I applied online. The process took 1+ week. I interviewed at Macy's (Northridge, CA) in Jul 2012
Interview
Applied online and got an e-mail two days later asking for an interview. I waited in a small hallway with two other candidates. The wallpaper was clearly old and peeling, the carpet looked like it had not been vacuumed in years. There were two people conducting interviews, but the one that had my application called me in to interview more than 20 minutes late because she had been either doing business or socializing out of sight. The interview is completely scripted, as they ask just general questions about your job experience and go straight to the usual questions. They asked how I would help a customer find a pair of jeans or a jacket and I tried to demonstrate my knowledge of the Macy's in-store brands by pointing out the different styles Alfani, etc. cater to. The interviewer looked impressed but it obviously didn't help. The interview lasted about 15-20 minutes. I got an e-mail the next day informing me I had not received the job.
Other questions: How would you react if you saw an employee doing something unethical? What is your flexibility? Why Macy's? What is your experience in customer service?
Was interviewed for a seasonal position. Was told they have no seasonal positions, once they found out I was a college student. Made no sense to me quickly ended the interview.
The interview process was straightforward and fairly quick. It started with a phone interview from a recruiter or hiring representative who asked general questions about my background, availability, and interest in the role. The tone was professional but conversational, and the interviewer focused on making sure I could handle a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
I had one interview with the store manager and it lasted for about 45 minutes. The interview was all standard behavioral questions. I was offered the job on the spot.