First submit normal resume/cover letter, second round was an email from HR asking me to write a customer service response (because essentially at this job you will just be answering emails from customers all day). Third was an interview. I was living in St. Louis, so I drove up for the interview. I think there is usually two interviews, one with HR and then one with whatever department you will be interviewing for, but they were hospitable and combined these two for me. The job seemed pretty entry level and low pay (two weekend days per month with a "compensation structure" capped at $12/hr).
The interview went well, beautiful office, nice (enough) people interviewing me. The thing that really upset me was the process after.
I received feedback a couple of days later. Unfortunately they needed someone who could start right away (I was graduating in mid-December, so asked to start in the first week of January). This was a huge annoyance, as I had specifically stated in my COVER LETTER AND RESUME that I graduated December 15th and lived in St. Louis. I wouldn't have wasted my time on driving up for the interview/missing class if I had known the only reason they wouldn't promise me a job is because I couldn't start immediately. I don't understand how they want a bachelor's degree, but they are also wanting people to start immediately. I am not sure what kind of bum they are finding who can pick up and start within a week. So I was bummed for a week, but ideally I couldn't picture myself working there with all the dull, premium denim wearing, Chicagoland suburb daughters. I also felt that in the interview that they weren't interested in my business coursework or sales operations internship, but more my experience as a sales associate at Nordstrom. They also didn't ask me about where I saw myself in the future (red flag).
Two weeks later the HR coordinator emailed me, offering me a PART TIME position (remember including the weekends). I was insulted. I was then making 20$/hr working as a sales associate at Nordstrom, on a Tuesday and more during the weekends. I was also working full time while going to school, so the idea of relocating for a part time job was ridiculous. Of course HR was extremely cordial with these offerings, I appreciated that.
"I have received very positive feedback from XXX, XXX, and XXX regarding your qualifications for the role. At this time however we only have the capacity to hire part-time associates. I want to confirm with you your compensation expectations for the role. This is a part-time hourly position. You will work approximately 25hrs/week. Additionally you will be required to work two weekend days per month. Our compensation structure caps the position at $12/hr."
All of the back and forth--first the fact that I wasn't offered a job because I couldn't start immediately (even though I had made clear my availability on my initial application) as well as the re-offering of part time, to start in Feb. after the holidays, really made me dislike this company and it's culture. I wouldn't recommend working there if you have any true soul or spirit.
I was also kind of able to rub it in their face, after receiving an operations position at one of the NY brands that they carry!! (With way better pay for entry level!)