WE ARE HIRING
We are looking for a new bookseller to join our team. We have a casual position available for an applicant with a passion for reading and knack for outstanding customer service. If you’re wild about books, interested in small business, and keen to launch into a hands-on bookshop role, this could be the job for you!
Definition of a Bookseller:
To us, a bookseller is a literary matchmaker, pairing people with the right books, confident in the power of books to transform and transport their readers. A good bookseller reads widely, retains knowledge, and is able to selectively guide customers to titles that will excite and inspire them. We have a regular customer base who trust us to help them discover books they wouldn’t otherwise find. This means our knowledge extends from the books we stock to the community we serve: knowing people by name and creating a place of comfort and connection is at the heart of what we do.
The right candidates will have:
- 2+ years of retail experience and be accustomed to working in a fast-paced environment, particularly during the peak Christmas and summer trading period (October to January). Bookselling experience is highly desirable but not essential.
- Exemplary customer service and communication skills. We are all about fostering a friendly, personalised experience for our customers. A good memory for names and faces is ideal.
- A firm knowledge of books and authors across genres with the ability to craft compelling recommendations. The right candidate will also be willing to learn and strengthen their knowledge across all categories.
- An interest in the workings of a small business. Our booksellers are all-rounders and do everything from processing stock and special orders, handling customer enquiries, window displays, cleaning, to banking and post-office runs. We also host book events and publish staff reviews and articles on our blog, so an interest in such activities is key. This is a hands-on position and not a behind-the-counter job.
- Be computer savvy and able to operate POS systems efficiently.
- Attention to detail. As we do a lot of special ordering and handle a vast inventory, our shop is very procedures-driven, so an appreciation for policies and procedures is a must.
Initially, this is a casual weekend position at approximately 18 hours a week, Friday to Sunday. Additional availability Monday to Wednesday for initial training is required. Flexibility to cover staff when away or unwell is also much appreciated. Peak trade is during the Christmas season (October to January) and all staff are expected to take on additional shifts during this period.
Applicants must be available for an immediate start. Full training provided.
To apply, please email us:
- Your cover letter and resume with references.
- A short, 200-word review of your favourite book. This is to give us a sense of how you discuss and can recommend titles to customers.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 31 May. Please direct your applications to our owner, Anna Tweed, at anna@thebookbird.com.au.
