How to Apply to Nordstrom

Key Takeaways

Create your Workday candidate profile at nordstrom.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com today, set up job alerts for your preferred locations, and complete every profile field — Nordstrom's active job count is small, so speed and visibility matter
Rewrite your resume in a single-column, ATS-friendly format using exact terminology from Nordstrom job descriptions — terms like 'clienteling,' 'SPH,' 'visual merchandising,' and 'guest experience' directly improve your keyword match rate in Workday
Prepare three to four STAR-format stories that demonstrate customer-first decision-making, initiative without direction, and creative problem-solving — these are the behavioral scenarios Nordstrom interviewers probe most deeply
Research the specific brand, store format, or restaurant concept you're applying to and weave that knowledge into every stage — mentioning Nordstrom Local's concierge model or Bazille's seasonal menu shows preparation that most candidates skip
Dress for your interview as if you're already working the department — fashion-forward and polished for sales roles, clean and professional for food and beverage — because at Nordstrom, personal presentation is part of the job from the moment you walk in

About Nordstrom

Nordstrom is a Seattle-founded fashion retailer with a 120-plus year legacy that began as a single shoe store in 1901 and has evolved into one of North America's most recognized names in upscale retail. The company operates full-line Nordstrom department stores, off-price Nordstrom Rack locations, the innovative service-focused Nordstrom Local concept, and a robust e-commerce platform — employing approximately 57,000 people across the United States and Canada. What distinguishes Nordstrom from other general merchandisers is its almost legendary commitment to customer service; the company famously empowers employees to use their best judgment to create exceptional experiences, rather than relying on rigid policy manuals. This philosophy extends to an internal culture that values entrepreneurial thinking, personal accountability, and genuine passion for style and hospitality. Roles span far beyond the sales floor — Nordstrom hires beauty specialists, restaurant servers, line cooks, baristas, assistant designers, and customer experience innovators at Nordstrom Local hubs. The company is known for promoting from within, and many store managers and corporate leaders started in entry-level positions. Nordstrom offers competitive compensation, generous merchandise discounts (typically around 20-33% depending on tenure and brand), and benefits that commonly extend to part-time employees. For job seekers who thrive in people-centered environments and want to build a career in fashion, beauty, food and beverage, or retail operations, Nordstrom represents one of the industry's most respected employers — a place where hustle and heart are recognized and rewarded.

Application Process

1
Explore Open Roles on Nordstrom's Workday Careers Portal
Begin at Nordstrom's dedicated careers page hosted on Workday (nordstrom.wd501.myworkdayjobs.com/nordstrom_careers). Use the filters to narrow by location, job category (Beauty, Food & Beverage, Retail Sales, Corporate, etc.), and employment type. With only a focused number of active postings at any given time, roles can fill quickly — check back frequently and set up job alerts within Workday to be notified the moment a position opens at your preferred store, restaurant, or Nordstrom Local hub.
2
Create or Log Into Your Workday Candidate Profile
Workday will prompt you to create a candidate account or sign in using LinkedIn, Google, or an existing Workday account from another employer. Complete your profile thoroughly — Nordstrom's recruiting team can search the candidate database for future openings, so a robust profile keeps you visible even if a specific role closes. Upload a clean, ATS-optimized resume and fill in all fields rather than relying solely on the resume parser to auto-populate your work history.
3
Tailor Your Application to Nordstrom's Service-First Culture
Each application includes screening questions specific to the role — for beauty positions, expect questions about brand knowledge and sales metrics; for food and beverage roles, questions about food safety certifications and service experience. Use your resume summary and responses to reflect Nordstrom's core values: customer obsession, ownership mentality, and a genuine enthusiasm for fashion, beauty, or hospitality. Mention specific Nordstrom concepts (Rack, Nordstrom Local, Bazille restaurant) by name to show you understand the distinct experience each format delivers.
4
Complete Any Pre-Screening Assessments
For many store-level and customer-facing positions, Nordstrom commonly uses situational judgment or personality-style assessments within the Workday application flow. These assessments typically evaluate your approach to customer service dilemmas, teamwork scenarios, and how you handle high-pressure retail situations. Answer authentically but through the lens of Nordstrom's philosophy — the 'right' answer almost always prioritizes the customer's experience and demonstrates proactive problem-solving.
5
Phone or Video Screening with a Recruiter
If your application advances, a Nordstrom recruiter or hiring manager will typically reach out for an initial phone or video conversation lasting 15-30 minutes. Expect questions about your availability, your interest in Nordstrom specifically (not just 'retail'), and a scenario-based question like 'Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer.' This is also your opportunity to ask about the specific store's culture, team dynamics, and what success looks like in the role.
6
In-Person or Panel Interview at the Store or Location
For most in-store roles — from beauty counter managers to cashiers to restaurant staff — Nordstrom typically conducts at least one in-person interview, often with the department manager and sometimes a store manager. Dress in a way that reflects Nordstrom's aesthetic: polished, fashion-forward, and appropriate for the department you're applying to. Corporate and hybrid roles (like Assistant Designer) may involve multiple rounds including portfolio reviews or design exercises conducted virtually or at Nordstrom's Seattle headquarters.
7
Offer, Background Check, and Onboarding
Offers are typically extended verbally and followed by a formal offer letter through Workday. Nordstrom commonly conducts background checks for all positions, and food and beverage roles may require additional certifications (food handler's permit, alcohol service certification). Onboarding includes Nordstrom's signature orientation, which immerses new hires in the company's history, service philosophy, and the empowerment-based culture that has defined the brand for over a century.

