Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Work
References
Timeline
Generic

Shóna O’Brien

Cork

Summary

Motivated and reliable Social Science student at University College Cork, with a solid background in customer-facing roles across retail, hospitality, and care settings. Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while delivering excellent service, resolving issues calmly, and working effectively in teams. Experienced in handling financial transactions, supporting vulnerable individuals, and maintaining high hygiene and safety standards. Passionate about contributing to inclusive and supportive communities, with practical care experience and training in child and adult safeguarding and hand hygiene.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience

Work History

Waitress

The Seven Hogs
Castlegregory
03.2024 - Current
  • Balanced tills with accurate cash and card payments.
  • Delivering excellent service in fast-paced environments.
  • Manage diverse customer interactions, handle complaints, and ensure customer satisfaction.
  • Building rapport with customers to create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Collaboration with team members to ensure smooth operations.
  • Efficiently handling multiple tables, or customers, simultaneously.
  • Ensuring the timely delivery of food and drinks.
  • I gained basic barista skills while working in a busy restaurant environment, including preparing a range of coffees, such as espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. Confident using commercial coffee machines and maintaining cleanliness and efficiency at the coffee station.

Cashier

Lidl
Dingle
05.2023 - 11.2023
  • Delivered friendly and efficient service to a diverse range of customers, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
  • Managed various tasks, such as stocking shelves, operating tills, and assisting customers, often simultaneously.
  • Worked efficiently under pressure during busy periods, maintaining productivity and attention to detail.
  • Operated cash registers, processed card and cash payments, and ensuring accuracy till reconciliation.
  • Handled large volumes of transactions quickly and without errors.
  • Monitored inventory levels, restocked shelves, and ensured products were displayed neatly and according to store standards.
  • Conducted stock rotation to minimize waste and maintain product freshness.

Sales Assistant

Primark
Tralee
11.2022 - 05.2023
  • Greeted customers and helped with selecting merchandise, finding accessories, and completing purchases.
  • Received and processed product returns.
  • Provided excellent sales services by offering bespoke product advice to meet exact customers’ needs.
  • Managed till operations by promptly and precisely scanning items, processing payments, and issuing receipts.
  • Shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing, organized displays to engage customers.
  • Guaranteed high levels of customer satisfaction through product knowledge and attentive service.

Food Runner

Sammy's, Kilkenny Group
Inch
07.2021 - 09.2022
  • Regularly inspected and cleaned bathroom areas, managing and recording incidents as they arose.
  • Served food and beverages to customers while encapsulating the company's brand tone and style.
  • Checked in with customers during meals to check orders were received correctly and met guests' expectations.
  • Processed cash and card payments promptly, minimising customer waiting times and enabling swift table turnarounds.
  • Provided friendly, courteous service, maximising positive customer satisfaction ratings.

Education

Under Graduate - Social Science

University College Cork
Cork, Ireland
05.2025

Leaving Certificate - 6 subjects, all honours

Presentation Secondary School
Tralee, Co. Kerry
05-2022

Skills

  • Full Irish driver's license
  • Basic manual handling training
  • Achieved the Bronze Gaisce award
  • Basic First Aid training

I have completed key health and safety training on HSElandie, including

  • Children First
  • Safeguarding adults at risk of abuse
  • AMRIC Hand Hygiene

Volunteer Work

  • Adapt charity shop: Volunteered in a local charity shop, assisting with sorting donations, organising stock, and maintaining a clean, welcoming shop environment. Provided friendly customer service, operated the till, and supported fundraising efforts through daily sales; developed strong teamwork and time management skills while contributing to a meaningful cause
  • UCC Guide Dogs Society-I am an active member of the UCC Guide Dog Society, helping to raise awareness and funds to support the training and placement of guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments.
  • UCC Cancer Society- I participate in events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and supporting cancer-related causes both on and off campus.
  • Organised and hosted quiz nights to raise funds for a local palliative care unit, helping to support vital end-of-life services and engage the community in meaningful fundraising efforts.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Waitress

The Seven Hogs
03.2024 - Current

Cashier

Lidl
05.2023 - 11.2023

Sales Assistant

Primark
11.2022 - 05.2023

Food Runner

Sammy's, Kilkenny Group
07.2021 - 09.2022

Under Graduate - Social Science

University College Cork

Leaving Certificate - 6 subjects, all honours

Presentation Secondary School

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Shóna O’Brien