Target HireVue Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Attendance Questions
- 2. Availability Questions
- 3. Behacioral Questions
- 4. Behavioral Questions
- 5. Career Goals Questions
- 6. Communication Questions
- 7. Compatibility Questions
- 8. Competency Questions
- 9. Conflict Questions
- 10. Customer Service Questions
- 11. Experience Questions
- 12. Honesty Questions
- 13. Leadership Questions
- 14. Problem Solving Questions
- 15. Salary Questions
- 16. Teamwork Questions
Attendance
1. How many times have you been late to work this year?
Focus Your Answer On
This question assesses your level of professionalism and scope of the big picture regarding how one employee's attendance can affect the team. But it also assesses your honesty when answering this question and watches to see if this question triggers stress responses.
Talk about the tools and resources you utilize to plan for your morning, making sure your car is in top shape and has a full tank of gas, planning your commute for traffic interruptions, staying on top of train schedule changes, and how exhibiting every measure you take to manage your time. If you did have attendance issues for some time, recognize this weakness as a growth opportunity, and tell them how you have proactively improved in this regard.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Hirevue's algorithm analyzes all your verbal and nonverbal cues and passes those data points, with the recorded interview, over to the recruiter who can replay them, watching candidate performances side by side. Those data points predict your future job performance. Some of the nonverbal cues studied are your eye movements, facial expressions, head movements, and hand movements such as protecting your neck, folding your arms, posture, slouching, etc. It will also evaluate your professional appearance, attire, details of your clothes, how tidy you seem, and how cluttered or organized your surroundings are. It will also study your vocal cues, such as placing stress or emphasis on certain words, stutters, or long pauses.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Twice. Both times I got caught in severe traffic, and I called into work to inform them of the possibility I might be late to work. It was only fair to give them a head's up so they could plan accordingly. It is rare I am ever late to work. Attendance is very important to me, so much so that I have a track record of showing up early to my shifts. I keep my day organized and stick to my routine as much as possible. No matter what alarm clock you use, the snooze button is there. I never hit mine. I keep a jar of chocolate-covered espresso beans next to my bed. When my alarm goes off, I grab a few of those and pop them into my mouth. Then I'm ready, and I almost always get to work early. This gives me time to stroll through work, saying my hellos, checking in on an individual level, and keeping a sharp eye out for any details which might grab my attention. Then I check my inbox and review anything new or urgent. I review the priorities I tracked the evening before, adjust them accordingly, explore my resources, and get to work. If I have a lot on my plate at work or home, I evaluate every piece of the puzzle. I make it all fit into my week. Just spending that bit of time at the forefront to strategize my week allows things to feel more sustainable. I'm proactive, I guess."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Availability
2. What is your availability?
Focus Your Answer On
With this question, they are gauging your overall flexibility and expectations for the role. Depending on the position you are applying for, there may be a higher demand for less desirable shifts, expectations for putting in overtime or weekend hours, or expected on-call coverage when experiencing staff shortages.
Employee turnover can be expensive, and the money an employer puts into recruiting, hiring, and training an employee is an investment. It is better for both an employee and an employer to learn whether a job isn't the right fit earlier rather than later. It's more professional and respectful to be honest and transparent upfront. If you have other priorities or demands on your time that aren't conducive to working lots of overtime or covering other shifts, then it is worth clarifying this now.
As they state on their website, "Work somewhere you love. A healthy, happy and valued team. Our team members are the heart of Target's business, so we invest in opportunities to grow in their careers, take care of themselves and their families, and make a difference for our guests and their communities."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
While preparing for your recorded on-camera interview, keep in mind that your surroundings are a reflection of you as a professional. You will want their focus to be on you and not on your background. Find an organized, work-appropriate spot in your home that is free of distractions. Dress appropriately, and wear professional clothing appropriate to the role as you would in an in-person interview.
Some questions will take longer to answer than others, depending on the questions and the answers you choose to provide. In most cases, you'll be provided one opportunity to deliver your answers, so make it count and rehearse as much as possible before you start your interview. When the interview begins, you'll be given about 20-30 seconds to formulate your response to each question. Once it starts recording, you'll get approximately three minutes to record each answer. Don't fill obligated to fill the whole three minutes either. Only take as long as you need.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I would prefer to have two days off in a row. Split days off never allow me enough time to recharge. Otherwise, my availability is open. But I would prefer a regular schedule, if possible. I've worked rotating shifts, even a waterfall schedule, and I've found that is not very sustainable. Based on the research I've done on the company and the position, it was clear what the expectations were regarding the schedule. Can you tell me what to expect and what you're looking for in your ideal candidate?"
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Behacioral
3. How do you ensure the work you perform is impactful?
Focus Your Answer On
As Target advertises on their career page, "We believe in lifting one another, and valuing our relationships with one another and our guests above all else. We show up for each other, make people the priority, and treat each other with respect."
Telling them what you think they want to hear will come across as disingenuous and will probably be spotted from a mile away by the assessment vendor's algorithm. Make sure your answer resonates with sincerity, and speak from the heart. Take sometime to consider what motivates you. Define how you approach your work, what you find rewarding about it, and how you motivate yourself to put your all into it.
