Waterstones is a renowned UK-based bookselling company with a vast array of bookstores across the country. With a reputation for knowledgeable staff, excellent customer service, and an extensive selection of books, Waterstones offers a fantastic working environment for book lovers. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of applying for a job at Waterstones, including how to apply online, expected salaries, and position descriptions.
Waterstones, formerly Waterstone’s, is a British book retailer that operates 283 shops, mainly in the UK and also other nearby countries. As of February 2014, it employs around 3,500 staff in the UK and Europe. The company was founded in the early 19th century, to provide an outlet for books that were unaffordable to the general public.
Waterstones has grown from a small family business to one of Europe’s most successful and diverse book retailers. It now provides books for all tastes and budgets, including specialist departments such as travel, children’s books, health and fitness, cooking, and lifestyle.
As Waterstones, which serves with its 283 stores, opens new stores, the existing personnel are inadequate and new personnel are recruited. Generally, it recruits personnel with its announcements and postings on its own career site. If you are aiming to make a career in this sector, you can easily apply and start your career journey.
How to apply for a job at Waterstones
Before applying for a job at Waterstones, you’ll need to find an open position that suits your skills and interests. To search for job opportunities, follow these steps:
Step 1. Click here to view all job postings.
Step 2. On the page that opens, two categories welcome you. If you want to be a “Bookseller”, choose the 1st category, if you want to join the “Head Office” and work there, choose the 2nd category.
Step 3. On the page that opens, the jobs suitable for you will appear.
Step 4. You can choose the job that you think is suitable for your abilities and that you want in this section.
Step 5. Click the “dowload job description” button for the position you selected.
Step 6. You can see all the details in the opened pdf file.
Step 7. If this job suits you, To apply or find out more send your details to; karl.henderson@waterstones.com.
Creating an Account on the Waterstones Careers Portal
After locating a position you’re interested in, you’ll need to create an account on the Waterstones careers portal. This will enable you to save your application progress, track your application status, and receive updates on new job opportunities. To create an account, follow these steps:
- Click “Apply Now” on the job listing: This will redirect you to the Waterstones careers portal.
- Select “Register”: Click the “Register” button to begin creating your account.
- Complete the required fields: Enter your personal information, such as your name, email address, and password.
- Review the privacy policy: Ensure you understand Waterstones’ privacy policy before proceeding.
- Click “Register”: Finish the registration process by clicking the “Register” button.
Preparing Your Waterstones Job Application
To increase your chances of success, it’s crucial to tailor your Waterstones job application to the specific role you’re applying for. Here are some tips to help you create an impressive application:
- Read the job description carefully: Ensure you understand the key responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the role.
- Customize your resume: Highlight relevant skills and experience that match the job description, and incorporate keywords from the listing to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems.
- Write a compelling cover letter: Describe why you’re the ideal candidate for the position and how your skills and experience align with Waterstones’ values and mission.
Submitting Your Waterstones Job Application Online
Once your application materials are ready, follow these steps to submit your Waterstones job application online:
- Log in to your Waterstones careers portal account: Use your email address and password to access your account.
- Complete the online application form: Fill in the required fields with your personal information, education, work experience, and any additional relevant details.
- Upload your resume and cover letter: Attach your tailored resume and cover letter to the application form.
- Review your application: Double-check your information for accuracy and completeness before submitting.
- Click “Submit”: Send your application to Waterstones’ recruitment team for review.
Waterstones Positions & Salaries
The rest of the article includes detailed information about Waterstones hiring process. You can complete the online application process by following the steps that are mentioned in the article.
Required Terms
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years old or older
- Working hours: It varies by location
- Present positions: Booksellers, Barista, Bookshop Manager
- Printable application form: NO (Doc or PDF)
Barista
Waterstones is looking for experienced and enthusiastic individuals to join their growing team of Baristas. As a Barista at Waterstones, you will be responsible for preparing and serving high-quality coffee and other drinks to customers in a fast-paced environment. You will also be expected to maintain the cleanliness of the coffee shop and provide exceptional customer service.
The ideal candidate will have previous experience working as a Barista in a fast-paced environment and a strong passion for coffee. You should be a hands-on team player who is friendly, reliable, and able to deliver exceptional service. A love of both books and coffee is a plus, as is an interest in developing your career and bringing ideas to the table to support the development of Waterstones’ vision for their cafés.
To apply, you will need to submit a current CV that outlines your experience and availability. The starting hourly rate for this position is £10. If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply.
A Barista is responsible for preparing and serving coffee and other drinks. This typically involves grinding and brewing coffee beans, steaming milk, and making a variety of coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. A Barista may also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the shop, interacting with customers, and handling cash transactions.
In order to be successful in this role, a Barista should have a passion for coffee and be knowledgeable about different types of coffee and how to prepare them. They should also be friendly and personable, with excellent customer service skills. The ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once is also important.
Download Barista job description
Bookseller
Waterstones is looking for passionate book lovers to join their team as Booksellers. As a Bookseller, you will be responsible for providing expert advice and assistance to customers as they search for new reading material. This includes helping customers find the books they are looking for, providing recommendations, and offering a personalized book-buying experience. In addition to interacting with customers, you will also be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the store.
