I have a job interview with Books a Million on Tuesday and I have a few questions?

Question

The thing I really want to know is when they ask me how much do I expect to make, what should I say? Like what is a good annual salary and hourly wages. And I don’t know the first thing about bonuses. I don’t even know what that means! I need help there. And benifits too. What about those? What are good benifits to have. What should I expect?

I’m 24 year old woman and I have been working as coustomer service representitave (answering phones) for the past 8 years and I will probably be working behind the cash register or stocking shelves at Books a Million so I guess I don’t have experience there.

Does anyone have any advice for me? Like if you have been hired by BAM before? If you have what did you get paid and what benifits etc.?

Any general job interview advice?

Thanks everyone! You guys are so smart. You make this my favorite site!

BATTLE CRY, EVERYONE!!!

YAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

BE PREPARED:

Do your best to postpone answering the salary question until later in the process (when they're getting ready to make an offer), or counter by asking them what the range is for the job and how bonuses may work. Or, by telling them that you're sure that you (both) will be able to agree on something fair to both parties when they have decided to make you a offer.

I've had recruiters tell me that they automatically disqualified anyone who hadn't visited the company Website, so be sure to visit BOTH the "corporate" site - http://www.booksamillioninc.com/ - and the "retail" site - http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?redirect=1

How old is the company? How many stores (200 in 19 states + D.C.)? What kind of stores are they (strip mall, stand alone, regional mall)? What's the latest news? Did you know that they are the 3rd largest book retailer in the U.S.? What's the "Millionnaire's Club"? What else can you find out?

Use that information in the interview - let them know you know about them - and use it to ask questions. Like, how do they manage the growth of 200 stores? Are there policy manuals? How much on-the-job-training are employees supposed to receive to keep the company consistent from store to store?

I'd also check out Amazon's Best Sellers list and the NY Times Best Sellers list to be aware of what's happening in the book industry. What are the top Booksamillion sellers?

Try to postpone salary and benefits question until they make you an offer. Focus in this interview on what you want to know about them in order to decide whether or not you want to work there (interviews are a 2-way street!).

Don't tell them how much you want the job (bad negotiation strategy) or how much working there will help you. They're trying to figure out how you will help THEM. So, give them the information to help them decide they need you.

Be yourself! But, remember you are in "personal marketing" mode, and sell your product.

Good luck!

YaHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Answer 2

Working At Books A Million

Answer 3

The thing I really want to know is when they ask me how much do I expect to make, what should I say? Like what is a good annual salary and hourly wages.

The reply to this question is one that should be avoided if possible. If one commits to a salary or wage less than they may offer, it's a done deal. If one has special talents to offer, that's a plus and gives one bargaining power to overcome a low offer.
If not, and one needs training and considerable supervision, then the first offer may be all one can get. However, if one is ready to accept the offer, but feels it may not be what one expected, then the best thing to do is ask if there is an evaluation period and is there an opportuniy to earn more, based on performance.

One usually may not be able to go beyond that for the moment.

And I don’t know the first thing about bonuses.

Bonuses are an incentive for those who have some control over expenses, sales and/or are responsible for generating profits.

and benifits too. What about those? What are good benifits to have. What should I expect?

One cannot ask for or demand benefits. Any benefits that the business offers for all employees will be offered to any one hired. Laws do not permit descrimination here.

I’m 24 year old woman and I have been working as coustomer service representitave (answering phones) for the past 8 years and I will probably be working behind the cash register or stocking shelves at Books a Million

Stocking shelves in a book store is a serious responsibility. Always keep in mind how important it is that books be in their proper place, category.
If one went into a book store, looking for a specific cook book, one may search the shelves and not find it. One can do one of two things. Walk out, or ask for help. The employee can check in the computer and it may show that one is in stock. The employee may accompany one to the shelves and cannot find it. It is assumed that the inventory is incorrect.
Later that cook book is found in the Fiction section.
A sale was lost. Some cook books run $40-50.

That could happen several times a day.
If queried about this, impress on the interviewer that one understands the importance of everything in it's proper place.

If one needs training and the employer is willing, always make it clear that one is a fast learner, can follow instructions, is detail oriented, knows the importance of the above, understands that ones job and performance will contribute to profitabiliy of the store, help control shortages, (theft by customers and employees), prevent damage to inventory, knows the importance of placing new arrivals promptly on display. and is willing and interested in advancement. One is punctual, on time, and reliable.
Let him/her know that one understands that one is there for the customer. They are the reason one is there.

Never step over an item on the floor. It should promptly be put in it's proper place.

Answer 4

Books A Million Careers

Answer 5

The wood can't chuck wood. Only the wood chuck could chuck wood. So therefore the answer to this question is 0.