Top 10 Target HireVue Interview Questions and Answers 2025: Master the Video Interview That Gets You Hired

Landing a job at Target starts with something that might feel a bit unusual: talking to your computer instead of a person. If you’ve applied to Target recently, you’ve probably received an email inviting you to complete a HireVue video interview. Don’t panic. This isn’t some futuristic test designed to trip you up.

Target’s HireVue interview is their way of getting to know you on your schedule. It’s a recorded video interview where you answer pre-determined questions, giving the hiring team a chance to review your responses when it works for them. For you, it means no rushing across town for an interview or juggling your current work schedule to fit in a meeting.

Here’s what makes this article different. We’re not just going to list generic questions and robotic answers. You’re getting the real questions Target actually asks in their HireVue interviews, along with natural-sounding responses using the SOAR Method that showcase your abilities without sounding rehearsed. We’ll also cover the insider tips that most candidates miss, the technical setup that makes you look professional, and exactly how to use Target’s culture to your advantage.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what Target is looking for, how to structure your answers for maximum impact, and the specific strategies that help you stand out in a sea of video responses. Whether you’re applying for a General Merchandise position, Guest Services role, or anything in between, you’re about to get the complete roadmap to HireVue success.

Ready to turn that HireVue invitation into your next job offer? Let’s dive in.

Understanding Target’s HireVue Interview Process

Before we jump into the questions, let’s talk about what you’re actually dealing with. Target uses HireVue as their initial screening method for most in-store positions. This includes roles in General Merchandise, Specialty Sales, Guest Services, and various other departments.

The format is straightforward. After you apply, you’ll receive an email from interviews@hirevue.com with the subject line “Congrats! You’ve been selected to interview with Target.” Inside, you’ll find a link to start your interview. You can complete it on your phone, tablet, or computer. Most candidates find a laptop or desktop gives them the best setup for maintaining eye contact with the camera.

Here’s how the interview actually works. You’ll typically face 5-6 questions. For each one, you get 2 minutes to prepare your answer and 3 minutes to record your response. If you don’t like what you said, no worries. You can re-record once. Target only sees the final version you submit.

The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a chance to test your camera and microphone before you begin, and there’s even a practice question to help you get comfortable. Once you submit your responses, Target’s hiring team reviews them and typically gets back to you within 5 business days. You can find additional details about Target’s specific video interview process on their official page.

What are they actually looking for? Target wants to see three main things: your customer service mindset (they call customers “guests”), your ability to work collaboratively, and your problem-solving skills. They’re also assessing whether you embody their core values of “Care, Grow, Win Together.”

For more insights on mastering HireVue interviews across different companies, read our complete guide to the top 15 HireVue interview questions.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a resource with proven answers to the top questions interviewers are asking right now. Check out our interview answers cheat sheet:

Top 10 Target HireVue Interview Questions with Sample Answers

1. Tell me about yourself and why you’re interested in this position at Target.

What They’re Really Asking: Can you communicate clearly and connect your background to Target’s needs?

This opening question sets the tone for your entire interview. Target wants to see that you understand what the role involves and that your experience aligns with their guest-focused culture. Keep your answer focused on relevant retail or customer service experience.

Sample Answer:

“I’m currently working as a sales associate at a busy retail store where I help between 80 and 100 customers every day. What I love most about retail is that moment when you help someone find exactly what they need and see their face light up. That’s what drew me to Target specifically.

I’ve been shopping at Target for years, and I’ve always noticed how your team members go beyond just pointing people in the right direction. They actually walk guests to the items and make suggestions. That’s the kind of service I already provide, and I want to work somewhere that values it.

In my current role, I’ve gotten really good at staying calm during rush periods and multitasking without losing focus on the guest experience. I’m looking for a company where I can grow long-term, and Target’s reputation for promoting from within really appeals to me.”

Interview Guys Tip: Don’t just say you “like shopping at Target.” That’s what everyone says. Instead, mention specific observations about Target’s service culture or initiatives you’ve noticed. This shows you’ve done your homework. For more strategies on answering this foundational question, check out our guide on answering “tell me about yourself” in any interview.

