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VioletB · 07-21-2007, 03:21 AM #1 (**permalink**)

Ok.. So I was asked to post about my first two interviews. I have my demo interview in a couple of days, but surprisingly enough I'm not nervous! The managers in cosmetics (Nordstrom) and the MAC counter manager have all been super nice and they have totally put me at ease. SOOO here is what to expect if you apply and get called.
My first interview was with the cosmetics assistant manager. She first just asked a couple "get to know you" questions. Then it was on with the more serious stuff. She asked a lot of scenerio questions like (1) Tell me about a situation where you have planned a [cosmetics] event and it went successfully. (2) Tell me about a relationship you have had with someone in the workplace where you felt you have really been a strong team. (3) Tell me about an experience where you have turned an unpleasant situation around. (4) How would you drive business during slow hours. (5) Why do you want to work at Nordstrom? (6) Explain a particular time where you have felt exceptionally successful in your business ETC... You get the drift. (I have figured out it would almost be impossible to get this job without any retail backround.) She then asked me if I would be willing to let go of all my Macy's standards and rules and start completely fresh with Nordstrom rules. (I was like HELL YES WHERE DO I SIGN

) She also gave me a heads up and told me to learn everything I possible could about the history and origins of MAC. What they stand for, their beliefs, mantra, etc. She said this would definately put me ahead of the game. She also explained they do NOT tolerate gossip and they will not hesitate to let you go if you do not abide by this rule. Also, 1 minute late is late. (I know at Macy's we have up to 8 minutes to clock in and it doesn't count against you.) All in all I felt very confident and comfortable. (I saw her at my second interview and she wished me luck!! She also said I didn't need it though

)
SO then on to my MAC interview with the counter manager.. (This was shorter than the first interview) He took me out by the Nordstrom coffee shop and we sat at a table. His first question was "Tell me everything you know about MAC" just as the cosmetics manager told me he would ask. (If you plan on applying I suggest STUDY UP!!) He also asked me to pick an eyeshadow color I was wearing, and sell it to him. (Good thing it was firespot!! That was easy.) He asked if I could multitask and told me that was very important. He asked how I would drive business being the new girl amongst artists with established clientele. He told me goals are very important and they are one of the top MAC counters in the nation with a counter goal of 5 million for this year (THAT IS TREMENDOUS!!) All in all I felt very comfortable with everything and I am looking forward to my demo interview I think it is going to be so fun!! I hope this helps and inspires all you people out there who want to work at MAC, I am so excited!!