Does Nordstrom Hire Felons?
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Nordstrom conducts background checks but uses individualized assessment. Ban the Box compliant with fair chance hiring practices.
Nordstrom hires some people with felony records. The upscale department store chain has been Ban the Box compliant and uses individualized assessment when reviewing criminal records. Nordstrom conducts background checks after extending conditional offers. The company evaluates the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. Nordstrom Rack (off-price stores) and warehouse positions may be more accessible than full-line Nordstrom store positions for people with records. Theft-related convictions can be particularly challenging in a retail environment where loss prevention is a priority.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Associate | Sometimes | Yes — individualized | Back-of-house receiving and stocking. Less customer interaction. |
| Sales Associate | Sometimes | Yes — individualized | Customer-facing. Theft convictions may be more scrutinized. |
| Nordstrom Rack Associate | Sometimes | Yes — individualized | Off-price stores. High volume, fast-paced environment. |
| Warehouse / Distribution | Sometimes | Yes | Nordstrom distribution centers. Physical labor with less customer contact. |
| Restaurant / Coffee Bar | Sometimes | Yes | In-store food service. May have separate hiring process. |
| Management | Rarely | Yes — comprehensive | Leadership roles with thorough background review. |
Nordstrom's Fair Chance Hiring
Nordstrom is an upscale department store chain with over 350 locations (including Nordstrom Rack) in the US. The company has adopted fair chance hiring practices and is Ban the Box compliant. Nordstrom does not ask about criminal history on initial applications and conducts background checks only after extending conditional offers. The company uses individualized assessment as recommended by the EEOC, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.
Background Check Process
Nordstrom conducts background checks through a third-party provider after conditional offers. The check typically includes 7 years of criminal history. In states with fair chance hiring laws (California, New York, etc.), Nordstrom follows all applicable regulations. If adverse information is found, Nordstrom provides pre-adverse action notice and allows applicants to respond before making a final decision.
What Disqualifies You
Theft-related felonies are particularly sensitive at Nordstrom due to the high-value merchandise environment. Violent felonies and sex offenses are likely disqualifying. Financial crimes may affect positions with access to customer payment information. Drug possession charges that are older than 5 years are less likely to disqualify. Nordstrom Rack and warehouse positions may have slightly more flexibility than full-line store positions.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply online through Nordstrom's career portal. Target Nordstrom Rack, stock associate, or warehouse positions for better chances. Emphasize customer service skills and retail experience. Nordstrom values customer service excellence above all — demonstrate your ability to provide outstanding service during the interview. Know your rights under fair chance hiring laws in your state.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at nordstrom.com/careers for both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack positions.
- 2.Target stock associate, Nordstrom Rack, and warehouse positions for the best chances with a record.
- 3.Nordstrom values exceptional customer service — demonstrate this quality in your interview.
- 4.Know your rights under your state's fair chance hiring laws.
- 5.If you have retail experience, highlight it prominently on your application.
- 6.Nordstrom promotes from within — emphasize your long-term career interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Nordstrom hire felons?
- Nordstrom hires some people with felony records. The company uses individualized assessment and is Ban the Box compliant. Nordstrom Rack, stock, and warehouse positions may be more accessible.
- Does Nordstrom do background checks?
- Yes, Nordstrom conducts background checks after extending conditional job offers. They use individualized assessment and comply with all applicable fair chance hiring laws.
- Does Nordstrom drug test?
- Nordstrom's drug testing policies vary by position and location. The company has generally moved away from pre-employment drug testing for most positions.
- How much does Nordstrom pay?
- Nordstrom sales associates earn $14-$20/hour plus commission depending on department. Nordstrom Rack associates earn $13-$17/hour. Stock associates earn $13-$17/hour.
- Can I work at Nordstrom with a theft conviction?
- Theft convictions are particularly challenging at Nordstrom due to the retail environment. However, Nordstrom uses individualized assessment, so older theft convictions with evidence of rehabilitation may not automatically disqualify you.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Nordstrom Careers
Official career page for all Nordstrom brands.
- National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.