I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Nordstrom in Jun 2012
Interview
I applied for NINETEEN different positions at all 5 locations within a 40-minute drive, before I got in-person interviews at all of them, so do not give up! With all of the interviews, it was the same process. After the phone screen we set up a time for me to come in and meet with him/her so I did, and then met with the department manager. They took me on a tour of the store/department and asked me a different set of interview questions. After that they explained more about the position and answered my questions, gave me their card and said they would contact me within a week. I ended up accepting a position in my 1st choice department in my 2nd choice location
So easy, I went to a job fair and was hired on the spot. They need people in the kids department, that's the easiest section to get into. They just ask about your personality and who you are.
Was inside Barton creek mall, hiring manager was prompt and clear with questions ranging from how I would handle difficult customers, to my personal experiences that could apply to the job.