Heather McLain
Maylene,AL
Summary
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level teaching
position. Ready to help students achieve goals and passion for learning.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Associate
Americas Thrift Stores
Alabaster, AL
10.2023 - Current
- Cultivated strong customer relationships through personalized service and product recommendations.
- Managed inventory levels, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing discrepancies.
- Trained new sales associates on product knowledge, sales techniques, and customer engagement strategies.
- Implemented merchandising displays to enhance product visibility and drive sales growth.
- Analyzed customer feedback to refine service approaches and improve overall shopping experience.
- Resolved customer inquiries and complaints promptly to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Listened to customer needs and desires to identify and recommend optimal products.
- Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
Front Counter Cashier
Chick-fil-a
Helena, AL
08.2020 - 12.2023
- Determined customer requirements and suggested ideal product offerings to meet needs and boost revenue.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items and join reward programs.
- Informed front end manager of equipment repair and replacement needs to maintain operations.
- Followed company policies, procedures and practices for accurate recordkeeping and loss prevention.
- Greeted customers and responded to requests for information.
- Processed credit card, EBT, and gift certificate payments with electronic computer system.
- Handled customer complaints and concerns and escalated to direct supervisor for quick resolution.
- Operated register system to process new purchases, item returns and merchandise exchanges.
- Approached every question or concern with calm and level-headed approach.
- Counted tills for beginning of shift with start money and balanced and reconciled register at end of shift.
- Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
- Maintained organized and orderly front end and removed carts, baskets and debris.
- Mentored new team members on POS system operation, customer service strategies and sales goals.
- Reviewed and resolved differences between accounting information and cash drawer.
- Performed cash, card and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Maintained current knowledge of store promotions and highlighted sales to customers.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
Assistant General Manager
Whataburger
Birmingham, AL
08.2016 - 07.2019
- Resolved problems promptly to elevate customer approval.
- Handled cash accurately and prepared deposits.
- Motivated, trained and disciplined employees to maximize performance.
- Managed team schedule with eye for coverage needs and individual strengths.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Enforced quality assurance protocols to deliver ideal customer experiences.
- Mentored and motivated team members to achieve challenging business goals.
- Oversaw inventory by ordering precise quantities of stock and executing corrective actions to drive profitability.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules and contract negotiations.
- Cultivated performance-based culture based on individual accountability, goal attainment and team achievement.
- Maintained well-controlled business inventory with minimal losses by enforcing solid monitoring and management structures.
- Built customer loyalty by devising promotions and products according to customer needs and budget.
- Oversaw computer database and physical filing systems.
- Boosted yearly profits through process optimization and improved training.
Direct Support Professional Caregiver
Rescare Homecare
Birmingham, AL
08.2015 - 12.2017
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Supported clients with mental support and physical activities to accomplish quality of life and sustain needs.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Monitored client vital signs, administered medications and tracked behaviors to keep healthcare supervisor well-informed.
- Maintained clean personal areas and prepared healthy meals to support client nutritional needs.
- Provided transportation to doctor's appointments, grocery stores, salons and barbershops.
- Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
- Documented residents' mental status, sleep and eating patterns in medical record books.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments and shopping trips.
- Planned healthy meals, purchased ingredients and cooked meals to provide adequate nutrition for client wellbeing.
- Turned and positioned bedbound patients to prevent bedsores and maintain comfort levels.
- Transported patients via wheelchair to and from rehabilitation and daily activities.
- Conferred with supervisor to discuss patient condition and medical care.
- Changed dressings, bandages and binders to maintain proper healing and sanitary measures.
Preschool Teacher
First Baptist Church Daycare
Grants Pass, OR
02.2014 - 06.2015
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Assisted and supervised 8 children through entire school day.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
Event Coordinator
Southeastern Bible College
Birmingham, AL
08.2011 - 02.2014
- Displayed absolute discretion at handling confidential information.
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events.
- Maintained appropriate filing of personal and professional documentation.
- Responded to emails and other correspondence to facilitate communication and enhance business processes.
- Provided multifaceted services to career professionals by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments and arranging transportation.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Selected and ordered décor and event materials.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking and event promotions.
- Planned large-scale events such as trade shows, conferences, and meetings.
Preschool Teacher
Valleydale Baptist Church
Birmingham, AL
06.2010 - 02.2014
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Assisted and supervised 10 children through entire school day.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Helped new preschool children get used to classes by giving one-on-one support.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
Cashier
Walmart
Kissimmee, FL
02.2006 - 10.2009
- Operated cash register for cash, check and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Promoted customer loyalty and consistent sales by delivering friendly service and knowledgeable assistance.
- Collected and authorized payments of guests.
- Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals.
- Maintained cash drawer of $200 or more per shift.