2. Describe how you learn and adjust when an experience doesn’t turn out as expected. Tell me about a specific situation, your actions, and the outcome.

What They’re Really Asking: Can you adapt, learn from mistakes, and take initiative to improve?

This is a behavioral question, so Target wants a real example from your past. They’re evaluating your resilience and growth mindset. Use the SOAR Method to structure your response.

Sample Answer (Using SOAR Method):

“Last summer, I was organizing a community fundraiser at my previous job. The situation was that we’d planned an outdoor event expecting about 200 people based on our Facebook RSVPs.

The obstacle hit when only about 50 people showed up. The weather was perfect, so that wasn’t the issue. I realized we’d relied too heavily on social media without doing any direct outreach to our regular customers.

My action was to immediately pivot. Instead of dwelling on the low turnout, I made sure the guests who were there had an amazing experience. Then, for our next event two months later, I created a multi-channel approach. I sent personal emails to our customer list, put up flyers in the store, and partnered with two local businesses to cross-promote.

The result was incredible. We had 180 people at the second event, and we raised double what we’d originally hoped for. That experience taught me not to put all my eggs in one basket when it comes to communication. I now always use at least three different channels to reach people.”

3. How do you work with people who have different perspectives than your own? Describe a situation, your actions, and the outcomes.

What They’re Really Asking: Are you open-minded, respectful, and able to collaborate with diverse team members?

Target places huge emphasis on inclusivity and teamwork. This question assesses your emotional intelligence and ability to navigate differences constructively.

Sample Answer (Using SOAR Method):

“In my last retail job, I worked with a coworker who had a completely different approach to organizing our stockroom. The situation was that we were both assigned to manage inventory together.

The obstacle was that she preferred to organize everything by brand, while I wanted to organize by product category. We kept rearranging things, which was wasting time and creating frustration for both of us.

My action was to sit down with her during our break and actually ask why she preferred her method. It turned out she’d worked at a specialty store where brand organization made more sense for their customers. Instead of insisting on my way, we tested both systems for a week each and tracked how long it took us to fulfill orders.

The result surprised us both. A hybrid system worked best. We organized high-turnover items by category for quick access and slower-moving items by brand. Our order fulfillment time dropped by about 20%, and more importantly, we turned a conflict into a collaboration. That experience taught me that different perspectives usually exist for good reasons, and the best solutions often come from combining ideas rather than choosing sides.”

Interview Guys Tip: Target loves stories that show you can turn conflict into collaboration. Don’t just say you “worked it out.” Show the specific steps you took to understand the other person’s perspective and find common ground. For more examples of handling workplace conflicts, see our complete guide to answering conflict questions.

4. A guest approaches you and seems hesitant or unsure about what they’re looking for. How would you help them?

What They’re Really Asking: Do you understand Target’s proactive, friendly service approach?

This situational question tests your understanding of Target’s guest service philosophy. They want warm, helpful interactions that don’t feel pushy or scripted.

Sample Answer:

“I’d start by reading their body language. If someone looks confused or is slowly scanning the aisles, that’s my cue to approach with a friendly greeting like, ‘Hi there! Can I help you find anything today?’

If they’re not sure what they need, I’d ask a few questions to narrow it down. Something like, ‘What’s the occasion?’ or ‘Who’s this for?’ helps me understand what they’re really looking for.

Here’s what I wouldn’t do: I wouldn’t just point them toward an aisle and walk away. I’d actually walk them to the section, show them a couple options, and explain why those might work. If I’m not sure about something specific, I’d be honest and say, ‘Let me grab someone from that department who can give you better information.’

Before I leave, I always check if there’s anything else they need. Sometimes people are shopping for multiple things, and that one extra question turns a good experience into a great one.”

5. Tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team to accomplish a goal. What was the situation, what obstacles did you face, and what was the result?

What They’re Really Asking: Can you collaborate effectively and contribute to team success?

