Independent Bookstore Looking for Booksellers

Labyrinth is an independent academic and community bookstore that also serves as the official bookstore of Princeton University. We are looking for thoughtful and articulate full-time booksellers and support people who can make a commitment to the store. This work is a good fit for someone with an academic background who wishes to gain experience in the book industry and be part of the community in which the bookstore serves an essential role.

We are hiring for all of our three departments: the sales floor, the ordering office, and receiving. For all positions, accuracy with data and the ability to organize and maintain order are crucial. Reading is central in the lives of all our staff. In your application, please indicate which of the following positions you are interested in or whether you would like to be considered for more than one:

1) Sales floor: Responsibilities include customer service, shelving and displays, taking inventory, book promotion, and ability to learn all store systems and policies. In addition to a dedication to the world of independent bookselling, necessary skills include a strong work ethic, excellent writing, and facility with details.

2) Receiving: Responsibilities include data entry, used-book research, publisher follow-up, and customer service. Applicants must be comfortable learning new software and with the physical work of lifting boxes, labeling, shelving, and packing books for customer shipments. The receiving department is also the backbone of customer service to students during our coursebook rushes.

3) Office: The ordering office is charged with sourcing and ordering all books. Applicants for this position must bring great attention to detail and, ideally, an aptitude for learning software quickly and in-depth. Excellent communication in person, on email, and on the phone is essential. Proficiency with the Office suite is also necessary. Must be able to work under time pressure.

We are a small, close-knit staff, so clear communication is very important to us. Previous experience working with the public in a customer service capacity and with highly detail-oriented work is a plus. Successful candidates may have a background in the humanities, in education, writing, the arts, in publishing, or in library sciences. Bookstore work is entry-level for these fields, but we also regard it as a vocation in itself. A demonstrated commitment to critical reading and ability to communicate about reading is fundamental.

The compensation package includes an hourly wage, health care benefits, a retirement plan, and vacation and sick leave, and a generous employee discount.

IMPORTANT: How to apply? We ask that you submit an application through our website at labyrinthbooks.com/job-application as well as submitting your resume and cover letter through really. The cover letter will also serve as a writing sample. Please include a preliminary list of 10 books that you have read deeply, and tell us something about your choices in the letter. Generic or incomplete applications will not be considered. We will contact qualified applicants for an interview. Important: these are long-term positions – we do not hire for summer jobs.

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

COVID-19 considerations:
Masks are still encouraged at the store; all work stations are at least 6 feet apart. We have ensured proper ventilation throughout. Proof of vaccination and masks are required during in store events.

Application Question(s):

• Why do you want to work at an independent bookstore?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• job: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location