Sharon Faith Graves
**** ********** ***** . ********, ** 23294
804-***-**** . *************@***.***
Summary
A professional Customer Service Specialist with expertise in a variety of
roles in various industries. Specialty skills include organizational
skills, being detail oriented, having a commitment to following through on
deliverables, strong communications skills, self-motivations, and being a
team player as well as an individual contributor. A reputation for
exceeding expectations by consistently delivering results with the highest
quality and efficiency.
- Customer Experience - Problem Resolution - Escalations
- Multitasking - Training / Mentoring - Regulatory Adherence
Professional Experience
For Eyes Optical Richmond, Virginia 2013 - 2014
Licensed Optician
Responsible for enhancing the customer service experience for national
optical chain.
Interviewed and uncovered clues from customers and recommended
prescription eyewear based on customers' lifestyles.
Educated patients regarding quality and composition of lenses while
assisting others in making the best optical choices.
Troubleshot and corrected problematic situations resulting in providing
outstanding customer experiences.
Informed patients about HIPAA and their rights under the law to guarantee
that the company is adhering to federally mandated guidelines.
Explained insurance plans and filed benefits claims to optimize clear
communications between the company and the customers.
Followed up with customers, vendors, and management members using a
variety of interpersonal communication channels including face to face,
over the phone and electronic mail.
Sam's Club Richmond, Virginia
2011 - 2013
Licensed Optician
Responsible for managing all aspects of the optical department for a major
US retailer.
Assisted with selection of eyewear and recommended lens choices to suit
customer's needs.
Educated customers about optical products resulting in selection of
quality products.
Individually increased sales by over 75% resulting in a 200% sales
increase for the optical department in 2012.
Drove client base and maintained loyal clientele with winning service
attitude.
Communicated directly with management regarding insurance claims,
inventory, and customer-impacting issues.
Known by peers as a team player and hard working individual contributor.
Recognized by management for having the ability to quickly provide
solutions to problems using data and creative thinking.
Developed a reputation with internal personnel and external customers as a
true Subject Matter Expert (SME).
Advised others regarding the execution of their jobs within company and
regulatory guidelines.
804-***-**** Sharon Faith Graves Page 2
Couture Eyewear Richmond, Virginia 2008 - 2011
Licensed Optician
Responsible for performing all customer-facing activities in an upscale
eyewear retailer.
Managed all aspects of the procedure for processing prescription eyewear
orders for high-end, custom eyewear.
Dispensed, adjusted, and repaired eyeglasses resulting in an increase in
customer satisfaction while also minimizing customer complaints.
Assisted customers with eyewear selection to ensure "the best choice the
first time" and thereby reducing customer returns on merchandise.
Answered telephone inquiries for a variety of topics including sales,
customer service and general store / company information.
Verizon Communications Richmond, Virginia 1996 - 2009
Customer Service Consultant
Responsible for performing a variety of customer service related tasks to
optimize all aspects of the customer service experience.
Received incoming calls from a diverse customer base subscribing to
residential telephone, television, and internet services.
Handled complicated requests, escalations, adjustments, billing issues,
and complaints while educating customers about Verizon services and
providing sales solutions.
Educated customers regarding billing charges including Federal and State
taxes.
Coached new employees and created training documents.
Followed up on customers' issues by providing customers with a resolution.
Professional Training
"Dealing with Difficult Customers"
"Uncovering Clues" (Verizon Sales Training)
"Thinking Outside of the Box" (Bell Atlantic Customer Service Training)
Emergency Communications Training
Community
Sunday School Teacher (Middle School grades)
Episcopal Youth Council Leader (High School grades)
Literacy Tutor (Department of Correctional Education)
English As A Second Language Tutor
Education and Certifications
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Graduated with Honors
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Richmond, Virginia
Associate of Applied Science - Optical Science
Graduated with Honors
Optician's License
State of Virginia