In a team environment, the right attitude can go a long way toward promoting a stronger sense of morale. Morale is a great determiner of productivity. There is a saying that attitude is more important than facts, the past, a person's education, money, circumstances, failures, and successes. It is also more important than what other people think, say, or do. It's more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. And it will make or break a company or home. Every day, we decide what attitude we'll embrace. We can't change our past. We can't change the fact that people will act a certain way. We can't change the inevitable. We can only control our attitude.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Don't forget to keep it natural. Even though you are initially talking to an algorithm, you want to imagine you are speaking to a real person. After the assessment vendor evaluates your recorded interview, Target's hiring authority will play back these interviews, comparing the candidates' performances side-by-side.
Pretend you are in a live interview. Maintain eye contact with your computer's camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Try to avoid looking at yourself on the screen. Practice doing this beforehand with your computer camera before you start your interview because it can be difficult.
You want them to get a glimpse of your personality. The way to do this is to be confident, professional, and sincere.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"You'll know whether you are putting your all in if you are honest with yourself. I like to think I am honest with myself and set clear expectations. So I try to approach my work with an open and positive attitude. If my heart isn't in the work I am doing, for whatever reason, then that's when I have to be especially diligent. I'll put extra effort into proofing my work to make sure it exceeds my expectations and meets my standard of quality. But that is rare. On most days, I feel grateful to be doing what I'm doing, and I enjoy the work I do. If you're having a good time, you're more likely to put your all in. And that's me on most days."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Behavioral
4. What would be your biggest asset if hired in this role?
Focus Your Answer On
This question is an opportunity to share your accomplishments, offer the expectations you set for yourself, and demonstrate you are an overachiever. Share how your attitude influences your approach to your work, how you make a habit of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how you take on more responsibility whenever you can. Improving upon a new skill is an excellent example of a growth opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
There are two things you need to accomplish in delivering your answer. One is to advertise those traits that have benefited you and your teams in your previous roles, and the other is to speak confidently. Exaggerating or telling the interviewers what you think they want to hear will come across as disingenuous and, more often than not, can be spotted from a mile away. Additionally, in you don't seem convinced of your abilities, they'll think you don't believe you're a good fit for this opportunity and that you're shooting for the stars rather than a more realistic target.
Before your interview, research the body language of a confident and relaxed person in a seated position. Look yourself in the eye, say some self-affirmations, and give yourself a pep talk. Perform some fast physical exercises to pump yourself up and manifest confidence. Raise your arms, stretch your back, and make yourself as big as possible. Then do a practice, run, and prepare.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I think one of my best traits is that I'm resourceful. I'm constantly thinking outside of the box. I'm also an excellent coach. Often, our team leaders pair me up with our newer team members to help onboard them and get them up to speed. I firmly believe that high morale is one of the best motivators for excellence. So camaraderie is my middle name. These are some of my most valuable traits."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Behavioral
5. Describe a time you received negative feedback from a manager. How did you handle it? What steps did you take after?
Focus Your Answer On
Feedback or criticism is not always delivered productively. A supervisor may fail to gather more facts and assign feedback to the wrong individual or give feedback that is unsubstantiated or unwarranted. However, this is not the goal of this interview question. This question assesses your emotional maturity, whether you take advantage of opportunities to grow professionally, and how well you respond to those in positions of authority.
How you frame your answer demonstrates your attitude, whether you respond defensively, and whether you learn from such experiences. Exhibit humility. The key is to present yourself as a calm, emotionally intelligent professional, always striving to improve your performance, learn, and grow. Show the interviewers that you value self-improvement.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Objectify the situation, exhibiting an emotionally mature perspective, and explain how you navigated this terrain to reach a successful resolution. Avoid giving into the emotion of that moment. Avoid any defensive behavior, posturing, movements, or gestures that could be interpreted as insecure, closed-off, unapproachable, hostile, or disinterested.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"While working an overnight re-merchandising shift, I had a supervisor known for their outbursts, and they were often quick to display their frustration when things didn't go according to plan. They had stress management issues and weren't the greatest communicator either. On this occasion, I misunderstood their expectations. They were in a panic during the re-merch, and I hadn't gotten proper sleep before the overnight re-merch. So, fatigued and lacking in my usual patience for this individual, I hadn't sought clarification and proceeded with the project as I'd understood it. Well, my work was all wrong, and I own that. I got some harsh feedback, but I knew better and should have clarified. Anyway, I had to recruit help for the rework this created. Not a mistake I would make again."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Behavioral
6. What is your greatest strength and weakness?
Focus Your Answer On
How you answer this question will give the interviewer insight into your self-awareness and if you have the emotional intelligence required to identify your merits with humility while taking ownership of your growth opportunities. Taking ownership of your shortcomings, weaknesses, or growth opportunities is a strength in and of itself. Providing personal strengths that help support the greater good of the team exhibits big-picture thinking and sets you up as a more desirable candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will look for signs of honesty and confidence in your answer. You want to convey that you have faith in your abilities while recognizing that the road to self-improvement is never ended. Remember, how you perceive yourself may be different from how others perceive you, especially when they don't yet know you. So make sure to practice in front of your computer's camera for an objective view of yourself. Try not to come across as too rehearsed. You don't want to seem wooden or dull. Work towards trying not to look at yourself, but rather hold your gaze on the camera lens, while exuding confidence and communicating clearly.
