Isla Butteriss

Enthusiastic third-year English Language and Literature Student at the University of Liverpool with a wealth of interpersonal customer service skills, developed through extensive experience in fast-paced work environments. With years of bar experience and retail customer service, I am confident working under pressure, building rapport with customers and contributing positively as part of a team.

Store Assistant - Waitrose & Partners

(2023-05 - 2024-09)

Worked in a fast-paced retail environment with responsibility for customer service, stock management, cash handling and maintaining store safety. Progressed to Till Supervisor, overseeing self-checkout operations while supporting colleagues and managing multiple tasks efficiently during busy periods.

• Supervised the entire self-checkout area while supporting colleagues on mainline tills, processing high volumes of transactions quickly and accurately, and securely locking tills and cash away at the end of the day.
• Provided personalised advice on a wide range of products, assisted customers with queries and carried out age verification checks in line with Challenge 25.
• Quickly and accurately completed stock replenishments, date-based stock rotations and reductions, while managing multiple deliveries simultaneously.
• Took full responsibility for end-of-day bakery cleaning, stock reductions and bagging products to maximise sales and minimise waste.
• Safely handled tobacco products and lottery tickets, followed age-restricted sales procedures, and was responsible for securing and locking the kiosk and tills at the end of the day.

Bar Staff - Leigh Sailing Club

(2022-10)

Worked independently in a fast-paced bar environment, providing high-quality service to regular customers, large events and functions. Responsible for the full operation of the bar, including drinks preparation, stock management, hygiene, cash security and closing procedures.

• Learned and prepared a full menu of classic and contemporary cocktails, poured a wide range of craft beers, changed kegs and provided customers with knowledgeable recommendations.
• Built strong relationships with regular customers by providing friendly, personalised service and developing a good understanding of their preferences.
• Worked alone on the bar for approximately 90% of shifts, managing customer service, drink preparation, stock and transactions efficiently.
• Provided fast and efficient service at large events and functions of up to 250 guests, maintaining a high standard of service during extremely busy periods.
• Maintained excellent hygiene standards and was responsible for keeping the bar and clubhouse clean and tidy, as well as securely closing the premises and placing takings in the safe each night.

Communications & Media Work Experience - Southend City Council

(2023-07 - 2023-07)

Completed a work experience placement within the Communications and Media Department, gaining practical insight into council communications, journalism, media and public engagement. Worked across different departments, attended professional meetings and seminars, and contributed to the council's newsletter and social media content.

• Used email to communicate ideas with multiple council departments and worked with staff from a range of professional backgrounds.
• Photographed a mayoral town flag-raising event and wrote an article for the council newsletter and Instagram, gaining practical experience in journalism and social media.
• Contributed to the council's weekly communications newsletter, highlighting important events and updates for hundreds of councillors.
• Attended a multicultural women's group and spoke with women from different faiths about their experiences as minorities in Southend, developing communication and interviewing skills.
• Managed a busy schedule of seminars, business meetings and shadowing opportunities across the council, while gaining insight into different roles within communications and journalism.

BA - English Language and Literature - University of Liverpool (2024 - 2027)

A-Levels - Biology (B), English Literature (B), and Philosophy and Ethics (B) - Belfairs Academy (2022 - 2024)