Niara Muhammad
Gary
Summary
. Customer-focused professional with a background in customer service roles. Known for providing top-notch client support while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. Strengths include exceptional communication, problem-solving skills, and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Proven track record of consistently improving operational processes to enhance the overall customer experience.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Customer Service Representative
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Chicago
12.2024 - Current
- Answered customer inquiries via phone, email, and chat.
- Provided excellent customer service to resolve customer complaints in a timely manner.
- Utilized job-related software to prepare change-of-address records and issue important information.
- Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
Sales Solutions Specialist
Northern Trust Bank
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Maintained high-level knowledge of bank policies, procedures, and regulations to ensure compliance in all transactions.
- Addressed customer inquiries, requests and complaints with courtesy and professionalism.
- Assisted customers with navigating bank systems, completing transactions and opening or closing accounts.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve branch sales targets by promoting banking products and services.
Customer Care/Support
Grunt Style
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Resolved complex customs-related issues quickly, minimizing impact on customer timelines and satisfaction levels.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through analysis of tariff classifications and duty rates.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing the effectiveness of the Customs Coordinator role.
- Optimized internal processes by implementing new software tools for tracking shipments and monitoring compliance.
Manager/Shift Leader
Walgreens
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
Hostess/Waitress
Grand Lux Café
11.2016 - 03.2019
- Answered customer questions about hours, seating, and menu information.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, balancing responsibilities such as answering phone calls, greeting guests, and updating reservation logs simultaneously.
- Greeted customers warmly upon arrival and provided friendly and warm presence throughout dining experience.
- Took reservations and to-go orders by phone, answered customer questions, and informed of accurate wait times.
Cashier
Aldi
07.2016 - 10.2018
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
Customer Service
PNC Bank
03.2013 - 06.2016
- Collected source data such as customer names, addresses, phone numbers, credit card information and entered data into support software
- Resolved escalated customer service inquiries and complaints to maintain satisfaction.
- Enhanced attendee experience by providing exceptional customer service during conventions.
- Handled 50+ customer interactions per day providing detailed and personalized service to maintain retention and satisfaction.
Education
High School Diploma -
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Skills
- SAAS
- Operations Management
- Restaurant Operation
- Clerical Works
- Retail Sales
- Cash Management
- Information Technology
- Accounting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Banking
- Customer relationship development
- Banking Software Familiarity
- Complaint resolution
- Account updating
- Scheduling
- Call center procedures
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Customer Service Representative - Illinois Department of Employment Security
12.2024 - Current
Sales Solutions Specialist - Northern Trust Bank
11.2023 - 04.2024
Customer Care/Support - Grunt Style
06.2021 - 08.2022
Manager/Shift Leader - Walgreens
04.2019 - 05.2021
Hostess/Waitress - Grand Lux Café
11.2016 - 03.2019
Cashier - Aldi
07.2016 - 10.2018
Customer Service - PNC Bank
03.2013 - 06.2016
Thorton Fractional North - High School Diploma,
William Rainey Harper College - Some College (No Degree), General Studies
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