work at a bookstore

All of the reading I’ve done so far on bookstore work experiences… it just seems like the right job for me. As an autodidact I love learning – what better way than to be surrounded by a utopia of materials?

Let me be the first to admit I mostly go to a library versus the bookstore, and that when I did go, it was at Hastings. Let me also admit that I’ve never went to the local bookstore so I have no clue what the place is like. It fits all of my ideas for ‘the perfect job’ – casual dress, stimulating not boring. Because of this, me clinging to the idealistic wishes I have of this place, I feel scared of things. One, of not being around people my age like one individual pointed out of their experience on this page, and two, of not being able to get a job there for whatever reason. Yeah, there’s a couple of other jobs I’d want, but this one just… it fits me. I’m gonna check it out a few times to get a feel for the place – the atmosphere, people, types of books… before applying.

Another thing I’m scared of is the kind of people there. Since this is your typical rural town in Texas, I feel kind of scared of getting judged for things like being an atheist. Not like I’d yell, “HEY I’M AN ATHEIST” at everyone, but I guess that’s another thing I’d want at my job – freedom to just be… me. Not having to lie about things. As everyone can see, I’ve never had a job before and have no idea what it’s like.

So… if anyone has any tips for me, or just wants to talk about their experiences, hit me up. rukisrad@hotmail.com

I just love reading books. Tv and movies are pretty good but more movies can come from books than the other wau around. So I like seeing the difference between them just to see if things are left out or if its better in writting.

Gosh they make it hard. Some of them don’t even have “careers” tabs anywhere on the site. Impossible! I’d really like to work in a big chain bookstore but a cute little one would be just as grand. I’m going to have to hunt around for them and see if anyone would want to hire me. Problem is I live pretty damn far out, maybe there’s one nearby that wouldn’t mind having me. I guess it’s going to be a big print and walk session.

My dream would be either a quirky little floor to ceiling store or a big chain like Borders or Angus & Robertson. Definitely Angus & Robertson. I’d love to work in bookstores!

Applied at two bookstores now.
One has no vacancies.
The other wants my resume… on file.

I worked for a wholesale bookseller from 1999-2005. We made no money, but my co-workers were fantastic, I had instant resources for research papers, and I basically got paid to read and recommend books to people. Unfortunately, we closed and got laid off. The mall it was in was razed a couple of years ago. Otherwise, I’d still be there.

I’m putting in my application one month after I return from China. After then I will have hopefully picked up more shifts at work which is currently one shift a week :( Even though I asked for more. I like it there and all but I’m just not suited to the work, although it has given me a whole lot of experience with working and customer service.

I’ll probably end up straddling them both.

Well, since the hope is that I land a full-time job next semester this doesn’t look like it is going to happen. I’m not depressed about it. Making the books is so much better.

Yesterday I walked into Angus & Robertson, one of my favourite chain bookstores that is like everywhere. They have a fantastic picture book section and I adore picture books. Yesterday I bought “We’re Going On A Bear hunt” because it’s gorgeous. The young man who served me was like “this is a classic!” and we talked a little about how great the ending was, how fantastic the book is and how sad it would be if they ever stopped making it. He smile and I left. Made me feel awesome all day! (He was kinda cute too) If I ever did a retail gig, it’d have to be a bookstore, right now I’m working as a waitress and loving it too.

A good bookstore has to be well-organised, have friendly staff who know what they’re talking about (ie. not having to look up the computer catalogue and make phone calls all the time), show off books they think people might like, be helpful but not annoying and most importantly have an incredible picture book section.

Nearly makes me want to leave behind my waitressing job which I love and find the perfect bookstore :) [Woah massive entry!]

but it failed me so hard. The boy works at a bookstore, and his job pretty much seems ideal: cool people your age, lots of good cheap books, and music/movies abounding as well.

My job was nothing of the sort.
Lots of older people [median age 40ish] who haven’t done much with their lives but work at this particular bookstore. Some people had worked there for 30+ years! Just working there depressed the hell out of me, so after 2 months I jumped ship. There’s gotta be something better than that.

If it weren’t for the salary, I’d still be doing this. Someday I want to own a bookstore of my own. My favorite things about this experience was getting to know the regular customers, being able to listen to music all day long, curl up with a good book when business was slow, and walk around with a feather duster dusting shelves and making sure all things were in order. Was the life!!!