Susan Cruse
Peterborough,Cambridgeshire
Summary
Friendly and driven individual with highly developed communication and problem-solving skills. Proficient in providing exceptional customer service and handling inquiries with patience and understanding. Committed to making a positive impact with all customers and provide superior customer service and resolve all issues quickly and with positive attitude.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work history
Customer Advisor garden center
B&Q
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
2026.03 - Current
- Collaborated closely with colleagues to resolve complex customer issues swiftly.
- Stayed updated on company policies, enabling accurate information dissemination to customers.
- Maintained high-level product knowledge for accurate advice and recommendations.
- Assisted customers in product selection, resulting in increased sales.
- Developed rapport with customers for improved loyalty and repeat business.
- Ensured smooth store operations by coordinating with the team effectively.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, maintaining brand reputation.
- Handled returns and exchanges diligently minimising dissatisfaction amongst clientele.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure a positive shopping experience.
- Correctly identified client needs, providing tailored, personalised guidance to ensure outstanding customer experiences.
- Offered prompt solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Assisted customers with varying questions using product knowledge and service expertise.
- Provided warm, positive customer care from arrival to departure, encouraging return visits and repeat spending.
- Maintained customer happiness with forward-thinking strategies focused on addressing needs and resolving concerns.
Teaching Assistant Special needs
Ravensthorpe Primary Academy
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
2013.01 - 2026.01
- Provided additional support to students with special educational needs, ensuring inclusivity.
- Led small group sessions for enhanced focus on challenging topics.
- Prepared classroom materials to facilitate efficient lessons.
- Supervised students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips providing safe, supportive environment.
- Offered one-on-one guidance to struggling students for improved academic performance.
- Supported classroom teacher with behaviour management, promoting a positive learning environment.
- Liaised between teachers and parents, maintaining open lines of communication.
- Developed and nurtured excellent relationships with students and staff, enhancing positive learning environments.
- Oversaw students during breaks to maintain safe environment.
- Maintained sensitivity towards students with additional needs, continually improving their development and confidence.
- Provided safe, stimulating classroom environments to maximise student engagement and attainment.
- Cultivated close working relationships with students, teaching staff and parents.
- Provided students with [Number] contact hours in weekly lectures and seminars.
Teaching assistant in special educational needs
William de Yaxley Primary school
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
2008.04 - 2012.12
- Fostered an inclusive classroom atmosphere by promoting empathy, acceptance and respect among peers.
- Collaborated with special education teachers for better lesson planning and execution.
- Utilised specialised teaching techniques for improved academic performance among special needs students.
- Adapted teaching methods based on individual learning styles leading to enhanced comprehension.
- Helped organise outdoor activities to boost physical health and social skills amongst the pupils.
- Used assistive technology tools effectively for facilitating easier communication for non-verbal students.
- Engaged students in various group activities that fostered teamwork and cooperation.
- Prepared visual aids for interactive lessons which increased engagement within the classroom.
- Participated in professional development training sessions to stay informed about the latest in special education teaching strategies.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary team members such as speech therapists or psychologists for holistic child development.
- Assisted in managing classroom behaviour by implementing effective discipline strategies tailored to individual needs.
- Offered emotional support during challenging situations whilst respecting student's personal space and emotions.
- Ensured adherence to school policies regarding safety standards when dealing with special needs children.
- Provided a safe, positive learning environment for students with varying disabilities.
- Took part in school training activities to advance knowledge in working with students with specific learning difficulties.
- Created a friendly, positive and inspiring learning environment to facilitate interactions amongst students.
Lunch time supervisor/ Classroom Assistant
Southfields Primary/Junior School
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
2002.06 - 2008.04
- Identified potential risks and mitigated them through proactive measures.
- Ensured a safe learning environment by monitoring student behaviour.
- Accompanied students on field trips for safety and logistic support.
- Provided one-on-one assistance to students struggling with coursework, aiding their understanding of complex topics.