As a Bookseller, you’ll assist customers in finding the perfect book, maintain store displays, and manage inventory. Excellent communication and customer service skills are essential for this role. The average salary for a Bookseller at Waterstones ranges from £16,000 to £18,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
The starting hourly rate for this position is £9.50 for part-time work. To apply, you will need to submit a current CV that outlines your experience and availability. If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply by visiting your local Waterstones store and speaking with the Bookstore Manager.
Download Bookseller job description
Lead Barista
A Lead Barista is an experienced and skilled Barista who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a coffee shop or cafe. In addition to preparing and serving high-quality coffee and other drinks, a Lead Barista is also responsible for training and supervising other Baristas, maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the cafe, and ensuring that the cafe is providing exceptional customer service.
As a Lead Barista, you will need to have extensive experience working as a Barista and a strong passion for coffee. You should also be an effective leader, with the ability to train and supervise other Baristas and ensure that the cafe is running smoothly and efficiently. In addition to these technical skills, you should also have excellent customer service skills and the ability to connect with customers and provide a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in the cafe.
The average hourly wage for a Lead Barista is £10.50 in Waterstones. To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate excellent customer service skills, maintain high standards of quality in the cafe, and make commercial business decisions that drive long-term success.
Bookshop Manager
A Bookshop Manager at Waterstones is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a bookshop and leading a team of booksellers. This includes managing stock and the physical environment of the shop, providing excellent customer service, and ensuring that the shop is commercially successful.
As a Bookshop Manager, you will need to have experience leading a team and a passion for books and reading. You should be able to provide customers with a warm welcome and an interesting place to browse, explore, and engage with booksellers who are knowledgeable and passionate about books. You should also be able to manage stock and the physical environment of the shop in a way that creates a destination for customers and contributes to the ongoing growth of the company.
The salary for this position is up to £23,400 per year. To apply, you will need to submit a current CV that demonstrates your team-leading experience and availability. If you are interested in this opportunity and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Download Bookshop Manager job description
Cafe Manager
A Cafe Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a coffee shop or cafe. This includes leading and developing a team of Baristas, maintaining brand standards, and ensuring that the cafe is providing excellent customer service and high-quality coffee and other drinks.
As a Cafe Manager, you should have experience in management and strong leadership skills. You should be passionate about coffee and be able to provide premium customer service and maintain high standards in the cafe. You should also be able to lead and develop a team of highly talented and enthusiastic Baristas in a fast-paced environment.
The salary for a Cafe Manager will vary depending on a number of factors, including the location and size of the cafe, the manager’s level of experience, and the cafe’s financial performance. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Cafe Manager in the United States is $33,000 per year, or about $16 per hour. This can range from a low of $23,000 per year to a high of $45,000 per year.
Key responsibilities for a Cafe Manager include leading and developing a team of Baristas, maintaining brand standards, ensuring high levels of product availability, and controlling key performance indicators (KPIs). The Cafe Manager may also be responsible for managing the budget and ensuring compliance with health and safety, food safety, and other regulations.
Download Cafe Manager job description
Waterstones Job Application Form/PDF
You can find out whether there is a printable job application form available for Waterstones from the last section of the article. It is one of the essential steps to download the application form and fill it out with the necessary information. After this step, you can finish the application process by visiting one of the branches of the company to submit your application or by submitting the application online.
There is no printable application form published by Waterstones. All you need is: You will need to ensure you have a current cv stating why you want to work at Waterstones, and the hours you are available.
Frequently asked questions about working at Waterstones
How much do you get paid at Waterstones?
The average Waterstone’s hourly pay ranges from approximately £9 per hour for a Sales Assistant to £12 per hour for a Lead Bookseller.
What is the lowest salary at Waterstones?
The lowest-paying job at Waterstone’s is a Senior Bookseller with a salary of £20,201 per year.
What is the highest salary at Waterstones?
The highest-paying job at Waterstones is a Manager with a salary of £41,065 per year.
How much discount do Waterstones employees get?
50% staff discount. Working with some great people with similar tastes. I originally worked in Waterstones 20 years ago and joined again last year.
How old do you have to be to work at Waterstones?
At least 16.
How often does Waterstones have job openings?
Waterstones regularly updates their job listings based on staffing needs and new store openings. It’s recommended to check their website frequently or sign up for job alerts to stay informed about the latest opportunities.
What qualifications do I need to work at Waterstones?
The specific qualifications vary depending on the job role. While some positions may require previous experience or specific skills, Waterstones also values a genuine passion for books and excellent customer service skills. Check the job descriptions for detailed requirements.
Can I apply for multiple positions at once?
Yes, you can apply for multiple positions at Waterstones if you believe you’re a good fit for them. Tailor your application materials accordingly for each role and submit them separately through the online application process.
Does Waterstones offer any training or development opportunities?
Yes, Waterstones is committed to providing training and development opportunities to their employees. They offer various programs to enhance your knowledge of bookselling, customer service, and other relevant skills.
How long does the application process usually take?
The application process duration can vary depending on the number of applicants and the specific role. It’s advisable to be patient and regularly check your email for any updates or interview invitations.