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Toy Soldier - Oakbrook Center

Nordstrom · Oak Brook, IL · $35.00 an hour · Variable

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 any performance, theater or character work you have done.

What they are checking: Whether they have experience holding a persona in front of people for long stretches.

How do you feel about appearing in social media videos and live content in character?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable on camera, since the posting lists this as part of the job.

How would you keep your energy up over a long shift in a full uniform?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the physical demands and have ways to stay fresh all day.

What would you do

The Toy Soldier stays in character all day. Show me how you would greet a family walking in.

What they are checking: Whether they can perform with energy and warmth on the spot, which is the whole job.

How would you adjust your style for a shy child versus a group of excited teens?

What they are checking: Whether they can read a guest and adapt so everyone feels welcome.

How would you lead the store's daily opening ceremony to make it special?

What they are checking: Whether they can bring flair and creativity to a routine moment every single day.

A guest is rude or tries to break your character. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay professional and in persona without getting rattled.

A guest asks you for directions to a restaurant in the mall. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can act as a local expert while staying in character.

How would you make a private FAO shopping event feel memorable?

What they are checking: Whether they can tailor the experience to a small group and make it feel exclusive.

About the work

How would you demonstrate a toy so that guests want to try it?

What they are checking: Whether they can show key features with confidence and turn a demo into a sale.

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.

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The full job description

As published by Nordstrom.

Job Description The Toy Soldier is synonymous with FAO Schwarz and is tasked with representing the brand to the highest levels of excellence to fully engage our guests. Click HERE to see a Toy Soldier in action! A day in the life… • Engage each guest to deliver an outstanding experience throughout their visit. • Build connections with visitors and passers-by alike, remaining in character at all times and bringing a sense of fun to the day. • Act as the personality of the store and build rapport with both children and adults by adapting your style to make them feel welcome. • Lead the daily opening ceremony for the store with flair and uniqueness. • Act as a greeter for the store and be a local expert, ready to supply relevant information to guests on demand • Participate in social media posts in full Toy Soldier persona. • Participate in filmed or live video content for social media. • Demonstrate products for guests with confidence and enthusiasm, showcasing key features to help customers explore and engage with the assortment. • Lead private FAO events and/or private shopping experiences. • Tailor key talking points to suit your audience and deliver key information with a personal flair. • Toy Soldiers are required to wear a uniform, including a hat, jacket, gloves and pants. This uniform will be provided, laundered and maintained by FAO Schwartz. • General hours for this position: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays (flexible schedule may be required) You own this if you have… • Experience in a performance, acting, music, or dance background a plus. • Familiarity with a premium or experience-based retailer a plus. • An engaging and theatrical personality that can captivate an audience in all environments and situations. • Remain positive and in character for extended periods of time without losing any of your Toy Soldier magic. • The ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs • Physical Requirements: • Continuous movement for 6-8 hours per shift, which includes frequent bending, twisting, squatting, flexing and reaching in order to handle merchandise and assist customers. • Frequent use of hands for grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling • Handle bulky and sometimes awkwardly shaped items, which includes reaching for and lifting these items above the head. • Regularly lift items weighing up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds 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. $35.00 - $35.00 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. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. © 2026 Nordstrom, Inc

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