This question assesses your honesty by studying your verbal and nonverbal cues and their consistency throughout your interview. Remain conscious of your body language throughout the interview. If you answer one question casually and answer another stiffly and measured, they will use this as a gauge of when you are being sincere versus disingenuous. This will help them determine when you are being forthright or doing their best to tell them what you think they want to hear to land the job. Therefore, remain consistent in how you present yourself.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd say my greatest strength is my greatest weakness. I'm extremely competitive with myself and hold myself accountable when I fail to meet my expectations. Too often, I've done the best I can do, and, by striving to go above and beyond that, I've set too high a standard for myself. Those too often are unrealistic goals to beat my current best. In the past, that has caused me to bite off more than I can chew. I've since learned to pace myself and not be too hard on myself when I don't live up to this unrealistic standard. I've learned to slow down, pace myself, take in the bigger picture, and set more realistic goals. I know I'll always struggle with this a bit, but I see this now as a growth opportunity, and I'm getting better at it."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Career Goals
7. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Focus Your Answer On
An employer is more likely to invest their resources in employees interested in the long-term growth opportunities they have to offer. They're also more likely to pass on candidates they feel are on the hunt to land a job anywhere. They hope your answer will reveal your career goals and how well they align with the opportunities they present.
Everyone has goals or a direction they'd like to take in their career. Develop your professional mission statement values if you haven't already. Develop a five-year career plan before the interview so you can articulately answer this question. Identify how their values and yours are like-minded. Your answer aims to inform them of your ambition and where you want to take your career. Position yourself as a worthy investment.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Remember to practice and try to come across as natural. Pay attention to your facial expressions, eye movements, body movements, and posture. Record and play back your voice so you can note the nuances of your tone and how well you enunciate your words, as well as your choice of words, stutters, long pauses, and use of speech crutches.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd like to see myself with increased responsibilities and maybe in a leadership position. I'd like to focus on moving up through the chain of command, coaching others, and being a cornerstone of the team."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Career Goals
8. Why are you currently looking for employment?
Focus Your Answer On
This question aims to reveal how forthcoming you are, whether you were fired, quit, or were laid off. The interviewers are also interested in whether you departed on amicable or acrimonious terms. Focus on the positives and how you are trying to further your career goals. Display emotional maturity by showing professional appreciation for what you gained from your previous employers. Indicate that you're interested in advancing your career.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will study your performance for any signs of nervousness or defensiveness. Some of the non-verbal cues used to evaluate your honesty are gaze avoidance, the direction of your eyes, fidgeting, restless foot and leg movements, frequent body posture changes, grooming behaviors such as playing with hair or pressing your fingers to lips, stroking your chin, covering your mouth or your eyes, and excessive fidgeting. Remember, when your words don't match your gestures, it's your gestures that will be seen as the truth. Maintain eye contact, exude confidence, be comfortable in your skin, and speak from the heart.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I learned a lot from my employer but realized there wasn't enough growth opportunity to reach my goals. The company I work for is downsizing and allowed me to fill another role at the company. Unfortunately for both of us, it doesn't align with my career goals. I'm grateful for the experience and what I learned along the way. But without growth opportunities, I decided I wanted to move my career forward. Although they're sad to see me go, I do this with my current employer's blessings, which is great because I forged a lot of great relationships there, and I've always been the type who builds bridges rather than burns them."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Career Goals
9. Why are you interested in working for Target?
Focus Your Answer On
They're testing to see if your personality fits the role. Do your homework on the company and yourself to see how well the two align. The interviewer's goal, after all, is to recruit candidates who seem most aligned with their culture and would complement, represent their brand, team, and environment, and embody their values and mission. So save them the trouble and do their homework for them.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
HireVue will evaluate your verbal and nonverbal cues to gauge your confidence that you are the right fit for this opportunity and that you are pursuing it for the right reasons. They'll assess your verbal and nonverbal cues as data points to identify the top performers most suited to the company's goals and culture. When your words don't match your gestures, your gestures will be seen as the truth. Align your interests, values, and career pursuits with what this opportunity offers. Maintain enthusiastic eye contact and confident body language, be comfortable, and speak from the heart.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'm a people person and have a strong background in retail. I understand the company culture of Target and share the same values, especially concerning diversity and inclusion, creating a more sustainable future, and immersion in a happy environment where everyone supports each other. Based on everything I know about myself and Target, it feels like a good match, and that's what I am pursuing right now."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Communication
10. Describe a time you understood someone else's viewpoint that differed from your own.
Focus Your Answer On
Remember to communicate your answer as clearly and professionally as possible. You want to showcase your communication skills when answering questions about communication. Some of the best communication tools are active listening and mirroring a person's words back to them. Offer an example where you've applied these or other communication tools. Display that you can adapt your style to the style of others and are patient and enjoy relating to others. Even when that may not be enough, you've at least exhibited that you performed at your best with what you had to work with.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This question is another chance to align yourself with their values. Do your research. They state on their website:
Guest experience: "We want to create environments where all guests feel welcome and see themselves represented throughout their experience with Target, including our marketing and with the products we sell in our stores and online."
