Employment at Nordstrom
Nordstrom is an upmarket chain of department stores in the U.S. Having started its life as a shoe store, the company has expanded to sell a range of goods including handbags, clothing, cosmetics, and home furnishings. With 237 stores across 31 states, the company also sells goods via its online store. The company headquarters are located in downtown Seattle. Nordstrom started out as a family business. In 1930, John W. Nordstrom retired and sold his share of the company to Everett and Elmer, his two sons. This date also marked the grand opening of a brand-new Nordstrom store. For the next 20 or so years the company was run by Everett, Elmer and Lloyd Nordstrom. In 1958 the company had eight stores in two states. They were only selling shoes at this point. The first Nordstrom Rack clearance store was opened in Seattle in 1975. The company recorded significant growth during the third generation of brothers. In 1995, the fourth generation of brothers took over the company (Blake, Erik and Peter Nordstrom).
At present, the company has stores in Seattle, Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Tennessee, nYC, Chicago, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Miami, Lost Angeles, Houston, NJ, San Diego etc. Nordstrom is an ideal company for anyone looking to begin or develop a career within the retail industry, and anyone interested in doing so should visit their website and submit a Nordstrom online application for employment.
But don’t jump into the Nordstrom application process just yet. This is a company with great history and a unique vision. Before you submit your jobs and employment form there are a few things that you should know about the Nordstroms and their ideas on fashion. In the following guide we have covered the basics of Nordstrom careers, requirements, benefits, average salaries as well as interview advice.
Nordstrom Jobs Available
Available Nordstrom jobs: customer care representative, fitting room attendant, cashier, stock team member, sales counter manager, maintenance technician, merchandise handler, administrative assistant, assistant manager, store manager, marketing expert, department supervisor, customer service specialist, loss prevention associate, cleaning specialist, wedding stylist, shoe shiner, tailor, jewelry and watches sales associate, men’s sportswear sales associate, kid’s shoes sales associate, massage therapist, retail associate, accessories associate etc.
The type of jobs available at Nordstrom vary depending on whether they are based in a store or in their head office. Store-based jobs include sales associate, cashier, merchandising and loss prevention, among others. Head office roles vary widely from accounts and purchasing to software developers to customer service roles. Whatever kind of role you are looking for, with a large range of stores to choose from there is likely to be a suitable opportunity for you.
Nordstrom shops offer exquisite clothing pieces at reasonable prices. They regularly market new collections for men, women and children. In addition to this, accessories, footwear selections and home furnishings are also available in their rack shops. Customer satisfaction is extremely important for Nordstrom, so much so that managers have actually decided to add small espresso bars& cafe for complete shopping experience.
Sales associates are not only expected to complete their regular tasks, but to also assist a customer at all times. The policy of Nordstrom is to never let a customer leave empty-handed or dissatisfied. In order to achieve this it has created a performance-based payment plan (which would probably take a whole day to completely explain to a new employee).
At the moment Nordstrom has revenue of over eight billion dollars per year and it operates with the help of roughly 50,000 employees in 200 United States stores. Without a doubt, the most important qualities of an entry-level applicant are exceptional (and we mean exceptional) interpersonal skills, patience and positive attitude. Stock associate, beauty advisor, sales associate and cashier positions require little to no experience. Upon hiring the candidate will undergo a short training program.
Note: after having read several reviews we found out that the training program is a lot easier than the tasks that come with the job. Several former employees posted on Indeed’s forums saying that the productivity tracking system for Nordstrom jobs is not explained but it entails a lot of suggestive selling and control over every item marketed. Expect to work more for Nordstrom than for any other company. With this in mind we will take a look at some of the most popular entry-level positions with Nordstrom rack:
Stock Associate: As the name suggests, stock associates are in charge of repeatedly stocking, replenishing and organizing merchandise in specific departments (men’s apparel, women, children, cosmetics etc). In general, a stock associate will be designated to one department. This will make it easier for him to familiarize himself with products and customer preferences. Retail experience is not mandatory for a stock associate position, but it is a welcome advantage over other candidates.
The most important traits of a stock associate are organizational skills, ability to work within a team and interpersonal skills. If you are also able to work late hours or during the weekends you will definitely receive employment consideration. Lastly, physical condition is required to perform tasks such as stooping, bending or lifting merchandise. The minimum salary for stock associates starts at 10.00 per hour and may increase with tenure. For more information about Nordstrom careers & salaries you should check out the official page at www.nordstrom.com.
Retail Sales Associate: Sales associates represent another entry-level Nordstrom career. If you decide to apply for this job you should know that you will be required to complete tasks in various departments. Your main goal is to ensure that sales are made. Other job description and duties include ringing out purchases, handing credit card operations, resolving conflicts, and processing returns. Nordstrom wants its sales associates to develop meaningful relationships with its customers to ensure that they retain their clientele.
Basic knowledge of computers and store products is a must. To be considered for this Nordstrom career applicants must also have good organizational and social skills and a competitive drive. The average salary for sales associates starts at 9.00 dollars per hour, and can grow to 12.00 dollars per hour. Commissions are also a possibility.
