Gamestop/EB Games Job?

I'm thinking of looking for a part-time job at a Gamestop or EB Games. I figure this job will go hand in hand with my gaming hobby. I assume as an employee you will get a discount on games, systems, etc. Are there any other perks to having this job?

Would anyone here who have worked in these stores recommend working in one and care to share what they think based on their experience?

Does the job pay well, what's the usual pay rate for part-time employees? Do you just sit around on the clerk desk all day?

Any tips on how to land a job at these game stores better? Are there particular times of the year that they are more likely to hire people?

I would say I'm pretty knowledgeable on current games, especially the ones that appeal to teens and adults. I own a Wii, DS, PS3, PC and soon a PSP. I keep myself up to date with all the gaming news by checking gaming sites like Joystiq, VoodooExtreme and Gametrailers almost daily. If a person is looking for a game, I would be very eager to help them find the right one. I've worked at a Starbucks before, so I know how to deal with (or at least handle) most people.

So what does everyone think? Is a place like this worth my time? I kinda shudder at the thought of myself asking someone if they would like to preorder a game, but I guess I have to take the good with the bad.

So what does everyone think? Is a place like this worth my time? I kinda shudder at the thought of myself asking someone if they would like to preorder a game, but I guess I have to take the good with the bad.

Bamb0o-Stick

I worked at Gamestop in high school. I had a great experience though yours would be what you make of it.

You get an employee discount. Last I heard it was 15% or so plus a bunch of random promotional things like t-shirts, demo discs, etc.

If you're looking for a job to get your working life started then yes, I think it's a pretty good place to start. You deal with video games all day long so if you love games you can spend all day talking to customers about games, and the more you know about games the better off you'll be because customers will come to respect your opinion and therefore come back to the store, making your manager happy. There are sales expectations on the job. As you already assume you need to push things like reservations, trade-ins, and the like, and a big part of the job is how well you are able to push the company's products beyond just punching things into the cash register.

Pay would depend on your prior experience, but it is not better or worse than average retail pay.

To get hired, you need to look nice and have one or two good references. When you drop off your resume make sure the manager knows who you are and follow-up on a regular basis regarding the status of your application. They hire extra part-time people leading up to the holidays, but it will vary store to store when they hire permanent positions. You have to ask the manager, because every game store manager I've known has a huge stack of resumes, but very few of them are of any exemplary quality that they would hire.

Thanks a lot for the information, it was really helpful. I've had two steady jobs before, I just put them aside because of school. My last job I've had for four years working as a baker in a kitchen, the only problem is that I can't use that as work experience. It just doesn't really apply to retail and selling games, you know? They're great as references though, because I always show up on time, never call sick, etc. I hope this separates me from the typical teen who just wants to join a game store like its a candy factory.

Thanks a lot for the information, it was really helpful. I've had two steady jobs before, I just put them aside because of school. My last job I've had for four years working as a baker in a kitchen, the only problem is that I can't use that as work experience. It just doesn't really apply to retail and selling games, you know? They're great as references though, because I always show up on time, never call sick, etc. I hope this separates me from the typical teen who just wants to join a game store like its a candy factory.

Bamb0o-Stick

If you love talking about video games youll love it. I workedin the elctronics department at Zellers at loved talking video games.

It seems to be really tough to get a job as a Keyholder or Advisor. Unless you're applying for a manager or assistant manager position, its hard not to have your application lost in a pile. That is, if they even give you an application to fill out to begin with. I went by my store today and asked if they knew any stores that were hiring, but the clerk told me there wasn't any. There doesn't seem to be any way to search for any job openings for Advisors, even online. The Gamestop site only lets you search for management and asst managers only. Anybody got any tips? Should I just go back to the store and ask them if there's any way I can search for other stores for Advisor positions?

wow, all the info help me out a lot, i just apply for a job at gamestop, a quick question, what if i have long hair, do i just shave my head, do they requiered to pulled it back or something?

I doubt they would require you to shave your head. If they don't tell you to tie your hair back, at least trim it enough so you can do so. Don't go into an interview with your hair all over the place either. Keep it neat and presentable.

I doubt they would require you to shave your head. If they don't tell you to tie your hair back, at least trim it enough so you can do so. Don't go into an interview with your hair all over the place either. Keep it neat and presentable.

Bamb0o-Stick

My Brother recently had an Interview for Game (Games Wizards), I know they tend to like the Loose people..... People that work great with Customers....

I'm sure it would be the same for EBgames and Gamespot.