Stand outside your register

My first job was working at a grocery store as a cashier—or a "checker," as they used to call us.

The manager there was incredibly serious about customer service. He asked his leadership team to instill certain behaviors in us, the front-line workers. At the time, 17-year-old me sometimes felt these methods were overbearing. However, looking back, I'm grateful for the lessons learned.

Much of what I picked up in that role can—and should—be applied to any job that hinges on customer service, whether your customers are internal or external.

• Stand outside of your register—appear eager to help

• Be friendly and communicative

• Use their name, when possible

• Show empathy for their circumstances

• Make them feel comfortable

All things considered, these aren't difficult tasks. But if these behaviors don't come naturally, the effort to instill and learn them can be immense.

That's why employers often opt for candidates with excellent soft skills over those with technical brilliance but poor customer service abilities.

If only I had been better at memorizing the PLU codes for items other than bananas (4011).