Target’s culture revolves around teamwork. This behavioral question lets you demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively toward shared goals.

Sample Answer (Using SOAR Method):

“At my previous job, our store wasn’t hitting monthly sales targets for three months in a row. The situation was that our team of five associates needed to figure out how to turn things around fast.

The obstacle was that we were all working in our own areas without much coordination. We weren’t cross-promoting products or sharing insights about what customers were asking for.

My action was to suggest a 15-minute huddle every morning where we’d share customer feedback and coordinate our efforts. I also paired up with another associate to create themed displays that showcased complementary products together. For example, we put workout clothes near water bottles and fitness accessories.

The result was that we exceeded our sales goal by 12% the next month. But what felt even better was that our team became genuinely close. We started celebrating each other’s successes and helping when someone got overwhelmed. The store manager actually adopted our morning huddle as a permanent practice. That experience showed me that small changes in how a team communicates can create massive improvements in results.”

Want to prepare more teamwork stories? Our guide to the top behavioral interview questions covers collaboration scenarios in depth.

6. Describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks at once. How did you prioritize and manage your time?

What They’re Really Asking: Can you multitask effectively during busy periods without dropping the ball?

Retail environments get chaotic, especially during holidays and weekends. Target needs team members who can juggle competing priorities without losing their cool.

Sample Answer (Using SOAR Method):

“During the holiday season last year, I was working the floor when our store got slammed right as a truck delivery arrived. The situation was that I needed to help guests, process returns at the service desk, and help unload and stock merchandise.

The obstacle was that I couldn’t be in three places at once, and guests were getting impatient.

My action was to quickly assess what was most urgent. I called for backup on the radio for the service desk, which had a long line forming. Then I helped three guests who had quick questions while I was on the floor. For the truck, I communicated with my team lead that I’d focus on helping guests until the service desk backup arrived, then I’d shift to stocking.

The result was that we kept guest wait times under 10 minutes, which was our goal, and we still got the truck unloaded by the end of my shift. I learned that good communication with your team makes all the difference when priorities compete. Nobody can do everything alone, but a team that talks to each other can handle anything.”

7. Why do you want to work at Target specifically?

What They’re Really Asking: Have you done your research, and do you understand what makes Target different?

Generic answers bomb here. Target wants to know you’ve thought about why their company specifically is a good fit for you. Take some time to explore Target’s official culture page to understand their values deeply before your interview.

Sample Answer:

“I’ve been noticing Target’s approach to retail for a while now, and three things really stand out to me.

First, your commitment to sustainability and community impact is something I want to be part of. I saw that Target has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting diverse suppliers, which aligns with my personal values.

Second, I love that Target has a reputation for promoting from within. I’m not looking for just a job. I want to build a career in retail, and knowing that many of your store leaders started as team members tells me there’s real opportunity here.

Third, and this might sound small, but I genuinely enjoy the shopping experience at Target. The stores are well-organized, the team members are helpful without being pushy, and there’s this energy that makes shopping feel fun rather than like a chore. I want to be part of creating that experience for other people.

I’m the type of person who gives 100% when I believe in what I’m doing, and everything I’ve learned about Target makes me excited to contribute to this team.”

Interview Guys Tip: Reference specific Target initiatives or values when you answer this question. Mentioning things like “Care, Grow, Win Together” or Target’s community involvement shows you’ve researched beyond just knowing it’s a place to shop. Need help crafting your answer to this classic question? Our complete guide to “why do you want to work here” walks you through the strategy.

8. Tell me about a time when you received critical feedback. How did you respond and what did you learn?

What They’re Really Asking: Are you coachable and open to improvement?

Target values continuous learning and growth. They want team members who can take feedback constructively and use it to improve.

Sample Answer (Using SOAR Method):

“In my first retail job, my manager pulled me aside after I’d been there for about a month. The situation was that she’d noticed I was rushing through my interactions with customers to get to other tasks.