Resume Tips for Nordstrom

critical

Lead With Customer Service Metrics and Outcomes

Nordstrom's culture revolves around measurable customer impact. Rather than listing duties like 'assisted customers,' quantify your results: 'Maintained a 95% customer satisfaction score across 200+ weekly interactions' or 'Grew personal book of business by 30% through clienteling and follow-up outreach.' For beauty roles, include specific sales-per-hour figures or brand event results. Nordstrom hiring managers are trained to spot candidates who think like business owners, not just employees.

critical

Use Nordstrom-Relevant Industry Terminology

Workday's parsing engine and Nordstrom's recruiters scan for industry-specific keywords. Use terms like 'clienteling,' 'personal styling,' 'sell-through rate,' 'UPT (units per transaction),' 'SPH (sales per hour),' 'visual merchandising,' 'brand ambassador,' and 'omnichannel experience.' For food and beverage roles, include terms like 'ticket times,' 'food cost management,' 'guest recovery,' and 'full-service dining.' These terms signal that you speak Nordstrom's operational language from day one.

critical

Format for Workday's Resume Parser — Keep It Clean

Workday's parser works best with standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills), single-column layouts, and common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid tables, text boxes, graphics, headers/footers with critical information, and multi-column designs — all of which Workday commonly misreads or skips entirely. Submit as a .docx or PDF, but test your PDF first by copying and pasting the text into a plain text editor to confirm nothing is lost.

recommended

Highlight Brand Knowledge and Fashion/Beauty Passion

Nordstrom hires people who genuinely love the products they sell. If you're applying for a Tom Ford beauty counter position, mention your familiarity with the brand's fragrance families, complexion range, and signature aesthetic. For an Hourglass counter manager role, reference the brand's vegan and cruelty-free positioning. Even for cashier or sales floor support at Nordstrom Rack, show that you understand the off-price model and can help customers find value in a fast-paced treasure-hunt environment.

recommended

Showcase Multi-Functional Retail Skills

Nordstrom values versatility. The sample roles reveal a company that expects employees to flex across selling, styling, inventory, and customer experience. Structure your resume to show breadth: list POS system experience, inventory management, loss prevention awareness, online order fulfillment (buy online, pick up in store), and cross-functional teamwork. If you've worked in both front-of-house and back-of-house roles, highlight that adaptability — it mirrors the Nordstrom expectation that everyone contributes wherever needed.

recommended

Include Certifications Relevant to Specialized Roles

For food and beverage positions at Bazille or Bar Verde, list your ServSafe, food handler's card, or TIPS alcohol certification prominently in a dedicated Certifications section. For beauty roles, include any brand-specific training certificates, esthetician licenses, or cosmetology credentials. For corporate roles like Assistant Designer, mention proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, CLO 3D, or PLM systems. Workday allows recruiters to filter by certifications, so listing them can directly impact whether your profile surfaces in searches.

nice_to_have

Demonstrate Nordstrom's 'Use Good Judgment' Philosophy in Your Experience Bullets

Nordstrom's most famous cultural artifact is its employee empowerment philosophy — giving team members latitude to do whatever it takes to serve the customer. Write experience bullets that show you've exercised judgment and initiative, not just followed scripts. Examples: 'Personally resolved a high-value customer complaint by coordinating a same-day replacement, retaining the client's $5K annual spend' or 'Proactively reorganized the stockroom layout, reducing fulfillment time by 15 minutes per shift.' These narratives align directly with what Nordstrom expects of its people.

ATS System: Workday

Nordstrom uses Workday Recruiting (specifically the wd501 instance) to manage its entire hiring pipeline — from job posting through offer letter. Workday parses uploaded resumes to auto-fill candidate profile fields, then enables recruiters to search, filter, and score candidates using keywords, location, and qualifications. Understanding how Workday processes your resume is essential because parsing errors can cause your application to be misfiled or overlooked even if you're qualified.

