Sara Chadwick

7 Leyton Close
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY5 3JJ
07595 342775
siouxsiesioux_769@hotmail.com

American Studies graduate from Swansea University with a 2:1 degree. I have skills and knowledge in key areas of customer service and sales, as well as administration and reception. I have recently returned from a study abroad program in San Francisco where I obtained valuable communication skills as well as meeting people from all over the world. I have specific leadership skills that have been practiced in professional and stressful environments. Listening and co operation is a key tool in a work environment and I believe that I possess both of those skills.

EDUCATION 
2004–2008 University of Wales, Swansea 
BA American Studies - 2.1

2001–2003 King Edward VI Sixth Form College 
A Levels 
Law - B 
English Literature - B 
Modern History - C 

GCSEs 2001 
10 GCSE passes including English grade A*, Maths grade C and French grade B

TESOL 100 hr online certification in progress. 
Estimated finish time: February 2009

WORK EXPERIENCE
June 2008 - Present. Stanley Casino's (Birmingham Circus branch)
Receptionist/Administration
Currently working as a receptionist for a busy town centre casino. Here I man the telephones, sign in members and register new ones, communicate with the gaming floor regularly and generally act as first port of call for customers. This is a position of authority and responsibility which I take very seriously and enjoy immensely.
I am currently being trained to cover administration staff, which involves dealing with payroll, orders/deliveries and general admin duties ie, typing weekly reports, stock taking, filing and also acting as a personal assistant to the general manager and senior gaming managers. Please note that I have also had to undertake tests to determine whether or not I am able to work under the data protection act and relevant laws. I passed these successfully, and was handpicked from my fellow colleagues to move to administration.

Sept 2007 - Jan 2008 Cafe Ole, Swansea 
Barista/Waitress
Primarily a barista, I would run this cafe every Monday from open to close. A responsible job and an enjoyable one, I regrettably left the position due to school commitments. I loved this job and learnt valuable people skills in a professional environment. 

Oct 2006 - May 2007 Coffee Cesso, Swansea 
Barista/Team Leader position 
Here I worked in a busy and professional environment sometimes under pressure. As I held a position of responsibility, I would coach and motivate other staff members. Duties included general catering responsibilities as well as being key holder. I was responsible for ordering new stock, processing stock takes and balancing tills at the end of the evening.

April 2006 - Aug 2006 Express and Star Newspaper, Brierley Hill, UK 
General clerical 
This position provided me with essential communication and people skills. It also helped me to obtain a sense of responsibility as I would regularly work to a deadline typing press releases. Other duties included answering the phone to clients, field work with reporters and photographers and general office duties. 

Sept 2001- Aug 2005 Etam Plc 
Sales Advisor/Senior Sales Advisor 
Having worked in this position for quite a while, the team that I worked with nominated me for a senior sales position. I was able to supervise other members of staff, deal with visual merchandising and cash up tills at the end of a working day. 

All of my work experiences have involved working in a team based environment. This involved planning, cooperation and organization eg., in retail this ensured daily sales targets, shared responsibilities and daily distribution and rotation of tasks. 

UNPAID VOLUNTARY WORK
GMB Representative
I am currently training to become the trade union representative for my Stanley Casino's branch. This is a voluntary position which involves a lot of dedication and hard work. The main reasons for my participation in this scheme is due to my avid belief in fairness and appreciation in the workplace. I care a lot about my fellow employees and believe wholeheartedly that they should have a representative who is unbiased and on hand to deal with questions and problems that arise whilst at work. This is a position of responsibility that I am dedicated to and hope to make a difference to my colleagues.

Teaching Assistant
During my educational career in San Francisco, I helped out at a Korean Children's School. This was a voluntary position that I enjoyed immensely. It lasted throughout the year, and I was often called upon to assist the English teachers in their day to day routine. This helped me to gain interpersonal skills and was also extremely satisfying to know that I had made a small but significant difference in these children’s lives.

INTERESTS 
Although I have never had anything published, writing is my first love. My writing ranges from everyday observations and political points of view to environmental concerns and recipe ideas. I thrive on the success of a finished piece. Gaining respect from those that read my work is a wonderful motivation to keep it up. 
Exploring the world my other passion. I have recently arrived home from living in California which was a huge change in direction for me that I enjoyed immensely. I have aspirations to travel extensively later in life.

REFEREES
(Available on request)