How to Get a Job in a Bookshop! 📚✨📖

Hello lovely people! Today's video has been highly requested, so I hope you find it helpful. I'll be sharing my top 10 tips on how to get hired in a bookshop! 📖 🌻 📚
✨ Handy links: ✨
📖 The Bookseller - www.thebookseller.com/
🎧 BorrowBox - Listen to free audiobooks from your local library! www.borrowbox.com/​​
📗 World of Books - a great place to buy affordable, second-hand books: www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb​​
🍓 My Goodreads: / anna-reads
🍓 My Instagram: / annatalksvideos
🍓 My blog: anna-writes.wixsite.com/annaw...
​🍓 My TikTok: / annatalksvideos
🎵 Music used: 🎵
louiezong.bandcamp.com​​​​
(Louie is SO talented)
☞ Thanks for watching! ☜
#booktube #Waterstones #Blackwells #bookstore #BarnesandNoble

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Do you work in a bookshop? Are you applying for a position? Let me know in the comments! ✨

[@rmyrmns]

i have my interview this afternoon, so excited!!! thanks for the tips

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@rmyrmns Good luck!!!

[@Natalia-lm7fp]

Hey Anna I just wanted to say that this video was amazing and you voice is lovely! I was just wondering do you think I could work at waterstones or a bookshop im 16 years old im going to college this September and I'm not really talkative but I would love to become less shy and I'm hoping that working at a bookshop would help?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@Natalia-lm7fp Hi Natalia, thanks for such a lovely comment! I think you could definitely work at Waterstones! I’ve worked in lots of different retail settings and I think a bookshop is one of the best options for someone more introverted or shy, as many of the customers prefer quiet browsing. I also think it could be a great place to grow your confidence, especially on a small contract and in a smaller shop (if possible). I do want to say I applied to work at Waterstones when I was 16 and didn’t get it until I reapplied later on, but I have worked with younger employees so it is possible! Maybe you could see if there are any Christmas temp bookseller positions to give it a try and see if you like it? Let me know if there’s anything I can help with xx

[@Natalia-lm7fp]

@@AnnaTalks-videos thank you so much!❤

[@Elizabeth-jo6mx]

‘We lose ourselves in books but we find ourselves there too’ 😭😭😭 so true!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

I love it! 📖

[@Kent_Ateam]

Hey Anna it’s a year late and your video could still help an individual who is located an ocean away from you. I stay in South Africa started working in this Rainbow book shop. I just started today and after work I was just clouded with to many information on different book, different authors and other things about the work. Went through KZbin trying to learn if there’d be any lessons on my situation, and I have to say I am so lucky that I came across your video at first site. It’s perfectly sums up everything. Thanks your and have a blessed day❤

[@maxinepadua197]

Thank you so much for talking about your experience. I always dreamed of working in a book store.

[@marialuztoncovich2140]

hi ana ! I hope you are feeling well , I want to say thank to you because this video was so marvelous so magical so TRUE about everything has around book selling, bookshops and booksellers ❤️ While I was hearing you I was in tears of happiness, because I don’t know hahaha I cannot put in words what I was feeling… but I am sure that one of my dreams is to get hire in the moat beautiful bookshop here in Buenos Aires, Argentina (Ateneo Grand Splendid) I hope that dream come true someday ❤️❤️ have a wonderful day

[@lizls]

Next week I'm having an interview for a bookshop, I'm really nervous but I think your video helped me to feel a little bit more confident and ready, thanks!

[@yasminarnould3830]

Yayyyy new video 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@daisyruane-stuart1111]

Some brilliant top tips there Anna, must come and see you in action at Waterstones 💕

[@booksandbargains]

Omg thats me with the alphabet!! I am looking at applying to waterstones at Christmas this year along with my support worker job :)

[@Lilskeevs]

thank you anna, im applying to copperfields currently and i hugely appreciate this!

[@booklover2005]

Thank you so much this video alone has made me more confident to get my dream job!

[@Antlove4eva]

I’m trying to get a job at the independent mom and pop bookshop that recently opened up near my house and this video helped a lot, thank you!

