Sales Exploratory Position

Free Geek Thrift Store Sales Intern

Hours Weekly: 20 hours Rate of pay: $10.25/hr ??? Duration: 3 - 6 months Benefits: This is an exploratory internship, not a collective position (yet), so benefits are somewhat limited to Wisdom, Camaraderie, Respect, and Fame or Infamy (your choice)

Job Description:

• Recruit and train volunteer tech support- Pull together a posse of capable and helpful supporters for both Tier I and Tier II support of FreekBoxes. Create a script to be used when doing Tier I phone support.
• Expand tech support areas covered- research the feasibility of supporting GrantBoxes (that use our software) and GAP boxes.
• Do tech support- There won't always be volunteers available! Answer the phones, read a lot of email, keep records, write responses and (occasionally) instructional articles, talk to walkins.
• Participate with the distro group - Tech support people must understand the basic technology and philosophy of the FreekBox and the decisions that go into it. May include advising distro about FreekBox pitfalls and bugs. Research and test software in current and proposed FreekBox profiles.
• Set up and maintain tracking system for support- This may include working with coders to develop FREE GEEK specific support software or researching existing software. Educate people who need to know on proper procedures for using this. Protect the private information of those being supported. Develop an FAQ for use by supporters.
• Keep support policy in line with FREE GEEK philosophy and capabilities. Be aware of FREE GEEK programs.
• Document, document, document!

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with Free and Open Source software (FreekBox experience a big plus)
• High level of patience
• Helpful and education-minded
• Ability to work unsupervised
• Research and troubleshoot software and hardware, using available resources (including Internet)
• Organizational skills
• Experience in working with volunteers
• Ability to work in an informal, friendly environment with a diverse staff

In Addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress in a somewhat chaotic setting and maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of stubborn ignorance. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Cover letters, resumes and references should be submitted in plain text in the body of an email to jobs@freegeek.org. Do not send word processed documents or attached files; resumes submitted in these formats will not be considered. In addition, we require interested parties to visit the technology center to gain a better understanding of this environment. Tours are available at noon and 6 pm Tuesday through Saturday. Please be sure to mention at the Front Desk that you're an applicant, or we won't know you've been here.

Application deadline for this job is June 16 at 5 pm.

Common Interview Questions

Most of the common interview questions would apply, including why they want the job, what they know of FG, and tell us about yourself.

Job Description

The job description should be worded to state our desire to hire for a mere 20 hours, at pitiful pay, a person who has experience in sales, and is capable of improving our ability to organize, display, and label items for sale in a professional manner.

It should also include the usual traits, such as being on time, reliable, honest, and self-motivated. Duties will still include stocking, customer relations and sales, and should still require the ability to lift and carry at least 40 lbs.

Schedule and Duration

• Part time 20 hours per week
• 3 to 6 months
• Pay rate:

The hours of work are negotiable, within the framework of the schedule and the agreements forged with the other store persons. And of course we need to include the temporary nature of the job, as it is limited to 6 months at present. However, if we are no longer offering this position as a training tool, HR may reconsider the duration requirements.