Joseph Gardner

A highly motivated and dedicated PhD graduate with a background in retail and creative writing. I am eager to offer my skills and experience to a stable and positive environment. With a proven track record in customer service and maintaining company standards, I am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to any team.

Duty Manager at TGJones (formerly WHSmith) (2023-08 – Present)

• Supervised daily operations, including opening and closing the store.
• Managed a team of sales assistants, providing training and guidance when needed.
• Handled customer inquiries and complaints, resolving issues to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Managed cash handling procedures, including issuing money to tills and securing cash in the safe at the end of the work day.
• Maintained store standards, including cleanliness, visual merchandising, and stock levels.
• Largely oversaw the book department, handling stock delivery and updating displays.

Sales Assistant at WHSmith (2021-07 – 2023-08)

• Provided exceptional customer service, assisting with inquiries and purchases.
• Operated cash registers, processed payments, and handled returns efficiently.
• Maintained store appearance, including restocking shelves and ensuring cleanliness.
• Assisted in visual merchandising, arranging displays in adherence to company planograms.

Bartender at Bunk (2022-10 – 2023-02)

• Prepared and served a wide range of cocktails and beverages according to established recipes and standards.
• Provided excellent service, engaging with customers and helping maintain a positive bar atmosphere.
• Maintained cleanliness and organisation of the bar area, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Carried out floor work, including collecting glasses, wiping down tables, and serving food to customers.

Canvasser at Emerald Home Improvements (2020-10 – 2021-07)

• Obtained leads by canvassing door-to-door with a fully memorised script.
• Engaged with potential customers, assessing their needs and providing product information to maximise sales opportunities.
• Scheduled appointments for contractors to provide quotes for clients' homes.
• Documented and reported daily canvassing activities.

Floor Staff at Club Republic (2017-10 – 2018-11)

• Ensured cleanliness by collecting glasses, wiping tables, and sweeping/mopping any messes as they occurred.
• Cleaned glasses and ensured the bar areas remained fully stocked, working at a significantly fast pace during busy hours.
• Carried out cleaning procedures at the end of a shift, including taking apart the glasswasher, emptying the bins, and making sure my station was mopped and tidy.

PhD in Creative Writing – De Montfort University (2020 – 2025)

MA in Creative Writing – De Montfort University (2019 – 2020)

BA (Joint Honours) in Film Studies and Creative Writing – De Montfort University (2016 – 2019)

A-Levels – Latimer Arts College (2014 – 2016)

GCSEs – Latimer Arts College (2009 – 2014)