Target Interview Questions: Your Complete Guide to Landing the Job in 2025

Getting hired at Target isn’t just about showing up – it’s about proving you can deliver the guest experience that makes Target America’s second-largest retailer.

With over 400,000 team members across nearly 2,000 stores, Target receives thousands of applications daily. But here’s what most applicants don’t realize: Target’s interview process is highly structured and focuses heavily on specific behavioral examples and cultural fit.

The good news? Once you understand exactly what Target is looking for, you can prepare answers that showcase your potential as their next star team member.

This guide reveals the most common Target interview questions, proven answer strategies, and insider tips from hiring managers. We’ll also cover Target’s unique video interview process and the specific language that demonstrates you understand their culture.

For additional interview strategies that work across all companies, check out our comprehensive job interview tips and hacks guide.

By the end of this article, you’ll have insider knowledge of Target’s most common interview questions and proven answers that get results.

Understanding Target’s Interview Process

Target has streamlined their hiring process to be fast, digital, and focused on finding candidates who embody their “Care, Grow, Win Together” values. Here’s what you can expect:

HireVue Video Interview Format

Most Target positions start with a HireVue video interview – Target’s preferred screening method. This isn’t a live conversation with a person; it’s a recorded video where you answer questions on camera.

Here’s how it works:

• 5-8 video questions covering customer service, teamwork, and behavioral scenarios
• 20-30 minutes total to complete the entire interview
• 2 minutes to prepare before each question begins
• 3 minutes to record your answer (you can re-record if needed)
• Target only sees your final recording – so make it count

The questions typically focus on past experiences, hypothetical customer service scenarios, and how you handle challenges. You’ll also answer basic questions about your availability and ability to lift 40+ pounds.

In-Person Interview Structure

If you advance past the video interview, you’ll have an in-person interview with a hiring manager or team lead. These typically last 30-45 minutes and include:

• Behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Situational questions about handling customer service challenges
• Cultural fit assessment to see if you align with Target’s values
• Role-specific questions depending on your position

What Target Values in Candidates

Target hiring managers consistently look for these key qualities:

• Guest-first mindset – You genuinely care about creating positive experiences for customers (called “guests” at Target)

• Flexibility and availability – Target values team members who can work various shifts and adapt to changing schedules

• Team collaboration – You work well with others and contribute to a positive team environment

• Problem-solving abilities – You can think on your feet and find solutions when challenges arise

Interview Guys Tip: Target hiring managers listen for specific keywords like “guest” instead of “customer” and “team member” instead of “employee.” Using Target’s language shows you’ve done your homework and understand their culture.

Top 15 Target Interview Questions with Expert Answers

Core Questions Every Candidate Should Expect

1. “Tell me about yourself”

This opening question sets the tone for your entire interview. Keep your answer focused on professional experience relevant to retail and customer service.

Structure your answer like this:

• Current or most recent role and key responsibilities
• Relevant experience that applies to Target
• Why you’re interested in joining Target’s team

Sample Answer: “I’m currently a customer service representative at a busy retail store where I help over 100 customers daily. In my two years there, I’ve consistently received positive feedback for my friendly approach and problem-solving skills. I’ve also trained three new team members, which taught me the importance of clear communication and patience. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my customer service experience to Target because I admire how the company focuses on creating a welcoming environment for all guests.”

2. “Why do you want to work at Target?”

This question tests whether you’ve researched the company and understand their values. Avoid generic answers about needing a job – show genuine interest in Target specifically.

What to include:

• Specific Target values or initiatives that resonate with you
• How your personal values align with Target’s culture
• What you hope to contribute to the team

Sample Answer: “I’m drawn to Target’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all guests feel welcome. I’ve shopped at Target for years and always noticed how team members go out of their way to help customers find what they need. I particularly admire Target’s sustainability efforts and community involvement. I want to be part of a team that makes a positive impact both for guests and in the community, and I believe my enthusiasm for helping others would make me a valuable addition to your team.”

3. “Describe a time you provided excellent customer service”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Focus on going above and beyond normal expectations.

Sample Answer: “At my previous retail job, a customer came in looking for a specific toy for her daughter’s birthday party that same day. The item wasn’t on our shelves, but I checked our inventory system and found one in our warehouse. Instead of just telling her it would take 24 hours to retrieve, I asked my manager if I could personally go get it from the back. I spent 15 minutes searching and found the toy. The mother was so grateful that she wrote a positive review mentioning me by name, and she became a regular customer who specifically sought me out for help.”

