POS

Term from Retail industry explained for recruiters

POS (Point of Sale) refers to the system and location where customers make their purchases in a retail setting. It includes both the physical hardware (cash registers, card readers, receipt printers) and the software that processes transactions. Think of it as the modern version of a cash register that does much more - it can track inventory, process different types of payments, manage customer information, and create sales reports. Common POS systems include Square, Shopify POS, and Clover. When someone mentions POS experience, they're talking about their ability to handle customer transactions and use these systems effectively.

Examples in Resumes

Managed daily operations and supervised 10 employees using POS system

Trained new employees on Point of Sale system operations and procedures

Processed over $10,000 daily transactions using POS software

Troubleshot Point-of-Sale system issues and coordinated with technical support

Typical job title: "POS Operators"

Also try searching for:

Cashier Retail Associate Sales Associate Customer Service Representative Store Manager Retail Manager POS Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where the POS system goes down during peak business hours?

Expected Answer: Looking for answers that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and knowledge of backup procedures. Should mention implementing manual transaction processes, coordinating with IT support, and maintaining customer service standards.

Q: Describe your experience in training staff on POS systems.

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating training materials, conducting hands-on sessions, monitoring progress, and ensuring consistent operation standards across all users.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What reports do you regularly pull from the POS system and how do you use them?

Expected Answer: Should mention sales reports, inventory reports, and employee performance metrics, explaining how these are used to make business decisions.

Q: How do you handle customer disputes regarding transactions in the POS system?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of transaction lookup, refund procedures, and customer service skills while maintaining store policies.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic functions of a POS system that you're familiar with?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe processing sales, returns, gift cards, and basic payment types.

Q: How do you ensure accuracy when handling transactions through POS?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking prices, verifying payment amounts, counting change, and following proper closing procedures.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic transaction processing
  • Cash handling
  • Customer service
  • Basic troubleshooting

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Advanced transaction types
  • Report generation
  • Staff training
  • Inventory management

Senior (3+ years)

  • System administration
  • Staff supervision
  • Advanced troubleshooting
  • Operations management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No cash handling experience
  • Unable to demonstrate basic math skills
  • Poor customer service track record
  • No experience with computerized systems
  • History of cash discrepancies