The obstacle was that I didn’t even realize I was doing it. I thought I was being efficient, but she showed me that I was missing opportunities to build rapport and make genuine connections with guests.

My action was to slow down and focus on quality over quantity. I started asking more open-ended questions and really listening to what customers needed instead of jumping straight to solutions. I also asked my manager to check in with me weekly for the next month so I could make sure I was improving.

The result was eye-opening. Not only did customers respond better, but I actually enjoyed my job more. I got more positive feedback, and interestingly, I wasn’t working any slower. I was just working smarter. That feedback early in my career taught me that rushing through something doesn’t make you productive. It just makes you less effective. Now I always prioritize the quality of the interaction over checking off tasks.”

9. Describe a situation where you had to solve a problem quickly without complete information.

What They’re Really Asking: Can you think on your feet and make sound judgments under pressure?

Retail is full of unexpected challenges. Target wants team members who can adapt and find solutions when things don’t go according to plan.

Sample Answer (Using SOAR Method):

“One Saturday afternoon, our store’s computer system partially crashed during a big sale. The situation was that our registers were working, but our inventory system was down, so we couldn’t look up product information or check if items were in stock.

The obstacle was that guests kept asking us to check if we had specific items in the back, and we had no way to verify without physically searching.

My action was to create a quick workaround. I grabbed a notepad and started a list of the most-requested items. Then I asked one team member to physically check the stockroom for those items while the rest of us stayed on the floor helping guests with what we could answer. For price checks, we used the Target app on our phones as a backup.

The result was that we kept serving guests instead of telling everyone we couldn’t help them. Sure, it took longer than usual, but guests appreciated that we were finding solutions. The system was back up in about an hour, but in that time, we’d helped probably 40 people using our workaround. My manager later told me she appreciated my initiative to adapt rather than wait for instructions. That situation taught me that most problems have multiple solutions if you’re willing to get creative.”

10. What does excellent guest service mean to you?

What They’re Really Asking: Do your values about customer service align with Target’s approach?

This is your chance to show you understand Target’s service philosophy: friendly, proactive, and genuinely helpful.

Sample Answer:

“To me, excellent guest service is about making someone’s day a little bit better through small but meaningful actions.

It starts with awareness. Noticing when someone looks lost or confused and approaching them before they have to hunt down help. That proactive piece is huge.

Then it’s about really listening. Not just waiting for your turn to talk, but actually hearing what the person needs. Sometimes they’re not even sure what they’re looking for, and good service means asking the right questions to help them figure it out.

But here’s what I think sets excellent service apart: it’s the follow-through. Walking someone to the item instead of just pointing. Checking if there’s anything else they need before you walk away. Those extra 30 seconds make someone feel valued instead of processed.

Excellent service also means maintaining that helpful, friendly energy even when you’re tired or the store is chaotic. Guests don’t know or care that you’ve been on your feet for six hours. They just know they need help, and they’ll remember whether you made them feel like an inconvenience or like someone worth your time.

At the end of the day, excellent service is about treating people the way you’d want to be treated if you walked into a store needing help. It’s really that simple.”

Looking for more ways to articulate your strengths in retail? Check out our guide on answering “what are your greatest strengths” for additional frameworks.

Interview Oracle: This Tool Predicts What Questions You’ll Be Asked In Your Interview!

Most candidates walk into interviews blind. This AI predictor analyzes job descriptions to reveal the exact behavioral and technical questions you’ll likely face – giving you the unfair advantage of knowing what’s coming.

5 Insider Tips for Acing Your Target HireVue Interview

1. Test Your Technology Multiple Times Before You Start

Here’s something most candidates learn the hard way: technical problems tank otherwise great interviews. You get one shot at this, so test everything 24 hours before your scheduled interview.

Check your internet connection. If your WiFi is spotty, use an ethernet cable or relocate closer to your router. Test your camera angle. Position it at eye level. If you’re using a laptop, stack some books underneath to raise it up. Nobody wants to see the inside of your nostrils for three minutes.