Use a single-column resume layout with clearly labeled standard headers (Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications) — Workday struggles with creative layouts, columns, and infographic-style resumes
Submit in .docx format for the most reliable parsing, or test your PDF by selecting all text and pasting into Notepad to verify nothing is embedded as an image
Mirror exact job title language from the Nordstrom posting — if the role says 'Beauty Counter Manager,' use that phrase rather than 'Cosmetics Department Lead'
Always manually review and correct the auto-populated fields after Workday parses your resume, as the parser frequently misassigns dates, job titles, and employer names
Include keywords from the specific job description in your Skills section and woven naturally into your experience bullets — Workday's search function relies heavily on keyword matching
Avoid placing critical information (name, contact details, key skills) in headers, footers, or text boxes, as Workday's parser typically ignores these areas
Complete every optional field in your Workday candidate profile, including availability and location preferences — Nordstrom recruiters use these filters when proactively sourcing for upcoming openings

Complete Workday Resume Guide →

Interview Culture

Nordstrom's interview process reflects the same values that define its shopping experience: warmth, personal connection, and attention to detail.

For store-level positions — beauty sales, cashiers, food and beverage staff, and customer experience specialists — the process typically involves two rounds. The first is a conversational phone or video screen with a recruiter or hiring manager focused on availability, motivation, and cultural alignment. The second is an in-person interview at the store or restaurant, often conducted by the department manager and occasionally joined by a store manager or assistant store manager. Expect behavioral interview questions rooted in Nordstrom's service philosophy. Classic prompts include: 'Describe a time you turned a negative customer experience into a positive one,' 'How would you handle a situation where company policy conflicts with what the customer wants?' and 'Tell me about a time you took initiative without being asked.' The interviewers aren't looking for rehearsed perfection — they want authenticity, emotional intelligence, and evidence that you instinctively prioritize the customer. For beauty counter manager and brand-specific roles (Tom Ford, Hourglass), be prepared to demonstrate product knowledge, discuss your approach to building a client book, and possibly conduct a brief product demonstration or mock consultation. Food and beverage candidates at Bazille or Bar Verde should expect questions about pace, multitasking, and guest hospitality standards that exceed typical restaurant expectations. Corporate and hybrid roles — such as Assistant Designer — involve a more structured process with three to four rounds, potentially including a portfolio review, a design exercise or case study, and interviews with cross-functional stakeholders. These conversations tend to explore both technical skill and cultural fit with Nordstrom's collaborative, fast-moving creative teams. Across all roles, dress matters. Nordstrom employees are expected to embody the brand's polished, fashion-forward identity. Arriving to your interview looking like you already belong on the sales floor is one of the strongest nonverbal signals you can send. Show genuine enthusiasm for Nordstrom specifically — reference recent collections, store experiences, or the company's community initiatives to demonstrate that this isn't just another retail application for you.

What Nordstrom Looks For

Genuine passion for customer service — not scripted friendliness, but an authentic desire to make someone's day better through a shopping, dining, or beauty experience
Entrepreneurial ownership mentality — Nordstrom empowers employees to make decisions, so they hire people who take initiative rather than waiting for instructions
Brand and product knowledge relevant to the specific department — whether that's Tom Ford fragrance profiles, Hourglass complexion products, or seasonal fashion trends at Nordstrom Rack
Adaptability and willingness to work across functions — selling, styling, inventory, fulfillment, and customer recovery can all happen in a single shift
Strong interpersonal and communication skills — the ability to build lasting relationships with clients through personalized outreach, clienteling, and genuine follow-up
Composure and grace under pressure — peak retail periods like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale demand resilience, teamwork, and unwavering service standards
Alignment with Nordstrom's inclusive, team-oriented culture — a collaborative spirit that supports coworkers and contributes to a positive work environment
Relevant certifications and technical skills — food handler permits for restaurant roles, brand training for beauty positions, design software proficiency for corporate creative roles

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Nordstrom hiring process typically take from application to offer?

For store-level and restaurant positions, the process commonly takes one to three weeks from application submission to offer, though high-demand periods like the lead-up to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale can accelerate timelines significantly. Corporate and hybrid roles (like Assistant Designer) typically take three to six weeks due to additional interview rounds and portfolio reviews. After submitting your application through Workday, you can check your status by logging into your candidate profile — Workday updates your application status as it moves through each stage. If you haven't heard back within two weeks for a retail role, it's reasonable to follow up with the store directly.

Does Nordstrom require a cover letter with applications?

Nordstrom's Workday application portal typically does not require a cover letter for store-level, beauty, or food and beverage positions — the screening questions within the application serve a similar purpose. However, for corporate and hybrid roles such as Assistant Designer, including a cover letter can differentiate your application, especially if you use it to articulate your connection to Nordstrom's brand identity, your understanding of their customer, and specific contributions you'd bring to the team. If you do include one, keep it concise (under 300 words), mention the exact role title, and lead with why Nordstrom specifically — not just why retail or fashion in general.

