This screens for honesty and attention to detail when handling cash, which is a core trust requirement for service crew.
Show that you do not panic, you verify, and you escalate through the correct person, not conceal.
Start by describing the moment you actually caught the discrepancy, not just the fact that it existed. Say plainly that you did not touch the money again once you noticed the difference, and that you immediately re-counted the drawer and pulled the day's receipts to trace where the error likely came from. Explain that you then called your supervisor or manager over, showed them your count and the matching transactions, and stated the exact amount, for example a PHP 150 shortage, without guessing or blaming a coworker. Emphasize that your goal was transparency, not punishment, and that you asked for their guidance on how to record it properly under store policy. If the shortage traced to a specific transaction, mention that you offered to walk them through that receipt so they could verify. Close by noting that you followed through on whatever corrective step they directed, whether that meant adjusting the log or noting it in the shift report, and that you treated it as a learning point to double-check change given during busy rushes. This shows you treat cash handling as a discipline, not a personal embarrassment, which is exactly what a Philippine employer wants to hear.
Some candidates say 'Ay, nagkulang ako, sorry po' and then try to hide it or pay silently. Instead, say: 'I found a PHP 150 shortage, I reviewed my transactions, and I believe it came from this receipt. May I show you?'
Situation
During my hotel restaurant OJT, my cash drawer was short by PHP 150 when I did my end-of-shift count.
Task
I had to find the cause and report it before turning over the drawer.
Action
I rechecked my cash count, reviewed my voided transactions and receipts, and realized I had incorrectly given change for a large bill earlier. I immediately informed my supervisor, presented the receipt and transaction log, and offered to cover the shortage after being coached on the correct process.
Result
My supervisor appreciated that I reported it right away, and we corrected the log before end-of-shift audit. No disciplinary action was taken.
Report discrepancies immediately and review your own transaction trail before assuming error.
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