We''re expanding the Rifuzl team; let''s hire a Rifuzl jack-of-all-trades

Manca and I spent a long time wondering what this position should even be called. Don’t let the term “jack-of-all-trades” throw you off. If the news that we’re hiring someone new caught your attention, then you definitely need to read this post and find out if you’re the right fit for us! ?

"What is Rifuzl? Who are you guys, anyway, and what do you do?"

Rifuzl is the first plastic-free store in Slovenia, which Manca Behrič and I (Primož Cigler) opened in 2018. Our goal is to help people shop more easily without creating plastic waste. You can read more here.

Don’t be fooled by the fact that we’re “just a tiny, cute little store” for now. Our goal is to make shopping without plastic packaging in Slovenia so enjoyable and commonplace that it’s accessible to everyone. Even for those who don’t care much about the environment. To achieve this, we’re looking to expand our team—and maybe we need YOU!

“What will I be doing there?”

Let me clarify right off the bat: we’re not looking for someone to work for us, but for someone to work with us! ? A small difference on paper, but a huge one in practice.

About half of your workday (probably more at first, less later on) will be spent on operational tasks related to keeping Rifuzl running smoothly. Examples of such tasks include:

• communicating with customers: Facebook and Instagram Messenger, comments, email, text messages, and phone calls,
• helping to create content for social media, email newsletters, and the blog,
• keeping the website, online store listings, and order forms up to date,
• communicating with our suppliers regarding current offers and arranging deliveries (mostly via email, though sometimes you’ll need to pick up the phone),
• In principle, this isn’t a job posting for a retail salesperson, but you’ll occasionally pop into the store to help out. The hands-on experience you gain there will come in very handy for all your other work!

Over time, you’ll fill the other half of your workweek on your own, based on your experience in day-to-day operations and the ambitious goals we have ahead of us. We’ll find the best balance between your skills and our shared goals. Did I mention that we’re not looking for someone to work for us, but someone to work with us? Exactly!

We, the founders, also want you to fully cover for us in the event of our sick leave or vacations (during which there will be a bit more day-to-day operations). You’ll be given all the authority and instructions you need to handle this. ?

In our currently small team, you’ll play an important role and, accordingly, take on a great deal of responsibility for your work.

We can’t wait for you to apply for an interview if:

• You’re generally sociable, enjoy communicating, debating, and working with people.
• You have a great deal of empathy, are open-minded, and understand the saying “live and let live.”
• You’re well-versed in using a computer (an engineering mindset, programming skills, or a background in the natural sciences is a big plus). For example: if needed, you can edit a photo, write a formula in Excel, and quickly pick up new technical skills online.
• You’re happy to take on challenges. You generally look forward to learning and acquiring new skills.
• You’re persistent by nature—there will be many obstacles along the way, and often you’ll need to put in the effort and “push through” things you don’t particularly enjoy.
• You’re self-critical when it comes to your work—you do more and better than others, and sometimes even more than is required of you.
• You’re not afraid to take on a leadership role in the company—and for certain projects, even on a permanent basis.
• You love order and organization, are dedicated to your work, and don’t expect others to correct or check your work for you.
• You never tell yourself that something is impossible, pointless, or can’t be done.
• You’d prefer to work primarily from home.
• You’re from Ljubljana, or you’re willing to come to Ljubljana at least once a week (occasionally more often).
• You’re ready for a full-time, permanent position.

The list above is not exhaustive. We’ll be most excited if you believe you have the knowledge and skills that will serve you well at Rifuzl. Manca and I can’t wait for you to show them off during your job interview!

DO NOT apply for this job if:

• You’re only looking for (any kind of) job with a fixed number of hours each day.
• You don’t care if your job doesn’t fulfill you personally or align with your beliefs and values.
• You expect us to give you a list of tasks that you’ll then just blindly follow until “retirement” (we’re looking for someone who is independent and self-motivated).
• You’re intolerant of those who think differently, or you’re unable to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and accept a different opinion (fanatical Gestapo types convinced of a black-and-white world are out of the question, even in terms of living a low-waste lifestyle).
• You’re a narrow specialist in a specific field and have no desire to learn or take on tasks that fall outside your existing knowledge.
• You aren’t self-disciplined enough to work remotely (from home) without supervision.
• You already have your own business or job that takes up most of your day, and you’re not willing to give it up.
• You give up easily when work gets tough and you know you’ll need to put in a little more effort to reach your goal.

