Karen Cota
California
Summary
Detail-oriented security officer with proven skills in customer service and communication. Experienced in identification verification and maintaining high levels of alertness during shifts. Ready to enhance facility safety and guest experience.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Security Officer
Elite Security& Staffing
San Diego
03.2025 - Current
- Investigated any suspicious persons or vehicles on premises and contacted appropriate authorities if necessary.
- Participated in training sessions to stay up-to-date on current security trends and best practices.
- Operated communication systems between officers stationed throughout the facility.
- Assisted with crowd control during large events held at the facility.
- Monitored entrances and exits for unauthorized personnel or prohibited items being brought onto premises.
- Greeted staff, guests, vendors, contractors. upon arrival at the facility entrance.
- Prepared detailed reports regarding daily activities, unusual occurrences, maintenance issues.
- Addressed problems quickly and reported clear information while working under minimal supervision.
- Verified photo IDs and tickets to allow guests passage.
- Searched individuals and baggage for weapons and other prohibited items.
- Documented security-related situations and submitted in-depth reports to superiors.
- Searched bags manually to identify prohibited items and contraband.
- Maintained high levels of alertness throughout shifts.
- Operated x-ray and body scanning equipment to prevent prohibited items from being carried onto premises.
- Maintained calm composure during emergencies while communicating with local law enforcement and emergency response services.
- Reviewed guest identification and employee credentials to authorize entry onto premises.
Sortation Associate
Amazon
Otay Mesa
12.2024 - 07.2025
- Organized packages into designated containers for delivery.
- Performed regular maintenance tasks on sorting equipment as instructed.
- Scanned barcodes on packages using RF scanners.
- Sorted and placed materials or items on racks, shelves, or bins for transport to recipient or destination.
- Inspected packages for damage or incorrect labeling prior to sorting.
- Followed established procedures to handle hazardous material safely.
- Provided support during peak periods by working extended shifts when required.
- Met daily productivity goals set by management team.
- Communicated effectively with supervisors regarding progress updates on assigned tasks.
Sales Floor Associate
Deseret Industries
Chula Vista
08.2023 - 11.2024
- Provided exemplary customer service at all times by being attentive, courteous, and helpful in responding to customer inquiries or requests.
- Conducted periodic price checks for competitive pricing accuracy on the sales floor.
- Assisted with stocking shelves, organizing merchandise, and maintaining cleanliness of sales floor.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally according to company policies.
- Greeted customers upon entering store and provided assistance in locating desired items.
- Consistently met or exceeded daily sales goals established by management team.
Sales Associate
San Diego Padres. Petco Park.
San Diego
03.2009 - 10.2018
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Assisted customers with product selection, sizing and styling.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of store merchandise and policies.
- Organized stockroom shelves according to size, color or style.
- Provided accurate information about products, prices and services.
- Restocked shelves as needed to ensure sufficient inventory levels.
- Maintained knowledge of current promotions, exchange guidelines, payment policies, and security practices.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Organized store by returning merchandise to proper areas and restocked displays.
- Cleaned shelves, counters and tables to maintain organized store.
- Answered store and merchandise questions and led customers to wanted items.
- Attended weekly team meetings to review performance goals and objectives.
- Engaged customers in friendly, professional dialogue to determine needs.
Shipping and Receiving Associate
Macys
San Diego
11.2008 - 02.2009
- Assisted in the development of procedures related to shipping and receiving operations.
- Received and verified incoming shipments to ensure accuracy of order quantities and product types.
- Organized deliveries by sorting and stocking receivables
- Directed warehouse team in stocking merchandise, pulling orders and setting up loads.
- Unpacking merchandise, putting sensors on items, hanging them on racks, and taking them up to the sales floor.
Cashier
Toys R Us
Chula Vista
04.2002 - 09.2005
- Provided excellent customer service while promoting loyalty programs to increase sales potential.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally in accordance with company policy.
- Kept records of purchases; maintained orderly appearance of checkout area; restocked supplies as needed.
- Performed other duties as assigned by management.
- Assisted customers over the phone regarding store operations, product information and order placement.
- Followed company security procedures for handling large sums of money.
- Stocked shelves with merchandise when needed.
- Issued receipts, refunds, credits or change due to customers.
- Organized promotional displays or arrange merchandise on counters or tables to promote sales.
- Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, credit card, gift card or automatic debit.
- Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.
- Processed returns and exchanges of merchandise in accordance with store policies.
- Conducted price checks for special orders or discounts as requested by customers.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Counted money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure amounts were correct.
- Collected payments and provided accurate change.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Used suggestive selling techniques to promote add-on sales.
- Processed credit card, cash, and check payments, ensuring all transactions were accurate.
- Greeted customers promptly and responded to questions.
- Answered phone calls to assist customers with questions and orders.
Education
High School Diploma -
Sweetwater High School
National City06-2000
Skills
- Report writing
- Customer service
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Shift work experience
- Identification verification
- Incident reporting
- Screening wands
- Metal detector operation
- Security systems
- FLUENT IN Spanish
Timeline
Security Officer
Elite Security& Staffing
03.2025 - Current
Sortation Associate
Amazon
12.2024 - 07.2025
Sales Floor Associate
Deseret Industries
08.2023 - 11.2024
Sales Associate
San Diego Padres. Petco Park.
03.2009 - 10.2018
Shipping and Receiving Associate
Macys
11.2008 - 02.2009
Cashier
Toys R Us
04.2002 - 09.2005
High School Diploma -
Sweetwater High School