[@yasminarnould3830]

Our favourite bookseller 😍

[@Coffeeandtwooranges]

OMG,Hi Anna Talks, am so greatful for your video.😞it was just yesterday i went to waterstones and i was told by one of the staff members they have vecancy, and she made it sound so easy, i was over the moon. so i applied. but i found today that i was rejected. and i cried so much cause i have been after a chance to apply for waterstones for literally a year. now that i finally got the opportunaty to apply. it was a dead end. all my previous experiences have been in hospitality and retail. i am confident that i have what it takes to work in a bookstore. i am so heartbrroken honestly because in my cover letter i talked about my love for reading, from when i was a kid to now. throughout the years my reading habbits kind of fizzeled out due to personal issue. but a few years ago i got back to reading again so much so that i have more books than clothes. i study medical biology at the moment however i really wish to build carrier for my self around books. but so far my social media presence has been the closest i got to that dream. i dont understand how and why they rejected me😭😭 i really dont want to give up . am sorry this is the longest comment in the history but i didnt know who to talk to about this😓.

[@gab_m_mad]

Thank you so much for all your tips!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh that’s ok! Good luck with everything! 🍀🤞🏻

[@ezrasimp_]

such a brilliant video !! I was just wondering because even though I would love to work in a book shop, as an autistic person, it can be really difficult to think about talking to people considering all the horror stories you hear about retail. would it be okay if you made a video talking about some of the fun and nice stories and experiences you've had working at a book store (and from lush as well if you have any!) it would really help when trying to get a job in retail!! :D

[@regenfunken3628]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

No problem! Good luck! 🤞🏻🍀

[@sofiaalbarran7213]

I loved this video! Thank your for your words of reassurance. I'm starting a job in a bookstore today and I'm nervous, but this video really helped 💜

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

I’m so pleased to hear that! Good luck with everything! Xx

[@percydoeseverything]

Great tips!!

[@hamnamahmood1474]

this is so helpful because there is one specific independent bookstore in my area that I want to work in so so badly, this is such a brilliant insight into what the job might entail for me, omgg thankyou

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

That’s no problem at all! I’m so pleased you found it helpful xx

[@aachaa]

I'm just about to send off my application after enquiring in-store and finding a vacancy. I was psyching myself out a bit as to whether I was well-read enough to apply, but your video has put me more at ease about the whole thing :) Thank you for sharing your experience and advice!

[@mohabad2730]

Wow. This video was extremely helpful. I cannot emphasise this enough.

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh that’s great! I’m so glad

[@fifirandom97]

thank you for this video! I have an interview tommorrow with an independent bookshop opening up in my city and I haven't done retail since well before the pandemic began. I don't remember how to be ~a functional person~ but these tips make me feel a lot better. Wish me luck!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Hahaha I relate so much!! Good luck - you’ve got this! 🍀 ✨ 📚

[@jackiewheaton4199]

I enjoyed this video even though I may not ever work in a bookshop...I shop in them almost weekly!

[@TheAvalon1999]

Hey Anna, this was an amazing and comprehensive video, thank you so so much for making this!!!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh that makes me SO happy to hear! 🥰

[@beauttycrazy101]

such a good video thank you! :) also I so relate to the alphabet thing hahaha

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh I’m so pleased it’s not just me!! It drives me crazy 😂

[@zainrishi6177]

Have a interview for bookselling later today at my local Waterstones. Thank you so much for this video! :)

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh good luck!! You can do it! Let me know how it goes! xx

[@zainrishi6177]

@@AnnaTalks-videos Got the job!! Thanks again for everything, love your channel xx

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@zainrishi6177 that’s amazing!!!!!!! Congratulations!! I’m so happy for you!! 🎉 🥳 📖

[@rosemaee]

hi! i have an interview at a beautiful local bookshop today! i hope it goes well, i’ll probably update this, but thanks for this video anna!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Good luck Rose!! Can’t wait to hear how it goes! 🍀 ✨ 🤞🏻

[@alicebingham9796]

A really good video! The focus bouncing issue that you’re getting in your footage can be fixed by switching to manual and focusing on the point you will be sitting at. Try placing something like a broomstick where you intend to sit and then dial in your focus.

