The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Nordstrom (Washington, DC) in Apr 2011
Interview
I had an initial phone interview for them to make sure I wasn't psycho. I then attended a group interview which was a little intimidating because I was being interviewed right next to someone else. I had to sell my prospective manager my earrings (which I have never done any selling before) but it was easy! Just be yourself. Then after I got called back for a 1:1 interview with the store manager. The interview legitimately took 5 minutes and she asked strange questions such as: "Do you consider yourself lucky?" WHATT? Just say no that you work for everything that you have!
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.