Work environment: "Target aims to create a workplace where team members feel welcome, and where they can build meaningful careers and have success at every level. Everyone in our Target community takes accountability to ensure an inclusive work environment."
Workforce diversity: "We're focused on building a diverse workforce supported by hiring, development, and advancement regardless of team members' dimensions of difference."
Societal impact: "We focus on championing an inclusive society to help communities thrive, including directing philanthropic spending to communities of color to advance racial equity."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I recently had a conversation with a customer who challenged the health statements of the signage of a particular product, especially concerning healthy versus unhealthy cholesterol. I had my opinion, and they had theirs, but they were adamant in convincing me their viewpoint was correct. I let them assert their opinions, remaining impartial. I listened and actively mirrored. I hadn't heard some of the information they imparted to me. I thanked them for sharing. They left feeling proud of themselves, and that's all that mattered. It led to a better customer service experience, and I had nothing to prove."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Communication
11. Describe how you work with people who think differently than you do.
Focus Your Answer On
This question is a test of your communication skills. Your interviewers want to know how well you'll present yourself and the value you place on communication. In a high-pressure, fast-paced environment where you might encounter a lot of distractions along the way, it is incumbent on you to make sure your efforts won't be in vain and that all the demands on your time are effectively met. Therefore, effective communication is an integral part of the job. When others don't communicate as well as you or are less adaptable, the responsibility will fall on you to adapt your communication style to theirs.
Some of the best communication tools are active listening and mirroring a person's words back to them. Offer an example where you've applied these or other communication tools. Even when that may not be enough, you've at least exhibited that you performed at your best with what you had to work with.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
On Target's website, they spell out their strategies; "Across Target, we embrace diversity and strive to give everyone access to the same opportunities. Our DE&I strategy focuses on four areas: creating an inclusive guest experience, having an inclusive work environment, ensuring we have a diverse workforce and leveraging our influence to drive positive impact on society."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Everyone thinks differently, and everyone experiences things differently. I am consciously aware that there is no one out there like me. It's easier to relate to some people over others, but at the end of the day, I try to listen and connect. If someone thinks differently than I do and sees the world differently or has a different perspective, that piques my curiosity, and I want to learn more."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Communication
12. What would you do if two supervisors assigned you conflicting priorities?
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer is trying to assess how effective your communication skills are, your sense of team collaboration, and your ability to keep your eye on the big picture. Communication is integral to ensuring things run smoothly. Communication breakdowns can result in rework, conflict, low morale, a loss in productivity, and profit loss.
A communication breakdown can happen anywhere in the chain of command. One supervisor might tell you one thing, and a different supervisor might tell you another. Offer an example of a time you identified an opportunity to enhance communication and how diplomatically addressed it without assigning direct blame or casting anyone in a negative light.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will be screening how well you communicate your answer. Pay close attention to your choice of words and what they might indicate. Enunciate and try not to stutter or take long pauses. Keep an ear out for any stutters, awkward pauses, or speech crutches, such as 'like,' 'you know,' 'uh,' 'um,' etc.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"This happened a few times, where different supervisors weren't collaborating or communicating effectively. I'm a hard worker and communicate as clearly as I can. So if I start a task and am pulled from it, I want to ensure everyone understands my project's status. If supervisor A told me to do one thing. Then supervisor B comes along and wants to pull me from that task and put me on another. I'll say yes after I inform supervisor A where I left off so they can pass it on to someone else to finish. This usually works out fine. If supervisor A has an issue with it, it's their responsibility to take it up with supervisor B. But this way, at the very least, I've taken responsibility for my actions and performed at my best."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Compatibility
13. What do you know about the history of Target?
Focus Your Answer On
Research Target's history, brand, and culture before your interview. Think of it as investing in this opportunity by taking a calculated risk. Gamble your time and energy by starting your training and onboarding before you land the job. Doing so will increase your odds and display an exceptional work ethic that shows you go above and beyond in your work.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Target's website has everything you need to know about its history, from its conception, "We've been one of the world's most beloved brands since the first Target opened in 1962, but our story starts way before that" to the current day, "Milestone: $100 Billion in Annual Revenue. Target's revenue crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time in company history, reaching more than $106 billion in 2021."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I spent a good deal of time reading up on the history of Target. Target was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1960. One of the things I loved seeing was the original Target bullseye logo and the original font used for the name. Has the company ever revived that look?"
