Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Selling or Influencing Others Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

The Work

Booksellers are responsible for a variety of tasks relating to the day-to-day running of the bookshop. In larger shops responsibilities will be more delineated but generally a bookseller will be on hand to advise customers on their choice of book. They will have to replenish shelves, dust and arrange books in an attractive and accessible way.  
 
They will place orders for customers with publishers and will trace lesser known titles using computer databases. They are expected to keep abreast of new titles by reading reviews and consulting publishers' catalogues. Senior staff will order new titles and make sure classic titles remain in stock.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
• Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
• Compute sales prices, total purchases, and receive and process cash or credit payment.
• Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental.
• Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
• Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
• Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise.
• Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
• Ticket, arrange, and display merchandise to promote sales.
• Inventory stock and requisition new stock.

Further Information

• Bookseller - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Bookseller - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

A specific qualification is not typically required to work as a bookseller. A background in book shops or other customer service roles is often more important to the employer. Combined with being able to demonstrate that you have a passion for books.

A third level qualification may give you an advantage and the most relevant subjects include English, humanities, or the arts.

Some employers provide Manual Handling training to new employees, but some employers require that you have completed a Manual Handling certificate prior to employment. 

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET Coursefinder

Training & Development

You will typically receive some training on the job and if you want to progress in your career, you can aim to manage a department, perhaps in a specialised area, or move to a bigger store.

Further Education and Training courses in sales, retail, marketing, management at NFQ level 5-6 to support your skills development Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Retail, Sales, Marketing, Business management at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: Sales, Retail supervision Apprenticeships NFQ level 6 Search our Apprenticeships finder

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €13k - €30k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience

Data Source(s):
Indeed.ie / Excel recruitment

Last Updated: January, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a below average growth rate, employment for sales assistants grew by 8,700 persons between 2021 and 2022 in line with the recovery in the wholesale and retail sector. However, recent job hires far exceeded any growth in employment pointing to significant job churn for this occupation.

This is likely to be related to the young profile of workers in this occupation (44% were aged 15-24 years) and the majority (58%) being in part-time roles. There was a large volume of vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland and OVATE. Job opportunities are likely to continue to arise for this occupation given its large size and the volume of turnover.

• Booksellers Association of the United Kingdom and Ireland

  • Minister House, 272 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 1BA, UK
  • Click Here

• Retail Ireland

  • Click Here

• COMREG Communcations regulator

  • 018049600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here