Jolana Thirkill
Norfolk
Summary
Experienced in managing waiting lists and ensuring timely seating for guests, demonstrating strong time management and organizational skills. Proficient in cash handling and daily transaction reconciliation, contributing to accurate financial operations. Maintained high customer satisfaction levels by monitoring dining experiences and effectively communicating with kitchen staff regarding orders. Developed positive relationships with customers through attentive service and clear communication, enhancing overall dining experiences.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Hostess
Leone’s
Norfolk
01.2025 - Current
- Managed the waiting list, ensuring that all parties were seated in a timely manner.
- Greeted guests warmly upon arrival, seating them promptly.
- Performed light cleaning duties, such as wiping down tables or sweeping floors.
- Answered phone inquiries to schedule and confirm reservations, record takeout orders and respond to service questions.
- Scheduled reservations and notified servers and managers of large groups to prepare seating in advance.
Waitress/ Server
Waffle House
Norfolk
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Greeted customers and provided menus.
- Answered questions about menu items, ingredients, and pricing.
- Checked back with customers throughout meal service to ensure satisfaction.
- Prepared checks accurately and processed payments promptly.
- Maintained a clean work station by restocking supplies, wiping down counters.
- Developed positive relationships with regular customers through friendly conversation.
- Bussed tables as needed during peak hours.
Hostess
Brick Anchor
Norfolk
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Greeted customers, answered questions, and recommended specials to increase profits.
- Verified reservations and wait times with customers.
- Stayed attentive to server availability and table turnover to quickly seat guests.
- Cleaned and restocked counter areas, replenished cash drawer and checked server supplies to facilitate operations.
Education
High School -
Norview High School
Norfolk, VA05.2025
Skills
- Customer service
- Time management
- Menu knowledge
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Menu memorization
- Cash handling
- Team collaboration
Extracurricular Activities
NJROTC Cadet Staff, 01/01/22 - 12/31/25 NJROTC PT Team, 01/01/21 - 12/31/25 NJROTC Academics Team, 01/01/22 - 12/31/25 NJROTC Drill Team, 01/01/21 - 12/31/25 Cross Country, 01/01/23 - 12/31/23 G.I.R.L.S Club, 01/01/21 - 12/31/22
Community Service
- Mobile food pantries, 160, 01/01/21 - Present
- NJROTC drill instructor, For over 50 first year cadets, 01/01/22 - 12/31/25
- Kings Dominion amusement park volunteer, 150, 01/01/21 - 12/31/24
- Color Guard for retirements and ceremonies, 30, 01/01/23 - 12/31/25
- Concessions for Norview Football games, 15, 01/01/23 - 12/31/23
- Fed homeless with church, 20, 01/01/21 - 12/31/23
Leadership Positions
- Commanding Officer, 2nd Most Outstanding Unit in the Nation, 01/01/24 - Present
- Drill Team Commander and Choreographer, Ranked 5th Place in the Nation, 01/01/23 - 12/31/25
- Volunteer Coordinator, Kings Dominion Amusement Park, Supervised and selected 30+ cadets to work concessions, food stands, and diners, 01/01/23 - 12/31/24
- Student Representative, Norview NJROTC Alumni Board, 01/01/23 - 12/31/24
- Administrative Officer, Area 5 (DC,MD,VA) Leadership, 01/01/23 - 12/31/24
- Administrative Officer, Norfolk 5 Basic Leadership Training, 01/01/24 - 12/31/24
- Class Leader, NJROTC classes, Responsible for managing attendance, inputting grades, and awarding ribbons and rank to cadets when earned, 01/01/22 - 12/31/24
- Platoon Commander, Basic Leadership Training, 01/01/22 - 12/31/24
- Participant/Manager, Cross Country, 01/01/22 - 12/31/24
Timeline
Hostess
Leone’s
01.2025 - Current
Waitress/ Server
Waffle House
01.2023 - 01.2025
Hostess
Brick Anchor
01.2022 - 12.2022
High School -
Norview High School