Jobs › Nordstrom

Alterations & Tailor Shop - Tailor - Michigan Avenue

Nordstrom · Chicago, IL · $20.75–$34.25 an hour · Variable

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Nordstrom

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time an alteration came out wrong. What did you do?

What they are checking: Ownership of mistakes and how they make it right with the customer.

The team has productivity goals. How do you stay fast without letting your quality slip?

What they are checking: Whether they can meet output targets while keeping work to Nordstrom's standards.

How do you work with sales associates who bring customers to the tailor shop?

What they are checking: Teamwork with the store, since alterations often help close a sale on the floor.

What would you do

A customer wants trousers shortened but the fabric pattern makes a clean hem tricky. How do you explain your options?

What they are checking: Educating customers on construction and fit in plain language, which the posting lists as a duty.

You have a stack of alterations due today and a customer arrives wanting a rush job. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Balancing productivity goals and promised dates against keeping a customer happy.

A customer insists on a fit you think will look wrong. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Giving honest style advice while respecting that the customer gets the final say.

About the work

Walk me through how you fit and pin a suit jacket that is too big in the shoulders and long in the sleeves.

What they are checking: Hands-on craft knowledge, including knowing which alterations are practical and which are not worth doing.

What alterations do you find hardest to do well, and how do you handle them?

What they are checking: Honest self-assessment of skill and whether they know their limits on complex work.

How do you track each garment, its measurements and its due date so nothing gets lost?

What they are checking: Organization with store technology, since a lost garment is a serious service failure.

What sewing and pressing machines have you used, and how do you keep them running safely?

What they are checking: Comfort with standard alteration equipment and a safe working habit around it.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Nordstrom from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Nordstrom.

Job Description The ideal Tailor/Fitter provides each customer with the best possible service through the quality of their craft. A day in the life… • Measure customers for size, fit garments on customers, and mark areas requiring alterations • Perform and complete customer fittings on time, and sewing alterations, according to Nordstrom guidelines and service standards • Meet department and individual productivity goals while following proper processes and procedures • Utilize store technology to manage and organize customer alteration needs • Deliver customer expectations through teamwork and collaboration within the Alterations & Store Team • Educate customers, and employees on proper fit, style, construction, and trend in a professional and friendly manner You own this if you have… • Previous fitting, tailoring, and sewing experience, preferred minimum of 2-3 years • Clear, professional communication with coworkers and customers • The ability to stay organized and prioritize multiple tasks and customer requests in a fast-paced environment • A willingness to learn, and safely operate sewing and pressing machinery, and standard alterations equipment • The ability to embrace a flexible working schedule based on business needs Pay Range Details The pay range(s) below has been provided in compliance with state specific laws. Pay ranges may be different for other locations. Pay offers are dependent on the location, as well as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. $20.75 - $34.25 Hourly We’ve got you covered… Our employees are our most important asset and that’s reflected in our benefits. Nordstrom is proud to offer a variety of benefits to support employees and their families, including: • Medical/Vision, Dental, Retirement and Paid Time Away • Life Insurance and Disability • Merchandise Discount and EAP Resources This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Learn more in the Nordstrom Benefits Overview by copying and pasting the following URL into your browser: https://careers.nordstrom.com/pdfs/Ben_Overview_07-14_Variable_ES-US.pdf A few more important points... The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. There may be additional duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this job. For Los Angeles or San Francisco applicants: Nordstrom is required to inform you that we conduct background checks after conditional offer and consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with legal requirements per Los Angeles, Cal. Muni. Code 189.04 and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For additional state and location specific notices, please refer to the Legal Notices document within the FAQ section of the Nordstrom Careers site. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation should contact the nearest Nordstrom location, which can be identified at www.nordstrom.com . Please be mindful that there may be legal notices and requirements related to this job posting that are specific to your state. Review the Career Site FAQ’s for relevant information and guidelines. Current Nordstrom employees: To apply, log into Workday, click the Careers button and then click Find Jobs. Nordstrom keeps job postings open for at least one day after the posting date. © 2026 Nordstrom, Inc

Apply at Nordstrom