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Competency
14. Are you physically able to fulfill the various duties this position requires?
Focus Your Answer On
Know the ins and outs of the position you are applying for. Let them know you know what it looks like. If there are any gray areas, ask questions. If you have limitations, be transparent.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Not only do they need to determine if you understand the essential functions of the job you are interviewing for, but they also need to know if you have any physical limitations and if it is possible to make any reasonable accommodations for your situation if that is the case. If you don't understand the expectations of the job, then it's clear you haven't done your research and are a less viable candidate. If you are aware of the expectations, have limitations, but are confident in your abilities, then say so and start that discussion.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I am able-bodied and understand the basic physical demands of this job. I am confident in my ability to perform the aspects of this job and would feel honored to do so. It's one of the things that attracted me to this position."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Conflict
15. Describe a disagreement you had with another member of your team.
Focus Your Answer On
This question goes deeper than working with a challenging co-worker. It aims to determine how easy you are to work with. Proceed with caution when navigating this question. Providing several examples of difficult co-workers you conflicted with could suggest you are challenging to work with. Instead, use this opportunity to showcase your soft people skills and ability to communicate non-defensively. Focus on teamwork and collaboration.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
More often than not, when a person recalls situations from their past, they'll revert to the emotional state of that situation. For example, if a person recalls getting into a volatile conflict, those emotions come to the surface, and the person will narrow their eyes, fold their arms, and furrow their brow. Be conscious of this, and focus on your emotional intelligence by objectifying the situation calmly, exuding confidence, and a relaxed demeanor.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"A disgruntled employee once had an altercation with our manager. When I tried to de-escalate the situation, they turned their anger toward me, accusing me of siding against them. I asked several follow-up questions and validated their emotions and perception of their experience. I then objectified the situation, helped them look at how they were worsening their situation as we spoke, and helped them see how their anger and emotions were making things worse and that they weren't in control of their feelings. I explained that the behavior they'd been displaying resulted in their conflict with that manager in the first place. After rationalizing with them for a while, I was able to de-escalate the situation, and they apologized to everyone involved."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Customer Service
16. If a customer was looking for a discontinued product, how would you handle it?
Focus Your Answer On
This question assesses your problem-solving skills in a customer-facing role. Informing a customer that a product they love is discontinued could result in a bad customer service experience. Consider how you would retain their loyalty without losing a sale. Your answer will offer them further insights into your comfort level in a customer-facing role, your problem-solving skills, and how you keep calm under pressure.
Target states on their website, "Our owned brands difference: Our guests are loyal fans of the more than 45 owned brands across our assortment. We team up with our guests' favorite leading national brands to create innovative new in-store and digital shopping experiences they won't find anywhere else. Check out what we've created together."
Detail your product knowledge as a customer and how you would represent their brand in this situation.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
You want to come across as comfortable, friendly, and approachable. Confidence in your skills will make you come across as more trustworthy. The assessment vendor will evaluate your performance for how comfortable you'd be in this situation, so remain calm, open, and friendly as you answer this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd start by making sure the product they were describing was the product that was discontinued. Then I'd call some other stores to see if they had any left in stock. Then, I would relate with them, sharing their disappointment that the product was discontinued, and then I'd try to turn them onto a comparable product, preferably one of our name brands. If our return policy allowed it, I'd assure them they could bring it back if they didn't like it. Hopefully, my enthusiasm would open their mind to something new and keep them coming back for more. In the end, I'd do everything I could to make sure the note they left on was a positive one."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Customer Service
17. You've clocked out for the day and are ready to go home. A customer comes up to you and asks for your help. What do you do?
Focus Your Answer On
Target wants to hire the best of the best. This question serves two purposes. It would help them determine how well you would represent their brand and how above and beyond you would go to deliver a great customer service experience. On the other hand, it would help them determine if you are a clock watcher, biding your time to leave work while putting in the bare minimum.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
You can find everything you need to answer these questions and align your values with theirs on their careers page. You should also have a cursory familiarity with the shopping experience in their stores. Target states on its website, "Investing to create an engaging and differentiated shopping experience. How we get the job done: Bringing our strategy to life is important work, and we couldn't do it without great people and capabilities. Our commitments help us welcome all guests and bring them ease, inspiration -- and, of course, joy -- every time they shop with us. They help us take care of our 400,000+ team members and empower them to make a difference in the world. They help us be a good neighbor in our communities every day, and partner with organizations across the globe to run our business ethically and responsibly."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd help them as if I was still on the clock, delivering the best experience for them that I could. However, as soon as I could, I'd recruit a coworker who was still on the clock, preferably one who could deliver a comparable experience, to take over helping that customer. I imagine it would only take a few minutes, anyway."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Customer Service
18. Describe a time you maintained a friendly demeanor while a customer became verbally abusive.
Focus Your Answer On
This question is designed to determine what you consider a conflict and how you respond in potential conflict situations. The interviewers want to know if you are a problem solver or contributor to the situation. They want to hear about your mediation and negotiation skills and ability to respond calmly to an abusive customer.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Those who take a disciplinary or stern approach will most likely worsen matters and are often seen as contributors to situational conflict. Therefore, be mindful of your body language and posturing. Avoid folding your arms and holding a rigid posture. Don't raise your chin too high or look down your nose. Rather, maintain a relaxed posture and keep your body language open. Remember, true strength comes from within. The assessment vendor's algorithm will study you for defensive cues as you recall your experience. Make confident eye contact and smile. Try to convey that you keep calm under pressure.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Well, I've had this happen. But I wasn't the source of the problem. The customer's exaggerated tone and reaction didn't align with their complaint. That led me to believe there was more going on and that they were pretty unhappy. That made me feel for them. Being so unhappy that you take your aggression out on a stranger is sad and deserves some empathy. This customer was upset about a defective product they bought. I let them vent. I listened to them and empathized with them. I mirrored what they told me so they knew I heard them, and I expressed if that happened to me, I'd be disappointed too.
