Target's Hiring Process: Everything You Need To Know
Here’s what to know about getting a job at Target
Thinking about working at your neighborhood bullseye superstore? Snagajob’s here to share everything you need to know about getting a job at Target. Whether you’ve been thinking about Target jobs for a while now or are just starting to look into the Target hiring process, we’re here to help.
First, some fun facts.
Did you know?
If you’ve hung around with us before here on Snagajob, then you’ve probably heard us say: Research is important. (And if you haven’t, you will!)
One of the easiest ways to help yourself be successful on any job search is to know the company that you want to work for. So before you fill out that Target application, let’s share some information.
75% of the United States population lives within 10 miles of a Target store…pretty cool, right? It makes sense. Target’s logo is well-known in American culture, and not just because of its simplistic design. Rather, it’s because the general merchandise retailer has managed to situate itself effectively throughout the country.
With 1,880 stores in the US, it’s no surprise that Target grossed $75.4 billion in total revenue during 2018. The retailer also employs 350,000 people to carry out its mission.
That mission? “To help all families discover the joy of everyday life,” which is also infused into the chain’s tagline: “Expect more. Pay less.”
Let’s explore that further, because it does hint toward what Target expects from its employees.
Target wants to give its customers more, despite lower prices. In that same sense, it expects its employees to create a customer experience that goes beyond what its affordable prices might suggest.
Keep that in mind. Target believes in the people that pass through its doors every day, customers and employees alike.
The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota and has been around since 1962. Today, Target’s become known for its corporate and social responsibility.
Making a difference at your job
If you’re looking for Target interview tips or help with an application, don’t worry—we’re going to cover that too. But Target’s commitment to corporate and social responsibility is worth mentioning. The company has aligned itself with progress, and it’s known for how much it values its employees, customers and the surrounding community.
It’s a place worth working for, and this is something you should always consider when job searching.
Sure, sometimes you need something fast or something to just keep yourself afloat. But whenever you can, look for those positions that will give you purpose. You’ll feel all the better for it.
5% of Target’s profits go back into communities. The company remains committed to providing an affordable and memorable shopping experience, making sure its team members feel valued and remain healthy, and following ethical business practices that hold Target accountable and help create a brighter future for its community.
Not a bad place to make a difference, huh? Now, let’s get you through the doors.
Types of jobs at Target
As a general merchandise retailer, Target offers many different job opportunities. Here’s a few to consider:
1. Seasonal
Target seasonal jobs might be something you’re unfamiliar with. Given the flexibility of positions within the company, and the influx of customers that tend to visit around certain times of the year, Target often offers seasonal opportunities.
As the name suggests, this means you’d be working at Target for a set duration. For someone in need of a quick job (and potentially looking for something else in the future), seasonal positions are great. They’re also primetime starting points…work seasonally at first, transition to something more permanent later.
Target offers seasonal work in sales, service & engagement and general merchandise & food sales. They look for people who have knowledge of basic guest service principles, retail business experience, and can support a daily/weekly workload that delivers on set goals.
2. Full or part-time
Similarly, you can apply to work in a Target store on a more permanent basis. The stipulations remain the same—for Target part-time jobs or full-time careers, employers at Target are looking for hard-working individuals who have innovative minds and big hearts for the community. Also, they want people with the potential to grow and contribute to their exceptional guest experience. Keep these factors in mind as you begin the hiring process.
3. Distribution center
Interested in the real behind-the-scenes work that makes the bullseye team function? Target distribution center jobs offer this experience. Warehouse work, packing operations, logistics & transportation, food distribution, engineering & facilities management…all of these are fair game if you’re looking for work within the distribution center.
There’s plenty of opportunity. You just have to find what’s right for you.
4. Corporate
Then of course there’s the corporate side of the coin. If you’re interested in the “big picture” of Target and possibly overseeing teams or putting to use a career’s worth of leadership skills, then the corporate life might be for you.
It all starts in Target’s Minneapolis headquarters; however, the company has 20 unique offices located around the world. Interested in globetrotting while working for a people-minded company? This might be an avenue for you to explore.
Onto the next step.
How to get a job at Target
The Target hiring process begins with your application, which is why we’re going to repeat ourselves over and over and over: Do. Your. Research.
Learn about the company and think about how you can connect your skills with the job position that you’re applying for. It’s a surefire way to score yourself an interview. Here are a few more considerations:
1. Completing an application
Most people apply online and the hiring process typically takes a few weeks. If you’re applying for a team member position, you’ll most likely have an in-person interview.
Well, that’s how it was pre-coronavirus. Now, expect something virtual. Be sure to maintain contact with your interviewer(s) through email and/or phone—half of the battle is making sure they know you want to be there.
2. Promoting community
Remember how we said that Target values community? It’s important for you to show that you feel the same way.
Target regularly promotes interdependence, which means the hiring team strives to find workers who will not only participate cohesively on a team, but channel that into all-star customer support.
3. Answer interview questions with the STAR method
If you get offered an interview, a great way to prepare is to practice answering Target’s specific job interview questions. It will help alleviate any stress and allow you to walk into it with more confidence. Here are a few questions that you will most likely be asked:
Why do you want to work at Target?
What does customer service mean to you?
How would you handle a customer who is upset?
Do you have any questions for me?
We’ve discussed the STAR method before, but as a friendly review, here’s the basis of a STAR answer:
Situation: Quickly describe the situation. It’s best to focus on a specific moment, like an event or a team project.
Task: Explain the goal or task you worked toward. Think of this as the point in the narrative where you faced a challenge, deadline or obstacle.
Action: Detail how you worked with the team to tackle your challenge. Be very specific, listing the steps you took to solve the problem.
Result: What was the outcome of your team’s venture? At this point, specificity is your best friend. Use specific examples with specific numbers, if possible.
The STAR method is a winning strategy for tackling interview questions.
How are you feeling?
Ready to be Target’s next superstar employee? We hope this guide has provided some insight into the Target hiring process, and encourage you to comment below with any other questions.
Like any job, Target wants exceptional people to continue making it an exceptional company. You’re that person, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.