Record yourself answering a practice question using the exact device you’ll use for the real interview. Watch it back. Is the audio clear? Can you hear any background noise? Is your face well-lit or are you sitting in front of a window looking like a shadowy witness in a crime documentary?

Fix issues now, not when you’re 30 seconds away from answering Question 1.

Interview Guys Tip: Target’s HireVue platform works best on Google Chrome. If you’re using a different browser and experiencing issues, switch to Chrome before you panic. HireVue also offers helpful candidate resources on their official site that can give you additional technical troubleshooting tips.

2. Master the Art of Talking to a Camera

This feels weird at first. You’re having a conversation with a piece of glass instead of a person. But here’s the secret: the camera needs to feel like you’re making eye contact with the hiring manager.

Look directly at the camera lens when you speak, not at yourself on the screen. Yes, it’s tempting to watch yourself talk. Resist that urge. Put a small sticky note next to your camera lens if it helps you remember where to focus.

Practice this before your interview. Record yourself answering “What’s your favorite thing about retail?” while looking at the camera. Then watch it back. Does it feel like you’re talking to someone or past them? Adjust accordingly.

Your facial expressions matter more in video interviews than in-person ones. Smile naturally. Nod when you’re making a point. Show energy and enthusiasm. The hiring manager watching your video needs to feel your personality through the screen.

3. Use Target’s Exact Language Throughout Your Answers

This is one of those small details that creates a big impression. Target has specific terminology they use consistently, and incorporating it into your answers signals cultural fit.

Say “guest” instead of “customer.” Every single time. Target team members don’t serve customers; they create experiences for guests. This isn’t just semantics. It reflects Target’s hospitality-focused approach to retail.

Say “team member” instead of “employee” or “coworker.” Again, this is Target’s language, and using it shows you’ve paid attention to how they talk about their workforce.

Reference Target’s values directly when relevant. Mention how you “care, grow, and win together” in your teamwork examples. Talk about creating an inclusive environment. These phrases resonate because they’re baked into Target’s culture.

4. Keep Your Answers Between 90 Seconds and 2 Minutes

You have 3 minutes to answer each question, but that doesn’t mean you should use all of it. Hiring managers review dozens of these videos. Concise, well-structured answers keep their attention better than rambling ones.

Aim for the 90-second to 2-minute range. This gives you enough time to tell a complete story using the SOAR Method without unnecessary details that dilute your main point.

Here’s how to pace yourself: Your Situation should take about 20 seconds. Your Obstacle should take another 20 seconds. Your Actions should take 40-50 seconds (this is the meat of your answer). Your Result should take 20-30 seconds.

Practice with a timer before your interview. You’ll quickly develop a sense for how long your answers actually take versus how long they feel like they take.

5. Dress Like You’re Going to the Store for an In-Person Interview

Yes, this is a video interview you’re taking from home. No, that doesn’t mean you should wear pajama bottoms and a nice shirt.

Dress professionally from head to toe. Why? Because it changes how you carry yourself. You sit up straighter. You take it more seriously. And if you need to stand up for any reason (to adjust your camera, to grab something you forgot), you don’t want to be caught on camera in your sweatpants.

Business casual is your target. For men, that’s a collared shirt or sweater. For women, a blouse or professional top. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns. Avoid anything too bright or distracting.

Here’s a specific tip based on what actual Target hiring managers have shared on Glassdoor: Wearing Target’s signature red in your outfit is a subtle way to show enthusiasm for the brand. A red shirt, a red cardigan, even a red accessory. It’s not required, but it’s a small detail that shows attention to brand alignment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Target HireVue Interview

Reading from a Script

Your eyes move differently when you’re reading, and hiring managers can spot it immediately. They’re not looking for memorized perfection. They want authentic conversation.

Instead of writing out full answers, create bullet-point notes with key examples you want to reference. Quick glance at notes during your prep time? Fine. Staring at your computer screen and reading word-for-word? Interview killer.

