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IMDB rating: 4.50 Plot: Jimmy Wayne Collins finds himself adrift in Memphis, Tennessee. Forced to return home to the piney woods of Southeast Texas, Jimmy will face his imprisoned brother, his dying father and the demons he left behind. |
Actors: Moses Brett,Parks Michael,Hurst Ryan,Parks James,Canada Ron,Brown Wes,Byrd Tracy,Bobinger James,Cravens Rutherford,Cruz Chris,Hawa Hunter,Magill Daniel,Moses J.C.,Drama,
Working at Barnes and Noble/Borders?
Do you have to be an active reader to work at these bookstores, because I want to apply, and I love to read, however mostly books like Astrology and things that you learn from them–rather than someone who knows alot about books. I mean the only books that i have read that are written by pretty well known authors are Janet Evanovich, Cassandra Clare, Sophie Kinsela, Dan Brown, Stephen King, David Sedaris, I guess and Meg Cabot too, but I wouldn’t consider myself a book fiend, you know.
However, I love spending time at these bookstores, reading through self-help books and magazines and I really like the environment. I am 20 yo so I know I’m olde enough. I don’t have any work experience though. And I’m a full time student.
Both Borders and Barnes and Nobles have stations where people stand in front of computerized databases and look up books and placement for people. Knowledge is really an icing on the cake type of thing. Want proof? Find an employee away from the computer and ask them where you could find Sextus Empiricus, or even Jay McInerney. Chances are they won’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
The things you’ll need to know are what’s widely popular (Myers, or King, for instance), the required reading texts (Faulkner, Heller, Twain, etc; they’re all in the fiction section), and what you have on display.
What they’ll be interested in, generally, is what you like to read, listen to, and watch. This is where your preferences will come in. Do you read/listen/watch widely in a certain area? Are you articulate about it? Are you a positive critic, or a negative critic? Working in a bookstore, it’s always a bad idea to offer negative reviews. Negative personalities are quickly screened out of the process. Book stores want people who are knowledgeable, and quick to recommend something in a positive way. You don’t need to be a scholar of Emerson’s esotericism, but it’s a good idea to have something literary you can talk about knowingly and enthusiastically. Same goes for music and movies. The more broadly aware you are, the better chances you’ll have, but it’s not a requirement, you’ll learn in a couple months what to recommend. And you’ll be asked on a very regular basis for recommendations.
Mainly, though, a book store is going to be interested in your personality (think: engaging, and approachable), your appearance (friendly, clean, approachable, possibly trendy), and how articulate you are (if you use the word "like" as a filler, you need not apply). It’s just like any other customer service job really.
As for the full time student thing: it hurts your chances, honestly.
If you really want to work in bookstores (as a student, the discount is a massive benefit, especially in a used bookstore), your best bet is to apply for seasonal positions. Most of the people working at your B&N or Borders started in a book store as a seasonal hire, learned how a store operates, and was either offered a full time/part time gig there, or went somewhere else with some experience under their belts.
Unfortunately, everybody seems to want to work in a book store. It’s generally quiet, people are nice, it’s a cool job to have (your opinion of this will quickly change; seeing the reading habits of America is somewhat depressing), and on and on. So it’s a competitive thing. Persistence can pay off, and so can applying for seasonal work. People don’t leave cool jobs.
I worked in book stores for about three years. I was with B&N for awhile, but I preferred Half Price because they’re extremely good to their employees, the discount is phenomenal, and it’s a bit better of a vibe. Not as commercial somehow, but perhaps a little more complicated in processes.
Good luck if decide to apply.
See Spot Run | Dec 24, 2009
you should apply if u love books when u get on break just go look for books and get a discount. i love books too and i would luv 2 work in a place full of books.
Amber | Dec 24, 2009
Unless you are planning to just serve trendy coffee, my past experience working both Borders and B&N requires one to have a decent knowledge of books and authors. You do have computers to look things up, but what if someone comes in and asks "I’m looking for that blue book shown on Oprah" or "what’s a book similar to this" or "I can’t remember the title, but here’s the plot". The more you know, the better you’ll do. And yes, it helps it have a knowledge of ‘classic’ books and authors taught in school as students or parents come in asking about them.
However, you will learn as you go, and it’s okay to have a special niche you’re interested in. A certain employee may not know much about self help books, but knows you do and calls you over to help. Give it shot and if you’re hired you’ll either sink or swim. Retail in general is an on your toes sort of job. Best of luck.
Arbiter | Dec 24, 2009
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