H&M Interview Questions & Tips

How to Get a Job at H&M

International clothing retailer H&M employs more than 94,000 individuals worldwide to fill retail and corporate positions. Entry-level and managerial candidates cite an extensive hiring process consisting of multiple interviews and lasting from two to six weeks. For the most part, hopefuls complete and submit hiring forms to apply online or at a retail location. Some candidates begin the hiring process by attending a job fair. After turning in hiring forms, job hopefuls first participate in phone screenings before scheduling in-person interviews at a store.

Types of Interview Questions to Expect

Entry-level applicants should arrive to interviews punctually and dressed in professional yet fashionable attire. Greet all hiring staff with a warm smile and a firm handshake, taking note of their names. Job hopefuls may want to attend the meeting with a copy of their resume and other hiring materials for H&M interviewers to review. Hiring staff may ask questions like, "Why do you want to work for H&M?" to gauge applicants' genuine interest in the job. Other queries posed at interviews might include: "Tell me about any previous retail experience you've had," "How would you respond to multiple customers requesting assistance at the same time?", and "What do you know about H&M?" Thanking hiring staff by name at the end of the meeting demonstrates gratitude and attention to detail.

Group and Individual Interviews

Managerial applicants also encounter multiple interviews during the hiring process. The hiring process often begins with one or more group interviews, with successful candidates moving on to 1:1 or panel hiring sessions. Initially, H&M may interview up to 10 people at a time before selecting a few candidates to interview individually. Applicants should enter group interview sessions with confidence and prepared to respond to each question enthusiastically. During 1:1 interviews, job hopefuls want to bring up previous management experience, especially in retail, if applicable. Hiring staff look for managers with exceptional teambuilding and customer service skills. Managerial candidates often respond to common scenarios regarding difficult customer service or leadership oriented situations. Keep customer service and good morale as the end result of each answer.

Ways to Stand Out

Show persistence and an authentic desire for the job during the hiring process. Although interviews may seem repetitive, remain patient and consistent throughout. Job hopefuls should research H&M in order to answer any basic trivia questions asked during hiring meetings. Applicants may want to prepare questions to ask hiring staff if given the opportunity. Hiring staff may require job hopefuls to pass a drug test and criminal background check before granting a final employment decision.

H&M Sales Advisor Interview Video

Video Transcript

Interviewer: Please describe your job title and primary duties.
H&M Employee: I was a sales associate for H&M Clothing. I worked with different customers at the cash wrap. I was a cashier a month after I started and I got promoted up to become a sales advisor.

Interviewer: What was the work environment like?
H&M Employee: Extremely energetic and fast paced. Nothing is the same there. Every day, there is something new changing and coming in, and you always have to expect to learn something new.

Interviewer: What was your favorite part about working there?
H&M Employee: The changes was my favorite part about working there. I never expected the same thing every day. It wasn’t boring.

Interviewer: Please describe a typical day as an employee.
H&M Employee: Fast. Just fast, fast paced. Straightforward.

Interviewer: How would you describe the application and interview process?
H&M Employee: The application is a paper application. It asked probably five questions, regular questions that most applications ask. The interview process… you interview with two managers, and then if you got the job you interview with the store manager who was the third person, and they offered you your position if they liked you.

Interviewer: What should an applicant wear to the interview?
H&M Employee: Casualwear. I wore jeans and a t-shirt because that’s what they told me to wear. You just feel comfortable with what you are in.

Interviewer: What questions did the interviewer ask during the job interview?
H&M Employee: One question stood out to me. She asked a question about: “If someone entered the store and needed help that spoke a different language or couldn’t speak at all, how would I go about helping them?” And, that happened to me, honestly. A lady – she was deaf – but I speak a tad bit of sign language, so I helped her out, and she got me employee of the month.

Interviewer: What set you apart from other candidates?
H&M Employee: My energy level, I would say, and the fact that I learned so fast and picked up on everything as soon as I got started. I didn’t have to be trained.

Interviewer: What other advice would you give to a job seeker looking to gain employment?
H&M Employee: Be yourself. Be straightforward. That’s the most vital thing there. If you feel something is wrong, speak about it. Don’t bite your tongue because it won’t change.

More H&M Interview Videos:

Related Links:
H&M Application
H&M Sales Advisor