- Implemented behavioural management strategies suggested by teachers, maintaining a calm and focused classroom atmosphere.
- Managed classroom resources effectively, ensuring accessibility for all pupils.
- Assisted in lesson planning, resulting in engaging class sessions.
- Supported teachers by preparing classroom materials.
- Promoted positive behaviour within the classroom setting, enhancing overall learning experience.
- Prepared visual aids for effective teaching techniques.
- Assisted with marking of assignments, providing timely feedback to learners.
- Adapted teaching materials to suit individual learner needs for personalised education.
- Provided friendly, enthusiastic support to pupils in individual and group support settings.
- Supervised pupils during lunchtimes and educational visits.
- Safeguarded student health and wellbeing within educational settings, taking appropriate action when needed.
- Developed and maintained positive, impactful relationships with students, facilitating improved learning outcomes.
- Offered support to special needs students, guaranteeing safety and access to equitable learning.
Home Help for people with sight loss
Peterborough City Council
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
1993.09 - 1995.12
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
- Transported clients to appointments when necessary-punctuality guaranteed every single time without fail.
- Responded promptly to emergencies, ensured patient safety.
- Liaised effectively with multidisciplinary team members, ensured seamless provision of care services.
- Provided emotional support to patients, improved mental well-being.
- Assisted in meal preparation to ensure proper nutrition.
- Managed household chores, created a clean environment.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for increased independence.
- Established strong rapport with patients through effective communication skills resulting in an atmosphere of trust and respect.
- Maintained accurate records to effectively measure client development against care plan objectives.
- Provided specialised support care to vulnerable individuals, effectively reducing hospital readmissions.
- Encouraged community inclusion by supporting social activities, attending local support groups and events.
Waitress Breakfast and Function
Bull Hotel
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
1989.06 - 1992.11
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing efficient and friendly service.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensured balanced till at end of shift.
- Managed table settings for enhanced dining experience.
- Optimised workflow in busy periods through successful coordination with the kitchen staff.
- Provided top-notch service to customers, improved overall dining experience.
- Maintained clean and organised dining area for customer comfort.
- Demonstrated excellent multitasking abilities for timely delivery of orders.
- Ensured compliance with health regulations through effective cleaning practices in the dining area.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction through attentive and prompt service.
- Served meals and drinks with professionalism and skill, maintaining high presentation and quality standards.
- Warmly greeted guests upon arrival to create welcoming atmosphere.
- Provided friendly, courteous service, maximising positive customer satisfaction ratings.
- Created friendly, welcoming atmosphere to encourage positive guest experiences, prolonging visits to increase profitability.
- Greeted and escorted guests to tables.
- Arranged tables and set up linens and silverware in preparation for guests.
- Delivered checks, collected cash or credit card payments and provided receipt to customers.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally, notifying restaurant management of concerns.
Education
GCSEs - Math
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
Peterborough A-Levels - History
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
Peterborough A-Levels - Art
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
Peterborough A-Levels - English
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
Peterborough Skills
- Patience under pressure
- Empathy and understanding
- Customer focus
- Resilience in stressful situations
- Proactive engagement
- Team player
- Excellent listening and communication
- Positive and approachable
- Customer support
- Customer Service
Hobbies
I love gardening and being outside, walking the dog. I paint and draw as often as I can.
Timeline
Customer Advisor garden center
B&Q
2026.03 - Current
Teaching Assistant Special needs
Ravensthorpe Primary Academy
2013.01 - 2026.01
Teaching assistant in special educational needs
William de Yaxley Primary school
2008.04 - 2012.12
Lunch time supervisor/ Classroom Assistant
Southfields Primary/Junior School
2002.06 - 2008.04
Home Help for people with sight loss
Peterborough City Council
1993.09 - 1995.12
Waitress Breakfast and Function
Bull Hotel
1989.06 - 1992.11
GCSEs - Math
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
A-Levels - History
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
A-Levels - Art
Arthur Mellows Secondary School
A-Levels - English
Arthur Mellows Secondary School