I was a cashier at Walmart and everyone is different. Some people are thrown onto the cash with barely any training and some go through a lot. After the interview, they called me back within three days, but it can be longer then that.
The first day was orientation. We were basically given a tour of the store, and introduced to different managers. Then we completed more paperwork and got our lockers.
The rest of the days were 90 minutes of computer based training then a certain amount of time at the cash register shadowing someone. It went on like that until the online training was finished. Then they have you sign things to show you understand, such as have you been shown where the fire extinguishers are? Do you know where to bring returns? etc. Once everything is completed, personnel is informed and you get your number for the registers and get to be on your own. Everyone at my walmart was really nice and supportive, if there's something you don't know, always ask a cashier close to you before calling a CSM because they are normally all over the place but at the same time don't guess. Inform the customer you're new and still getting the hang of being a cashier and most should understand.
As for social anxiety, I also have it too as well as other forms of anxiety. It hasn't exactly effected me much. All you have to do is smile, say hello how are you and tell them to have a good day after. If a customer doesn't want to talk it will be obvious and don't worry about making conversation or take it personally. The best kind of customers are the ones who continue to talk to you, causing less of an awkward silence. You can really learn a lot talking to different people. Most of the time I don't even initiate further conversation, the customer just talks about something interesting and it gets me going. A good thing to do is talk about things you know, are they checking out a product that you love? Tell them that and talk about it. Make them feel glad they're getting it. If they're getting something not so good and you know of something better, suggest it. Some customers love that kind of thing. You won't be expected to be talking non stop with people, it just happens and the longer you do it, the less scary it becomes. When I first started there I would start shaking when I had to talk to someone I didnt know, I would mess up my words and everything but now sometimes I can't shut up. Being a cashier can be really good for those with social anxiety.
If a customer complains, yells or starts calling you rude things (I've witnessed it sadly. Its rare though). Do NOT argue back, be friendly but firm and call a CSM for backup. You're there to scan and bag items, not to take crap from strangers.
If you are a hard worker, that is exactly what they love there. Not only does the customers notice it but the staff does too. If they see that, you will most likely land up getting good hours and being treated really well by the CSMs and other managers. Im one of those people and I seriously get 5 times the hours then those who don't seem to put much effort.
Now the scariest part of working there at first was the intercom. I was terrified. I would always try my best to get other people to do it for me. It's really not that bad when you get use to it. Eventually I had to do it myself and it's better then talking on a phone. You basically state who you're looking for, from what department to call whatever extension you're on. At first I was embarrassed since I had to hear my voice and thought people would make fun but really everyone barely notices those announcements.
Keep in mind that it will be very stressful at times. Lines will get long, people will be irritable, things won't scan but that's all part of having a job. There's a downfall to everything right?
Anyways, that's basically everything. I feel like I just wrote a book but here are some tips to go by:
-Always check coupons. Check everything. The expiry date, what size and product it's for, and if there are limitations to what store it's accepted at. Some customers will try to rush you by saying the date but if you put it through for either the wrong product or it doesn't belong to the store, it will be brought to your attention.
-Don't believe everyone. You'll scan something and someone will stop you and tell you it's the wrong price. Ask how much it was and CHECK. People lie. Some cashiers couldn't care less and automatically change the price but I've caught so many people trying to pull one over on me. If it's a dollar or two difference, go ahead it doesn't matter much but if it's more then 4 dollars, call the department or have a CSM go and check.
-Memorize price matches. Customers love it. Some get so excited over it because having to go through all those fliers is a big hassle. If you remember the price matches and someone states the items they're price matching, name the price and if it's correct they will say yes and if it's not then they will show you. It makes things a lot easier and makes the transaction go a lot faster.
-If there are heavy items in the cart, avoid having the customer to lift it up. Tell them right away that you'll come over to scan it and for them not to worry.
-If there's an older person coming through your register, try to really keep bagging in mind. Some have health issues making it hard for them to carry a certain amount of weight. Some don't want to tell you that and just take the heavy bag anyways but after they will probably be unhappy. Make sure to keep their bags filled but lightweight especially if they have their own bags. It's a really hard thing to keep track of but it really saves them from putting out their back or having problems.
-If there's an express lane, if the person is paying attention, try to wave them over since sometimes the automatic caller system takes too long.
-Pay attention to your register. It's such a pet peeve to me when I see cashiers turned away from the line and people waiting or one person doing all the work. It also irritates customers since they don't know if they should come over to you or not. Only leave your till if you have to. If you're just going to go talk to a friend for a while, forget it because you're not there to talk, you're there being paid to work and it also sucks on that one person who is stuck dealing with every customer.
-Avoid calling in sick, especially for early shifts. I know someone who basically called in sick all the time. She basically lost hours and her job eventually. If there's a day you can't work or don't want to work, try to switch with someone.
-When there's no customers, take that time to either tidy up your till, bring returns to customer service, collect all the baskets and put them back as well as other peoples returns or hand out rolls of paper and garbage bags to other workers. It not only helps kill time but it gives you a break of standing in one area.
-If you notice anything such as a damaged or something that's opened or rotten, let the customer know. Sometimes they don't notice that until its brought up to their attention.
-If you see a cart with boxes and another cashier opening them and putting things on the shelf, help out. There's normally a lot of things in the morning to be put on shelves at the register and it honestly sucks being the only one doing it while other cashiers stand around.
-When someone pays cash or gets cash back, always count out loud and don't put their cash in the register right away since there's some con artists that like to make you believe they gave you a higher bill then what they actually gave.
-Lastly, clean your work area when you leave. Put up your mat and garbage, take your garbage and pick up big pieces, bring all your returns back, and don't leave any kind of mess since the CSM's always land up having to clean up after a lot of people who don't do that which keeps them there longer.
Good luck!
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