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Oh right! If I switch focus during the video, I.e. holding a book in front of the camera to show people, will it still pull focus? Because I don’t want it to stop doing that. Does that make sense? 😅

[@benWTL]

I have an interview with Waterstones tomorrow! really hoping I get it, this is literally my dream job...

[@user-vt3md8zm2f]

Hi! I just found this video and this was very very very HELPFUL! Thank you so much Anna, I made notes on your video, liked and subscribed!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh I’m so pleased to hear this!! Good luck! Xx

[@user-vt3md8zm2f]

@@AnnaTalks-videos Thank you! You really inspired me! I have a question, are places like Waterstones flexible with work hours for students? Do they expect more than the weekends for a part timer during school term? Or does this all depend on the individual shop?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@user-vt3md8zm2f I think it depends on the individual shop! Waterstones offered me 7.5 hours a week, so one day a week, and then overtime if I want it (but you never have to work more than your contract if you don’t want to). Blackwells offered me a zero hours contract, which means I would have worked whenever they had work available and it was on a first come first served basis. So it really depends on the shop and the company!

[@user-vt3md8zm2f]

@@AnnaTalks-videos Ok, sounds good many thanks again !

[@tiffanystringfellow6414]

I have a assistant manager position interview at books a million on Monday and I am sooo excited, but I realize the retail that I had recently managed in, is a completely different type of retail, so a little nervous about that. I think the alphabet thing was HILARIOUS because I have ADHD and that’s EXACTLY what I have to do as well! 😂

[@irajohnson7824]

Did you get the job?

[@berthits]

you are wonderful!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Awh thanks! 🥹❤️

[@MissHeatWave]

Have an interview at waterstones tomorrow as a bookseller! Thank you so much for this video, it eased my anxieties :)

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ahh good luck!! 🍀 You’ve got this! Xx

[@MissHeatWave]

@@AnnaTalks-videos Hiya! I got the job! Yayy, thank you so much for your video it really helped :)) do you have any tips for starting out working at waterstones?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@MissHeatWave Ahh congratulations that's so exciting!! I would say maybe try to read one of the books of the month? There are some great picks and it'll make you feel a bit more grounded in the bookseller headspace. And don't be afraid to tell customers you're new! It can take the pressure off, but is also a good way of getting to know regulars. Good luck!!

[@MissHeatWave]

@@AnnaTalks-videos ahh thank you so much, those are some more good tips :) thanks a million! Xxx

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@MissHeatWave No probs! xx

[@creads7222]

Thank you for this! I have an interview for Waterstones on Wednesday ❤️

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Good luck!! You've got this 🍀📖

[@creads7222]

@@AnnaTalks-videos I got the job, Yay! Thanks again for this video ❤️

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@creads7222 woohoo!!!! I am SO happy to hear that! Well done xxx 🥰

[@seraphina2690]

Hoping to get a job in a bookstore august or september ish. would be an absolute dream

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Good luck!! ✨ 📖

[@paramedicchrisbookseries]

It must be amazing to work in a bookshop.

[@annabell7894]

My dream part time job whilst at school 😩

[@weaverofbooks2540]

Thank you so much for this video Anna this is so helpful. I just found out my local bookshop is hiring and I am trying to update my cv. Do you have any tips for what to add in your cv? I have previous customer service focused jobs so have added those.

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Sorry for the late reply! Definitely focus on the customer service jobs, alongside any relevant experience/voluntary work (i.e. anything to do with books would be ideal!)

[@maisieclegg2419]

I don't know if you will see this but I really want to work at Waterstones part time (I'm 16) but I have multiple neurological disorders and was wondering what sort of disability accommodation they have?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Hi Maisie! Tbh I’m probably not the best person to ask as I was never in a managerial role, but I’d say it’s something you should definitely talk to a manager about. I know as a company they are keen to support individual needs of members of staff (I.e. doing yearly 1-1 reviews to check how everyone is getting on). I had a colleague with autism and my boss was really accommodating for them (as anyone should be!). But it’s definitely something that might fluctuate depending on the individual manager and the store, so it’s good to talk to whoever is running the shop! I’d say absolutely go for it and apply - it’s my opinion that accommodations should and can always be made. Good luck! Xx

[@crow4834]

I’m in the US but hoping to get a job at a smaller book store or somewhere like barnes & noble or half priced books. I have social anxiety and autism so I’m hoping the environment will help me bring me out of my shell and get experience? What are your thoughts? Do you think the environment is too fast paced for someone like me? 😓 I’m 22 so my social anxiety is much more manageable than it used to be..

