*This is a full-time position. We are notoffering summer employment or part-time employment*
About us:
Second Story Books is a beloved and well-established haven for book lovers in Rockville. We specialize in offering a wide selection of quality used books across various genres, creating a welcoming space for our diverse community of readers.
Position Overview:
The position will focus on shelving books, operating the front desk, and other duties as necessary for operating a bookstore. This position requires standing on ladders, crouching to reach low shelves, lifting boxes, and routinely replacing old stock with new books over an extended period of time. Heavy lifting of up to 30lb boxes of books.
Our store moves quickly, from buying books in bulk daily to putting the books on shelves as quickly and orderly as possible. Exceptional strength, endurance, and focus are required. The best candidate would integrate themselves into our unique workplace environment quickly and balance a love of books with the labors of maintaining a well-kept store. A degree or background in the liberal arts is preferred but not necessary.
Schedule is Saturday through Wednesday 12-8pm, 1-9pm. Off on Monday and Tuesday.
Responsibilities:
Inventory Management: Organize and shelve incoming books. Maintain a clean and organized sales floor.
Customer Service: Assist customers and collectors in locating and acquiring specific items from our inventory. Provide expert advice on book valuations and historical context.
Administrative Tasks: Handle administrative tasks related to the day-to-day operations of the bookstore, such as managing appointments, answering emails, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Qualifications
- In-depth knowledge of book collecting, bibliographic details, and valuation techniques.
- Strong research and analytical skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in using research tools, databases, and reference materials.
- Time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively
Previous experience in book appraisal, antiquarian bookselling, or a related field is highly desirable.
Benefits Include:
- 45 minute paid lunch included!
- Retirement plan
- Optional dental payment policy
- Employee discount on purchasing books
*This is a full-time position. We are looking for a long-term commitment. We are not offering summer employment or part-time employment*
Prospective employees MUST submit a short cover letter detailing their interest in the position. Please submit your cover letter and resume to workforssb@gmail.com.
Write one or two paragraphs explaining your interest in the position.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Submit cover letters and resumes to workforssb@gmail.com to be considered.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Shift:
Weekly day range:
- Every weekend
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Rockville, MD 20852: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Application Question(s):
- What was the last bookstore you visited?
- What are your favorite genres of books and why?
- Can you name three authors whose works you are familiar with and discuss briefly what you like about them?
- How would you help a customer find a book if they only remember a part of the plot or the cover?
- How do you handle multiple tasks and priorities during busy times?
- Are you comfortable organizing and shelving books? Do you have any experience with inventory management?
- Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict with a customer or a coworker.
- If you noticed a book was damaged or misplaced, how would you handle the situation?
- How would you approach assisting a customer who is looking for a rare or out-of-print book?
- Can you work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed?
- How would you approach shelving a large shipment of new books efficiently?
- A customer is looking for a book that is currently out of stock. How would you assist them?
- Have you read and understood the job description and instructions for applying, including the required cover letter?
Work Location: In person