Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Affiliations
Project
Timeline
Generic

Zal Besifki

Guildford

Summary

Accomplished professional with a diverse skill set in food preparation, team coordination under pressure, and customer service. Demonstrates expertise in training and mentoring new staff, ensuring health and safety compliance, and managing time effectively in fast-paced environments. Proficient in 2D/3D drawing and modelling using tools such as SketchUp and AutoCAD, with strong capabilities in model-making, woodworking, space planning, and elevation design. Known for creative problem-solving and exceptional customer service, and sales skills.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Claims Handler Specialist

Direct Line Group
Farnham
06.2023 - 08.2023
  • Supported travel insurance customers during overseas medical emergencies.
  • Processed 30–50 claims daily, ensuring fast approval of hospital and treatment expenses.
  • Managed high-volume email inbox; logged and uploaded documents to internal systems with 100% accuracy.
  • Resolved complex claims efficiently, contributing to improved customer satisfaction and response times.
  • Maintained strict compliance with data protection and confidentiality policies.

Catering Assistant

Guildford Spectrum
Guildford
05.2022 - 07.2023
  • Managed food prep and service during peak periods, serving up to 200+ customers daily.
  • Trained new team members in food prep, cooking procedures, hygiene standards, and customer service.
  • Maintained efficiency and cleanliness under pressure, ensuring timely service during high-traffic hours.
  • Supported multiple kitchen stations, adapting quickly to staffing gaps and operational needs.

Prep cook

Zaitouna Express
Guildford
08.2021 - 02.2022
  • Prepared ingredients for 50+ meals daily in high-volume kitchen.
  • Maintained clean, organised workstation aligned with food hygiene standards.
  • Supported chefs during peak service, reducing prep time by 15%.
  • Helped team meet daily service targets and cut food waste through accurate portioning.

Education

GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, Art, Sports

Kings College For The Arts & Tec
09.2019 - 05.2021

A levels - Double Art, Sports, 3D Design

Woking College
09.2021 - 05.2023

Foundation year - Architecte

University for the Creative Arts
09.2023 -

Skills

  • Food preparation and basic cooking
  • Team coordination under pressure
  • Customer service and communication
  • Training and mentoring new staff
  • Health and safety awareness
  • Time management in fast-paced environments
  • 2D/3D drawing and modelling (SketchUp, AutoCAD, etc)
  • Model-making and woodworking
  • Space planning and elevation design
  • Creative problem solving
  • Customer service and sales

Languages

English
Advanced
Kurdish
Fluent

Affiliations

  • Barber
  • Group work
  • Sports
  • Drowing

Project

Science lab for The Geological Society, University project focused on designing a functional, modern research lab for the Geological Society., This was my first independent building design project, completed over 10 weeks at university. I was tasked with designing a lab for The Geological Society within a 6x6m footprint and a height of 12m, with the option to expand vertically. My final design featured three floors across two connected buildings, with a stone-decorated elevation, a balcony, and an open-plan layout combining the kitchen, living, and dining areas., In-depth research (focused on NGO needs), Hand drawing and digital modelling (SketchUp), Creative thinking and spatial design, Woodworking and model-making, Adapting to design constraints and real-world dimensions

Timeline

Foundation year - Architecte

University for the Creative Arts
09.2023 -

Claims Handler Specialist

Direct Line Group
06.2023 - 08.2023

Catering Assistant

Guildford Spectrum
05.2022 - 07.2023

A levels - Double Art, Sports, 3D Design

Woking College
09.2021 - 05.2023

Prep cook

Zaitouna Express
08.2021 - 02.2022

GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, Art, Sports

Kings College For The Arts & Tec
09.2019 - 05.2021
Zal Besifki