A lead cashier, also referred to as a head cashier or front end supervisor, is a common job progression from working as a cashier. To become a lead cashier, it is necessary to demonstrate your skills as a cashier, and your ability to accept extra responsibility. Once your manager is assured of your ability, he or she will likely be able to promote you into this supervisory position when it becomes available.
The most important step when trying to become a lead cashier is to excel at being a regular cashier, and there are many ways to do this. Practice a good work ethic — this means always arriving at work on time and with a good attitude, in clean, professional clothes. Be careful with the money you are handling, making sure that you always give correct change and, if it is your responsibility, to carefully count out and balance your drawer at the end of the night.
Lead cashiers often interact with difficult customers who may have problems with another cashier. This means that when trying to become a lead cashier, you need to demonstrate your ability to assist customers politely and efficiently without becoming angry or stressed. It is also important to be able to work well with other cashiers, because as a lead cashier, you will be responsible for supervising others. The supervisory aspects of being a lead cashier vary, but they generally involve making sure all the other cashiers are on task, making a daily or weekly schedule, and sending cashiers on breaks.
In addition, to become a lead cashier, it might be a good idea to demonstrate your willingness to work above and beyond what is required of you. For example, if you are working during a slow shift, you might clean up the front end of the store, restock supplies, or ask your supervisor or manager if there is anything they need help with. This not only shows a willingness to work, but also that you have a good understanding of the important aspects of running a business.
Before you become a lead cashier, be sure it is what you want to do. Keep in mind that you will be given more responsibility, and will likely be in charge of handling larger quantities of money. If another cashier does not come to work when he or she is supposed to, you may also need to run a register in addition to your supervisory and customer service tasks. Many people enjoy the more challenging work of being a lead cashier, along with the fact that the promotion usually comes with a small increase in pay.