Sarah Elford
Dorchester,Dorset
Summary
Adaptable and reliable with extensive customer experience over the phone, face to face, and via email. Demonstrates a personable telephone manner and a positive attitude in all interactions. Possesses valuable farm experience, showcasing flexibility and adaptability in diverse environments. Committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering positive customer relationships.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
2004
2004
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Farm Shop Assistant ( Part Time)
Laura Partridge
Dorchester, Dorset
04.2025 - Current
- Assisted customers in locating products to enhance shopping experiences.
- Provided comprehensive product information to support informed decisions.
- Collaborated with team members to uphold a clean and organised shop floor.
- Monitored temperature controls and expiration dates to ensure food safety compliance.
- Managed stock levels on shop floor to guarantee continuous availability of products.
- Greeted customers warmly, fostering a friendly atmosphere.
- Operated cash registers accurately, processing cash and card transactions efficiently.
- Displayed new products engagingly to attract customer interest.
Receptionist and Office Administrator
Chickerell Town Council
Chickerell, Dorset
11.2023 - 10.2025
- Coordinated Mayor's diary, managing events and functions attended.
- Directed clients to appropriate staff, ensuring effective service delivery.
- Streamlined communication by promptly forwarding messages to relevant personnel.
- Maintained accurate visitor logs to enhance security protocols.
- Managed bookings for two venues available for hire.
- Handled incoming calls via multi-line telephone system with professionalism.
- Welcomed visitors, providing assistance upon arrival.
- Oversaw office supply orders, replenishing stock for staff use.
Customer Service Advisor
Dorset Council
Dorchester, Dorset
10.2021 - 07.2023
- Prioritised tasks by urgency, ensuring timely completion within each shift.
- Managed high-volume customer queries through effective multitasking and organisation.
- Coordinated communication between customers and internal departments to resolve issues.
- Accurately recorded and processed customer data for reliable documentation.
- Responded calmly to challenging situations, fostering trust with aggrieved customers.
- Participated in regular training to maintain current knowledge of products and policies.
- Expressed care and empathy during customer interactions, ensuring personalised service.
Tourist Information Officer
Dorset Council
Dorchester, Dorset
05.2004 - 08.2021
- Organised travel literature displays to attract potential tourists effectively.
- Resolved complaints promptly, ensuring customer satisfaction.
- Operated cash register and processed transactions to maintain front desk efficiency.
- Conducted regular research on local events to provide up-to-date tourist advice.
- Distributed promotional materials to enhance awareness of tourist attractions.
- Cultivated positive relationships with local businesses to support tourism initiatives.
- Assisted tourists in planning itineraries for optimal holiday experiences.
- Collaborated with team members on projects aimed at enhancing service quality.
Assistant Shepherdess
Sydling Estate
Dorchester, Dorset
01.2000 - 05.2004
- Supported all aspects of shepherding operations on a 2,700-acre estate.
- Assisted with indoor lambing for 2,000 ewes while liaising with veterinary students annually.
- Contributed to diverse livestock enterprises, including pedigree sheep and cattle, goats, and poultry.
- Assisted in running an onsite organic farm shop and butchery, overseeing livestock administration.
Education
Diploma in Agriculture and Farm Business Management - Agriculture
Royal Agricultural College
Cirencester, Gloucestershire 09.1994 - 06.1997
GCSEs -
St Marys School
Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire 07.1986 - 07.1993
A-Levels - Social Biology
St Marys School
Gerrards Cross, BuckinghamshireSkills
- Personable telephone manner
- Adaptable, flexible, reliable and have positive attitude
- Farm Experience
- Customer experience over the phone, face to face and via email
Affiliations
- I love living and working in Dorset with my 2 children. I enjoy the outdoors, walking and swimming and done challenges including a half Marathon to raise money for charity.
Timeline
Farm Shop Assistant ( Part Time)
Laura Partridge
04.2025 - Current
Receptionist and Office Administrator
Chickerell Town Council
11.2023 - 10.2025
Customer Service Advisor
Dorset Council
10.2021 - 07.2023
Tourist Information Officer
Dorset Council
05.2004 - 08.2021
Assistant Shepherdess
Sydling Estate
01.2000 - 05.2004
Diploma in Agriculture and Farm Business Management - Agriculture
Royal Agricultural College
09.1994 - 06.1997
GCSEs -
St Marys School
07.1986 - 07.1993
A-Levels - Social Biology
St Marys School