I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Nordstrom (San Mateo, CA) in Dec 2008
Interview
Applied online, received and email to attend interview. Several people were there 5 or 6 interviewers, talked with one. 2 days later received a call from a manager to attend training.
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.