I then explained our return policy, told them the avenues I could explore, explained how long it would take and everything I needed to do to correct their situation, and asked them if it was a good time. Setting up clear expectations, I kept them informed of what I was doing every step of the way. Then, at one point, I asked them how their day was going outside of this product quality issue. They then told me how their car was just towed, and they had to get it out of impound, and all sorts of other stuff that hadn't gone their way. I empathized with them on that as well. I wrote off a chocolate bar a little later and gave it to them. Then I replaced their product, and by the end of our encounter, they informed me I had turned their day around. Funny, this encounter started with them yelling at me and ended with them hugging me. Not to mention, I introduced them to a new product and strengthened their brand loyalty. Another day, another dollar."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Customer Service
19. How would you define customer service?
Focus Your Answer On
The adage 'The customer is always right' translates to understanding, relating with, and delivering on expectations. Meeting those expectations equates to good customer service. But go deeper by exploring the keywords, phrases, and branding Target offers and what sets them apart. After all, you are looking to join their team, so your approach to customer service should align with theirs.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Target states on its website, "The best shopping experiences: There's a reason so many guests call Target their happy place. We want every family to have a wonderful time -- and feel safe, welcome and respected -- every time they shop with us. And, we're proud to be America's easiest place to shop, with the broadest range of fulfillment options in retail."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"More often than not, people consider exemplary customer service as being valued for their brand loyalty. Someone loyal to a brand sees themselves as a part of that team, just like a football fan views themself as a part of their team as they're cheering from the crowd. Making a customer feel appreciated for their brand loyalty is often as simple as making them feel heard, validated, and treated fairly."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Experience
20. Describe an occasion you were innovative on the job.
Focus Your Answer On
Frame yourself as determined, resourceful, able to think on your feet, and not easily discouraged. Share how you weigh success and what success means to you across all fronts; short-term goals, long-term goals, the big picture of meeting deadlines, overperforming, and what you learn along the way is the aim of the messaging in your example.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The interviewers will use this question to measure what you have to offer, how resourceful you are, and whether you exhibit 'outside-of-the-box' thinking. How innovative you are will inform them of your leadership potential and whether you display potential for growth within their company. They'll gauge your level of honesty in how you present your answers, studying your behavior to ascertain if you believe in what you are saying. To determine if you're exaggerating, they'll analyze verbal cues, including repeating a question before answering, speaking in sentence fragments, displaying a change in speech pattern, irregular speech, and rising and falling tone.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"At my last job, I worked for a grocery store over the summers in college. We were using an overpriced vendor for our office and backroom supplies. I knew someone in college whose dad managed an office supply company, and I was able to negotiate a bulk buyer's discount for our company while cutting out the vendor. My boss was thrilled."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Experience
21. Describe an occasion you exceeded expectations.
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewer is trying to assess your work ethic and motivators. Your answer will help them determine to what extent you are an overachiever and how well you'd compare to the other candidates. They want to know if you consider success as crossing daily items off your list or have your eye on the big picture.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
They'll be looking for verbal and non-verbal cues to determine if you can identify what makes you uniquely qualified for this position. Try to come across as relaxed as possible, speaking in a level yet enthusiastic tone. Maintain eye contact, and smile softly. Confident, poised, and natural is the demeanor you want to strike. Make sure to enunciate your words. Try not to stutter or take long pauses. Remain objective and confident, keeping your face and posture relaxed and your body language open and at ease.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I work hard, smart, and fast. I look for the path of resistance to doing the job the right way right away. We were in the middle of re-merchandising, and I finished before anyone else. I just jumped on to the next task of helping everyone around me. I have a habit of setting the pace, and pretty soon, we finished the whole project a few hours early. Then, we cleaned the whole store and got everything ready for the next day. I believe in paying it forward. What comes around goes around."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Experience
22. Describe a mistake you made on the job, the steps you took to try to correct it, and what you learned from the experience.
Focus Your Answer On
With questions regarding mistakes or failure, take ownership and exemplify that you learned from the experience. Stand behind your word when you say to your superiors that you won't make the mistake again.
When you provide your example, explain that you know where things went awry, the reasons behind your course of action, and the steps you took to correct it or reduce the impact of your mistake while considering the needs of the workplace and your teams.