4. “How would you handle a difficult or upset customer?”

Target wants to see your de-escalation skills and problem-solving approach. Show empathy first, then focus on solutions.

Your approach should include:

• Listen actively without interrupting
• Acknowledge their frustration
• Apologize (even if the issue isn’t your fault)
• Work toward a solution
• Follow up to ensure satisfaction

Sample Answer: “First, I would give the customer my full attention and let them explain the situation without interrupting. I’d acknowledge their frustration by saying something like, ‘I understand how disappointing this must be.’ Then I’d apologize for the inconvenience and ask what outcome would make them happy. If I couldn’t solve it immediately, I’d involve a team lead while staying with the customer to show I’m committed to helping them. After resolving the issue, I’d follow up to make sure they’re satisfied with the solution.”

5. “Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team”

Focus on collaboration, communication, and how you contributed to team success. Target values team players who support their colleagues.

Sample Answer: “During the holiday season at my retail job, our team was struggling to keep up with the increased workload. I noticed that restocking was taking longer because people were working individually. I suggested we pair up – one person handling the sales floor while the other focused on inventory. I volunteered to coordinate the pairings and check in with teams throughout the shift. This system reduced our restocking time by 30% and helped us maintain good customer service even during our busiest days.”

Interview Guys Tip: Target values “failing fast and learning faster.” When discussing mistakes or challenges, always end with what you learned and how you improved – this shows the growth mindset Target seeks.

Behavioral Questions That Reveal Your Character

6. “Describe a time you had to solve a problem under pressure”

Show your ability to stay calm and think clearly during stressful situations.

Sample Answer: “During a busy Saturday shift, our store’s payment system went down for 30 minutes. Customers were getting frustrated, and lines were backing up. I quickly set up a manual tracking system using paper and calculators, and organized my colleagues to help process cash-only transactions. I also walked through the lines explaining the situation and offering to hold items for customers who couldn’t pay with cash. We processed over 50 transactions manually and didn’t lose a single sale once the system came back online.”

7. “Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for someone”

Target wants team members who naturally exceed expectations.

Sample Answer: “An elderly customer mentioned she was shopping for her grandson’s first day of school but wasn’t sure what was appropriate. Instead of just directing her to the children’s section, I asked about his age and interests, then walked with her through the store to help select age-appropriate clothes and school supplies. I even helped her load everything into her car. She was so touched that she called the store to thank management, saying it was the best shopping experience she’d ever had.”

8. “How do you handle competing priorities or multitasking?”

Retail requires juggling multiple responsibilities. Show your organizational skills.

Sample Answer: “In retail, I’ve learned to constantly prioritize based on urgency and customer needs. For example, if I’m restocking shelves and a customer approaches with a question, I immediately shift my attention to them because guest service comes first. I keep a mental list of tasks and tackle them based on importance – safety issues first, then customer requests, then routine tasks. I also communicate with my team so everyone knows what’s been handled and what still needs attention.”

9. “Describe a situation where you had to learn something quickly”

Show your adaptability and willingness to learn.

Sample Answer: “When my store introduced a new inventory management system, I volunteered to be one of the first to learn it, even though change can be challenging. I spent my breaks practicing with the system and asked questions until I felt confident. Once I mastered it, I helped train five other team members, creating simple step-by-step guides to make their learning easier. This experience taught me that embracing change and helping others adapt benefits the entire team.”

10. “Tell me about a time you received constructive feedback”

Demonstrate your openness to growth and improvement.

Sample Answer: “My supervisor once mentioned that while my customer service was excellent, I could improve my efficiency during busy periods. She suggested I prepare commonly requested information in advance so I could help customers faster. I took her advice and created quick reference cards for store policies and popular product locations. This improved my speed by about 25% while maintaining the same level of service quality. I appreciated the feedback because it helped me become more effective at my job.”

Target-Specific Questions

11. “What does guest service mean to you?”

Notice they say “guest” not “customer” – use their language in your response.

Sample Answer: “Guest service means treating every person who enters the store like a welcome visitor in your home. It’s about anticipating their needs, being genuinely helpful, and ensuring they leave feeling positive about their experience. Great guest service isn’t just about answering questions – it’s about creating moments that make people want to return and recommend Target to their friends and family.”

12. “How would you contribute to Target’s inclusive culture?”

