Eep! What to wear for Nordstrom Rack interview this Friday? - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Dressing

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Eep! What to wear for Nordstrom Rack interview this Friday?

rae

(website)

Veteran

HUGE thank you to Marianna, for suggesting I follow up my internet applications with a phone call to HR - because I followed her advice, I knew to expect the call for a phone interview (which I just received) and was able to get through to an in-person interview this Friday (right before I go pick up Una and Mochi from the airport to kick off YLF weekend)!

Anyone have advice on how formal to dress for a Rack interview? Blazer? No blazer? I am hoping a suit is not required, so that I can wear some Nordies brands - maybe a Nexx shirt with a pencil skirt of some kind? Or a new pair of straight leg ponte pants I just thrifted? Or I think my agate print dress was also sold there. My Report, Frye, and UWP booties were also sold at Nordstrom, as was my Ted Baker bag.

ETA: The Nordies website says "Business Professional" is appropriate for an interview. I think this probably means a suit... wondering if they expect the same for The Rack?

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from cheryle (Dianthus)

Deborah

Veteran

Rae I think the US girls will advise you better on what to wear for the Nordies interview, but I just want to wish you all the best and let you know I'm sending you positive "vibes".

Sandy

I think for a Nordie interview it would be best to be professional but also trendy. I love the boots you posted, I think those with some skinny black pants, a suit jacket and a pop of color with the shirt or some jewlery would be great. Most interviews you want to stay away from items that are too loud, but I think you could get away with a statement piece for Nordie's. Good luck!

deb

Veteran

I had a friend that got hired at the Sacramento store and she wore a jacket and skirt. I thmk if you follow their sales reps fashions you will be fine.

Mochi

Veteran

Good luck and knock 'em dead, rae! I trust that wiser, fabber women than me (also much more experienced in interviewing) will take care of you.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Thank you, everyone! I need all the good vibes I can get. I definitely want to look respectful and professional, but not like I cannot move beyond the corporate framework.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

You'll do wonderful Rae - I'm not sure what I'd wear for Nordies as I've only shopped online! But in general I would guess it would be more polished than for Anthro but still fashion forward. Silk, nice boots, nice bag, you're on the right track. I'm not sure about a blazer, I guess it just depends on if you feel the outift would be better with one.

shiny

Veteran

I would wear a blazer. It gives you more presence. Plus, it'll say "yeah we live in CA, it's hot, everyone dresses casual, but I could sell a blazer to your clientele." Kind of reverse of the "I could sell you the shirt off your back" idea!

Good luck!

marianna

Veteran

Woohooo! Told you! The Rack is a good place to start... get in with the company and then it's easier to transfer to a full line Nordstrom store!

A jacket is a nice touch, but honestly I'd say anything that looks professional yet stylish will work. The Rack is more laid back than the full line stores.

I still urge you to try and land an interview at a full line store, though. They personal stylist dept is doing really well.

PM me if you have any specific questions! I'd be happy to help any way I can!

rachylou

Veteran

I'd wear what you'd wear as if you got the job, and then make it a notch more formal. I assume you'd be clerking?

sarah

Veteran

I always love you in a pencil skirt, blouse and boots. (especially that golden brown brocade-ish skirt - you know the one?)

GOOD LUCK!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I love the idea of wearing something that is sold at the Rack or Nordstrom. It shows forethought and respect.

Don't forget to smile -- you have a dazzling smiles and it makes up for the times you are quiet and mysterious.

bj1111

Veteran

good luck. finger and toes....

pil

Veteran

Good luck Rae!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Sarah, I think we are on the same wavelength - is this the skirt? It is the first one that came to my mind, too.

Shiny, good point about the blazer. I will have to try a few different outfits. Maybe something will work with my cobalt blazer, which feels less corporate than my gray wool one.

Marianna, I will definitely think of some questions for you. I still have 4 resumes out to full-line stores, so I haven't lost hope.

Denise, I DO need to remember that!

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Good luck! They would be so lucky to have you.

Ann in New England

A few weeks ago, I was at my Nordie's Customer Service desk with a kind of complicated transaction, so I was there for about 15-20 minutes. During that time, a parade of women came in and out, almost all dressed identically in black skirt or pant suits. I must have seen 5 or 6 -- all accompanied by a Nordstrom HR person. I made a comment to the CSR, who said, "yeah, we're interviewing for the new Rack store that's opening." I made a comment about how I hadn't seen so many suits since I left NYC, and she laughed and said, "yeah, it's kind of a must for interviews here."

NOW -- keep in mind that I'm on the east coast, and that it was an offhand conversation with one person at Nordies. But it leads me to suggest dressing on the more formal side, with a blazer.

deb

Veteran

Rae, also remember to relax, and enjoy the process as much as possible. It makes it easier to smile.

KathyL

Veteran

I love that skirt. I would wear a blazer to the interview. Take that with a grain of salt as I have worn suits to all my interviews. Good luck with your interview!

Anonymous

When in doubt, overdress:) I think a blazer is a nice finishing touch. I am sure whatever you decide will be amazing! Good luck!

Jonesy

Veteran

How exciting! I love the idea of a bold skirt and a jacket.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I just checked the website, and it says:

"We are a fashion specialty retailer and sell a wide range of styles. For the interview, business professional is appropriate. "

Hrm, I guess that means a suit, right?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

SO exciting, Rae!!!

And nerve-wracking, too.

I hope Angie weighs in. I have no idea what they might mean by "business professional." Until I heard that I was eager for you to wear a blazer and that brocade skirt. I will be watching this thread - - and sending warm wishes your way.

sarah

Veteran

Yep, that's the one - I love it!

KathyL

Veteran

Business professional sounds like a suit to me. I think I would err on the side of more formal.

Nadya

Veteran

Can't go wrong with a suit, and I wouldn't worry if it wasn't a brand they carry, as you'll probably have an opportunity during the interview to show you're knowledgable about the lines they carry. Wear killer shoes!

marianna

Veteran

Rae! Not sure if I missed an update but I'm dying to know how your interview went! Please give us an update!

moira

Veteran

Yes, to a blazer for an interview. Always. It is respectful and shows seriousness about the interview process. Yes, also to a strong signature piece, be it a scarf or necklace. This is still a job about fashion. No noisy bracelets, though.
That skirt pictured above with a crisp white blouse, a black jacket, booties and a statement necklace would look professional but fashion forward.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Rae, I just read this one and thought I would weigh in.

In my opinion, you want to stand out enough to be memorable and show that you have your own style but not too much that they question whether you will fit in. I would suggest a skirt and jacket that aren't a suit but have a conservative look. Classic accessories and perhaps a pop of color.

I have seen some stunning outfits in your WIW so I am sure you will nail it.

Good luck.