Target can be a very competitive place regarding hiring, and its standards are pretty high for retail. You need to increase your chances by some of the multiple ways mentioned below. So how do you do it?
One of the sure ways of getting a job at Target is to answer their interview questions in a way that satisfies their interview model. You must explain how your behavior solved an important issue in your previous work, apply to multiple locations, and increase your availability.
This article explores the hiring steps of getting the job at Target, how to apply, and how to pass the interview.
How Do You Get Hired at Target?
When applying for a job at Target, it’s important to focus on your availability. Being available on weekends and willing to work between 15-40 hours can increase your chances of getting hired.
Sometimes, the HR at Target will look at your hours first. If your availability doesn’t fit with what they’re looking for, they’ll automatically decline without looking at your resume or experience.
When applying, visit the store on a weekday morning and speak with guest services or a team lead. Ask about any future openings and the requirements for those positions. This may increase your chances of getting a job at Target.
One way to potentially become a permanent employee is by starting as a seasonal employee and working hard to convert to a regular employee. Target hires seasonal employees in September and regular employees in March/April. Remember that most seasonal employees are let go in January, the majority being the fulfillment team and front lines. Only about 5-10% of these two are kept.
How to know if Target is hiring?
Target is always hiring, and you can apply at their site, but you can inform yourself by calling your local Target store and asking if they’re doing any hiring events soon. This will also be a good opportunity to express interest and discuss their desires.
If the particular store isn’t hiring, you can always apply at multiple locations at Target careers to increase your chances of getting hired.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job at Target?
Generally, the competition for retail jobs at Target can be high, as the company is a large and well-known retailer with many stores across the United States. However, you may have a better chance of getting hired if you have relevant experience, a good attitude, and open availability (even on weekends).
If you get rejected, don’t worry because you can apply for a different position in multiple locations. But remember that you can only apply for the same position once every year after being rejected.
You can also increase your chances by visiting the store in person, speaking with the team lead, and inquiring about future openings and what they require for those positions.
What are the requirements to work at Target?
The requirements to work at Target can vary depending on the type of position you are applying for. However, generally, the following are the basic requirements to work at Target:
- Must be at least 18 years old (varies by state)
- Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Must be able to pass a background check
- Must have the legal right to work in the United States
- Must be able to stand and walk for long periods of time
- Must be able to lift and move merchandise, which can be heavy (varies by position)
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend shifts
- Must possess strong communication and customer service skills
For certain roles in the store like team lead, team member, or specialist position, Target requires some experience or qualifications, but it can vary from store to store.
It’s important to check the specific requirements for the position you are interested in on Target’s career website or by speaking with the store’s hiring team.
How Long Does Target Take To Hire?
Depending on your timing, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks to get hired at Target after the recorded interview. The length of the hiring process will also largely depend on the store’s needs, experience, and availability.
Sometimes the store will be desperate for hires, and you could be hired on the spot during your first interview, but usually, you’ll go through the hiring process consisting of two interviews.
What Is the Hiring Process for Target?
The Target hiring process generally includes the following steps:
- Applying online or in-store by submitting an application and/or resume
- Completing a pre-screening assessment and/or a recorded video interview (This step may vary depending on the position and location)
- Participating in an in-person interview, which may include one or more rounds of interviews (This step may also vary depending on the position and location)
- Completing a background check
- Participating in an orientation and training before starting work
It is important to note that the hiring process may vary depending on the position and location. Target’s website provides all the necessary information about the hiring process, and it’s always a good idea to check it or ask the store’s hiring team.
Target Application Process
The application process for a job at Target generally starts by searching for open positions on Target’s career website and submitting an application online. The application process can take some time as you must provide information about yourself and your qualifications.
While applying for a Target job, you’ll typically be asked to provide the following information:
- Your personal and contact information, including your name, address, and contact information
- Information about your education and employment experience
- Your availability and willingness to work a flexible schedule
- Depending on the position, you may also be asked to provide your Social Security Number or other forms of identification.
If you have a nice resume, you should upload it, including the CVs, letters of recommendation, and any references, into the system during the application process. You can also apply using your LinkedIn profile, which the system will scan and enter any documents you have on it.
How long does it take to hear back from Target after applying?
If you are applying during the hiring month, such as September or March, it takes a day or two for Target HR to review the application, which is pretty quick. Sometimes it’s only hours. If you applied while the store isn’t hiring, you might hear back only after a week or two.
Should I call Target after applying online?
You should wait at least a week, and then if you haven’t been informed either by email or a call, you should call Target HR to check the status of your application.
How to check the status of your application?
You can check your application status by logging in to your Candidate Home page. Remember that status updates aren’t always reliable, so check your email, including your spam folder.
Target Interview Process
Whether for a seasonal cashier position or a position at headquarters, the interview process at Target follows the same format. It consisted of 2 in-person interviews, whose difficulty will depend on the job position and the particular store you’re applying at.
You’ll be asked to tell them about yourself, where you’ve worked before, and maybe even your hobbies. Generic interview questions, comparable to getting a job at USPS. The interview shouldn’t be hard, especially if you prepare yourself beforehand by knowing the typical questions they ask and how to answer them.
Regarding what to wear, remember that you can rarely overdress for an interview, so you should dress well. It’s easier to underdress than overdress. It’s always best to present yourself in a more professional light, but you can also go with a casual business look.
