do my best to promote the card enthusiastically yet organically.”
7. What strengths would you bring to the cashier role at Walgreens?
With this common question, interviewers want to understand why you’re an excellent fit for this specific cashier job. Be ready to highlight 2-3 relevant strengths you possess. Examples include customer service skills, attention to detail, efficiency, multitasking, positivity, dependability and honesty.
Back up claims like “excellent customer service” with quick examples of how you’ve demonstrated that strength before. Tie your strengths directly to key cashier job duties and emphasize that you have what it takes to exceed expectations.
Example: “I believe my top strengths for this role are customer service and efficiency. In previous retail jobs, customers regularly complimented my friendly and helpful service. For example, a manager once praised my ability to resolve a customer complaint by listening patiently and offering reasonable solutions. I also work very efficiently. I consistently met sales goals in past roles by keeping transactions moving swiftly while maintaining high accuracy.”
8. How would you respond if a customer asked you for a product recommendation?
Cashiers are in a prime position to provide shopping recommendations and assistance to Walgreens customers. Interviewers will evaluate your ability to give knowledgeable, helpful recommendations when asked by a customer on the sales floor.
In your answer, convey a patient, consultative approach focused on understanding the customer’s needs and listening to their questions. Outline how you would guide them to products using your knowledge of store inventory and items currently on promotion or sale.
Example: “If a customer asked me for a recommendation, my first step would be finding out details about what they are looking for. I would use active listening skills to fully understand their needs and ask clarifying questions if anything is unclear. Then, I would provide recommendations tailored to their specific requirements, highlighting current sales and popular items. My goal is to ensure they purchase the best item for their needs.”
9. Tell us about a time you exceeded expectations
Tell me about a time when you had to be empathetic in the workplace.
There are people who come to Walgreens for more than just shopping because it has a pharmacy and some locations have quick clinics. Some have unique medical needs, and some of those can be challenging.
This question is asked by hiring managers to see how you handle situations where you need to show empathy to make sure the customer has a good experience. This question comes up a lot in jobs that have to do with pharmacies, but it can also happen in other retail jobs.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
What would you do if a manager asked you to complete a task a specific way, but you thought another approach was better?
This interview question gauges your ability to navigate potential conflicts with a manager. Additionally, it shows the hiring manager how you handle interpersonal issues and how well you can work with a supervisor.
You should plan out how you’ll present your idea and then make changes based on what the hiring manager says. That shows a willingness to speak up to potentially improve efficiency while remaining a team player.
EXAMPLE ANSWER:
Walgreens Cashier Interview Questions
FAQ
Why should I hire you as a cashier?
Why do I want to work for Walgreens?
How long are Walgreens interviews?
What are the best Walgreens interview questions & answers?
Here’s a look at our top three Walgreens interview questions and answers. 1. If you saw a cashier was struggling with a long line but you weren’t authorized to open up another register, what would you do to help? Any store can experience an unexpected rush, including Walgreens.
What is the interview process like at Walgreens?
See what people said about the interview process at Walgreens. It was pretty easy and lasted about 20 minutes. The questions vary, and are a bit more in depth than what I’m used to for this type of position. Questions mostly centering around how you’ve handled pretty specific situations in previous jobs. It ca…
How do you prepare for a Walgreens interview?
Most importantly, look for companies that align with your values, interests, and passions. Interview Tip #2: Use the STAR method. Koretta shared that Walgreens uses behavioral based interview questions, and most candidates can find success by being well-prepared beforehand.
What should you say during a Walgreens interview?
During an interview, the Walgreens hiring manager wants to know how long a candidate will stay with the company. It helps them decide if the person is the right fit for their goals. You don’t have to give an overkill answer like “I’m going to be working here forever.” Instead, your response should be realistic.
