Elaine Armstrong

Bathgate,West Lothian

Summary

A welcoming and target-driven professional with strong prior experience in premium retail, call centre sales, and public services. After 17 years out of the workforce to act as the full-time carer for my husband, I am now fully ready and highly motivated to return to employment. This caregiving period further developed my resilience, patience, and active listening—strengths that, combined with my previous sales experience at M&S and Sky, make me highly effective in customer-facing roles.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work history

Sales Assistant

Marks & Spencer

Livingston

2008.10 - 2009.12

Delivered welcoming customer service and resolved complaints calmly.
Processed transactions accurately and helped customers with order inquiries.
Replenished stock efficiently and organized attractive window and shelf displays.
Maintained high standards of stock rotation and swapped departments flexibly.

Sales agent

Sky TV

Livingston, West Lothian

2008.01 - 2008.10

Met daily targets by pitching TV and broadband packages over the phone.
Handled high volumes of inbound and outbound customer calls efficiently.
Identified viewing habits through active listening to up-sell relevant services.

Sheltered Housing Complex Assistant

West Lothian Council

Armadale, West Lothian

2004.01 - 2008.01

Conducted regular tenant welfare checks.
Responded to emergency call systems quickly.
Promoted independent living with empathy.
Followed strict health and safety rules.
Kept precise, confidential tenant records.
Liaisoned closely with tenant families.
Partnered with social work services.
Communicated updates clearly to management.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Fife Council

Fife

2000.01 - 2004.01

Conducted home safety assessments and promoted independent living.
Recommended independent living aids and demonstrated safe usage.
Partnered with social work and updated medical teams.
Maintained confidential records and processed referral paperwork promptly.

Staff Nurse

NHS

1986.01 - 1999.01

Delivered high-quality patient care and managed daily ward duties.
Administered medications accurately while maintaining strict safety standards.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary medical teams to coordinate treatment plans.
Supported patients and families with clear, empathetic communication.

Skills

Customer Care: Proven across 30 years in nursing, housing support, and fast-paced retail
Target-Driven Communication: Skilled at phone sales, active listening, and overcoming customer objections confidently

Adaptable Team Collaboration: Partnered effectively with medical teams, social workers, and retail colleagues

Timeline