Archived What are target job interviews like?

[ChrisTheGreat]

I applied to target online today just want to know if they do over the phone onterview i heard they do that if they do what would they say? And what are some questions they ask at the real? How would you answer them?

 

[SrTLall]

It's an interview for Target. You can say anything you want as long as you sound optimistic and interested.

 

[HLN13]

It's almost completely situational questions.
Dress decently, don't be afraid to take your time to answer the questions, you'll be fine. It's pretty easy, once you're application gets accepted you almost always get hired unless you really screw up your interview. And about the phone interview, I was just hired a month ago and I didn't have a phone interview.

 

[BackroomAlpha]

Don't bash your other jobs in the interview and be happy or excited. You'll get the job. Ive sat in on 4 interviews now and they were all not qualified but got hired based off the simple fact they were excited to be there lol

 

[Tessa120]

No phone interview here either.

The only variation from most job interviews I saw was that the questions asked of me regarding previous work experience needed highly detailed answers and the answers were written on a form. That made it more regimented than the typical job interview. But just like any job interview, the goal is to sell yourself to the interviewer, so look up typical job interview questions so you're prepared, learn how to rephrase past negative situations so there's a positive spin on it, and research ways to verbally stall for a few seconds without it looking like you are stalling in order to avoid babbling when confronted with a difficult or unexpected question. Do some basic research on Target so you do have a question or two when they ask if you have any questions (since not having questions is viewed as you not caring).

And yeah, Backroom Alpha is right, don't bash the previous jobs. Say you got tired of the commute, say you needed to help care for a family member, say you didn't feel you could meet your professional goals at the previous place (be prepared to explain those professional goals), say you wanted a greater opportunity to advance, say you took time off for education or life experience, but do not say "I got tired of the shit there."

Edit: And for god's sake dress like a professional. Leave the jeans, t-shirts, short skirts and tight stuff at home. Loose (not baggy), conservative, modest. Hit the thrift store or borrow a shirt if need be.

 

[Leo47]

I prepared for my interview by going on GlassDoor.com , type in any company and they will have what the interview was like + questions that were asked. I had answers planned out ahead of time to every question they asked, it made it a lot less stressful. However during my 2nd interview I was asked "what is your biggest weakness" and that one messed me up lol I didn't think that dumb question was asked anymore and I literally had to ask if I could have a minute to think about it hahaha like what do you say that doesn't make you seem awful

 

[Militantagnostic]

Be like a good politician, answer every question with "I can't recall" or "I'm not at liberty to discuss that in this setting", plead the fifth if the question is too hatd.

 

[Tessa120]

However during my 2nd interview I was asked "what is your biggest weakness" and that one messed me up lol I didn't think that dumb question was asked anymore and I literally had to ask if I could have a minute to think about it hahaha like what do you say that doesn't make you seem awful

Yeah, that is a toughie. I think though they are looking for a) honesty and b) ways that you are trying to address your weakness. I always follow up with how I'm trying to address my weakness after naming it.

 

[NKG]

Be like a good politician, answer every question with "I can't recall" or "I'm not at liberty to discuss that in this setting", plead the fifth if the question is too hatd.

Dont do that. Answering in that matter will not get you hired at any job even with a doctorate. Unless they are asking you personal questions like " Are you single?" Then you wouldn't be required to answer.

 

[Tessa120]

Be like a good politician, answer every question with "I can't recall" or "I'm not at liberty to discuss that in this setting", plead the fifth if the question is too hatd.

Dont do that. Answering in that matter will not get you hired at any job even with a doctorate. Unless they are asking you personal questions like " Are you single?" Then you wouldn't be required to answer.

I took the post as a joking comment.

 

[NKG]

I took the post as a joking comment.

Someone might not...cool thing about the internet is text can be read either way

 

[Militantagnostic]

I took the post as a joking comment.

I can neither confirm nor deny that allegation

 

[Militantagnostic]

Also, mock interview with a close confidant if you can, practice as much as you can

 

[SFSFun]

During the phone interview you should make sure to ask them if they drug test, just to be sure.

 

[LUR99]

During the phone interview you should make sure to ask them if they drug test, just to be sure.

😀😀😀
We actually get applicants who ask about drug testing. They do not get an interview lol.

 

[Greenie]

I hate overly prepped interviews. This guy had answers READY, but absolutely floundered on my follow ups. He obviously read Glassdoor or some such.

 

[HRZone]

I applied to target online today just want to know if they do over the phone onterview i heard they do that if they do what would they say? And what are some questions they ask at the real? How would you answer them?

Depends what position you apply for they actually just changed the interview guides and questions for some positions.

 

[HRZone]

It's pretty easy, once you're application gets accepted you almost always get hired unless you really screw up your interview

Speak for yourself, my store turns down over 50 percent of our applicants.

