Employment as a Convenient Store Clerk

The economy has people everywhere looking for part time and full time employment opportunities. You have some people trying to find a job because they lost their job and others are trying to find a part time job to help supplement their income. One such opportunity is that of a convenient store clerk. If you want to work at a convenient store or 711 then there are certain things you should be aware of.

Crime

Convenient store employees are consistently victimized by thieves. When times are tough such as now this type of activity really picks up. As an employee you have to be aware of everyone entering the store. It's a good idea to make eye contact and if the opportunity presents itself you may want to greet your customers. Sometimes this can rattle them and make them think twice about robbing your store. You could be assaulted and physically beaten in some instances. At the far end of the extreme you absorb some life threatening injuries. Before taking a job such as this you may want to consider the consequences. If the store you are working at is located in an undesirable location then you are probably going to experience an even higher level of criminal activity.

Pay

The pay is not the best. You will probably make anywhere from $6 to $9 per hour. Every store is going to be different. Make sure this part time income is going to help you meet the goals and objectives you are trying to accomplish. Most people take these types of job on a short term basis and then move on.

Hours

You will probably have to be flexible. Sometimes you may be required to work late night hours. If you are hired on and late night hours are all that are available you will probably have to wait it out until better hours come available. During the late night hours when there are fewer customers you are more likely to experience more criminal activity.

Cashier

You should know how to handle money and give change. This will be one of your major job duties. It always pays to take your time when giving customers change because you don't want your cash drawer to have a shortage at the end of your shift. You will be trained on the proper procedures for handling money to make sure policies and procedures are handled correctly. Most training will help you understand the techniques and procedures necessary to help safe guard the cash.

Training

You will probably be trained to fulfill a variety of duties and tasks. Most convenient stores sell lottery tickets. You will need to know how to operate the lottery machine and show customers how to insert their cards and correct any errors. During the slow times you will have to clean up and mop the facility to make sure its clean. Mopping floors and cleaning the bathroom is also part of the functions and duties of a store clerk. You may have to do inventory functions when manufacturers deliver merchandise.

Legal matters

When you are running a register you have to make sure you check the identification of your customers who are looking to purchase alcohol and cigarettes. You never want to sell these products to someone who is under age. There could be some serious consequences as a result of this infraction. You could be fired and the store could be fined and could lose their license to sell beer wine and tobacco. Get in the habit of asking everyone for their identification when they want to purchase these products. This will ensure no one slips through the cracks.