How to Answer: Tell me about yourself.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nordstrom job interview.
1. Tell me about yourself.
What You Need to Know
This question presents you with the opportunity to put your best foot forward by showcasing to your interviewer that this is going to be a good interview for them, and that you are the candidate they are looking for. You are going to accomplish this by simply doing two things. Being yourself and coming prepared. Bring a notebook that contains the notes you've taken when researching their website and everything you've learned and discovered about the position, about Nordstrom, and their history and culture. Have a page dedicated to all the questions you plan to ask throughout the interview, and then some more for the end of the interview. Make sure your notebook has blank pages for taking notes. Bring your resume and cover letter. Be confident, relaxed, friendly, and be yourself.
Written by Kevin Downey on July 5th, 2023
How to Prep
You'll want to perform exhaustive research on Nordstrom by continually asking questions. Start with your priorities and what's most important to you in finding your next job. Whether it's benefits, hours, salary, anything you can think of, write those down questions down and take every measure to try to answer those questions on your own. Beyond that, if you go in unsure of what questions to ask, just start researching and exploring until you learn something that poses some questions. If they mention their values, define who they are, ask what their values are, and find those answers. Don't wait around to ask your interviewer, rather, try to answer those questions on your own.
Don't limit your research to their website either. Punch your questions into your preferred search engine, try to find Nordstrom's code of conduct and employee handbooks online as well. Leave no stone unturned. When you are done with your research and preparation, you'll know it. If you grow exhausted from all that research and tell yourself you think you've done enough, then you're not done yet, and you won't deliver your best interview. If you ultimately decide it's not worth it to put in all the work, then it might not be the right job for you. Even then, don't worry, we've done a bit of the work for you, so just keep going through this interview set, and you'll find yourself off to a good start.
Written by Kevin Downey on July 5th, 2023
How to Answer
When answering this question, you want to be yourself, and to tell them who you are. Be personable and professional. Tell them who you are, and why you are here pursuing this opportunity and why it is important to you. Tell them where you've come from professionally and how that equates to this job feeling like a good fit. Then wrap it up with where you feel this opportunity will take you as a professional, and how it aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Don't try to tell them what you think they want to hear. Just determine how your goals are symbiotic with their goals, and tell them that truth. Because the truth is what they want to hear. By identifying with their culture, their brand, their identity and the language they use, you'll get a feel for how you're a great fit for Nordstrom, and how this position with them is a great fit for you. You want to show up as if you've already started onboarding, and are already one of them.
Written by Kevin Downey on July 5th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Well, I've always been interested in fashion. Both my parents are very fashionable people, and dressed me in style since I was a toddler. I am currently enrolled in college, and was looking for a job to support me through my studies, and I figured why not work somewhere I love. I've been a loyal customer of Nordstrom since I was a preteen. I have always loved how special each stylist made me feel when they tended to my fashion needs. So, when considering a place to work that would make me happy and feel right at home, this job immediately popped in my mind. I'd love to make our customers feel the way I've felt as a customer while shopping here."
Written by Kevin Downey on July 7th, 2023