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Thursday, July 4, 2013

The Greatest Interview EVER: H&M Edition

This week, I've been lucky enough to attend the Greatest Interview Ever hosted by none other than H&M.
Hennes and Mauritz is the trendy international brand known to all of fashion. 
They've managed to cover most of the world with stores in North America, Europe, China, and most recently Chile in South America.
This past week, I've been able to reach the THIRD step in the interview process for a Department Manager position.
To keep the integrity of the interview, I'll share a brief overview of what I've encountered. Otherwise, here is the 411 on interviewing with H&M

Step 1:  The Phone Interview
This is your first encounter. You'll be asked questions based on your online application, work experience and history, store volume, etc. At the end of the interview, you may either here the famous FAIL phrase: "We'll reach out to you for a date" or PASS with "when will you be available this/next week".

Step 2. Interview at Headquarters
Here you'll discuss your resume, and live examples of potential work scenarios. There may be two hiring managers. One focused more on generic questions and the other taking notes. Towards the end, you may sign off on a background check and be notified of a potential follow up interview if you pass.

Step 3. Interactive Interview
This is where it gets exciting. There will be 4 activities lasting 20 minutes with a small group of other applicants and 6 Managers who have traveled the country and world working with H&M. You'll be seated in a room that has dope titles such as "Moscow" and "Argentina" for example. Snacks will be bowled all for the taking. Do NOT be shy, it's all for you. Although a lengthy process, I have never been so intrigued and overwhelmed from an interview by a retail company. If you're accustomed to the classic "What do you do when...", be prepared for the actual "do when... During this portion of the interview, you'll be doing a LOT of sweating, and moving so you may be asked to dress comfortably. Do just that. 
Not necessarily in converse and a hoodie but, ensure you represent the casual professionalism of the brand. Ladies, do not wear heels you'll potentially want to change out of. I personally wore 2inch thick heels by the Gap, Sky blue ripped jeans by H&M, a Black tank with pink lining by H&M, and my favorite Bomber jacket by Brooklyn Industries.



To keep the integrity of the interview, I won't share the EXACT details of what activities but I assure you, be yourself, be respectful, and I assure you, as much as it may seem, this is 100% NOT A COMPETITION. Try your best to use team work. Every single activity will show who you truly are in the heat of the moment, during stressful situations, and evaluate how you interact with your partners.

I'm not sure what my results are but despite the potential outcome, I've learned a great deal of who I am through this experience. Here are a few ideas of what to wear if you're having any trouble!
Nadia of NAC Styles

Aimee Song from Song Of Style



Sharina Clarke


Click here to find out how it ended!
How did your experience go??