- Reconciled cash drawer at start and end of each shift, accounting for errors and resolving discrepancies.
- Checked identification for proof-of-age for alcohol and tobacco sales.
- Greeted over 200 customers per day.
- Performed cash, card and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Operated cash register to record transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Used POS system to enter orders, process payments and issue receipts.
- Monitored self-checkout systems and provided assistance or intervention where required.
- Solicited customers to purchase loyalty and item protection plans, successfully bringing in $100 per month in new revenue.
- Replenished sales floor merchandise and organized shelves, racks and bins for optimal appearance.
Hostess
Red Lobster
Kissimmee, FL
06.2003 - 11.2006
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions and informed of accurate wait times.
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating and menu information.
- Assigned patrons to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
- Supported servers, food runners and bussers with keeping dining area ready for every guest.
- Cultivated positive guest relations by managing information and orchestrating speedy seating.
- Monitored seating area and checked restrooms regularly to keep spotless.
- Resolved guest and employee complaints to maintain complete customer satisfaction and workforce effectiveness.
- Documented reservations, alerted servers and managers of large groups and prepared seating.
- Used cash registers and credit card machines to cash out customers.
- Watched dining area staff to evaluate server loads and calculate accurate wait times.
- Assisted FOH and BOH staff with preparing for events to coordinate smooth execution to maximize guest satisfaction.
- Collected information from arriving customers to seat groups or place them on waitlist.
- Monitored front entrance for new guests while assisting servers by taking and delivering drink orders.
- Informed servers of newly seated parties for speedy service.
- Worked with front of house staff to move tables and adjust seating to accommodate groups with special requests.
- Documented reservations and communicated changes to guests.
- Stayed in open communication with kitchen team to assess cooking times, avoid worker overload and minimize customer dissatisfaction.
- Maintained customer satisfaction and increased drink sales by directing customers to bar area while waiting for tables.
- Conducted dining room and server checks to assess readiness for expected customer loads.
- Reported concerns about intoxicated guests to management to contribute to safe and welcoming environments for patrons.
- Assessed large restaurant and lounge according to state and federal cleanliness standards.
- Checked and restocked server areas and organized and got change for front counter.
- Supervised server balance and monitored table turnover to accurately seat customers.
- Monitored dining room and guest flow to maximize table usage and minimize wait times by 50%.
- Routinely supported other areas of restaurant by answering telephones and completing financial transactions for other staff members.
- Collaborated with kitchen to inform customers of wait times and answer questions about food.
- Recorded available tables after seating each party using specialized seating software.
Education
Master of Arts - Architecture
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA05-2028
Master of Arts - Teaching
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA08-2027
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2023
Associate of Arts - Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA06.2012
High School Diploma -
Saint Cloud High School
Saint Cloud, FL05.2003
Skills
- Opening and Closing Tasks
- Feedback Acceptance
- Security Standards
- Credits and Refunds
- Social Perception
- Proper Storage Procedures
- Process Transactions
- Loss Prevention Goals Monitoring
- Customer Needs Assessments
- ID Verification
- Hospitality Management
- Billing and Payment Processing
- Restock Products
- POS Transactions
- Customer Preferences
- Phone Systems
- Closing Procedures
- Till Counting
- Front-End Support
- Restaurant Operation
- Shipment Procedures
- Cash Handling
- Customer Complaint Resolution
- Hospitality and Accommodation
- Rotation Procedures
- Team Goals
- Guest Satisfaction
- Personalized Support
- Accurate Recordkeeping
- Proper Staffing
- Food Allergies
- Currency Counting
- Small group instruction
- Effective listening
- Classroom restocking
- Educational activities
- Visual aids utilization
- Task prioritization
- Team building
- Record keeping
- Assigning and grading work
- Faculty collaboration
- Innovative lesson planning
- Collaborative learning
- Classroom instruction
Timeline
Sales Associate
Americas Thrift Stores
10.2023 - Current
Front Counter Cashier
Chick-fil-a
08.2020 - 12.2023
Assistant General Manager
Whataburger
08.2016 - 07.2019
Direct Support Professional Caregiver
Rescare Homecare
08.2015 - 12.2017
Preschool Teacher
First Baptist Church Daycare
02.2014 - 06.2015
Event Coordinator
Southeastern Bible College
08.2011 - 02.2014
Preschool Teacher
Valleydale Baptist Church
06.2010 - 02.2014
Cashier
Walmart
02.2006 - 10.2009
Hostess
Red Lobster
06.2003 - 11.2006
Master of Arts - Architecture
Academy of Art University
Master of Arts - Teaching
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Liberty University
Associate of Arts - Education
Liberty University
High School Diploma -
Saint Cloud High School