Target strongly values diversity and inclusion. Show your understanding and commitment.

Sample Answer: “I believe everyone deserves to feel welcome and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances. I’d contribute by treating every guest and team member with kindness and respect, being mindful of different perspectives and needs, and speaking up if I ever witnessed behavior that made someone feel excluded. I think small actions like using people’s preferred names and being patient with different communication styles can make a big difference in creating an inclusive environment.”

13. “Describe your ideal work environment”

Align your answer with Target’s collaborative, fast-paced culture.

Sample Answer: “My ideal work environment is collaborative, fast-paced, and focused on helping others. I thrive in places where team members support each other and work together toward common goals. I enjoy the energy of retail, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact on guests’ experiences. I also value workplaces that encourage growth and learning, which is one of the things that attracts me to Target.”

14. “What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard?”

Safety is a top priority at Target. Show you take it seriously.

Sample Answer: “Safety comes first, so I’d immediately assess whether anyone is in immediate danger. If so, I’d warn people in the area and block access to the hazard if possible. Then I’d notify my team lead or manager right away, and document what I observed. If it’s something I could safely address myself, like cleaning up a small spill, I’d take care of it immediately while following proper procedures. I believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment for both guests and team members.”

15. “How do you stay motivated during busy periods?”

Target experiences high-traffic periods, especially during holidays and sales events.

Sample Answer: “I actually find busy periods energizing because I know I’m making a real difference for guests who need help quickly. I stay motivated by focusing on each individual interaction rather than feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. I remind myself that every guest I help efficiently creates a positive experience and potentially makes their day better. I also make sure to stay hydrated, take my breaks when possible, and support my teammates – we’re all in it together.”

Position-Specific Questions by Role

Cashier/Guest Advocate Questions

“How would you handle a situation where a guest’s payment card is declined?”

“I’d discreetly let the guest know there seems to be an issue with the card and ask if they’d like to try a different payment method. I’d speak quietly to protect their privacy and suggest alternatives like trying another card or using cash. If they seem upset, I’d reassure them that these things happen and offer to help them contact their bank if needed. The key is handling the situation with empathy and discretion.”

“What would you do if you suspected someone was trying to use a fraudulent coupon?”

“I’d politely let the guest know I need to verify the coupon with my team lead before proceeding. I’d explain that we want to make sure we’re applying all discounts correctly. If the coupon turned out to be invalid, I’d apologize for any inconvenience and explain our coupon policy clearly. If they became upset, I’d involve a manager to help resolve the situation professionally.”

Sales Floor/General Merchandise Questions

“A guest asks for a product recommendation in a category you’re not familiar with. How do you help them?”

“I’d be honest that I’m not an expert in that particular area, but I’d be happy to help them find the information they need. I’d either connect them with a team member who specializes in that department or help them research options using Target’s app or in-store displays. I might also ask questions about their specific needs to help narrow down choices, and I’d stay with them until we found a good solution.”

“How would you prioritize tasks when you need to stock shelves, help guests, and clean your section?”

“Guest service always comes first – if someone needs help, I’d immediately stop what I’m doing to assist them. For the other tasks, I’d prioritize safety-related cleaning first, then focus on stocking high-priority items like sale merchandise or frequently requested products. I’d work efficiently and communicate with my team about progress so we can support each other when needed.”

Leadership/Team Lead Questions

“How would you handle a conflict between two team members?”

“I’d speak with each person individually first to understand their perspectives, then bring them together for a respectful conversation. I’d focus on finding common ground and solutions rather than assigning blame. My goal would be to resolve the immediate issue and help them develop better communication strategies for the future. If the conflict persisted or involved policy violations, I’d involve higher management as appropriate.”

“Describe your approach to coaching a team member who’s struggling with performance.”

“I’d start by having a private, supportive conversation to understand any challenges they’re facing and identify specific areas for improvement. Together, we’d create a clear action plan with achievable goals and regular check-ins. I’d provide additional training or resources as needed and recognize their progress along the way. The key is being patient, specific about expectations, and focusing on their success rather than just pointing out problems.”

For more advanced interview psychology and techniques, check out our guide on the psychology of job interviews.

Expert Interview Preparation Tips

Before the Interview

• Research Target’s current initiatives – Visit their corporate website and recent news to understand their priorities and values.

• Practice with Target’s company values framework – “Care, Grow, Win Together” should influence how you frame your answers.

