Think about your cashier cover letter as the ultimate persuasion tool. Sure, your resume is there to impress recruiters by listing all your work experience and accomplishments. But no resume can communicate your passion and motivation quite like a cover letter. Let us guide you through the process of cover letter writing with our tips, examples, and resume samples.
Keep reading to learn all about:
- Creating your cashier cover letter header and headline
- Tailoring your cover letter to be highly relevant to a specific employer
- Crafting an introductory paragraph that showcases your credentials
- Describing your cashier skills and accomplishments effectively
- Concluding your cashier cover letter with a concise closing statement
- Accessing top resources for job-seeking cashiers
1. Create your cashier cover letter header and headline effectively
First up on your writing to-do list is to give your cover letter a professional format.
To accomplish this, you need to include two key elements: a cover letter header and a cover letter headline. The header comes first, located in the top left corner of the page, followed by the headline, which should be a few spaces below the end of the header and centered on the page.
In your header, an employer should be able to find:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the company and/or employer the letter is addressed to
- The address of the company (a physical address is especially important if you are sending the letter via the postal service or if the company has multiple locations)
Here is an example of a good-looking header from a cashier's cover letter
Mary Jane, Supermarket Cashier
(123) 456-7890 | maryjane@email.com | linkedin.com/in/mary-jane
To: Red Hawk Supermarket
1234 Street Address
Marion, NC 28737
Once you have finished your header and ensured it looks organized and visually appealing, you can move on to writing your headline.
A headline should be a one-line statement that is concise and compelling. Your primary goal with a headline is to hook the employer’s attention and convince them to read further.
When writing a cover letter headline, the essential components to include are:
- A relevant keyword that describes the position (such as the position title or a job responsibility)
- A number or trigger word that lets the employer know what you discuss in the letter
- An adjective and/or verb that makes your headline more interesting
- A promise statement that informs the employer the letter is exclusively for them
Here is an example of an effective headline from a cashier’s cover letter
My Top 3 Skills that Make Me a Highly Efficient Cashier that will Delight Your Customers
Trigger Word/Number: 3 Skills
Keyword: Cashier
Adjective/Verb: Highly Efficient, Delight
Promise: Your Customers
2. Tailor your cashier cover letter to be highly relevant to a specific employer
With your formatting elements complete and in place, your next big step is to make your cover letter as specific to one employer as possible. This means you must tailor the content of your letter to address the exact needs and wants of an employer.
Accomplishing this task requires you to research the company and employer beforehand. Essential information to gather can include company values, employee skills, and staff member names.
An important staff member to focus on is the person responsible for reviewing cover letters and applications. Using their name, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses them directly.
Here are 3 examples of personalized cover letter greetings
- Dear Store Manager Mark Darzil,
- Dear Mr. Mark Darzil,
- Dear Hiring Manager Jane Cook,
3. Craft an appealing cashier cover letter introduction
Once you are satisfied with your cover letter’s beginning format elements and have completed the necessary research to tailor your letter, you can begin writing your introduction.
A well-written cover letter introduction is critically important, as it is likely to decide whether or not an employer continues reading or puts your cover letter aside. As such, you need to showcase your best credentials and qualifications in this introduction, such as:
- Your professional history and years of experience
- Specialized skills you possess that make you a top candidate
- Notable professional references that are acquainted with the employer
Here is an example of a strong introduction from a cashier’s cover letter:
Dear Store Manager Mark Darzil,
As an experienced retail cashier with more than 3 years of experience working in a fast-paced environment, I firmly believe I am the ideal addition to your growing team. In my previous position, I served as a lead cashier, completing many essential duties including balancing the register at the end of the day. My former manager, Ms. Belle Ayer, is now one of your retail associates and strongly recommended I apply for this position with your company.
4. Describe your cashier skills and accomplishments effectively
As a cashier, you hold many key responsibilities — both technical and interpersonal.