What should I wear to a Nordstrom interview?

Dress as though you already work at Nordstrom — that means polished, current, and appropriate for the specific department or concept you're applying to. For full-line Nordstrom sales or beauty roles, think elevated business casual to smart casual: well-fitted pieces, intentional accessories, and clean grooming that signals you understand personal style. For Nordstrom Rack positions, sharp casual is appropriate — neat, on-trend, and put-together without being overly formal. Food and beverage candidates should lean clean and professional. Avoid athletic wear, distressed clothing, or overly casual pieces. At Nordstrom, personal presentation is a core part of the customer experience, and your interview outfit is your first opportunity to demonstrate brand alignment.

Can I apply to multiple Nordstrom positions at the same time?

Yes, and Workday makes this straightforward since your candidate profile carries across all applications. You can apply to multiple roles at different locations, store formats (full-line vs. Rack vs. Nordstrom Local), or even across categories (beauty, food and beverage, retail sales). However, tailor each application's responses to the specific role rather than submitting identical information. Recruiters can see your full application history within Workday, so thoughtfully applying to two or three well-matched roles shows genuine interest, while mass-applying to dozens of unrelated positions may signal a lack of focus.

Does Nordstrom hire people with no prior retail or restaurant experience?

Absolutely. Nordstrom has a strong tradition of hiring based on attitude, service orientation, and cultural fit — many long-tenured leaders started with zero retail experience. Entry-level positions like Retail Cashier & Sales Floor Support, Dishwasher, and Barista are specifically designed for candidates who may be new to the industry. In your application, emphasize transferable skills: customer interaction from any context (volunteering, hospitality, healthcare), teamwork, reliability, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. If you have no formal work history, highlight relevant school projects, volunteer roles, or personal interests that demonstrate Nordstrom-aligned qualities like attention to detail, initiative, and people skills.

What is the best way to optimize my resume for Nordstrom's Workday ATS?

Start with a clean, single-column layout using standard section headers that Workday recognizes: Professional Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Avoid graphics, tables, icons, multi-column designs, and text embedded in headers or footers. Pull exact keywords and phrases from the Nordstrom job posting — if the listing says 'Beauty Counter Manager' and 'client relationship building,' use those precise phrases in your resume. Submit as a .docx file for the most reliable parsing. After uploading, always review the auto-populated fields in your Workday profile to correct any parsing errors, especially around job dates, titles, and company names. A resume that Workday reads accurately is a resume that reaches a human recruiter.

Does Nordstrom offer remote or hybrid work opportunities?

Nordstrom does offer hybrid work arrangements for certain corporate roles, particularly in design, merchandising, marketing, and technology — the 'HYBRID' designation in listings like 'Assistant Designer - Mens - HYBRID' indicates these positions split time between home and Nordstrom's corporate offices, typically in the Seattle area. However, the vast majority of Nordstrom roles — sales, beauty, food and beverage, and customer experience — are fully on-site at stores, restaurants, or Nordstrom Local hubs. When filtering jobs on the Workday portal, look for location and work arrangement details in the posting to understand what's expected before applying.

How should I follow up after submitting a Nordstrom application?

Your Workday candidate portal is the primary place to monitor your application status — log in regularly to check for updates, interview invitations, or requests for additional information. For store-level positions, visiting the location in person after one to two weeks and politely introducing yourself to a manager can make a positive impression, especially if you present yourself professionally and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for the specific store. For corporate roles, a brief follow-up email to the recruiter (if you have their contact information from LinkedIn or the application process) after two to three weeks is appropriate. Avoid excessive follow-up, which can work against you — one thoughtful touchpoint is sufficient.

What benefits does Nordstrom typically offer to employees?

Nordstrom is known for offering a competitive benefits package that commonly extends to both full-time and part-time employees, which is relatively uncommon in the retail industry. Benefits typically include a merchandise discount (which many employees cite as a significant perk), health insurance options, a 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off, and mental health resources. Full-time employees generally receive a more comprehensive package. Nordstrom also invests in employee development through training programs, brand education events, and a well-documented track record of promoting from within — many district and regional leaders began in entry-level store positions.

How to Apply to Nordstrom

Key Takeaways

About Nordstrom

Application Process

Resume Tips for Nordstrom

Lead With Customer Service Metrics and Outcomes

Use Nordstrom-Relevant Industry Terminology

Format for Workday's Resume Parser — Keep It Clean

Highlight Brand Knowledge and Fashion/Beauty Passion

Showcase Multi-Functional Retail Skills

Include Certifications Relevant to Specialized Roles

Demonstrate Nordstrom's 'Use Good Judgment' Philosophy in Your Experience Bullets

ATS System: Workday

Interview Culture

What Nordstrom Looks For

Frequently Asked Questions

Sample Open Positions

Related Resources

Similar Companies

Sources