Clara

Cover letter
To whom it may concern,
I am a 34 year old British female. In 2012 I bought a house in Acton and am paying off a mortgage. Since 2008 I have been working in my family’s businesses -retail and wholesale of footwear.
I am qualified primary teacher and have also worked in other trades. I have taught an adult to read fluently- starting with the alphabet- now she has a job. I also helped another adult with his Grammer and written English so that he could apply for a better job. I really enjoy teaching/ helping people, and helping adults is so important. There are so many desources for child learners, but it is much harder for adults to find positive help.
I have travelled worldwide and while on a gap year, I visited five countries (2 by myself), worked on a fruit farm, learnt to play the djembe drum and drove a motor home. I met, danced and ate with such a variety of people on my travels experienced loss, hunger, awe and wonder at the sights and sites. I learned to budget and work alone to achieve goals.
Throughout my adult life I have-at various times- worked in a retail environment. The most nourishing and happy years (and my friends and family would agree) so far, were spent in ‘my’ little shop/boutique on [contact detail removed]. When I have responsibility for something, it becomes very personal and my care and attention to every aspect from customer service to cleaning, are essential.
As a hands-on Manager, I oversaw and worked on every task possible in the shop so that I could manage knowledgably. I have always believed that if you expect something of your staff, it is vital that it is an attainable goal that you have achieved/ reached with them. I also find that this helps you keep your staff!
Day to day tasks such as ordering stationary stock rotas unpacking/ counting stock, I find very enjoyable. On the odd chance that something went wrong e.g something goes missing or someone was ill, that is when one can see how important record keeping and organisation is, to the smooth running of a shop.
In my last job, I work at organising a wholesale company’s files and their stockrooms as well as being PA to the MD. Years of people adding, but not clearing away has resulted in full time work for four years. I also assisted in various roles, wherever help was needed- from reception, helping with admin, data entry, doing the post and welcoming customers, maintaining a well organised and exceptionally presented showroom, merchandising and Photoshop. This is a busy, varied role which requires excellent organisational skills, being a team player, punctual, outgoing and well-presented. All of these qualities are also exceptionally important when working in a shop and how you dress a shop is an essential skill.
Despite the shop having been closed for little more than two years, I still have a good relationship with 99% of my staff. While it’s important to be friendly with staff- especially in such a close knit working atmosphere- I also understand the importance of maintaining a supervisor’s view.
I have just started selling online on Ebay and a market stall on [contact detail removed]the company, selling their old samples. Though it is early days, I am quick at maintaining stock and replying to customers. While working in the shop in [contact detail removed], I set up a website from scratch and successfully sold stock.
Horse riding is one of my favourite past times- lazy summer walks in the countryside and a bit of polo. Four years ago I joined a polo team and practised with them weekly for a year. Pushing my comfort zone is an excellent way of showing how steady I am. Even when two couriers are standing in front of me waiting for the mail at five to six and someone has just put another two parcels on the floor- somehow, there are no limits. There is no choice- the post cannot go tomorrow, stay steady everything is possible.
My partner and I have recently taken on an old, listed building. Between my own home and this project, we are constantly searching websites and reclamation yards for interior ideas and upcycling projects. I recently started an interior design home-study course and love making ideas boards or taking an object and envisaging what possibilities there are for using it as something else.

I am always keen to take on extra responsibility at work. I am hard-working and frequently work overtime in my previous jobs. I am a fast learner and enjoy varied work.
I have the ability to work well as part of a team, but can also work alone, unsupervised. I am a friendly, outgoing person, and am able to get on with people in all situations. I am reliable, trustworthy, patient and meticulous.
Spare Time Activities:
Horse Riding, Art & Crafts, Cycling, Films, Needlework, Singing, DIY, Swimming, Music, Animals, Fund Raising, Museums and Sight Seeing, Community Activities, Socialising, Piano, Cooking, gadgets, gardening, interior design (I have just started a home-learning course), upcycling, herbal remedies

Availability: I am available Tuesday to Thursday- day and evening. I am also available online on Monday to Friday-day and evening.

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: passed all 3 QTS tests first time.
primary art/P.E/PPA cover with SEN- 1 year.
shared class (year 2 boys)/ primary art teacher w.SEN- 1 year.
4 seasons child care worker upmarket holiday companies.
child minder/homework help to various families.
supply teacher/TA inc. Early Years and SEN
volunteering in school art dept- 1 term
I have 6 nephews and neices and 2 god children nad my partner has 3 daughters.
I have taught 2 adults English to help them get jobs.