I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at H&M (Washington, DC) in May 2016
Interview
I first went through a phone screening, then met with two store managers. We went out for coffee and the interview was very relaxed and I did most of the talking. They were very impressed, so much that they offered me a dept. manager interview instead of visual. I moved forward to the third (management) interview. It was a group interview and different to say the least. I received a call about a week later, it was from another store manager. He asked me to come in for an offer. So far this was the third location that I traveled to. He gave me an offer , and said he would get back to me within two weeks and that I should give me current job my notice. After two weeks I received another call from yet another location. I was given two days to prep for training (which was in another state btw) I received the call on Friday and training started on Monday.
Everything with training went well until my second week!!!! That's when I was told by a trainer that my training was PASS OR FAIL!! Let me also add that this said trainer had NEVER trained anyone before.
Basically they used me for 2 months to do work in this store. It wasn't even my assigned store!! Throughout my training I was constantly reminded that I could fail. I did more sales floor work then training and when I voiced this to my trainer it only made things worst!
Long story short they put so much pressure on me that I asked to go back to the original position that I applied for. I was told that I would have to go through the hiring and application process all over again. However they did offer me a part time sales adviser position.....what a slap in the face. I have over 20 years of retail experience , 15 visual and 5 years management.
At least 9 out of 10 reviews from H&M complain about FAVORITISM!! In my two months with this company I found out the hard way. If they don't like you they just don't like you. Thank God I followed my intuition, and pretty much started looking for other employment by my fifth week. This was by far my worst experience ever in my career. I feel they are dishonest and should disclose the pass or fail process well before they make you an offer. Surprisingly I felt immediate relief when I walked out after the sales advisor talk. I also recommended the company to other friends, but later told them not to waste their time. Sadly this whole ordeal has left such a nasty taste in my mouth, I loved H&M as a brand and that's what initially inspired me to apply. AlsoI found the values that they have posted on their employment website super inspiring. However it's all a dream, lies and a trap. No company would ever treat someone the way that they've treated me and many others whose reviews touch on the same topics
I applied online. I interviewed at H&M (London, England) in May 2026
Interview
Pretty straightforward interview with a welcoming team.
Store manager asked me about my experience and tried to get to know me.
Quite transparent about role and requirements and they give feedback which is really good.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you deal with a situation where you’re one team member down and have to set up a department on your own?
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at H&M (Hamburg)
Interview
Es wirkte sehr so, als sei die Entscheidung gegen mich bei der Managerin schon vorher fest gewesen und die Stimmung war einfach insgesamt seltsam. Mir wurde direkt zu Beginn gesagt, ich hätte für die Stelle noch nicht genug Erfahrung im VM und an dieser Meinung konnte ich auch mit keinem noch so tollen, wirklich engagierten Interview mehr etwas ändern. Meine sämtlichen Erfahrungen waren natürlich vorher in dem CV und Portfolio gelistet, auf dessen Grundlage ich auch eingeladen wurde. Für mich war dieses IV also leider eine reine Zeitverschwendung.
Ich arbeite nun in einer höheren Position für ein anderes Unternehmen welches mich, mein Studium und meine Skills sehr wertschätzt und bin letztendlich froh über diesen Ausgang. Vielleicht wurde hier einfach nicht richtig zwischen externer HR und Store Management (Hamburg, Flagship) kommuniziert. Die anderen Mitarbeiter:innen, die ich in meiner 15 minütigen Wartezeit auf den Termin kennenlernen konnte, waren dafür aber wirklich super freundlich und wirkten auch soweit zufrieden.
Two interviews one in person and one online with area VM. Also a practical in person interview to do with the role - pick an outfit for a certain occasion or make up a trend based on a mood board