How To Get A Part Time Job - GameStop

Tommy Walker is the manager of a local GameStop. We were able to get together recently and he shared his best tips for teens on how to get a part time job at GameStop. I know that this would be a dream job for a lot of teens who are gamers out there, girls and guys alike!

Me: Please tell us a little about yourself and when you started working for GameStop.

Tommy: I started working for GameStop in 2009 as a way to create income while in college. As I became more experienced with people and in business I decided to pursue a full time position. I worked my way through the ranks and became a Store Manager in 2013. I am focused on recruiting and developing the future leaders of our company and serve as a mentor for the Jacksonville area.

Me: What do you look for on an application? What makes an application stand out?

Tommy: A prospective applicant can have many qualities that can make them a successful employee. Someone who stands out in the pool of applicants at GameStop would be well-dressed, respectful, outgoing, have open availability and most importantly be humble. It is ok to have confidence but be careful to not come across as having a big ego. You need to be a team player.

Okay. I’m not much of a gamer but I still play Minecraft occasionally!

Me: Are you looking for teens who already have a good understanding of the products you sell?

Tommy: An understanding of the products at any sales job is expected, but not as much as one would think. Customer service always trumps product knowledge. Great leaders can teach product knowledge and sales techniques but not all are capable of having a ‘service matters’ attitude. The customer is the REAL boss. They can ‘fire’ you at any moment by simply taking their business elsewhere if they are not the number one priority. At GameStop we are looking for employees who genuinely want to help our customers!

Me: How can a teen make a good first impression when they walk through the door looking for a job?

Tommy: A teen can sometimes have a harder time earning an interview because of the lack of experience. That being said, people are hired for their ‘first job’ all the time. This is why first impressions are so important. A good rule of thumb is to ask for the manager on duty during a slow time the day. This will give the manager an opportunity to ask a few quick questions that may lead to memorable answers.

Me: What are some common mistakes teens make as employees?

Tommy: Everyone that walks through the door gives an impression. You are the company you keep and the way one acts in public can speak volumes to how they may act in the workplace. Some teens make the mistake of inquiring about a job at the wrong time. If you aren’t dressed appropriately, are with a group of friends, or acting immature that would not be the time to apply. Take the time to apply when your purpose for coming in the store is to get a job. Also, many teens will have their parents check up on their applications. Any potential employee isn’t hiring your parents they are hiring you and you shouldn’t involve your parents.

Tommy took a part time job he got as a college student and turned it into a career he loves.

Me: What kind of opportunities does GameStop offer to its employees?

Tommy:
– Tuition Reimbursement

– Health Options (Health, Dental, Vision)

– 401k Matching

– Experienced Training

– Opportunity for Advancement

Me: What is your best advice for a young person looking for a job?

Tommy: Resume, Resume, Resume. Retail companies have many people that apply every day. When there are a large number of applicants every day, a resume gives someone the opportunity to not only list information such as education and experience but also what makes a candidate unique from other candidates. What most teens don’t realize is that they can still create a resume if they have never had a job before. One can put volunteer activities, extracurricular, or athletic achievements. A resume from someone who has not had a job before shows that they are determined to get an opportunity. (If you want to know how to create a high school resume just take a look here!)

Me: Thanks so much Tommy! It sounds like GameStop is a great place to work and would be a lot of fun particularly for teens who love gaming! Tommy’s advice about first impressions is really important. If you really want a job you need to think about your appearance when you go in to a store even if it’s just to ask for an application.