Nordstrom Cosmetic Sales Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – I had wanted to work for the Nordstrom cosmetics department for a long time. I applied online and was called within 24 hours by the department manager for the interview. The interview was very professional (more professional than I would have thought, they didn't ask any personal questions at all) and concise. The first and most prominent question was "Why should I hire you". He also asked about my experience. Additionally, I was asked:

1) Explain a time when you gave outstanding customer service?
2) How do you feel about making commission?
3) What motivates you?
4) What would you do if your sales were under your quota?

He made it pretty clear to me by the end of the interview that I was going to get the job. A few days later, I was called and offed a job. Very excited!!

Interview Details – Applied online to become a cosmetics and fragrances sales associate. About 30 minutes later, received a phone call from store's recruiter. During the call I completed a phone interview and was informed that I was selected for an interview which will be scheduled two days later. My 1:1 interview consisted of meeting with the department manager as well as assistant manager, tour of the department, and completing an IQ/Intelligence test. During the interview the department manager stated that with my prior work experience and education I should consider the cosmetics counter manager position. We then discussed the job duties as well as qualifications required of a cosmetic counter manager. I also provided both managers my preferences of the cosmetics I would like to sell if hired.

I was informed shortly after the 1:1 interview that if selected as a potential candidate I would be receiving a call/email from the account executive of the product I selected to sell if hired. About 4 days later I received a call from the account executive to schedule a interview with her. Unfortunately she couldn't attend due to an illness and it was postpone to the next day. She couldn't attend that day as well however she did call me to conduct a phone interview. Her first and only question was why her company. I answered honestly by stating my business goals and reiterating my work experiences. She loved my answer and stated that I was what her company needs as well as a "breath of fresh air". She informed me that she would send her recommendation via email to the store manager. Two days later I received a call from the department manager with an offer for the cosmetics counter manager and I gladly accepted.

Negotiation Details – I was content with the base salary and commission. Therefore no negotiation was needed.

Interview Details – I walked in one day and talked to the cosmetics manager and asked if they were hiring for MAC. She said yes and to apply online even if it just says a general cosmetics sales associate. The online application consisted of uploading your resume and answering personality questions. Two days later I got an email with a link to choose a date for the phone interview. The link didn't work. I tried it again for about three days and the scheduling system was down. I did a live chat online and they gave me a phone number for a website help line. I called them and they told me to call the store's HR abd they could manually set up a date. I called for three days and no one in hr answers the phone. I finally asked for the cosmetics manager who transfered me and then the woman in hr picked up. She scheduled a phone interview within a couple of days and told me she would call me at 11am. That day came and no call. I waited an hour and then called the store. Again, no one picked up. Called and left messages for the next four days. Still no call. On the fifth day after when my phone interview was supposed to be, I called again and she answered telling me she lost the paper that had my phone number on it but she wanted to know if I could do the phone interview now. Of course I said yes. She asked me basic questions like:
Why nordstrom?
Describe a difficult customer.
Describe a time you didn't reach a goal of yours.
How do you feel about making commission?
It took about 10 minutes and then asked about my availability and said a cosmetics manager would call me to schedule an interview. Waiting for phase 2. I see that a lot of people have gone through some type of miscommunication like I have, so we'll see. Hope this helps.

Interview Details – did a breif phone interview with HR, then interview with HR manager and cosmetics asst. manager. typical interview questions. Then I interviewed with the cosmetics account executive and cosmetics manager. Then I was taken by the cosmetics manager and she told me to mock sell her some mascara. Was offered the job about a week later.

Negotiation Details – No negotiation

Interview Details – The phone interview went very well, I thought. The HR recruiter was friendly and asked questions regarding my approach to sales and customer service mostly. When we wrapped up she mentioned that I had an excellent interview and she was going to forward my information to the cosmetics department manager and I would hear from him/her either way in 3 days max. A few days later I received a phone call but I was at an appointment and had my ringer turned off. When I checked the number and called it immediately, I found out that it came from a Nordstrom trunkline number (ie. it could have been from any Nordstrom store). There was no voicemail message with any contact information. I phoned HR and left a message with the person I had spoken with, letting her know that I hadn't heard back from the manager and that I was just following up on the status of my application. I never heard back from her either. My overall experience had been positive right up to the point where the ball was dropped on the Nordstrom side.

Interview Details – I applied for Cosmetics Sales, but ended up having my 1:1 in Handbags. The store isn't open yet, so the process is taking longer. My 1:1 had many of the same questions as my phone interview did, with a few more about teamwork and leadeship added to the mix.
My interview with the HB manager went very well, and she informed me that she is in need of a Design Lead and gave me details on what that would entail and how to show my interest. We discussed the job, the pay, and how the scheduling is managed. She informed me that I would hear back from her by the end of the following week, so now I must wait.

Interview Details – I submitted an online application, was directed to a 30 min or so personality test, that consisted of alot of the same questions reworded, ( ie. Are you a team player, are you friendly, Multitasker ect. ) Then e mailed to schedule a phone interview, 4 days later I had a very short phone interview, they asked the standard "why nordstrom?" " tell me about the most diffucult customer service problem you have had?" " tell me about a time a co worker was doing something they should not?" " how do you feel about commission sales?" I guess I didn't do all that well, they said they had other applicants to review and would get back to me, It's been a week and I have not heard from them.

Interview Details – The interview was pretty easy. I interviewed 1:1 with the Human Resource Manager and he directly took me to interview with the Costmetics/Fragrance Manager. After sitting down in her office and talking about my past experience in other areas, she offered me a job on the spot. I also interviewed with the manager from Hosiery.

Interview Details – Very long process, interviewed by many people. Training was excellent. Very long process, interviewed by many people. Training was excellent. Very long process, interviewed by many people. Training was excellent. Very long process, interviewed by many people. Training was excellent. Very long process, interviewed by many people. Training was excellent.