[@queen_edits]

8:56 See the issue here is my friends do not read books whatsoever so I'd be in rather an awkward situation here 🤣

[@sierramist1092]

What if you already asked them over email and they said no? Should i go in and ask again?

[@adibaa9480]

This is so helpful thank you so much! Just one question: who do I talk to in the shop? Can it be anyone, like someone at the till?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Yes it can be anyone! I always go up to the till because then you can be sure the person works at the shop!

[@lightandleaves3858]

Thank you so much ! So helpful, I was wondering how my dough making job at the local Waffle House would help me, and carrying trays of dough and heavy flour bags seem to be the perfect training for heavy book cases 😆♥️

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

No problem - and honestly, that will be invaluable!! You'll already have book-carrying muscles ready to go 😂

[@lauramorel6104]

Hii. What should I write in my CV for this particular job? I didn’t find any useful information in my research

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Ok so I would say previous education, employment and any unpaid/voluntary experience and/or achievements that you think are relevant or interesting. All the better if they’re book/retail related!

[@nanimaonovi2528]

I work at a beautiful new library and people walk in every day saying: 'I want to work here!' That's lovely, but it's a Union job, so it's three years picking up casual shifts at the minimum to apply for a posting, and you need your info tech cert. (2 years). I wish it was easier...

[@I1Disney]

hi! I'm currently an a level student and haven't done any sort of customer service job, (or any job) before. Do you think they would reject my application completely if they saw no job experience in my CV?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Hi! I'm not sure, it depends who else is applying! I think it's always worth giving it a go - maybe you should go in and talk to the staff in the particular shop you're interested in? x

[@bex2847]

Just started working at Waterstones this week! I am enjoying it, but it is difficult at the moment as I don't know where everything is and don't feel that confident finding books for customers. How long does it take for you to get settled and know your way around? ✨

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

Hello! It depends on the shop really and how big it is - I would say maybe a few weeks? But it will get easier! Remember you can always pass enquiries on to another member of staff, and Phoenix is your lifeline! If I don’t know an answer, I’ll often say ‘ooh I’m not sure off the top of my head, but I can check on the computer for you/but my colleague might know/let’s find it together’. I promise it will get easier! 📚 Congrats on the new job!

[@bex2847]

@@AnnaTalks-videos Thank you so much! I'm learning Phoenix on my next shift so that will definitely help ❤️ 📚

[@bex2847]

@@AnnaTalks-videos you were right, phoenix is a lifesaver!!

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@bex2847 yes! It makes customers think you know all of the books ever written 😂

[@contentleftblank1922]

Thank you so much for this video Anna !! My question is can you just go the shop and ask them if there any jobs ??? Like wouldn’t that be a bit awkward or something???

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

We have people do that all the time and I never find it awkward! Booksellers are usually very friendly :)

[@contentleftblank1922]

@@AnnaTalks-videos so sorry for the late response didn’t get the notification- would you recommend going to the people at the front desk or going to someone whose fixing the books ????

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

@@contentleftblank1922 Front desk would be best as they're less likely to be in the middle of a job! But if there's nobody behind the till then talk to any bookseller you can find

[@contentleftblank1922]

@@AnnaTalks-videos oh my thank you so much :)

[@VIKRAMSINGH-mq4li]

Do you want to collaborate and make a video on some books in the fantasy genre?

[@annabell7894]

Are there discounts on books?😳

[@evelynburdett_]

i think its 50% off if u work there

[@adrianacedo7326]

Does this work if I’m Mexican ?

[@AnnaTalks-videos]

I think so! I’ve never been to a bookstore in Mexico, but I think the tips could be useful to bookshops worldwide