Dylan Sri Tharan

During my time at the Grim's Dyke Hotel, I worked in multiple roles including bartender, restaurant waiter, and function assistant for various events such as weddings, birthday parties, and wakes. This experience gave me the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills essential to the hospitality industry.

Key Responsibilities and Skills:

• Customer Service & Communication:
  Interacted with guests daily, ensuring a warm and friendly welcome. Developed strong communication skills by assisting with customer queries, explaining menu items in detail, and handling complaints with professionalism and empathy when expectations weren’t met.
• Teamwork & Efficiency:
  Worked closely with team members to ensure smooth service during busy periods. For example, coordinated with colleagues to set up reception drinks efficiently, demonstrating the importance of clear communication and shared responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bar Experience & Beverage Preparation:
  Acquired in-depth knowledge of coffee preparation including Lattes, Cappuccinos, Americanos, Flat Whites, and Double Espressos. Learned proper techniques for pouring beer pints with minimal foam by angling glasses correctly, showcasing strong attention to detail. Also prepared a variety of mixers, maintaining accuracy in shot measurements and drink combinations.
• Restaurant Service & Organisation:
  Worked confidently in the hotel’s restaurant, quickly familiarising myself with the menu and making personalised recommendations to customers. Shared insights into the hotel’s history, adding value to the guest experience. Assisted with restaurant prep including setting up tables with the correct table numbers, cutlery, water, butter, and bread.
• Cash Handling & Numeracy:
  Handled cash transactions, calculated change accurately, and ensured all financial dealings were completed efficiently and correctly, demonstrating trustworthiness and numeracy skills.
• Physical Skills & Dexterity:
  Gained confidence in carrying trays with one hand, particularly improving the coordination of my non-dominant hand to serve customers effectively.

Working at Grim's Dyke Hotel has equipped me with a well-rounded hospitality skill set, preparing me to excel in any customer-facing environment that values professionalism, efficiency, and attention to detail.

• During my volunteering stint at Asha's charity shop, consistently delivered excellent customer service by taking a proactive and attentive approach to the diverse needs of our patrons.
• This volunteering experience not only enriched my retail skills but also significantly enhanced my communication abilities, as I interacted with a diverse range of customers, fostering a positive and supportive environment within the charity shop. Managed 25 customers per day in average.

• During my time at my uncle's shop in Paris, Le marché de l'ile, consistently delivered excellent customer service by adopting a hands-on and attentive approach.
• Assisted the owner in the efficient shipment of stock, ensuring the store was well-stocked and organised. This commitment to going the extra mile not only distinguished my customer service but also contributed to the overall success of the shop
• Additionally, working in this environment allowed me to enhance my French vocabulary, further facilitating effective communication with the diverse clientele. Increased sales for my uncle around 5-10% because of my English language skills. There were many tourists coming to do their shopping in the supermarket.