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TARA MCALISTER
Petal,MS
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven professional with extensive experience, excelling in customer service and team leadership. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing waste, while fostering a collaborative environment. Skilled in money handling and decision-making, consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving repeat business.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Short Term Disability Case Manager
Guardian Life Insurance
05.2026 - 08.2026
- Managed short-term disability claims, ensuring regulatory compliance and adherence to company policies, resulting in streamlined processing.
- Evaluated medical documentation to determine eligibility and facilitate timely case resolutions.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to gather necessary information for claim assessments.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency in claims processing workflows, contributing to faster resolution times.
- Cultivated relationships with clients, providing personalized support throughout the claims process to improve client satisfaction.
Assistant Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Laurel, USA
03.2025 - 05.2026
- Coordinated staff schedules to enhance labor efficiency and ensure optimal coverage during peak hours.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize labor efficiency and coverage during peak hours.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, fostering satisfaction and encouraging repeat business.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
- Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new employees to maintain staffing levels and support team performance.
- Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
- Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Laurel, USA
07.2023 - 03.2025
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new kitchen employees, boosting team skills and collaboration.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, improving service speed and quality consistency.
- Streamlined food preparation processes, increasing service speed and ensuring consistent food quality.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, delivering constructive feedback to support employee development.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to foster employee growth.
- Evaluated food items for quality and proper temperature in kitchen.
Bar Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Laurel, USA
12.2021 - 07.2023
- Managed bar operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Led a team of bartenders, fostering collaboration and improving workflow efficiency.
- Oversaw inventory management to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize waste.
- Mentored and trained staff members to ensure exceptional customer service standards.
- Designed seasonal cocktail menus, increasing customer engagement and satisfaction.
- Oversaw inventory management, optimizing stock levels and reducing waste.
- Created welcoming atmosphere that encouraged customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Created effective employee schedules maintaining coverage at peak times and minimizing labor costs.
- Enhanced team productivity through effective scheduling and clear task delegation.
Key Hourly
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Hattiesburg, USA
02.2019 - 12.2021
- Demonstrated respect and friendliness to colleagues and clients.
- Supported day-to-day operations, collaborating efficiently with team members to ensure seamless workflow.
- Adapted work schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays. across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Applied critical thinking to analyze problems, assess solutions, and make informed decisions.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Addressed issues, enhanced operations, and delivered exceptional service to meet customer needs.
Bartender
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Hattiesburg, USA
01.2017 - 02.2019
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring a positive experience for all patrons.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Managed bar inventory to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize shortages.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline coordination of food and drink orders.
- Managed bar inventory, tracking supplies to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Trained new bartenders on procedures, equipment usage, and customer interaction techniques.
- Cultivated loyal clientele through exceptional service and engaging interactions.
Carside Specialist
Applebee's Grill + Bar
Hattiesburg, USA
07.2015 - 02.2017
- Managed carsides to deliver timely orders and enhance overall customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate order preparation and improve presentation for takeout customers.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure accurate order preparation and presentation for takeout customers.
- Utilized customer feedback to refine service delivery and increase satisfaction levels.
- Implemented feedback from customers to improve service delivery and enhance satisfaction levels.
Education
High School Diploma -
Purvis High School
Purvis, MSSkills
- Claims processing
- Claim assessment
- Claim management
- Customer relationship management
- Problem resolution
- Attention to detail
- Decision-making
- Effective communication
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
Timeline
Short Term Disability Case Manager
Guardian Life Insurance
05.2026 - 08.2026
Assistant Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
03.2025 - 05.2026
Kitchen Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
07.2023 - 03.2025
Bar Manager
Applebee's Grill + Bar
12.2021 - 07.2023
Key Hourly
Applebee's Grill + Bar
02.2019 - 12.2021
Bartender
Applebee's Grill + Bar
01.2017 - 02.2019
Carside Specialist
Applebee's Grill + Bar
07.2015 - 02.2017
High School Diploma -
Purvis High School