• Prepare specific examples using the STAR method – Have 4-5 detailed stories ready that showcase different skills.

• Review the job description carefully – Make notes about required skills and prepare examples that demonstrate each one.

During the Interview

• Use Target’s language consistently – Say “guests” instead of “customers” and “team members” instead of “employees.”

• Show genuine enthusiasm for retail – Target wants people who enjoy the fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

• Ask thoughtful questions about training opportunities, team dynamics, and growth potential.

• Demonstrate your guest-first mindset in every answer, even when the question isn’t directly about customer service.

Video Interview Best Practices

• Test your technology beforehand – Ensure your camera, microphone, and internet connection work properly.

• Choose a professional background – A plain wall or tidy room without distractions works best.

• Dress professionally from head to toe – You never know when you might need to stand up or adjust something.

• Maintain eye contact with the camera – Look at the camera lens, not your screen, to create the impression of eye contact.

• Practice speaking clearly and at an appropriate pace – Nervous speakers often rush, so deliberately slow down.

• Use the preparation time wisely – Think through your STAR examples and key points before recording.

For additional behavioral question frameworks, explore our interview answer templates guide.

Interview Guys Tip: Target promotes from within 75% of the time. Even if you’re starting in an entry-level role, showing leadership potential and growth mindset during your interview sets you up for future advancement opportunities.

Questions to Ask Your Target Interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest and helps you evaluate if Target is the right fit for you.

“What does success look like in this role during the first 90 days?” This shows you’re goal-oriented and want to exceed expectations.

“How does Target support team member development and career growth?” Demonstrates your interest in long-term growth with the company.

“What do you enjoy most about working at Target?” Helps you understand the company culture from an insider’s perspective.

“What are the biggest challenges facing this team right now?” Shows you’re realistic about the role and want to contribute to solutions.

“Can you tell me about Target’s training program for new team members?” Indicates your commitment to learning and doing the job well.

“How does this role contribute to Target’s overall guest experience?” Demonstrates your understanding of how individual roles impact company success.

What Happens After Your Target Interview

Timeline Expectations

Most candidates hear back within 1-2 weeks of their interview. Target’s hiring process is relatively quick compared to many retailers.

If you interviewed on a video platform, you might hear back sooner since they can review recordings efficiently.

Don’t panic if it takes the full two weeks – hiring managers often interview multiple candidates before making decisions.

Background Check and Drug Testing

All Target job offers are contingent upon successfully completing a background check through their vendor, Accurate Background.

Certain positions require drug testing as part of Target’s Drug Free Workplace policy, particularly warehouse and leadership roles.

These checks typically take 3-5 business days to complete once initiated.

Target Welcome Orientation

Once you’re officially hired, you’ll participate in Target Welcome – their comprehensive orientation program.

This covers Target’s values and expectations, safety procedures, and your specific role responsibilities.

Hands-on training continues with a mentor or experienced team member for your first several shifts.

For guidance on following up professionally after your interview, check out our follow-up email hack sheet.

Conclusion

Landing a job at Target comes down to three key factors: preparation, cultural fit, and genuine enthusiasm for guest service.

Target’s interview process is designed to identify candidates who share their values and can thrive in a fast-paced retail environment. By understanding their specific language, preparing strong STAR method examples, and demonstrating your commitment to creating positive guest experiences, you’ll stand out from other applicants.

Remember these critical points:

• Use Target’s terminology (“guests” and “team members”) throughout your interview
• Prepare specific examples that showcase customer service excellence and teamwork
• Show flexibility and enthusiasm for Target’s collaborative culture
• Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in growing with the company

Start practicing these questions today, and you’ll walk into your Target interview with the confidence of someone who’s already part of the team.

Target is looking for team members who genuinely care about creating exceptional experiences for every guest who walks through their doors. If that describes you, and you’ve prepared using the strategies in this guide, you’re well on your way to joining one of America’s most beloved retail teams.

Interview Guys Tip: Even if your first Target interview doesn’t result in an offer, don’t give up. Many successful Target team members applied multiple times before being hired. Use any feedback you receive to improve your approach, and consider applying for different positions or locations. Persistence and continuous improvement are qualities Target values highly.

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Helpful Target Resources

For Job Searching and Company Culture: Target Careers Homepage

For Official Interview Preparation: Target Interview Guide

For Understanding Compensation and Benefits: Target Pay & Benefits

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