Helen Ilo
East T,Essex
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in retail, hospitality, and warehouse environments. Skilled in customer service, waitressing , catering, and warehouse operations, with the ability to adapt quickly to new roles and high-pressure settings. Confident in both customer-facing and physical roles, adjusting seamlessly to different teams and work environments. Approachable, focused, and calm under pressure, with a clear, practical approach to delivering positive customer experiences and consistent support.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Advisor
perfume shop
Chafford Hundred, Thurrock
12.2024 - 02.2025
- Delivered exceptional customer service during one of the busiest retail periods of the year Christmas while maintaining professionalism, product confidence, and a warm, welcoming approach within the store.
- Quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment, learning the full shop floor layout, till systems, and over 100+ fragrance products within the first week, enabling to assist customers with ease and accuracy.
- Recognised for giving personalised, expert fragrance advice—taking the time to listen to each customer's needs and recommending products based on their style, personality, and budget.
- Trained and fully confident on tills, quickly handling a high volume of transactions, including refunds, gift cards, multi-buys, discount codes, and loyalty points—all while keeping queues moving and customers happy.
- Delivered a luxury shopping experience by gift-wrapping items to an exceptional standard, with customers often returning
- Proactively maintained the store's appearance by replenishing shelves, ensuring testers were available and clean, and rearranging displays in line with visual merchandising standards.
- Demonstrated strong theft awareness, identifying suspicious behaviour and following correct procedures without disrupting the customer experience or store atmosphere.
- Played a key part in the team exceeding sales targets by confidently upselling fragrance gift sets, suggesting complementary items like lotions and candles, and encouraging customers to sign up for store promotions.
- Frequently stepped up to support newer colleagues by sharing product knowledge, demonstrating till procedures, and helping to train others—even as a new starter myself.
Backstage Catering
stage miracles
Tottenham, Haringey
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Played key roles in supporting backstage catering operations during multiple large-scale live shows and events, ensuring over 100+ performers, production crew, and stadium staff were well-fed and looked after throughout each shift.
- Worked directly alongside chefs to prepare ingredients, assemble cold and hot food items, portion meals, and set up buffet and self-serve stations, all while maintaining excellent food hygiene and presentation standards.
- Took full responsibility for dishwashing and kitchen cleanliness, operating industrial dishwashers, handwashing delicate items, sanitising surfaces, and ensuring all utensils and cookware were cleaned and returned to their correct stations promptly.
- Replenished cutlery, crockery, glassware, and serving trays in real time throughout service, ensuring every serving area remained fully stocked, organised, and ready for continuous service
- Delivered friendly, efficient service when serving food and beverages to performers, VIP guests, and staff, always maintaining warm, respectful, and discreet presence backstage.
- Strictly followed all health, safety, and food hygiene protocols, including correct food storage, allergy awareness procedures, and safe handling of raw and cooked ingredients.
- Adapted rapidly to last-minute changes in schedules, guest numbers, or menu requirements, remaining flexible and calm in fast-moving, high-pressure situations.
- Earned positive feedback from supervisors and chefs for being quick, dependable, and always willing to step in and help wherever needed to keep operations running smoothly.
- Developed excellent teamwork and communication skills, regularly coordinating with kitchen staff, catering managers, and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless backstage hospitality service.
Warehouse Worker
Ocado
Purfleet, Thurrock
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Played key roles within inbound logistics team, responsible for efficiently unloading, opening, and processing pallets of stock across both chill and ambient sections of th warehouse. Maintained consistent performance while adapting to varying temperature-controlled environments.
- Used handheld scanning devices to log every item into the system with precision and speed, ensuring real-time stock updates and maintaining full visibility of inventory across all departments.
- Maintained a high scanning frequency throughout each shift, meeting and often exceeding strict performance targets, even during peak periods and high-volume deliveries.
- Conducted thorough quality checks on incoming goods, assessing condition, expiry dates, and packaging integrity to prevent damaged or incorrect stock from entering circulation.
- Recognized early on as one of the fastest learners on the team—despite being one of the youngest and newest staff members, quickly adapting to the role and became fully independent within a short period, earning trust from supervisors and team leaders.
- Took initiative to support wider operations by identifying issues with deliveries, flagging stock shortages, and assisting other team members to keep the inbound workflow running smoothly.
- Actively contributed to maintaining a safe, organised, and clean working environment by following all health and safety guidelines, using correct manual handling procedures, and ensuring all storage zones were properly maintained.
- Developed strong time management, focus, and physical stamina through high-demand shifts, consistently maintaining a fast pace without compromising quality or safety.
Online Picker
tesco express
Grays, Thurrock
05.2023 - 10.2023
- Accurately picked and packed customer online orders to a high standard, ensuring each item met Tesco's quality and freshness guidelines. Demonstrated close attention to product details such as expiry dates, packaging condition, and item substitutions.
- Awarded Worker of the Week during my very first week for quickly adapting to the role, consistently exceeding performance expectations, and showing excellent attention to detail and initiative.
