Career as a bookseller: what's it like?

Considering working as a bookseller while attending community college. Curious about what day-to-day tasks look like, and if there are any particular skills or interests that could help in this job. Is it a fun part-time job?

Great question! Working as a bookseller can indeed be an enjoyable part-time gig, especially if you love reading and being surrounded by literature.

In terms of the daily tasks, you can expect to help customers find books, handle transactions at the register, and restock the shelves regularly. You'll also likely be expected to have a good knowledge about different genres and authors to advise customers on potential purchases. The job may include some heavy lifting and quite a bit of walking around, as books can be heavy and a lot of the job involves being on your feet.

A successful bookseller usually has strong customer service skills. This includes good listening, patience, and communication skills to interact with a variety of customers. An enthusiasm for books is obviously a major plus, especially if you enjoy reading widely or have a knack for remembering authors, titles, and plot lines. An ability to multitask can also come in handy in small shops that have limited staffing.

As for the job's enjoyment factor, that often depends on your personal interests. If you love books and discussing them, it can be really enjoyable. Lots of booksellers have shared that they appreciate the chance to read advanced copies of new releases and to make reading recommendations to customers.

However, keep in mind that like any retail job, it could come with occasional stresses such as difficult customers or having to work on holidays or weekends. It's always a good idea to ask the bookstore you're considering working for about the hours and any peak times they have, so you can see if it will fit well with your community college schedule.

Overall, working as a bookseller can be a great experience if you're passionate about literature and enjoy customer service.