After returning from prison, the biggest challenge felons have is finding a job.
In looking for work, a felon who has experience in a retail store may want to apply at Nordstrom.
This blog post will cover whether or not Nordstrom runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- Nordstrom Application
- Nordstrom Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at Nordstrom
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
Nordstrom, much like many employers, reviews an applicant’s background because they don’t want someone who doesn’t succeed after starting a job.
This is considered to be a, “bad hire,” which is someone who:
- Doesn’t produce quality work
- Has a negative attitude
- Doesn’t work well with other employees
- Doesn’t deal well with customers
- Doesn’t have the skills they stated on an application
- Has attendance problems
- Is dishonest on the job
The last question is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at Nordstrom even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer may view at least some of the following:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like Nordstrom to determine a candidate’s:
- Past mistakes
- Character
- Financial fitness
This allows an employer to identify hiring risks for security and safety issues for the company.
Nordstrom Application
Nordstrom is an upscale fashion retail chain founded in 1901.
It began as a retail shoe store in Seattle, Washington.
The company operates the original department store as well as a clearance store called Nordstrom Rack.
Nordstrom offers a collection of popular clothing for men, women, and children as well as jewelry, beauty products, home furnishings, and footwear.
There are approximately 200 stores across the U.S. with more than 50,000 employees.
Nordstrom puts customer satisfaction as the top priority and believes that associates are among the key factors to help customers enjoy their shopping experience.
The company is looking for friendly, dedicated, and hardworking people to become a part of their team.
An applicant must be at least 18 years old to work at Nordstrom.
An application at Nordstrom takes approximate 30 to 50 minutes to complete.
It begins with creating an account on the company website.
An applicant will be asked to upload a resume if available.
The following personal information will be requested:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Employment history
- Education
There will also be an assessment of a series of questions designed to help Nordstrom determine if an applicant would be a good addition to their team.
It consists of 48 questions, including examples like:
- How often do you take chances or shortcuts?
- Relative to your coworkers how would you assess your competence level?
It is important to be honest on the assessment and willing to give strong answers.
During the application, there will be a request for a consent to a background check.
Any employment offer will be contingent on passing the background check.
Typical entry-level positions at Nordstrom include:
- Sales associate
- Maintenance
- Housekeeping associate
- Service experience associate
- Loss prevention agent
- Cosmetic beauty stylist
- Cashier
A person with previous customer service and sales experience will have an advantage in getting a job at the company. Flexibility and a willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays will be an asset.
Typical interview questions include:
- Why did you choose Nordstrom to apply for a job?
- Why do you think we should hire you for this company?
- How would you do listening customers who are impatient or irritating?
- How would you describe the typical Nordstrom customer?
- What do you know about Nordstrom?
- Where do you see yourself five years from now?
- Do you have any sales experience?
- Do you enjoy working as part of a team or do you prefer to work separately?
Nordstrom Background Check
Yes, Nordstrom does conduct a background check on anyone who may receive a job offer, looking for any felony conviction in the past seven years.
The company also may conduct a drug test later in the hiring process.
The company hires felons according to:
- Severity of the crime
- Amount of time elapsed since the conviction
It is important for any felon applicant at Nordstrom to:
- Know his or her criminal history
- Answer all questions
- Be honest
- Focus on the positive
All questions on the application regarding criminal history must be answered truthfully.
If a job is offered, an applicant will be asked consent to a background check.
A routine background check at Nordstrom takes approximately one week.
A background check is run for Nordstrom to protect:
- The company
- Its employees
- Its customers
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at Nordstrom by having his or her record expunged.
Tips for Getting a Job at Nordstrom
A few tips for getting hired at Nordstrom include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Arrive early for an interview
- Dress appropriately
- Be polite and respectful
- Use a firm handshake
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at Nordstrom.
Don’t hide any felony convictions if it comes up.
Instead, explain the facts about that conviction without emotion.
It is never a good idea to lie about your past on an application.
This could result in not being considered for a job if Nordstrom finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you for the job; focus on them during the interview.
Take responsibility for past actions and explain how you’re putting your life in order.
Doing your own background check allows you as a felon to know what an employer will see on your record.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether Nordstrom runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had Nordstrom run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