Forgetting to Smile and Show Energy

One of the biggest pitfalls of video interviews is candidates who come across as flat or disengaged. Without the natural energy of a two-way conversation, you have to bring extra warmth and enthusiasm.

Smile when you introduce yourself. Vary your tone when telling stories. Use hand gestures naturally. Show that you’re excited about the opportunity, not just going through the motions.

Remember, the hiring manager watching your video is probably reviewing it at the end of a long day. Your energy and enthusiasm help you stand out from the dozen other candidates whose videos they’re watching.

Choosing a Distracting Background or Location

Your background says something about your professionalism. A messy room with clothes piled on a chair behind you sends the wrong message. So does sitting in front of a window where the sunlight turns you into a silhouette.

Choose a clean, simple background. A plain wall works great. A tidy bookshelf is fine. Your kitchen with dirty dishes visible behind you is not the move.

Make sure the space is quiet. Turn off TVs and music. Put pets in another room. Tell roommates or family members you need 45 minutes of uninterrupted time. Background noise is incredibly distracting in recorded video interviews.

Not Using Specific Examples

Vague, general answers don’t cut it in HireVue interviews. “I’m great with customers and I work well on teams” tells the hiring manager nothing about your actual abilities.

Every behavioral question should be answered with a specific story from your experience. Even if you don’t have retail experience, you can pull from school projects, volunteer work, sports teams, or other jobs.

The more specific your examples, the more memorable your answers become. “I helped a customer” is forgettable. “I spent 20 minutes helping a grandmother find the perfect birthday gift for her grandson, and she later called the store to tell my manager how much she appreciated it” creates a vivid picture.

Need more help preparing for retail-specific scenarios? Our comprehensive retail interview questions guide covers everything from handling difficult customers to merchandising knowledge.

What Happens After You Submit Your HireVue Interview

Once you hit that submit button, your video responses go to Target’s hiring team for review. Here’s the realistic timeline you can expect.

Within 5 business days, you should hear back from Target. This comes in one of three forms: an invitation to an in-person interview, a polite rejection, or sometimes, radio silence (which typically means they’ve moved forward with other candidates).

If you’re selected for the next round, congratulations! You’ll move to an in-person interview with a hiring manager or team lead. This typically lasts 30-45 minutes and includes more behavioral questions, discussion about your availability and schedule flexibility, and specifics about the role and expectations.

Be patient but proactive. If you haven’t heard anything after a week, it’s completely appropriate to follow up. Call the store and ask to speak with Human Resources or the hiring manager. A polite, professional follow-up shows continued interest without being pushy.

Here’s something encouraging: many successful Target team members applied multiple times before landing their position. If you don’t get selected this time, don’t view it as a permanent rejection. Apply for different positions, apply to different Target locations, and keep refining your interview skills.

The most important thing to remember: Target receives hundreds of applications for each position. Getting a HireVue invitation means you’ve already cleared the first hurdle. That’s an accomplishment in itself.

Final Thoughts

Landing a job at Target isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared, authentic, and aligned with what Target values: guest-focused service, collaborative teamwork, and a genuine enthusiasm for creating positive shopping experiences.

Your HireVue interview is your chance to show all of that in a format that might feel uncomfortable at first but ultimately gives you control. You pick when to interview. You can re-record if needed. You have time to think before you answer.

Use that to your advantage. Prepare your examples using the SOAR Method. Practice talking to a camera until it feels natural. Test your technology. Reference Target’s values and language throughout your answers. Show up with energy and enthusiasm that translates through the screen.

And remember this: the hiring manager watching your video wants you to succeed. They’re not hoping you mess up. They’re looking for someone who can join their team and contribute to Target’s mission. Every time you record an answer, you’re showing them why that someone should be you.

You’ve got the questions. You’ve got the sample answers. You’ve got the insider tips. Now go record an interview that lands you the job.

For even more interview strategies that work across all companies and situations, explore our complete collection of job interview tips and hacks.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a resource with proven answers to the top questions interviewers are asking right now. Check out our interview answers cheat sheet:

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