- Maintained a 100% order accuracy rate across multiple shifts, earning praise from supervisors for my speed, reliability, and high level of care when fulfilling orders.
- Consistently exceeded daily productivity targets, often completing order batches well before scheduled times while balancing speed with accuracy.
- Proficient in using Tesco's handheld scanning devices and order-picking systems, updating stock levels in real time and flagging low or missing stock for replenishment.
- Worked across chilled, frozen, fresh, and ambient sections, ensuring proper handling of products and adherence to health and safety protocols, including temperature controls and cleanliness standards.
- Played an active role in keeping the picking area safe, clean, and organized—ensuring minimal disruption to store operations and contributing to a smooth workflow for the wider team.
- Communicated effectively with team leaders and fellow staff to ensure urgent or complex orders were handled smoothly, including customer-requested substitutions.
- Demonstrated excellent timekeeping and flexibility, often taking on early morning shifts and adapting quickly to changing workloads during busy seasonal periods.
- In addition to order picking, I regularly assisted in-store customers with product locations, availability questions, and general inquiries providing friendly, helpful service at all times, as I strongly believe customer service should always come first.
Retail Sales Assistant
primark
Chafford Hundred, Thurrock
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced retail environment, assisting a high volume of customers daily with product selection, size and stock inquiries, and styling advice to ensure a positive shopping experience.
- Operated tills with precision, handling hundreds of transactions per shift. Processed payments via cash, card, gift cards, and store credit, while ensuring accuracy, speed, and professionalism under pressure.
- Resolved customer queries and issues at point of sale quickly and courteously, maintaining a calm and helpful approach even during peak trading times.
- Maintained impeccable store presentation by restocking shelves, folding and organizing displays, and ensuring all products were correctly labelled and aligned with visual merchandising standards.
- Proactively promoted in-store deals and seasonal offers to customers, increasing basket sizes and contributing to overall store sales performance.
- Trusted to carry out opening and closing procedures, including till counts and floor checks, demonstrating a high level of responsibility and attention to detail.
- Regularly supported stockroom operations, including processing deliveries, unpacking stock, and preparing items for the shop floor, ensuring quick turnaround and minimal disruption to operations.
- Collaborated closely with a large team and management to meet daily sales targets and provide seamless service during busy periods such as sales events, weekends, and holidays.
- Recognized by supervisors for reliability, punctuality, and consistently maintaining a professional and friendly attitude toward both customers and colleagues.
- Developed strong multitasking and communication skills, balancing multiple responsibilities while maintaining high service standards and meeting store expectations.
Waiter / Front of House
bia people
London, England
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Delivered exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment, consistently managing and serving hundreds of customers during peak hours.
- Greeted and seated customers, ensuring they felt welcomed and attended to immediately upon arrival.
- Took and delivered orders efficiently, providing accurate information about the menu and accommodating special requests.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly, maintaining a positive dining experience even under pressure.
- Recognized for outstanding customer service, awarded “Worker of the Week” for exceptional performance and dedication to the role.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth operations, supporting colleagues during busy shifts and helping maintain a cohesive work environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the dining area, ensuring high standards of hygiene and customer comfort at all times.
- Built strong rapport with customers, fostering repeat business and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere throughout the dining experience.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to queries and requests.
- Upheld health and safety standards by regularly sanitising hands and work areas.
- Completed side duties such as refilling condiments, contributing to organised workplace.
- Warmly greeted guests upon arrival to create welcoming atmosphere.
Education
A-Levels - Business
Holyfamily 6th form
Walthamstow, Waltham Forest2024
GCSEs -
St Angela's Ursuline
Forest Gate, Newham07.2022
Skills
- Exceptional customer engagement – Naturally warm, approachable, with track record of making customers feel valued and welcome
- Fast-paced multitasking – Skilled at juggling multiple tasks in busy environments like stadium catering and retail during peak hours
- Inventory & stock accuracy – Reliable handling of stock with precision; experienced in online order picking and warehouse operations
- Professional presentation – Maintains clean, professional appearance and high hygiene standards in front-of-house and food service roles
- Responsiveness & initiative – Proactive in stepping up during busy times or resolving issues without being prompted
- Customer complaint resolution – Remains calm, listens effectively, and finds quick, satisfying solutions for customer concerns
- Event & shift readiness – Fully prepared for dynamic shifts, large events, and short-notice changes
- Workplace reliability – Punctual, consistent, and trusted to represent company well; awarded ‘Best worker' for outstanding performance
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Sales Advisor
perfume shop
12.2024 - 02.2025
Backstage Catering
stage miracles
06.2024 - 08.2024
Warehouse Worker
Ocado
12.2023 - 05.2024
Online Picker
tesco express
05.2023 - 10.2023
Retail Sales Assistant
primark
10.2022 - 04.2023
Waiter / Front of House
bia people
03.2022 - 08.2022
A-Levels - Business
Holyfamily 6th form
GCSEs -
St Angela's Ursuline
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