Home › Forum › Workplace Issues › Borders Books

Interview at Borders

Fri, 08/15/2008 - 19:23 — HadleyAntoinette

I recently looked all over the internet for advice on my Borders interview today, and didn't find much information. So, for the next person trying to do thier best at the interview, here is how my process went:

1. Walked into the Borders and waited by the Cafe while another potential candidate was interviewing.

2. Meet "Ben" the Store Manager, and he began interviewing me after looking over my online application and having me sign it.

3. "Ben" asked me the following questions and recorded my answers on a sticky note:

-What was a challenge that you had to overcome, either at school or at work?
-Tell me about a time when you had difficulty understanding someone.
-Tell me about a time when you went beyond what was expected of you.

4. He then began to tell me about Borders, what is important to them (customer service), and how everyone should have and give out Borders rewards cards.

5. He told me that they usually do a second interview, but that he would tell his boss that I was a good fit with the company and she might just call me and put me on the schedule right away.

Here's my tips for the interview:

*Put emphasis on customer service rather than tasks (stacking books, cleaning).
*Be personable and not afraid, Borders employees are definitly not intimidating!

GOOD LUCK, I hope this helps you. Wish someone would have wrote something like this for me, so here you all go:).

-Hadley

‹ I love working for Borders. Cafe- The worst job in the store. ›
Sun, 08/17/2008 - 23:27 — dylan

Customer serice is important. But it depends on your GM. In the Metaire Store 280 most could care less. One customer asked an employee where a book was and the employee just pointed and said it might be over there but I'm not sure I don't read. I hope your like the old employees and care about the customer and not just BSing to get a Job. It didn't matter in my case with my new GM considering I won the Dave Carpenter award for customer service and had the most people sign up for Borders rewards. Good Luck. Where are you planing on working?

Mon, 08/18/2008 - 00:26 — Veteran

Is anyone tired of hearing about the Dave Carpenter Award? Dylan, we all know about your being fired, and how you are the best employee Borders ever, ever had in the whole wide world. Can't you get a life and drop this whole thing?

Mon, 08/18/2008 - 04:43 — John Brown

I have to agree. Dylan, regardless of whether or not you were as wronged by the company as you insist you were, you have simply GOT to stop hijacking every thread and making it ABOUT YOU. I'm sick to death of reading more of the same old crap about your situation, and you've effectively shut this site down with your selfish bellyaching. For God's sake, get on with your life. You've pretty much sapped any sympathy anyone might have for you. At first I was unsure, but I now think I would have terminated your employment if I'd been your manager, too. Suck it up and GET ON WITH IT.

Tue, 08/19/2008 - 05:55 — dylan

what reason would you give. I can see you have no idea what New Orleans is about. I have got on with my life but come down hear and listen to what people say everyday about what happened to a great store. None of you have any idea. And all of y'all are to scared to even call me and talk to me are even give your real names. so I know the next step is to flag me. I never put you down Mr Brown or you Miss Vet.

Tue, 08/19/2008 - 20:17 — HadleyAntoinette

Dylan,

Nobody else is going to flag you but me. I suggest that if you have such a problem coming to this website, step away from the keyboard and maybe find something else to occupy your time. I believe that cluttering this website with the same information over and over again is wasteful of both yours and everyone elses' time. The people who come to this website understand your feelings about Borders, you have made that abundantly clear. I am not trying to be rude to you, but it is frustrating when other people are trying to give good information and productive information on this website and all you do is create internet drama. I really do feel bad for you, Dylan, but nobody on this website owes you anything. I would suggest moving on with your life and this matter.

Hadley

Wed, 08/20/2008 - 02:27 — heron
heron's picture

Dylan, it is not just your store but the whole company that is going down the toilet. We know. Any person who works in any store knows that Chapter 11 is right around the corner. The new Concept stores will be spared, but everyone else is might close.

Why do you think they just hiked the BR signups to 10% and are pressuring management to write up every single person, without exception, who does not get 10%? They are setting up protection against lawsuits that might happen when they close a shitload of stores.

We know, Dylan, that many stores have gone bad. When you post, I would like your opinion on what the thread is about. Give us the benefit of your Borders experience as an alumni. Repeating what you have said in your past posts isn't helping us or giving us any insight.

What I don't know is why I am still putting in all the hours I do. I love my customers and I love the books, but it seems the company hates me.