When writing the paragraphs that follow your introduction, it is crucial to include the very best details about your skills and accomplishments as a cashier. You should avoid simply stating what skills you possess and instead use them as keywords to describe your achievements in the position.
Remember to keep your paragraphs concise and snappy! An employer will more than likely skim over these paragraphs, so it is important to make the key information easy to locate.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a cashier cover letter
- Excellent customer service
- Mathematical skills
- Return and refund processes
- Receiving payments and performing transactions
- Money handling
- Issuing receipts
Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cashier's cover letter
In the role of head cashier at [Former Employer], one of my primary responsibilities was handling customer complaints and issuing refunds when needed. Thanks to my excellent customer service skills, I was able to efficiently manage customer conflicts, resulting in a 35% reduction in monthly refunds.
5. Conclude your cashier cover letter with a concise closing statement
Last but certainly not least, you must write a concise closing statement for your cashier cover letter.
A closing statement plays a major role in your cover letter: convincing the employer to get in contact with you in a timely manner. With this in mind, key information to write your conclusion includes:
- The best times to contact you
- The best method for contacting you (phone call, email, etc.)
- When you hope to hear from the employer
- When you plan to follow up with the employer
Here is an example of a concise closing statement from a cashier’s cover letter
It is with great enthusiasm that I send this letter and I hope to hear from you in the near future. If I have not heard back by next Friday, I do plan to follow up via phone call at that time. The best way to reach me regarding this position is at (123) 456-7890, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For all other times, please feel free to email me at maryjane@email.com.
My Thanks,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two.
6. Top resources for job-seeking cashiers
As you polish your cashier cover letter and resume, keep in mind that accessing the right job search resources is equally critical for finding work opportunities. Whether you're entering the workforce or looking for a new position, these resources can help narrow down your search:
- Industry-specific job boards: You can start by searching through websites like AllRetailJobs.com or RetailChoice.com, which cater to workers in the retail sector and offer job opportunities for cashiers too.
- General job search websites: Next, your steps can lead to general job search webs, such as Indeed, Jooble, Sleek, or Workopolis. You can sift through the postings by entering specific key phrases into the search bar.
- Company career pages: Many retailers post job openings directly on their websites. So you might want to regularly check the careers section of companies you want to work for.
- Staffing agencies: Staffing agencies can also be great resources for cashiers looking for job opportunities across various industries. Agencies like Adecco, Reed, or Page Personnel can help you find positions that match your skills to a T.
- Continuous learning: If you feel that your resume is too empty and would benefit from additional courses and certifications, go for it! Search through online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Khan Academy, edX, or Coursera, and find one that fits your goals.
With these resources, you can broaden your job search and improve your chances of landing a cashier position that fits your skills and career goals. But remember that a well-crafted cover letter, together with a resume, is always the first step toward securing a job offer.
Cashier Cover Letter FAQ
How long should my cashier cover letter be?
Your cover letter should be short and sweet, no more than one page long. Stick to three to four paragraphs that cover the introduction, your relevant skills and experiences, as well as why you’re excited about the role. And, of course, a polite sign off.
Is it appropriate to mention salary expectations in my cashier cover letter?
No, no, and no! Money is quite the taboo. Generally, it's best not to mention salary expectations in your cover letter unless the job posting specifically requests it. Wait until the interview stage or until the employer brings it up to discuss.
How should I address the hiring manager in my cover letter?
In an ideal case, that is if you know it, you should address the hiring manager by name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”). But when you cannot find their name anywhere, “Dear Hiring Manager” will do.
What's the best way to stand out from the competition with my cover letter?
Cover letter is all about communicating that you've got genuine passion and strong motivation for the job. Adding a personal touch by explaining why you’re particularly interested in working for their company can also make your application stand out.
How can I make my cashier cover letter more engaging?
Use a friendly yet professional tone and start with a compelling hook that captures the reader’s attention right away. You can, for example, share a brief personal story or highlight an achievement that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.