And about the phone interview, I was just hired a month ago and I didn't have a phone interview.

I screen my applicants pretty hard now via phone thanks to urging from my HR TL at my old store.

I can't interview them as an hrtm but I ask them why they want to work at Target and what their goals are. "I just need some quick money" gets a quick we will be in touch and a turn down email.

I used to just setup interviews with anyone who applied but my store has had too many awful applicants who wasted our time and being a low volume store we are squeezed enough for hours as it is.

 

[ElectroTarget]

I just had my second interview before being hired and I have to say it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had as far as interviewing goes. They were straight and to the point but also were relaxed and open and I never felt like I was being judged based on any criteria other than what they were looking for as far as my qualifications for the job. I can't speak for every store or even every HR person in the company but in my experience they've been the most professional I've seen.

As far as questions, you'll be asked general questions about yourself, why you think you're good for whatever position you're applying for, you'll also be asked to give examples of times you've overcome obstacles at other jobs and how you managed it, a time you were able to work well with a group, what you like about Target and what drove you to apply there and similar questions. Depending on if you're applying to be something higher-up on the totem pole I'm sure there will be questions about your business acumen, your college education, what other management positions you've had, how you deal with troublesome team members or guests and so on.

That's my experience so far, for what it's worth. All the best!

 

[LUR99]

They are all " tell me about a time when " questions. Be confident. If you talk to0 much, we will offer you a cashier position hoping your constant talking will sell red cards 😛. Like others mentioned do not bash previous jobs, don't tell us you hated your former management etc.

 

[Quab]

Thought I'd share my experience, as I'm going through the process now. Applied online, got a call from HR about two hours later to come in for an interview later in the week. Wore jeans, dress shoes, button up shirt and a tie. Interviewed with the team leader, and he asked almost exclusively questions that needed to be answered in the form of anecdotes from previous experiences, as well as questions about avalbility and whatnot and since they seemed very flexible I opened my schedule up almost completely. Went very well, was told I'd be called to schedule a second interview. Five days later got a call to come in later that week, and did. Wore different shirt and tie, and interviewed with someone else (not quite sure what role she played in the store). Second interview was pretty much the exact same questions, so I provided essentially the same answers. I think this also went well, but I was surprised at end when there was no mention of a drug test or background check, instead informing me that they "had several more interviews that day, and would be getting back to me." Not the most optimistic thing to hear. I'm guessing I'll get a rejection in a day or two, or maybe a call to come in again, hard to read. A pleasant and easy interviewing experience, though it does seem a little excessive for a cashier position.

 

[MM1MM2]

Thought I'd share my experience, as I'm going through the process now. Applied online, got a call from HR about two hours later to come in for an interview later in the week. Wore jeans, dress shoes, button up shirt and a tie. Interviewed with the team leader, and he asked almost exclusively questions that needed to be answered in the form of anecdotes from previous experiences, as well as questions about avalbility and whatnot and since they seemed very flexible I opened my schedule up almost completely. Went very well, was told I'd be called to schedule a second interview. Five days later got a call to come in later that week, and did. Wore different shirt and tie, and interviewed with someone else (not quite sure what role she played in the store). Second interview was pretty much the exact same questions, so I provided essentially the same answers. I think this also went well, but I was surprised at end when there was no mention of a drug test or background check, instead informing me that they "had several more interviews that day, and would be getting back to me." Not the most optimistic thing to hear. I'm guessing I'll get a rejection in a day or two, or maybe a call to come in again, hard to read. A pleasant and easy interviewing experience, though it does seem a little excessive for a cashier position.

No drug tests unless you're interviewing for a team lead or ETL.

 

[ElectroTarget]

They are all " tell me about a time when " questions. Be confident. If you talk to0 much, we will offer you a cashier position hoping your constant talking will sell red cards 😛. Like others mentioned do not bash previous jobs, don't tell us you hated your former management etc.

Interestingly, they weren't all 'Tell me about a time when' for me, I got a few questions about my direct knowledge of electronics along with some of what I mentioned in my previous post. I was also asked, interestingly, how long I'd been shopping a Target.

 

[Quab]

Interestingly, they weren't all 'Tell me about a time when' for me, I got a few questions about my direct knowledge of electronics along with some of what I mentioned in my previous post. I was also asked, interestingly, how long I'd been shopping a Target.

I got one or two like that, mostly about the RedCard and Cartwheel app, which I conveniently enough had.

 

[ElectroTarget]

I got one or two like that, mostly about the RedCard and Cartwheel app, which I conveniently enough had.

Were you applying for Cashier? I didn't get any questions about RedCard or Cartwheel, though, I'm also signed up on both.