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- Tasks: Help customers discover amazing books and manage online merchandising.
- Company: Join the iconic Waterstones team in a hybrid role based in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work environment and be part of a passionate book community.
- Why this job: Combine your love for books with innovative online marketing strategies.
- Qualifications: Outstanding book knowledge, social media experience, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking for an Online Bookseller to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in London. The online Bookseller’s role will be to help customers discover the best of Blackwell’s and the books they both knew and didn’t know they wanted. To harness the knowledge within the business to deliver exceptional customer service and make the site an outstanding example of integrated ecommerce, whilst still maintaining a personal tone of voice and displaying a passion for books. A core member of the digital team reporting to the senior online bookseller.
You will have outstanding book knowledge and a genuine passion for books as well as having experience with social media and be tech savvy and confident working with systems.
What you will be doing:
- Managing the merchandised books on the site
- Ability to write impactful short copy
- Working with Booksellers across the chain in order to showcase their knowledge online
- Communicating with customers and customer service to ensure the highest service standards in the industry
- Identifying and championing books which make a difference, proactively identifying trends and future bestsellers
- Key to delivering the commercial targets for the business
- Developing and delivering email campaigns, both single and multi-channel
- Looking for and developing ‘joined up’ ways of working – shops, online, publishers, customers and external partners
- Managing ‘Back to University’ titles and custom bundles
- Managing a signed and limited-edition offer
- Working with Corporate Professional and Institutional sales, Rare and Mapping (to name but a few) on integrated approaches
- Managing the CMS for the site and working with front end development and design on change and developing best practice
- Working with CRM and acquisition in the construction and delivery of the online marketing plan
- Ensuring brand guidelines are adhered to
- Measuring effectiveness of promotions, reporting and optimising
What we need from you:
- Outstanding book knowledge and an irrepressible enthusiasm for books
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Experience working with social media
- Demonstrable short copy skills
- Excellent customer service
- Innovative approaches to marketing and promotions
- Self-starter
- Well organised and able to prioritise effectively
- Good ‘eye’ for design and detail with the ability to brief
- Able to work with software engineers
- Numerate and confident with numbers and modelling
- Proficiency, and confidence in basic technical skills, Excel to a good level
- Bookselling, including face to face with customers, written marketing communication, solid knowledge of publishers and supply chain
- Photography and videography skills – happy to be both in front and behind the camera
Person Profile:
- Able to effectively express themselves at a senior level, and communicate within the team
- Supportive of colleagues
- To be able to work effectively on their own
- Work well with others in a virtual environment – often via email, Slack and Teams
- Sense of humour
Why work for Waterstones:
Waterstones is the cornerstone of bookselling across the UK and Ireland. Joining Waterstones means being an active part in a success story that began in 1982, and books are as popular now as the day we started. Trading across the UK, Ireland and Europe, we are present in over 300 shopping locations, where Waterstones continues to thrive, each year actively pursuing a programme of new bookshop openings. Online at Waterstones.com, we meanwhile mirror the essence of our bookshops, further showcasing the unique enthusiasm and knowledge of our booksellers. If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.
Online Bookseller employer: Waterstones
Contact Detail:
Waterstones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Online Bookseller
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Waterstones, their values, and what makes them tick. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your passion for books and how you fit into their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend book events where Waterstones might be present. A friendly chat can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your book knowledge! Prepare to discuss your favourite reads and why they matter. This not only highlights your expertise but also your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Waterstones team!
We think you need these skills to ace Online Bookseller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Books: When writing your application, let your love for books shine through! Share your favourite reads and how they’ve influenced you. We want to see that you’re not just applying for a job, but that you genuinely care about the world of literature.
Craft Impactful Copy: Since the role involves writing short copy, make sure your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear, engaging language that showcases your writing skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can capture the essence of a book in just a few words!
Highlight Your Tech Savviness: Don’t forget to mention your experience with social media and any tech skills you have. We’re keen on candidates who are comfortable with digital tools and can navigate online platforms easily. Show us how you can contribute to our integrated ecommerce approach!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and ready to take the next step in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waterstones
✨Know Your Books Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your book knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite authors, genres, and any recent bestsellers. This will show your genuine passion for books and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Social Media Savvy
Since the role involves working with social media, come prepared with examples of how you've used these platforms in the past. Whether it's promoting a book or engaging with readers, share your experiences to demonstrate your tech-savviness and creativity.
✨Craft Impactful Short Copy
Practice writing concise and engaging copy that captures attention. You might be asked to write a short description of a book during the interview, so have a few examples ready to showcase your writing skills and ability to convey excitement about a title.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Customer Service
Prepare to talk about your approach to customer service. Think of specific examples where you've gone above and beyond to help a customer, as this role is all about delivering exceptional service and creating a personal connection with customers.