What will you find here / what do we offer?

• A work environment and team where you’ll be able to be as productive as you want. The right people truly thrive here.
• A healthy work environment and leadership that actively works toward this goal:
  • Every minute you work for Rifuzl will be paid.
  • We don’t work overtime because 40 hours a week is more than enough to keep us busy.
  • More vacation days per year than required by law.
  • Open and honest communication within the team.
  • We place a high value on work and our jobs. We don’t live to work; rather, we work to live.
• Both your work hours and your work location will be flexible. You’ll do most of your work on a computer, from home or wherever you’re most productive. We don’t have an office right now, but if that’s a problem for you, we can rent one in the future. You’ll organize your schedule to suit you. The only important thing is that you have enough self-discipline to complete everything we agree on—and everything expected of you—on time and to a high standard. We’re looking for results, not just “clocking in” at the office. With us, you can go for a walk during the workday, spend time with your family, go skiing, running, or surfing. The only requirement is that you know how to communicate this effectively with the rest of the team and that everything is always done as agreed.
• A strong focus on the development of the individual, the team, and the company:
  • Individual: Paid training (including based on your suggestions). We encourage the development of leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
  • Team: Several times a year, we get together for extended brainstorming sessions where we discuss current challenges and ideas for solving them. Since we’re a distributed team and communicate largely through text, there’s a constant emphasis on improving communication, which helps in all aspects of life.
  • Company: What Rifuzl is today is just the first few steps of a long and ambitious journey. To put it in perspective: our goal is to reach the summit of Šmarna Gora; right now, we’ve just left the parking lot in Tacno and are only just warming up. ?
• Salary or Compensation:
  • If we’re on the same page in every other respect (which is essential), we’ll definitely find a monthly salary for your work that satisfies both of us. But, so as not to set unrealistic expectations: the upper limit for the salary is around 2,500 EUR gross. If you’re expecting a higher salary, save us both some time and don’t apply for this position.
  • Generous discounts on all purchases at Rifuzl for you and your household.
  • A transparent profit-sharing system that includes the entire team, encourages teamwork, and ensures ongoing (monthly) rewards based on financial results. Financial incentives at Rifuzl aren’t a matter of personal discretion by someone “above you” or the “CEO’s” goodwill in December for a Christmas bonus.

Since Rifuzl is currently a small, rapidly expanding company with extremely ambitious (yet achievable) goals, this is one of those rare opportunities to join this story right from the very beginning. You’ll be part of a story that positively contributes to a better future and a better life for many people, communities, and nature.

How do you apply?

Send an email to zaposlitev@afna-rifuzl.si by Thursday, March 24, at 12:00 p.m. at the latest . Apply as soon as possible, as Manca and I will be reviewing applications as they come in and inviting suitable candidates for in-person interviews!

Updated March 17 at 7:35 p.m.: We’ve already received well over 100 applications and have several very strong candidates. If you’re not 100% sure that we’re looking for someone exactly like you, please don’t apply.

Updated March 19 at 11:15 a.m.: We are no longer accepting applications!

Use the questions below to help you write your application. I’d like you to address each of them in your email, but you don’t need to answer every single question directly or in bullet points. Don’t worry if the email ends up being long! You can also record yourself and send us a video presentation with your answers.

• How did you find out about this ad?
• Tell us a little bit about yourself: who you are, your educational background, your hobbies, your lifestyle, and what has always interested you?
• What are you currently doing in life (employment)?
• What career experience do you have so far? Briefly describe what you’ve done in your life so far and, most importantly, how do you think this experience will help you in your work at Rifuzl?
• If you’re already familiar with Rifuzl and have any ideas about what you’d like to work on, please describe what that would be and how you’d go about it.
• What is the main reason you want to become part of the Rifuzl team?
• List 1–3 questions that are already coming to mind as you apply for this position.
• If you have one, include a link to your website, LinkedIn profile, or something similar where people can learn more about you and your work.
  If you don’t have one, include at least a photo in your email—it doesn’t have to be serious or “professional”; we’d rather see you smile :)

You can also attach your resume to the email, but it isn’t essential, because we’re not looking for skills on paper—we’re looking for them in practice!