Betti's

Employment Application

Thank you for your interest in joining Betti's!

Betti's is a third-generation Alaskan and woman-owned bookstore in the heart of Anchorage. We're local and independent, and are striving to build a storied community with our menu of events. To date, we've hosted live music, stand-up comedy, improv shows, public readings, story hours, etc.! We've also been off-site vendors with the Dog Jog and the Bird TLC. While we have a special emphasis on children's literature, we do have selections for readers of all ages and encourage book clubs with our reservable book club room. As we grow, we plan to add cafe service featuring coffee and simple food offerings, as well as beer and wine service once license.

We're building a small, collaborative team whose members will wear several hats. Depending on the shift, you might recommend a novel, read a picture book aloud, ring up a customer, unpack a box of books, help set up an author event, straighten a display, or, eventually, make someone a latte.

Experience is valuable, but so are curiosity, kindness, reliability, initiative, and a willingness to learn.

POSITION CURRENTLY HIRING

Bookseller / Cafe Associate

Starting at $15/hour

Approximately 10-30 hours/week

Cafe training and responsibilities will be added as cafe operations begin. Additional evening event hours may also be available.

We are actively expanding our business, and so we are looking for eager and capable candidates who can grow into shift leads--gaining responsibility and earning more pay.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

We want Betti's to be a good place to work as well as a good place to visit.

Our goal is to provide:

• Consistent weekly scheduling whenever possible

• Schedules and known event shifts communicated in advance

• Paid training and cross-training

• Clear responsibilities during each shift

• Rotation between register, floor, projects, events, and eventually cafe responsibilities

• Opportunities to learn new skills and take on additional responsibility

• A collaborative environment where questions and Ideas are welcome

• A workplace centered around books, creativity, community, and learning

• Genuine breaks during longer shifts

• The occasional presence of Betti herself, our Pawfice Manager (she is a dog who sheds)

We are a growing business, which means some things will evolve. We will do our best to communicate changes clearly and give employees as much advance notice as possible.

1. ABOUT YOU

2. AVAILABILITY

Betti's currently anticipates 11:30am-7:30pm hours on Friday, and 9:30am-5:30pm hours on Saturday and Sunday. We expect to expand these hours out during the week as we grow our staff and receive our food permit.

Evening events are an important part of what we do, and we will generally schedule events as far In advance as possible, but we may ask for some evening flexibility.

Please provide your usual availability, not simply your availability for one particular week. Please let us know availability for every day as we hope to expand our hours later In the year.

3. WORKING AT BETTI'S

Betti's employees work In a physically active retail and event environment. Depending on the role and shift, work may involve standing for extended periods; walking throughout the store; bending and reaching; shelving books at varying heights; moving chairs, tables, and event materials; and lifting or carrying boxes of books and other items weighing up to approximately 50lbs.

4. YOUR READING LIFE

You do not need to have read everything. We certainly haven't, despite our best efforts!

Good bookselling Isn't about proving how many books you've read. We're Interested In what excites you, what you know, and how you think about connecting readers with books.

Tell us about the books you've particularly enjoyed. They can be from any genre, age category, or time period.

5. THE BOOKSELLER CHALLENGE

A big part of bookselling is helping someone find a book that's right for them, not necessarily a book that's right for you.

For each customer below, recommend a book and briefly tell us why.

Don't worry if you don't know every category! We're also interested In your approach. And booksellers have different interests, so perhaps your approach is to know your coworkers' strengths and include them in your customer's quest.

6. STORY HOUR, EVENTS, & CAFE

Betti's is more than a traditional retail bookstore.

We host children's programming, readings, performances, community gatherings, private rentals, and other events. We also plan to add café service featuring espresso drinks, coffee, simple prepared foods, and eventually permitted beer and wine service.

Training will be provided as responsibilities are introduced.

7. TELL US ABOUT YOU

8. EMPLOYMENT & EXPERIENCE

Previous paid employment is not required for entry-level applicants.

You may include employment, volunteer positions, internships, school activities, clubs, theatre, sports, community organizations, or other experiences that you think are relevant.

10. REFERENCES

Please provide two references who can speak to your reliability, work ethic, judgment, or ability to work with others.

For applicants with limited employment history, teachers, professors, coaches, volunteer supervisors, directors, or other appropriate non-family references are welcome.

APPLICANT CERTIFICATION

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing materially false information may affect my eligibility for employment or, if discovered after hiring, may result in corrective action up to and including termination.

I understand that submitting this application does not constitute an offer or guarantee of employment.

If selected to continue in the hiring process, I understand that Betti's may request additional information or authorization necessary to verify employment-related information or conduct lawful screening applicable to the position.