If you tried to fix the mistake before bringing it to the attention of your superiors, explain why. In this scenario, a good reason would be to not distract your supervisors from matters they were dealing with, and it was simpler and less exhaustive of the company's resources for you to fix it yourself. If you brought the mistake to their attention, explain that it would've cost the workplace more to have you fix it, whereas a superior could solve the issue in a matter of minutes.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The recruiter is looking for candidates who exhibit integrity with this question. Showcase your professionalism and confidence in your abilities to learn and grow from your setbacks. Practice speaking clearly, and take note of your use of any speech crutch words such as "like," "um," "you know," "so on and so forth," "and," "well," "but," "so," "ah," "er," and "Etcetera."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"The first time I was asked to help onboard a new hire, I assigned them an important task. I told them what to do and how to do it but didn't explain why each step was important. The new hire didn't understand the full impact each step had on the business, and as a result, their quality of work didn't meet expectations. Since I was the one training them, the responsibility for their quality of work fell on my shoulders. Now, when I assign a task, I preface the objective of the work before I assign the tasks and how to get the work done. I learned this helps our staff take more pride in their work and feel they are a part of something bigger."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Experience
23. Describe your professional background.
Focus Your Answer On
They want to know how your professional experiences led you here. Your answer will help them assess how career-oriented you are and how well you'll fit into their team. Include any experiences or personality traits that speak to the strength of your work ethic. Highlight any recognition or awards you may have achieved, any volunteering you've done along the way, any relevant educational history, and anything that helped you along your career path and aided your professional growth.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
It can be intimidating knowing how to market yourself in this regard. There is a fine line between sounding humble and coming off as arrogant or a braggart. Do your research. Find the commonalities between your ideals and ambitions and Target's core values and mission statements. Once you feel you have tapped into that, underline them in your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"At my first job, I had a typical 90-day probation period when I started, but everyone knew pretty quickly I was a top performer after week one. That's when I learned the term Clutch-Player. I never heard that until everyone started calling me that. In fact, at my second job, Clutch became my nickname. I rose through the ranks in my department, but I didn't do that on my own. My team was the best team one could hope for."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Honesty
24. What would you do if you witnessed a coworker steal a half dollar from their register?
Focus Your Answer On
This question aims to evaluate your honesty and your integrity. Choose your words carefully. Attest to your integrity and what your word means to you. Touch on your approach to emotionally confusing situations and how your integrity guides your responses. Explain that you see great value in transparency while consistently respecting the chain of command and conducting yourself according to your company's core values and principles.
Target's Code of Ethics is as follows; "Target Corporation is committed to complying with all applicable laws and conducting business ethically. We uphold our values, and deliver on our purpose by doing what's right for Target, our team and guests. Each Target team member, regardless of role, entity, or location has a duty to follow the law, the Code of Ethics "the Code" and Target's policies and procedures. Team members are obligated to report any suspected or actual ethical concerns, and always make ethical business decisions that align with Target's purpose and values. The Code provides expectations for team member conduct and guides ethical decision making. While it is not possible to specifically cover all laws and policies, the Code establishes expectations to consistently guide ethical decision making, and do what's right for Target, our team and guests."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This question assesses your integrity. Present yourself as a professional in every way and answer the question as honestly as you can. Be mindful of the nonverbal cues of nervous or stressful behavior, such as fidgeting, which could include any small movements of your hands or feet, swaying, shifting your weight, rocking or tilting back in your chair, leaning to one side or the other, straightening and freezing your posture, cradling your neck with one or both hands, crossing your arms, cracking your knuckles or biting your nails. Maintain eye contact with the camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person (while avoiding looking at yourself on the screen).
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd loan my coworker a dollar and tell them it is worth paying one dollar to not have to report them and for them to lose their job over something like that. I'd offer to pay them another dollar if they promised not to do it again. Then I'd tell them if they did that again, and if they didn't confess to management first, that I would do the right thing and would be pretty upset that they put me in that position."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Leadership
25. Describe an occasion where you trained a teammate on a skill they didn't possess.
Focus Your Answer On
The interviewers are gauging how comfortably you coach others. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll be. They're also trying to ascertain the talents and perspectives that make you uniquely qualified for this position.
In the example you provide, offer some of the secrets you use to make your model of business education successful, like planning development and establishing goals, respecting differing viewpoints and opinions, making it hands-on, and providing a fun experience.
An effective coach successfully motivates a team to put their all in. How you motivate those you coach is as important as what you teach them.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Target's website states, "Care, Grow, Win Together. We believe in lifting one another up and valuing our relationships with one another and our guests above all else. We show up for each other, make people the priority, and treat each other with respect."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"We brought on a new supervisor, and they were struggling right out of the gate. My manager tasked me with mentoring them. When I went to train them on closing out the books at the end of the night, they insisted they do it their way and that they had a system. I looked at their system and didn't see much rhyme or reason for it. I suggested another way of going about it, but they were rigid. I let them do it their way; it took them a long time, and there was a lot of frustration on their part. So I said tomorrow, I'll close out the books and wanted them to witness how quickly it took me. Then I challenged them to increase their time by the end of the week, and if they didn't, they'd have to be open to trying it my way. They agreed. Before the end of the week, they said they wanted to learn how I went about it. So I started showing them how to do it and why. They needed to understand the stakes. Then, once they got better at it, they started to add on some of their systems, and next thing I knew, they were the rising star of the store."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Problem Solving
26. If you were in the middle of a high-priority task and noticed a safety issue that posed an immediate risk to customers or coworkers, what would you do?
