I applied online and received a rejection email four days later which puzzled me since I have a background with ZARA and Artizia. I decided to shoot Recruitment an email about it and someone from HR got back to me a few days later apologizing for the error and wanted to know if I was still interested in an interview for the position. (A follow-up is always worth it! Especially if you KNOW you're qualified.)
I read up like crazy on their process of hiring but it seems every location is different, because my experience was far from what I read on threads.
INTERVIEW 1//
The phone interview was 15-20mins., and it was the same HR rep who got back to me who conducted the interview. She asked me about my employee history & responsibilities, my current situation (school/work), availability, when I can start and a couple of scenario questions.
At the end of the conversation, she asked me if I had any questions, and you ALWAYS want to ask about the "next steps". She explained to me I would wait for an email or call back about a second interview should they decide to proceed with my application. She went on to say "judging on what we talked about, I don't see why we shouldn't set up a second interview!", which was scheduled to take place two days later in-store. (Be enthusiastic and easy to talk to - like talking to your favourite prof or something.) At the end of the phone call, she gave me 3 tips to prepare: Do research. Smile. Be yourself.
INTERVIEW 2//
I took time to learn briefly about H&M's history (the basics: founder, when/where the company was founded, headquarters, current CEO), milestones in their business (H&M Foundation, sustainably sourced fabrics/materials, environmental and human rights efforts & success)...know how to repeat their beliefs and basically what they're about to yourself in your own words.
The interview began 15mins. later than the scheduled time and I was the last one. I kept my cool - every impression I made from when I walked through the door mattered. We were in the back room that had a small hallway with chairs for prospects to sit on while waiting, and two doors to two different offices.
The store manager interviewed me and THIS was when every answer I rehearsed to the questions I looked up went flying out the window - except for "Why H&M?". I've never experienced this style of interview before - we were literally just getting to know each other, but it didn't take long for me to realize his technique - he wanted to get to know my personality/character.
He talked about himself, his history with H&M, some likes/dislikes, what he enjoys/hobbies, etc. and said he wanted me to talk about myself afterwards. He asked me if I was the type to bring all my friends together, how do I go about that (communication skills), when making plans to go out how I get everyone to agree to one plan (decision-making skills), an example of a time when a plan didn't go well and how I resolved it (damage control), also how I balance all my responsibilities in the week (time-management skills). I'm pretty sure I was rambling but at that point all I could do was be honest so I gave examples & explained my thought process. I'm sure he could tell I was nervous because it was just not what I expected from your usual interview. TIP: Keep your cool & just go with it, ride the wave!
Near the end he gave me 3 scenario questions that were retail-related, which were tough since I had to think quickly and recall everything I learned about prioritizing strategies when a bunch of things are happening at the store at once. I answered them the best I could, I felt a little defeated afterwards & hated feeling like I let it end on a poor note.
Mind you, the entire time we were having a very casual conversation, even shared some laughs. He was amazing at trying to keep the vibe cool and comfortable for me. He was super friendly, so I was friendly back as if I were talking to an older sibling's friend (I know, odd comparisons but it's literally what it feels like).
I asked him about the next steps when we were wrapping up and explained to me how overwhelming H&M's number of applicants are, hiring percentage is 4%. I got sad after hearing this. He said I'd hear about the results within a week via phone call.
I thanked him for his time, asked if it was the end of the day for him and said to enjoy the rest of his evening.
Exactly 24hrs later, another store manager phoned me and said he'd heard how amazingly the interview went and offered me the position. I was over the moon - H&M takes care of their employees like they do their customers, I can't wait to start my journey with them!