What do I need to do to apply for a job at Barnes and Noble?

Question

I want to apply to B & N for a job. I don't know if they're hiring since it's the middle of the summer, but I'm going to go see tomorrow. I'm 17, and I've never had a job, so I'm kind of unsure as to how it works. Once I pick up an application and fill it out, then what? Do I just fill it out there and hand it right back to them? Do I need to give them a resume and what needs to be on it, will they schedule an interview, what should I wear, what will they ask, if I get a job do I get to discuss hours with them, etc, etc. Thanks!

Answer 1

You can take the application home and fill it out and drop it back off the next day, or just fill it out there. For Barnes and Noble for a first job, you wouldn't need a resume, just the application.

If they have an opening that it looks like you might be a candidate for, they'll schedule an interview. Most likely someone would call you for that - the person you hand the application to is probably not the person who schedules interviews.

It's reasonable for you to ask them when you apply if they have any openings.

To pick up the application, wear the type of clothes that people working there wear. If you get an interview, dress up a little more than that. Hours would be discussed at an interview. No telling what they might ask, but have an answer ready for why you want to work there - also what type of books you like.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Fill out an application. Take your driver's license and your social security card (although you only will need that if you are hired on the spot - you need it to fill out your IRS I-9 paperwork). If they allow you to fill it out on the spot, do so. A lot of places don't have space for you or won't allow you to do so. Some places always hand out applications, some only hand them out when they have an opening.

You will not need a separate resume for a job like this. For one, you have no previous job to create one with and two, your application will have everything they need to know on it (it will ask previous jobs, education, etc.) They will schedule an interview, although they may quickly review your application and do the interview at that time, so be prepared for having it the same time you go in to inquire on the job.

I would wear khaki pants and a nice white shirt - something similar to what you see the employees wearing. You could wear a skirt and blouse if you wanted. Wear nice, clean shoes. No sneakers. You don't want to show up in a business suit, but you don't want to show up in jeans and a tank top, either. Dress how you would normally dress for the position you are wanting or "one step up."

If they give you a job, hours and wages will most likely not be very negotiable. You are "low man" on the totem pole, so will basically get what's left as far as schedule goes.

Answer 3

Not a bad idea to dress nicely, but Barnes and Noble, as well as most all retail stores (except the ones that offer applications at a computer kiosk), have applications at the service desk. Not where the managers work. Odds are it will be just another employee who hands you the application. They won't care if you are dressed up, down, or in between. And they also may or may not have any idea if the store is hiring. You can ask to speak with a hiring manager if that person has time to find out what openings there are and when. If you plan to do so, definitely dress nice!

Our B&N is in the mall, so I have typically gone through, picked up applications from a variety of stores, and filled them out while still there and returned them that day. The return process is similar in that you probably will just hand your application to the employee. However, since it has personal information, you could feasibly ask to hand it directly to a manager, the one who hires preferably.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

When you apply you need to have your resume with you. They might ask for it. Dress up in semi-formal attire

Regarding the application form, most companies will require you to fill it up in the office. Use black ink when accomplishing the form. Write N.A (not applicable) on those questions that do not apply to you. Be neat and accurate.

In case they decide to interview you, here are some tips.
Ø Don't accept coffee, tea or even water even if it is offered; having a drink is a distraction you don't really need right now.

Ø Show enthusiasm for your present job (even if you are not that excited about it).

Ø Listen carefully to the question asked. Pause for a moment before answering. Paraphrase the question if you are not sure you understood it.

Ø If you don't understand the question, ask for it to be repeated.

Ø Be prepared to explain gaps in your work history.

Ø Show how you saved a previous employer money and/or generated revenue for the company. Give specific examples.

Ø Describe, with examples, how you are a team player.

Ø Make sure that by the end of the interview you've gotten across your strongest skills or characteristics. Be specific about them. It is always a good idea to prove your expertise and personal skills by giving examples.

Ø Ask intelligent questions of your own. If you've done research about the company, then this should be easy. These questions are important; they show you're really interested in working there. You want to leave a positive, enthusiastic image of yourself. There are other applicants competing for the position. Give the interviewer a good reason to hire you.

Ø Leave the interview with a good closing impression -- a firm handshake, a smile, good eye contact, a "Thank You", and a closing statement like, "I am very interested in this position," or "When can I expect to hear from you?"

Peace and blessings!

Answer 5

Just wear a see-through shirt and a short skirt