I applied online. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Nordstrom (Seattle, WA) in Sep 2010
Interview
Online application via the Nordstrom website, followed by a 20 mns phone interview with the recruiter, at the end of the phone conversation was asked to schedule a 1 on 1 interview with manager. Lasted one hour, very good interview, questions were read to me and the manager wrote down my answers as I spoke. A lot of the questions revolved around customer service and how to treat a customer as Nordstrom is well know of its outstanding customer service.
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.