What is the hiring process at Target?

The hiring process at Target varies in nature and intensity based on the position. A retail sales associate position, for instance, can include either an on-site interview or an automated video interview. In some cases, they may ask you to complete a behavioral assessment test, while a corporate position at Target includes a phone screening and multiple interviews.

There are three main categories of Target position: stores and supply chain, corporate, and internships. Each category has a slightly different hiring process. The overall online application process, however, is pretty similar.

Regardless of the position, you should allow up to 30 minutes to complete their online application. The application asks for education and work experience, as well as an option to upload your resume and cover letter.

For a retail position, anticipate the hiring process to take one to two weeks, including the background check and drug screening. Mostly, Target requires applicants to apply online through their career portal. A new feature of their application process is the automated video interview.

For the automated video interview, you are asked to set up your computer with a webcam and answer timed interview questions. This interview is completely automatic, meaning that the computer program prompts you with a question, and your response is recorded and then later reviewed by someone at Target.

For each question prompt, you get a few minutes to prepare and then just one opportunity to answer the question. There are no chances to re-record your responses. The interview questions are typically those found in a Google search of the most common interview questions.

Expect questions such as 'what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?' and 'how would you define excellent customer service?'.

Other store locations do things the "old" fashion way, allowing applicants to either complete the application online or at the store location. In this situation, the candidate is interviewed on-site in either a one-on-one or group interview with other candidates and the hiring manager.

The interview for a retail position, whether it's automated or done on-site with a hiring manager, takes between 15 and 20 minutes. Sometimes open or group interviews with candidates require more than one interview.

Some store locations require a behavioral test for all retail staff. It's a pretty standard behavior test used by large companies. The Behavioral Assessment measures five key factors that are associated with workplace behavior; dominance, extraversion, patience, formality, and objectivity.

For corporate positions, Target relies largely on behavior-based interviewing for most roles. In this style of interview, the interviewer asks for specific examples of how you have performed or responded in a particular situation.

Answers to behavior-based interview questions should follow a standard Situation Behavior Outcome format whereby you describe the past situation, the behavior you displayed to resolve the situation, and the outcome caused by your behavior.

Common Target interview questions:

• How would you explain a RedCard to a customer who insists it is a Credit Card?

• Share a time in which you didn't agree with a coworker on an issue. How did you resolve the problem?

• Why would you be a good fit for our company?

• Define customer service.

• What is your ideal style of leadership? What is your biggest fear?

• What traits do your ideal co-workers possess?