Retail Sales – Kid’s Apparel: Nordstrom values its client, no matter their age. They strongly believe that it is important to create a bond with the child, to remember his name, and to help him find something he likes. This will encourage him to return to the store next time. Here are some of the most important responsibilities of retail sales expert for the Kid’s apparel section: greeting customers in a timely & engaging manner, achieving personal sales goals or team goals, seeking and understanding new fashion trends, performing maintenance tasks, stocking shelves and organizing displays.
The qualifications required for those who wish to be considered in this Nordstrom career include a high school diploma (or equivalent), proof of social skills (through interviews), competitive drive, organizational, communication and team-work abilities, high level of accountability and initiative. We believe that people who are truly passionate about the fashion industry should apply for these types of Nordstrom Careers. If you are prepared to interact with customers on a daily basis, give them advice regarding their purchases etc., this is definitely the job for you. The average monthly salary and compensation for retail sales experts starts at 10.00 dollars per hour – it increases with tenure.
Nordstrom Careers in Management
If the sales department is not for you, you can always try out for a corporate position. Although Nordstrom prefers to hire from within, it will never turn down applicants with stellar resumes. Individuals, who can provide great leadership, organize schedules and come up with new strategies will definitely be considered for administrative positions.
Department managers, for example, are responsible for each section of a store. They most oversee activity within the store, track progress of employees and create schedules. Assistant and store managers are usually focused on day-to-day operations. They must make sure that everything is working smoothly, and in case something is not, they must report to the department manager.
Naturally, some education and experience is required for an administrative position. You can find out more specifics on each job listing on the official careers website (www.careers.nordstrom.com). As far as salaries go, a department manager’s annual pay falls somewhere between 30,000 and 35,000 dollars. Assistant managers earn approximately $45,000 per year and store managers can earn as much as $80,000 per year (depending on experience, skill level and tenure).
Minimum Employment Age at Nordstrom
Nordstrom’s company website states that while they do not prohibit the hiring of minors they do follow state and federal law with regards to limitations on hours of work for minors and prohibited duties. In other words, if you are a minor, it is well worth submitting a Nordstrom job application online although you should be aware that due to state and federal restrictions not all positions are open to minors.Nordstrom regularly hires sixteen and seventeen year olds who demonstrate a passion for fashion and fresh personality.
Nordstrom Store Hours
Nordstrom hours of operation vary depending on location, however in general the hours are as follows: 9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Sundays. This may be useful when submitting a Nordstrom job application as most application forms will ask about your availability to work.
Monday – Saturday: 9.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Basic Tips for Applying for Nordstrom Careers
There are two ways of applying for Nordstrom jobs: online or in person. We have covered the offline aspects below, so let us focus on the Nordstrom application online process here. To begin the application process you have to visit the company’s career website:
Portal for new applicants: nordstrom.com
Portal for employees: www.nordstrom careers.com
Now that you are on the Job search page you can do two things: the first thing would be to create an account, the second would be to simply start browsing for Nordstrom rack careers that might interest you. As is the case with other companies, the career website for Nordstrom will display several filters with which you can narrow down your search. Once you pin-point a career that you would be interested in pursuing you can click on it to find out more details. The page will redirect you to the specific position. Information such as requirements, responsibilities and qualifications will be displayed beneath.
Now you can apply for the job (if you haven’t created an account yet you will have to do it now) or save it for later. The great thing about Nordstrom is the fact that the application process is not very long. It will take between 30 and 50 minutes to complete it, depending on how quickly you type and whether or not you have your documents ready.
Your application experience may vary, depending on the position that you are applying for. Once you have created an account you can begin the process. You will be asked to upload your resume. Although this is not mandatory, it will greatly increase the chances of getting hired. We recommend you to have the resume prepared before starting the application.
If your resume is correctly uploaded, the Nordstrom application online will automatically fill in some of the fields for you. During the application process you will be asked for information such as email address, employment history, education, name, address, phone number, social security number etc. It is of vital important to type in all this data correctly. A wrong address or phone-number may cost you the job.
At the end of the application you will be asked for your resume and cover letter. We strongly recommend you to upload them. This is one of the best ways to stand out.
Now that the application process is complete, you will have to start the assessment module. During this assessment you will be asked 48 questions that will help Nordstrom hiring managers decide if you are a good fit for the company. Here are a few questions that will give you an idea of what to expect:
“How often do you take chances or shortcuts?”
“How would you assess your competence level relative to your co-workers or classmates?”
There’s no point in lying during the assessment module. We’re not telling you to choose the morally-correct answer every-time but we’re also not implying that you should give shy or weak answers. ‘Definitely’ will tell the hiring manager more about you than ‘maybe’ or ‘I don’t know’. Be strong in your convictions!
More info on: careers.nordstrom
Important Tips to Apply Online with Nordstrom
As with any large company, Nordstrom online applications will be submitted at the rate of thousands every week, so it is important to make your application stand out from the crowd.
