If you have experience in working in a department store, you might think about applying for a job at a place such as Nordstrom. The issue is whether or not Nordstrom hires felons.

We will look at that issue here and come up with some answers.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the following:

• About Nordstrom
• Hiring Process
• Background Check?
• An Opportunity for Felons?
• Does the Type of Felony Matter?
• Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?
• Steps to Take

About Nordstrom

Nordstrom is an upscale fashion retail chain founded in 1901 that 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 wants friendly, dedicated, and hardworking people to become a part of their team. 

Hiring Process

You must be at least 18 years old to work at Nordstrom. 

You begin your application at Nordstrom online by creating an account on the company website. The application typically takes about 45 minutes to complete.

Personal information such as your name, address, phone number, and email address will be required. The application will also request your employment history and your level of education, along with a current resume.

There will also be an assessment designed to help Nordstrom determine if you would be a good addition to their team. It consists of 48 questions like how often you take chances or shortcuts and how you would assess your competence level.

It is important to be honest on the assessment. 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.  

There are a number of positions available at Nordstrom. Many of these will be entry-level jobs like sales associate, cashier, maintenance, and housekeeping associate.

If you have previous customer service and sales experience, you may have an advantage in getting a job at the company. Flexibility and a willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays will likely be an asset. 

For those Nordstrom is considering hiring, there will be an interview. In this, you will likely be asked questions about why you chose Nordstrom to apply for a job, why you think Nordstrom should hire you, if you have sales experience, and where you see yourself in five years.

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. 

They may conduct a drug test later in the hiring process, though this will depend on the particular store and its management policy.

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. Nordstrom does a background check to protect the company, its employees, and customers. 

An Opportunity for Felons?

Nordstrom has a history of hiring felons based on the severity of the crime and how much time has passed since your conviction. 

Nordstrom is willing to offer you an opportunity to prove yourself following your release. Nordstrom doesn’t hire all felons, but you will be seriously considered to be hired there. 

Focus on making a good impression on the hiring manager in the interview. Remember to display your enthusiasm and knowledge of Nordstrom and its philosophy. Let them know you are willing to work hard and want to provide good customer service. 

They want to know you will be a positive influence within the company and that they don’t have to worry about security concerns with you. Then, after all that you might have a chance for a job at Nordstrom.

Does the Type of Felony Matter?

Of course it makes a difference as to the type of felony on your record.

Don’t expect to be hired with a sexual offense or a violent felony. They don’t want anyone who doesn’t treat others with decency and respect. Those with such serious convictions won’t have a chance of getting a job there.

Offenses related to theft and fraud will also diminish your chances here. Financial crimes make it extremely challenging because they don’t know that you can be trusted with significant matters like money, credit information, or in handling valuable merchandise. 

Any type of driving offense would likely prevent you from being hired for a position that involves delivering items for the company. Other than these felonies, you may have an opportunity for a job at Nordstrom.

Can You Run a Background Check on Yourself?

Not only can you run a background check on yourself, but we highly recommend it.

When you do a background check on yourself before applying at Nordstrom, this will tell you exactly what the company will see on a background check.

You can contact an attorney if you have any questions. Be proactive and don’t let things just happen. This is your future at stake, so why not find out what would come up in a background check?

The more you know, the better prepared you will be to deal with any questions that could come up in an interview. So remember to be honest about your past and situation. Not being honest would constitute fraud, which is a punishable offense that could put you back in prison.

You could have your record expunged if you are eligible. That would allow you to honestly state on an application that you don’t have any convictions on your record.

Steps to Take

You do have a chance to get a job at Nordstrom. They may be willing to help you get back into society and become employed again.

If you are open about your past and don’t have a serious violent or sexual offense, you have a chance to succeed here. It will make a difference as to how long ago your felony was. 

They want to know that your criminal behavior is in the distant past and that you have turned over a new leaf. Take advantage of the opportunity and don’t let your past stop you. Only you can decide how important getting a job is. No, it isn’t easy. 

But don’t get discouraged. Let Nordstrom help you in rebuilding your future. You don’t have to be defined by your mistakes. Let your response to your mistakes define you, and control what you can in your future.

Live a new, honest life with your family and friends supporting you.

So what do you think about this blog post about whether or not Nordstrom hires felons? Have you or someone you know tried to get a job at Nordstrom? What was that like and what happened? Please tell us in the comments below.