I loved being able to put books into people's homes since it's considered a "dying breed". I also just loved to be surrounded by books since I do most of my reading over the summer.
What I wish was different
I wish it was better pay. I was technically only part-time but working full-time hours so that was kind of ridiculous.
Advice
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Book Seller
June - September 2019 • St. Louis, MO
What I liked
Variety of different things to do.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Bookseller
April - August 2019 • Atlanta, GA
What I liked
The schedules and hours were flexible to accommodate me taking summer classes at the same time.
What I wish was different
Sometimes the shifts can be long periods of standing around with nothing to do on slow days. I wish there were more things to do to keep busy during slow periods.
Advice
It is a good job for someone who needs flexible hours but invest in good shoes because there is a lot of standing and walking.
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Bookseller
August - September 2019 • Huntington Beach, CA
What I liked
High hiring rate, stable hours within my schedule, and fun staff.
What I wish was different
I wish I’d been given more flexibility with requesting time off, specifically for a surgical procedure.
Advice
Apply as soon as you can and offer to work early or late hours in order to be more appealing for an employer.
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Bookseller
May 2019 • Greenfield, WI
What I liked
I liked getting experience off campus and meeting new people.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have learned more than just cashiering
Advice
Don't be afraid to try something new.
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bookseller
June 2019 • Clay, NY
What I liked
Everything.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Read! It makes your job so much more fun!
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Bookseller
May 2018 - August 2019 • Newport, KY
What I liked
I loved the location and the people as well as working with books.
What I wish was different
They push you to sell memberships and a majority of people who would buy them already have them.
Advice
Go into it ready to meet a lot of different types of people, especially if you work at a store that is in a high traffic area. And bring a book or two you know they carry for each genre to keep on hand as recommendations when you're working the floor.
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Bookseller
July 2019 • Farmington, CT
What I liked
I loved how welcoming the environment was. There were numerous occasions where I would get a job and I always felt uncomfortable, anxious and just out of place. However, Barnes and Nobles and my coworkers are absolutely amazing. We work together and listen to each other and get things done properly.
What I wish was different
There's nothing I would change or wish was different. Everything is fine just the way it is.
Advice
Don't feel intimidated about starting a new job, especially one you've been wanting to work for years
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Bookseller
April 2017 • Carle Place, NY
What I liked
The joy of reading and conversing with fellow curious book readers.
What I wish was different
Higher salary
Advice
Invest in 401k
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Sales associate
August 2018 • Omaha, NE
What I liked
I love working here. It is a great place to work while you are in school because of the flexible hours and it just keeps your experience going when it comes to customer service. I submitted a resume that Handshakes helped me to update, because I am not too great with resume making. It was super helpful to get the job and be able to go through my previous experiences easily in my interview.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Baris
August 2018 • Fairlawn, OH
What I liked
The people who work here are amazing. Many are sweet. The hours are preplanned so I can work my schedule.
What I wish was different
Scheduling must be done 3 weeks in advance. Sometimes, I don't know about things before they come up a week beforehand.
Advice
It teaches you patience and precision.
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Barista
May 2018 • San Antonio, TX
What I liked
The managers are extremely nice and welcoming, as well as most of the employees.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Bookseller
November 2016 - September 2018 • Cambridge, MA
What I liked
The people and the environment.
What I wish was different
Management organization
Advice
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Barista
February 2017 • Maplewood, MN
What I liked
I liked my coworkers, the with environment, and my hours (they are very accommodating).
What I wish was different
I wish I had been paid more when we were understaffed/without a manager and I had to take on the duties of a manager.
Advice
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bookseller
June - August 2018 • Bloomington, IN
What I liked
I got the hours I wanted, gave me experiences in customer service.
What I wish was different
I wish the pay was a bit higher!
Advice
Learn how to talk to people. Even though a task may seem small, management sees that and it can benefit you in the long run!
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Bookseller
July - August 2018 • Kent, OH
What I liked
I liked the atmosphere, the people, and how the company ran itself.
What I wish was different
I wished I would have been kept on longer. I loved my job and the temporary experience made me want to come back and do it all again!
Advice
Remember to be flexible and never give up!
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Bookseller
July 2015 • Santa Rosa, CA
What I liked
It taught me how to work with customers and learn how to do effective customer service.
What I wish was different
Advice
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Cashier
January 2017 • Rochester, NY
What I liked
What I wish was different
Advice
Be ready to have opinions on books and book suggestions
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Bookseller
July 2018 • Raleigh, NC
What I liked
Friendly. Always had something to do.
What I wish was different
Amount of strenuous work for each individual worker
Advice
Be on time. Be prepared to do all kinds of work
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Barista
June 2018 • Raleigh, NC
What I liked
It was a fun, fast paced experience that kept me engaged and gave me life skills that will be important later in my life.
What I wish was different
I wish I had gotten to work more with books.
Advice
Everyone should work in food service and retail at least once before they try and get a "real job". It humbles you and reminds you how to treat people.