If you are applying to a local store, it is worth either submitting your application in person to the store or visiting the store to ask about the role in more detail. If you make a positive impression face-to-face, they are likely to remember you and look out for your application when sifting through them.
If applying to the head office, the personal touch might not be possible but there are still ways you can make your Nordstrom application form more likely to succeed. First of all, pay close attention to your spelling and grammar.
This might sound obvious but people who work in recruitment frequently receive applications with poor spelling and grammar, and for the most part these applications are discarded, regardless of how good the content is – careful attention to spelling and grammar shows you have spent time and care on your Nordstrom application.
You should also do some research on the company and ensure that you tailor the answers on your Nordstrom job application form to demonstrate an understanding of the company mission and values.
Most companies have a wealth of information on their website about their aims and values and Nordstrom is no different. Take the time to read through this and ensure your answers reflect the research you have done.
Nordstrom Application Status
When it comes to Nordstrom, it is always a good idea to contact hiring managers and inquire about your application status. That’s because the company receives thousands of applications every month (there are currently 1300 job openings) and it is very possible to have yours lost. If you haven’t heard from hiring personal in two or three weeks since your submission we recommend you to contact the store. Patience is not the key here.
People who decided to contact a hiring manager in person may receive an on-the-spot interview and immediate employment offer. If this is the case, you should arrive at the store dressed appropriately. It may be a good idea to wear one or two Nordstrom clothes to demonstrate further interest in the position.
Most Common Positions at Nordstrom & Income Information
Most job application forms will ask the applicant to set their salary expectations, and it is helpful if the applicant’s expectations are close to the wages on offer for the job applied for. Below are listed a few common jobs at Nordstrom and the approximate salaries they carry to help you when completing this section of your Nordstrom online application.
- Salesperson – $10/hr.
- Customer Service Associate – $12/hr.
- Assistant Department Manager – $14/hr.
- Beauty Advisor – $15/hr.
- Buyer – $60,000/year.
Careers website: www.careers.nordstrom.com
Nordstrom Benefits
Nordstrom offers its employees a range of benefits, including dental and medical coverage, income protection, retirement and savings benefits, paid time off and a range of work/life benefits including group home and auto insurance. Below you can find a complete list of benefits that part time and full-time Nordstrom employees can benefit from:
- 401 (k) retirement plans – employer-matched
- Paid training, verification tutorials and courses
- Generous discount offers on clothes and accessories
- Flexible schedules
- Paid sick leave
- Paid holiday time
- Long and short-term disability coverage
- Possibility to enroll in wellness programs
- Health, dental and vision coverage
- Competitive salaries & growth opportunities
- Scholarship tuition and seasonal opportunities
Official website: norstrom.com or careers.nordstrom.com
Find out more about opportunities at Nordstrom on the Nordstrom website
Nordstrom Interview Tips & Hiring Process Information
Nordstrom interviews are usually conducted by a store manager. An interview is the perfect opportunity for a manager to assess a candidate’s knowledge and compatibility with the company’s vision. In addition to this, it is their chance to inform the job-seeker about company policies and standards. Two interviews are scheduled before hiring. One of them is done by the regional manager and the other by the store manager.
As far as questions go, they are not particularly tricky. Most of them will remain on the subject of education, experience and personality traits. The others will evaluate your decision-making qualities, ability to work as part of a team, and fashion sense. A good applicant should be able to find solutions to problems on the spot and ensure customer satisfaction under any circumstances. There are several scenario-based questions that you should expect. Make sure to support your answers with strong facts in order to prove solid judgment. You can also reference past experiences as long as they are relevant for the company.
Nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal one during the interview. Avoid excessive body movements (hand-waving, twitching etc.), look your interviewer directly in the eyes and maintain a correct posture. Since you are applying for a career in the fashion industry you should also be mindful of your outfit. We would recommend you to choose a business or business casual attire. You could also throw in one or two accessories from Nordstrom.
Frequently Asked Nordstrom Interview Questions
All in all, Nordstrom career interviews are not difficult. With a little preparation you can nail all the questions and secure a position in no time. We will not give interview answers for the questions below simply because we believe that each applicant has a different personality, and answers must be unique.
- How flexible is your schedule?
- How long does it take for you to get accustomed with a new environment?
- Why do you want to work with Nordstrom?
- What makes Nordstrom different from other stores?
- Did you know that Nordstrom has a handbook of rules and regulations that employees must respect? What would you do if one of your colleagues didn’t respect the code?
- Why should Nordstrom hire you?
- Have you applied for other Nordstrom careers?
- Describe a time when you exceeded your manager’s expectations.
- Describe a time when a customer came to you with a problem. How did you handle the situation?
- Define customer service in three words.
- Do you have any previous experience in the sales environment?
This concludes our guide for Nordstrom employment. If you want to find out more about the company’s requirements for specific jobs or benefits you should visit www.nordstrom.com. Keep in mind that, while it is possible to apply for more jobs at the same time, it is recommended that you only apply for a few that you are actually interested in.
You can also use the www.nordstrom.com – Google search to access more job-specific websites and forums related to Nordstrom jobs. Good luck!
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