Kayla Alston

While working at Zumiez I was assigned many tasks to help ensure the store ran smoothly. I worked as a Cashier and Sales Associate.

As a Sales Associate I was responsible for greeting each customer as they enter the store and ensure they immediately feel welcomed. Then I would get to know the customers style and needs so I can properly assist them with their shopping experience. I would also inform them on sales and potential deals going on that day. If the customer liked I would assist them in forming an outfit or gift ideas for loved ones. When the customer entered our store I was to ensure that they felt comfortable finding whatever it is they needed and send them off feeling satisfied with their visit.

As a Cashier I would complete transactions in a timely manner to maintain the efficiency of the store and to help customers check out swiftly. I would ask if they had an account with the store and if they did not I would assist them in making one so they can get potential discounts. I would then bag their items neatly and send them off feeling good about their experience at our store in hopes that they will return to shop again.

Zumiez helped me hone my skills in customer service, money handling, team work and many other attributes that can be applicable to many scenarios in the future.

While working at Goodwill I was responsible for multiple tasks. As a cashier, if I was opening I would ensure the store was clean and I would count the money in my drawer ensuring I always started with $150. I would then check out customers efficiently while communicating with each customer asking how their day was or how their shopping experience was ensuring each customer has a pleasant experience at our store. I would then ask if they had an account with our store and if not I would explain the benefits of it helping them save while simultaneously helping the store and the community. I would then wrap any fragile items, bag the items neatly, and send each customer off with a good experience. If I was opening or closing I would then count the money I had in my drawer at the end of the shift to make sure every transaction was done properly. I would consistently have a perfect drawer at the end of every shift. I was also responsible for training new employees and helping them learn the policies of the store so that they could soon be able to work on their own. This taught me great leadership skills.

As a sales associate, I was responsible for ensuring the sales floor was tidy and helping assist customers with any questions they may have while shopping. I would also need to make sure there was constant stock being brought out from the back and onto the sales floor.

Working at Goodwill helped me master my leadership skills and be a good team player. There was always collaboration happening with me and other coworkers and it helped ensure there was always a good steady workflow that kept the store running smoothly.

At Homegoods, I was responsible for multiple tasks throughout my shifts. As a cashier, I was responsible for taking care of customer transactions in a swift and orderly fashion. At HomeGoods, it was common for the store to get quite busy and lines would often build. So it was imperative to stay calm during stressful scenarios and ensure each customer has an enjoyable experience checking out. While checking out a customer I was responsible for asking each person if they would like to sign up for a credit card with our store. I would explain all of the benefits and why this would be something worthwhile to them. I would then wrap any fragile items, bag their items in an orderly manner, and send the customer off satisfied with their time at our store. A common task was taking care of returns. This was a specific process that must be done properly. Depending on whether I was opening or closing there would be specific tasks for those times. If I was opening I would need to ensure there was sufficient cash in my drawer and check that there is no mess that needs to be cleaned. If I was closing I would need to ensure all the trash bins at each register were bagged up and put into the big trash. I would also need to sweep the front end and assist the sales associates with cleaning the rest of the sales floor and putting away any returned items.

As a Sales associate, I was responsible for multiple tasks on the sales floor. I would ensure the store was tidy and displays were always neat and fully stocked. If a customer had a question or possibly seemed confused I was happy to assist them with any questions they had. I would also work early morning shifts as a stocker. In this role, I was responsible for a specific station set by management (ex. bath, kitchen, pets, etc). I would stand by a conveyor belt and wait for items in my category. I would pull those items to the side and put them out in their respective section of the store before the store would open.

At Homegoods, I had a lot of responsibilities and this taught me to be a hard worker who can swiftly get things properly done. It also taught me how to work well with others. I'm a great team player and can easily work with anyone. I love to collaborate with my coworkers to help achieve the best results for the store and for the customers.