Less than a week after applying online, I received an email from an H&M recruiter, wanting to schedule a phone interview with me. We scheduled it for the following week. Unfortunately she ended up not being able to attend the phone call due to her work and so we scheduled it for the next week. So, phone interview happened a little over 2 weeks after the application was turned in.
The phone interview wasn't too difficult, but I was taken completely by surprise when she began my interview with questions about salary. I tried not to throw out a number first, but she was good. (I mean, it's her job, right?) So, just be prepared to ask for what you want as early as this stage. There were also a couple of times when she wanted specific numbers/stats/etc. from my previous jobs as far as turnover rate, how many people I directly supervised, etc. so have those ready to go! The recruiter said she would contact me within 2 weeks if I made it to the next phase, but "will contact you whether you get it or not. You will still hear from us within those 2 weeks." This disheartened me, honestly, and after leaving the conversation I felt that I might have not made it to the next round.
However, 2 weeks later (exactly) the Store Manager called me to set up an in-person interview! The interview was held later that week and it went great. In my opinion, it's so much easier to speak with people face-to-face than over the phone! We talked about everything, ranging from basic retail experience, to why H&M is where I want to be, to how I'm used to running things, what my leadership style is, how much shipment I am used to handling (this is a fast fashion retailer so a lot of high-volume experience is necessary!) and lots more. The interview lasted about an hour or so, and I filled out a background check form at the end of the interview and was told I'd be called hopefully within the week.
I was called 5 days later to schedule a time for me to come in and be asked "a few more questions". At this point from my research on Glassdoor, I had a feeling (and was praying) that this would be when I would receive my offer. So, I had my salary negotiations, the last day I could work at my current job, and any other pending issues like that taken care of before I walked in. Turns out, I was right! I was offered the position. I asked for more money than what they usually offer for my position, and so the Store Manager said she would have to email about it and see if that's alright. I told her I want the job regardless, but to let me know what happens. I received a call from her less than an hour later saying that my pay was approved! I came in the next day to sign the official offer letter.