What the pros say

Michelle, cashier in a large drugstore, Calgary

 
Sometimes filled by students, the job of cashier is often part time. This is the case with Michelle, who is a cashier in a drugstore. "We get between 400 and 500 customers a day," she says. "We have to be patient, quick and able to maintain a good relationship at all times." With so many customers, it stands to reason that there may be a few conflicts. Interpersonal skills and politeness are therefore a priority. "The benefit is of always being in contact with customers. We can also take breaks from time to time, because the pace of work varies depending on the schedule," Michelle adds. The busiest times are around 1 p.m., evenings around 7 p.m. and all weekend.

 
Since there are always supervisors and co-workers around, cashiers have someone to ask if they are not sure about a price or a procedure. "This job can also quite quickly lead to other retail jobs, " she explains. "I became a floor clerk, in which I was in charge of putting products on the shelves, in just a few months." Landing a sales job is another career path, such as cosmetician in a drugstore, or going into delivery, which is more popular with men. Finally, other openings include working with numbers by becoming office clerks and adding up the till.