How to Work at Target

On the Target.com website, you can find an enormous list of the awards and recognition Target has received for being such a great place to work. Obviously with all this great publicity, people are trying to get a job working at Target now more than ever. Although getting hired with the Target company will obviously depend on your own unique skills and experience, the actual process of getting a job at Target is really very simple and straightforward.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine your own unique skills, experiences and desires to decide which type of position you would like at Target. Target has a wide range of positions, including both hourly and salary, so decide which position or positions would be a good fit for you.

2. Check the availability of these positions on Target's website and then sign up to create an online application. Although you could also apply in person, Target's website states that the company prefers all applicants to apply using their online system. You can access this by going to Target.com and clicking the “Careers” link at the very bottom of the page. It is also important to note that it takes approximately 45 minutes to go through this online application process, but the online application can be saved if you cannot finish the entire thing in one sitting.

3. Polish up your resume, and be sure to create both an online and text version of it. Since Target.com prefers applicants to submit a resume when applying online, it is important that you create your electronic resume in a plain text format that does not have any fancy or unusual formatting. However, creating a more polished version to bring to the interview with you would also be a good idea. In both resumes, make sure you adequately highlight all the skills and past experiences that you possess that is required for the position you most desire.

4. Complete your online application. The things you will need in order to complete this are: your social security number, your contact information and address, information about your education and past work experience, and an ability to start within 60 days of filling out the application. In addition to looking for candidates that meet the necessary requirements, Target also gives consideration to things like your availability, your references, and your written responses to the question portion of the applications.

5. Prepare to be called for an interview. After properly filling out your online application, you should begin practicing your interviewing skills. Practice answering common interview questions as well as specific questions about your desired position. Keep practicing until you feel comfortable with as many of these questions as possible and are called for an interview.

6. Pass your interview. Make sure you arrive to your interview on time, and dress professionally. Answer all the interview questions as best as you can, and try to control your nervousness if at all possible. Act confident, yet also friendly and professional. Sending a thank you card to the person or people that interviewed you may also increase your chances of being hired.

7. Be persistent. Availability and the hiring process vary greatly depending upon specific locations, so do not become too discouraged if you don't get called for an interview right away or do not receive an offer letter after interviewing. You may need to add to your skill set, get additional work experience or education, broaden your availability or even consider a different geographic location. However, if you really want to work at Target, keep trying and your hard work and persistence should eventually pay off.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a college student and have been unsuccessful at landing a job at Target so far, you may see if you could qualify for an internship at Target instead. This will not only give you more hands-on experience, but it will also allow you to make valuable contacts at the company as well.
• Target may require a background check or drug test before you are hired, so keep this in mind when deciding if applying is right for you.