Erin Saunders

For the past two years I have been working as a barista part-time while completing my honors bachelors degree. In this role I have had the opportunity to hone my communication skills so that I may work efficiently with my team members to maintain a positive work environment. I have had the chance to perfect my customer service skills by engaging with a variety of customers, handling special requests as well as resolving concerns should they arise. Additionally, I have tracked inventory, waste, as well as handled shipments which has allowed me to improve my attention to detail and data management skills. I believe that taking on this role while completing my degree has also allowed me prioritize time management as well as learn to manage multiple responsibilities.

For two summers I was a server at a restaurant in the Grand Bend area which gave me many valuable skills. I was able to obtain strong multitasking capabilities by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality, all while maintaining a friendly and welcoming environment. I served food and beverages promptly, focusing on my guests needs while providing excellent customer service in fast-paced, high-volume rushes. I learned conflict resolution, dealing with dissatisfied customers and maintaining professionalism under pressure. I worked with and memorized the POS system to place orders, manage bills, handle complimentary items, in addition to handling calls. Lastly, I learned to collaborate with multiple team members such as management, kitchen staff, hosts, and other servers during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.

During my time working in retail, I greeted customers, helping them locate merchandise and suggesting suitable options. I often restocked the sales floor merchandise, folded clothing, and organized shelves, racks, and bins for optimal appearance and organization. I communicated with my fellow employees as well as customers when assisting with inquiries or concerns. I memorized the POS system to handle purchases and track inventory.