Amelia Crous

During my time as a Retail Assistant at the Te Papa Museum Shop, I handled high-quality, culturally significant merchandise with care, ensuring each item was displayed and preserved to high standards. I was entrusted with accurate cash handling, point-of-sale transactions, and opening and closing duties, which included securing the premises and balancing tills. Additionally, I supported inventory management by restocking and organising products to maintain a smooth shopping experience. My role also involved creating appealing displays to highlight the unique value of each piece, contributing to a welcoming environment for both local and international visitors.

Working in retail clothing has significantly enhanced my work ethic by equipping me with essential skills such as customer service, salesmanship, time management, and teamwork. Direct customer interaction honed my communication and problem-solving abilities. Managing tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment improved my organisational skills and adaptability. Additionally, understanding consumer behaviour and trends in retail has prepared me to anticipate and meet client needs effectively in various industries.

The responsibility of managing the opening and closing of the store, doing the cash count at the end of the day and setting up the store in the morning has broadened my ability and understanding of money and store presentation.

Working at Pizza Hut has honed my ability to effectively handle challenging and stressful situations. I have developed strong customer service skills, learning to be patient and attentive to customer needs. Working with food has also underscored the importance of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment.

I ensured a positive and hassle-free customer experience by maintaining a neat and attractive environment and assisting in the setup of visual displays. I resolved customer disputes professionally and pleasantly, gaining a deep understanding of excellent customer service and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

In November 2022, I began my first real job as a Sales Assistant at Smiggle. This retail role allowed me to develop a range of skills, including customer interaction and service. I gained experience in managing store operations, opening and closing procedures, handling transactions, and maintaining a tidy and safe store environment. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills for future roles.

I was entrusted with independently managing the shop multiple times, which boosted my confidence in handling unforeseen problems and issues effectively.