If possible, you should also bring a resume, but it’s not a requirement.
What questions does Target ask in an interview?
Target interviews are based on Behavioral scenarios. You can expect to be asked simple behavioral questions about your experience, where you’ll need to provide specific things on how you handled problematic situations.
Some common questions that may be asked in a Target interview include:
- Why do you want to work at Target?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to work in a fast-paced environment?
- How do you handle difficult customers?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem?
- How do you handle and prioritize multiple tasks?
- Can you give an example of a time when you had to work as a team?
- Can you tell me when you had to adapt to a new situation?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond for a customer?
Some questions may vary depending on the specific position you are applying for. Target’s hiring process is designed to assess your qualifications and potential to succeed in the role, so it’s important to be prepared to answer questions about your experience and skills that align with the role you applied for.
The key to passing the Target interview is to make your answers specific by explaining the following:
- the steps you used to solve the problem
- how you didn’t get nervous but remained calm
- who did you go to, and what resources have you used
- and how it had a positive impact afterward
The positive impact is the key here – this is how you pass the interview. You need to explain how your own behavior affected the situation and made the customer happy/satisfied, how your actions solved a bigger problem within the store, how it drove sales up, and similar positive effects based on your actions.
Before your interview, jot down two or three experiences where your quick thinking or efficiency made a difference. Concrete examples not only illustrate your ability to handle pace but also demonstrate proactive preparation.
They may ask, “tell me about a mistake you’ve made. Embrace these questions. Being open about past mistakes isn’t a sign of weakness but demonstrates accountability and growth. Hiring managers appreciate applicants who can both recognize their missteps and actively work to correct them.
Here, answer the questions in the form of Situation, Behavior, and Outcome:
- a) Talk about the mistake you’ve made (Situation)
- b) Explain how you fixed the mistake (Behavior)
- c) Explain the steps you’ve taken to prevent yourself or others from making the same mistake again or what lessons you’ve learned from it. (Outcome)
Since target wants you to get “Fast, fun, and friendly,” you should show them how fast you are, first and foremost. Don’t say you’re a slow perfectionist, but a balanced person with certain strengths you can mention. Explain yourself fully, and don’t spare words.
The second interview comes if you didn’t get the job right there. They need to call you to arrange the 2nd one, and most of the time, you don’t get the job if you don’t have a 2nd interview.
Here’s a good video to prepare yourself for the interview questions:
How long to hear back after the 1st interview?
Takes about five business days to hear back after the Target first interview, but it can happen much quicker. If you’ve been waiting longer, you should call HR to check your interview status.
What is the second interview like at Target?
There aren’t always two interviews, but if the particular store does them, then it will be more about the specifics of the role you’ll be doing. The 2nd interview should last about 15 minutes or less, depending on the first one.
There’s always a possibility that a 2nd interview is simply a job offer, but you should go there expecting a proper interview, not just a formality. So prepare a bit, practice a few answers, and you’ll be fine.
How long does Target take to call back after the 2nd interview?
HR should tell you when to expect a call. If they didn’t tell you, then you should typically hear back on the same day if you got the job or within 2 to 3 days. It’s not unheard of to wait up to a week to be called for an orientation. Most companies take 2+ weeks to get back after an interview.
If they tell you they’ll call you within a week and the week has passed, you should give them a call. They could also email you, but they usually call you if you get the job and email you if you don’t.
What to Bring to Your Orientation?
You should bring your driver’s license (or passport) and Social Security Card to the orientation because these documents establish your identity and legal ability to work in the US.
You should wear a red top and either blue or khakis jeans (not torn). The orientation should last around 3-4 hours, which you’ll be paid for.
Credits: Images by Kevin Dooley, under CC BY 2.0
FAQs
Do you need a resume for a job at Target?
A resume is not always required as some applications can be made online, and Target’s website has an online application form that you can use to apply for a job. Having a resume handy and up-to-date is always good, as it will show your professionalism and preparation for the job.
Is it necessary to have retail experience to apply for a job at Target?
It is dependent on the post for which you are seeking. Some jobs, such as entry-level ones, may not require prior retail experience, whilst others may prefer people with relevant expertise. In your application, you should always mention any relevant skills and expertise.
Can I apply for more than one position at Target?
Yes, you can apply for several opportunities at Target; however, you must customize your application and CV to the individual position for which you are applying.
What is the best time to apply for a job at Target?
Target recruits seasonal workers in September and regular workers in March/April; therefore, it’s a good idea to check the employment website periodically or enquire about future openings and the qualifications required for those roles.
Does Target offer any benefits for its employees?
Yes, Target provides a variety of benefits to its employees, such as paid time off, 401(k) plans, healthcare coverage, and product discounts.
Why does my Target application say in progress?
If your Target application says ‘in progress,’ it usually means that the process is still ongoing or that the status isn’t showing reliable information. If it’s been a week since you applied, you should check your emails, and if there’s nothing there, then you should call HR to check on your application.
What does no longer considered mean at Target?
This means that you didn’t get the job and that they’re not considering you anymore for that position, either because they filled it or moved on to reviewing other applicants. If you think it might be a mistake, you should call HR to check.
What to bring to a Target interview?
You should bring a resume if you have some experience, but it’s also not required. You don’t need to bring anything, but you should know how to answer anything they ask and everything about your experiences, and in your resume or CV, if you’ve got one.
