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- Tasks: Join our team to prepare and sell rare books while providing exceptional customer service.
- Company: Jonkers Rare Books, a leading dealer in rare books and manuscripts.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, professional development opportunities, and company pension contributions.
- Why this job: Dive into the fascinating world of rare books and develop your expertise with us.
- Qualifications: Strong English skills, attention to detail, and a passion for literature.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including occasional Saturdays, and potential for company share ownership.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Jonkers Rare Books is a leading international dealer in rare books, manuscripts and original artwork. We have been established for nearly 30 years during which time we have acquired a reputation for helping to build exceptional libraries for private individuals and institutions. Our specialisms include English Literature, Children’s Books & Illustration, Travel & Exploration, and Literary Manuscripts.
We are looking to recruit someone to join our small team as a bookseller. Expertise is the cornerstone of our business, and we will train the successful candidate in all aspects of antiquarian bookselling. The role will also include client-facing elements of sales, both face-to-face in our shop and at book fairs, as well as over the phone or through email.
To be successful at this role you will need to have:
- Exceptional spoken and written English
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Good incisive research skills
- A self-motivated approach to problem solving
- Commercial awareness
Responsibilities:
- Preparation of antiquarian and rare books for sale, including research, cataloguing and collation.
- Face to face sales and assisting customers, providing a high level of service and knowledge.
- Shop displays, housekeeping and other duties linked to a specialist, boutique shop, as required.
- Responding to phone and email enquiries from customers.
- Overseeing shipment of books, including packaging and liaising with couriers.
- Updating our website and social media feeds.
- Preparing e-commerce mailings and printed marketing material.
- Attending book fairs in the UK, with scope for overseas book fairs subject to development.
Essential Attributes and Experience:
- Demonstrable interest in one or more of our areas of expertise, though previous work with rare books is not essential.
- The ability to learn quickly and retain information.
- The flexibility to work up to two Saturdays a month.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
- Competence in using computers, databases and social media.
- The right to work in the UK.
- Knowledge of antiquarian books and the rare book trade.
- Competence using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign to create digital and print media.
- To hold a driving licence and have a vehicle.
28 days annual leave (including Christmas and Bank Holidays)
Opportunity for professional development by attending relevant conferences and seminars.
Company Pension Contribution
Possibility of company share ownership, subject to development and suitability.
To apply: Please email a CV and covering letter to info@jonkers.co.uk. Please note your application must include a covering letter to be considered.
Closing date: 31 May 2026, though applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on an ongoing basis.
Rare Bookseller and Cataloguer employer: Jonkers Rare Books
Contact Detail:
Jonkers Rare Books Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rare Bookseller and Cataloguer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the rare book scene! Dive into the world of antiquarian books, follow relevant blogs, and join online forums. This will not only boost your knowledge but also help you connect with like-minded folks.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether it's face-to-face or over the phone, being able to communicate your passion for rare books is key. Role-play with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that confident delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your research skills! When you’re chatting with potential employers, be ready to discuss specific books or authors that excite you. This shows you’re not just interested, but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Rare Bookseller and Cataloguer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for rare books and how your skills align with our needs. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: When applying, ensure your CV and cover letter are free from typos and errors. We value meticulousness, so take the time to proofread your application. It shows us you care about quality!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you haven’t worked directly with rare books before, share any related experience or skills that could be beneficial. Whether it’s research skills or customer service, we want to know how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jonkers Rare Books
✨Know Your Books
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of rare books, especially in the areas Jonkers specialises in. Familiarise yourself with key authors, genres, and historical contexts. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss how you would approach cataloguing and researching rare books. Think of examples where you've had to dig deep for information or solve a problem. This will demonstrate your meticulous attention to detail and self-motivated approach to problem-solving.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since excellent spoken and written English is crucial, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to role-play customer interactions to showcase your interpersonal skills. Being able to communicate effectively will be key in client-facing situations.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your commercial awareness and understanding of the rare book trade. Think about current trends in the market or recent sales that have caught your eye. This will show that you're not just interested in books, but also in the business side of things.