Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Alario

Watkins Glen,NY

Summary

Adaptable professional driven by a passion for continuous learning. Highly skilled in leading staff development initiatives and mentoring. Strong background implementing effective training strategies that enhance employee performance and foster organizational growth.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Hiring and Employee Development Manger

Cornell Retail Services
Ithaca, NY
06.2021 - Current
  • Posts and manages job requisitions for Cornell Retail Services.
  • Leads a group of student supervisors who hire student employees.
  • Conducts candidate screening and interviews to assess skills and fit.
  • Promotes diverse hiring practices.
  • Conducts candidate reference checks.
  • Coaches and mentors staff, providing guidance and support for employee growth.
  • Monitors required online training courses.
  • Developed and launched a new Staff Onboarding Program that is used to support all new hires.
  • Supports hiring and staffing for multiple departments, including The Cornell Store on central campus, The Statler Lobby Shop, The Cornell Store on the Commons, Cornell Print Services, and The Retail Services' Warehouse.

Retail Manager

The Cornell Store
Ithaca, NY
05.2019 - 06.2021
  • Managed daily operations of the store, including opening and closing procedures.
  • Supervised staff to ensure customer satisfaction and proper performance of duties.
  • Hired, trained, mentored, and evaluated staff members regularly.
  • Created weekly schedules for store employees.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Mentored employees in the management of complicated sales, complex issues, and difficult customers.
  • Coached, managed, and developed teams to provide exceptional service and achieve sales goals.
  • Maintained store staff by recruiting, orienting, and training employees.
  • Fostered a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork and employee engagement.
  • Coordinated with the marketing team to plan and execute promotional events.
  • Resolved conflicts among staff, maintaining a harmonious workplace.

Customer Service and Cashier Supervisor

The Cornell Store
Ithaca, NY
06.2015 - 05.2019
  • Organized and managed daily cashier operations, ensuring the accuracy of financial transactions.
  • Trained new hires in the use of POS systems, store policies and procedures, safety protocols, and customer service expectations.
  • Conducted regular audits of register tills to ensure accurate balances were maintained at all times.
  • Implemented strategies for reducing shrinkage due to theft, fraud, or error.
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly and professionally, communicating with customers via email or phone as needed.
  • Maintained an organized work environment by stocking shelves and cleaning up after each shift.
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to cash management practices.
  • Assisted in hiring and scheduling staff according to business needs while ensuring adequate coverage at all times.
  • Counted tills for the beginning of shifts with start money, and balanced and reconciled register at the end of the shift.
  • Performed daily bank deposits accurately and within company guidelines.
  • Oversaw work of cashiers to identify strengths and weaknesses in customer service, payment processing, or merchandising plans.

Associate Consultant for Clinique

Estee Lauder
Ithaca, NY
12.2009 - 01.2019
  • Provided guidance and support to clients on best practices related to the Clinique skincare and cosmetic products.
  • Worked on special events, applying and upselling makeup and skincare products to customers, and supporting associates' sales goals.
  • Attended regular product training and workshops to stay up-to-date on new products and techniques.
  • Traveled to and worked special events for multiple retailers, including Macy's, The Bon-Ton, Kauffmans, and Lord and Taylor.
  • Coached store associates to achieve a positive customer experience and reach sales goals.
  • Provided excellent customer service.

Sales Associate

Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY
07.2006 - 06.2015
  • Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
  • Assisted customers with product selection, sizing, and styling.
  • Provided accurate information about products, prices, and services.
  • Processed transactions using a point-of-sale system.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store merchandise and policies.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Organized stockroom shelves according to size, color or style.
  • Restocked shelves as needed to ensure sufficient inventory levels.,
  • Maintained cleanliness of store environment, including floors, windows, and displays.
  • Answered incoming telephone calls to provide store, product, and service information.
  • Received and displayed product shipments on store retail shelves upon delivery.
  • Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
  • Assisted in visual merchandising, creating appealing displays that capture customer interest.

Education

High School Diploma -

Ithaca High School
Ithaca, NY
06-1999

Some College (No Degree) - Liberal Arts and General Studies

Ithaca College
Ithaca, NY

Skills

  • New Employee Training
  • Interviewing & Hiring
  • Employee Onboarding
  • Coaching & Mentoring
  • Resource Coordination
  • Interdepartmental Teamwork
  • Empathy
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Supportive
  • Motivational
  • Fosters a positive team environment to enhance collaboration

Accomplishments

  • Employee Excellence 'Thoughtful Leader' Nominee
  • SCL Staff Development 'Action Team' Volunteer 2023-2024
  • Harold Craft Leadership Program
  • Turning Point Program

Affiliations

I enjoy fundraising and swimming across Cayuga Lake annually for Women Swimmin' for Hospicare- a fundraiser that benefits Hospice services in Tompkins and Cortland counties. I also volunteer with Cayuga Dog Rescue and have enjoyed fostering dogs from high kill shelters, adopting them to local families, and helping transport dogs for/to local and regional rescues. I enjoy spending time at home with my 13 year old son, Jackson, and my one-eyed dog, Thor and in my free time, I love discovering new restaurants and antique stores.

Timeline

Hiring and Employee Development Manger

Cornell Retail Services
06.2021 - Current

Retail Manager

The Cornell Store
05.2019 - 06.2021

Customer Service and Cashier Supervisor

The Cornell Store
06.2015 - 05.2019

Associate Consultant for Clinique

Estee Lauder
12.2009 - 01.2019

Sales Associate

Ithaca College
07.2006 - 06.2015

High School Diploma -

Ithaca High School

Some College (No Degree) - Liberal Arts and General Studies

Ithaca College
Melissa Alario