Does Nordstrom Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

Nordstrom does not include a drug test in its standard hiring process for store positions. When a test is warranted — typically after a workplace accident or when a manager has reasonable suspicion of impairment — Nordstrom uses a standard urine drug test at a third-party lab, generally a 5-panel screen covering marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Employees are usually given a short window (often around 24 hours) to provide a sample. For most applicants, the hiring process is limited to one or more interviews and a background check, with no urine, saliva, or hair test involved. Certain safety-sensitive or delivery/driver roles tied to distribution operations may carry additional testing requirements.

Marijuana Policy

Because Nordstrom does not drug test typical store applicants at hiring, marijuana use generally will not prevent you from being hired for retail roles. Nordstrom still maintains a drug-free workplace expectation, so reporting to work impaired or using cannabis on the job is prohibited and can lead to discipline. Note that even in states where marijuana is legal, a positive test tied to a workplace accident or reasonable-suspicion investigation can still result in consequences, and Nordstrom's policy does not guarantee protection for off-duty use in every jurisdiction. Applicants for driver or distribution roles should be aware that those positions may be screened more strictly than sales-floor jobs.

Tips for Applicants

Nordstrom is known for a strong customer-service culture and commission-based selling in many departments, so interviews focus heavily on people skills, styling ability, and reliability rather than drug screening. Apply online through the Nordstrom careers site and be ready to discuss customer service scenarios and availability. Because there is generally no pre-employment drug test for store roles, applicants who use cannabis legally in their state are unlikely to be screened out at hiring — but you should still avoid being impaired at work, since post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing does occur. Nordstrom considers applicants with criminal records under fair-chance hiring practices in many locations, so a record does not automatically disqualify you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nordstrom drug test new employees?

Generally no. Nordstrom does not conduct pre-employment drug testing for typical retail positions such as sales, cashier, beauty, and stock roles. Hiring usually involves interviews and a background check, but no drug screen.

Does Nordstrom drug test for weed?

Not for typical store applicants at hiring, since Nordstrom does not run a pre-employment drug test for retail roles. Marijuana could still come up in a post-accident or reasonable-suspicion test, and being impaired on the job is prohibited.

When does Nordstrom drug test?

Nordstrom reserves the right to test after a workplace accident or injury and when there is reasonable suspicion an employee is impaired. It is not part of the standard hiring process for store roles.

What type of drug test does Nordstrom use?

When testing occurs, Nordstrom uses a standard urine test at a third-party lab, commonly a 5-panel screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Most applicants will not be tested at hiring.

Does Nordstrom drug test warehouse or driver roles?

Store and fulfillment roles are rarely tested at hiring, but some safety-sensitive driver and distribution positions may face pre-employment or random testing. If you are applying to one of these roles, ask the recruiter about testing requirements.

Does Nordstrom do a background check?

Yes. Nordstrom typically runs a background check as part of hiring. Many locations follow fair-chance hiring practices, so a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, and each application is reviewed individually.