Focus Your Answer On
Sensitive situations are likely to occur. Although there is nothing wrong with being singularly focused on a task, sometimes you have to exhibit adaptability and make sacrifices for the benefit of your customers and team.
Target states on their website, "We believe in the collective power of difference. To accomplish more and strive to continuously make things better for each other and our guests. We do the right thing, win the right way and succeed as part of a team. We must demonstrate our commitment to building a strong ethical culture by: Modeling Target's values through our decisions and actions. Exhibiting honesty, respect and concern for others through every interaction. Understanding and following Target policies and procedures. Complying with all laws. Seeking guidance when you have ethical questions or concerns. Reporting any suspected violations or concerns. By holding ourselves and each other accountable to these standards, we deliver on our purpose and values while deepening the trust of our guests, team members, stakeholders and our communities."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
The assessment vendor will evaluate how adaptable you are and how you cope with work-related stress by studying your tone and nonverbal cues just as much as they'll evaluate your choice of words. Keep it natural. Show your personality. Maintain eye contact in front of the camera as if you're speaking face-to-face with a person. Try to exude confidence in your abilities.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I would act fast. Safety always comes first. I would implement an immediate, temporary solution and recruit another team member to stand guard so no injuries occurred. Then I would respect the chain of command, alert all appropriate parties, and make sure we could address it properly."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Salary
27. What are your salary expectations?
Focus Your Answer On
This question can come up anywhere in the interview but more commonly comes towards the end. This question gauges your expectations and self-awareness of how the interview has gone. This is where you'll show your hand and how you not only value yourself but how realistic your expectations are. Your expectations may be unrealistic, or perhaps they sell you short.
Perform research to find a realistic figure. Use your current earnings as a baseline. Contrast your current earnings with what you feel your current professional worth is in your job market, and allow for a range of flexibility with that number. Hold on to that figure before you offer it.
Before you offer your salary, discuss the benefits you receive from your current employer. Now is also the time to find out what they offer. Ask if they offer any retirement packages, PTO, etcetera. Once you find where they're meeting, exceeding, or wanting in this regard, you can adjust your number accordingly. Be open, realistic, and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Before volunteering your response and asking any questions, thoroughly research their website and job posting to make sure you don't ask any questions you should already have the answers to. For example, Target advertises on their careers page, "A healthy, happy and valued team - Our team members are the heart of Target's business, so we invest in opportunities to grow in their careers, take care of themselves and their families, and make a difference for our guests and their communities. That includes permanently raising our starting minimum wage to $15 an hour -- and it's only the beginning."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I understand there is quite the shortage in the workforce right now. I am making $XX,000 a year with my current employer. They've offered me more if I choose to stay. Also, it seems fair to mention I have a pretty good insurance plan through work. If you don't mind, I have some questions before I throw out a number. Do you offer health insurance benefits? How often do performance reviews happen? What is the budgeted range that you can offer for this position? Are there any other perks worth mentioning?"
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Teamwork
28. Describe an occasion you went above and beyond to assist another member of your team.
Focus Your Answer On
There are many behavior types, and how you answer this behavioral question will show the interviewers how well you'll fit into the team, how supportive you are of your teammates, and what you have to contribute. Describe your contributions to other work environments in the past, highlighting how your skills could contribute to this team. Before the interview, check the job description to see if the company has a need that you could fulfill.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This question aims to assess whether you go above and beyond in your work, build relationships with your team, and contribute to the positive morale and culture of the workplace. A team that feels safe, supported, and respected makes for positive and productive work culture. Therefore, part of what builds an effective and reliable team is cohesive work relations, feeling secure in their relations, and being able to trust one another.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I was working with a supervisor whose significant other ended up locking themselves out of their house. They needed to get their keys to them, but they were knee-deep in a work project and couldn't break away, and it would have reflected poorly on them if they left work for this personal issue. I was about to get off work and offered to deliver the keys to them. They were super grateful. It wasn't a big deal."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Teamwork
29. What would you do if you saw a team member doing something incorrectly?
Focus Your Answer On
Some endeavor to advance the vision and the success of an organization. Prioritizing the success of the team displays big-picture thinking. By committing to the team's success, they support their own progress and advancement. Investing in the progress of your associates and encouraging positive growth towards the success of the team is an investment in one's development. The breadth of one's vision, the big picture versus a more limited short-term view, is the point of this question.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
Try to come across as seasoned and comfortable as possible when answering such questions. Questions like this should be answered and responded to as if they are second nature.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I'd lend a helping hand. I let my teammate know there was an easier way of going about it and share my tips or tricks of the trade I had to volunteer. A team should support one another, promote each other's strengths and never exploit their weaknesses."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Teamwork
30. How you partner with others to find creative solutions?
Focus Your Answer On
Offer an example of a rewarding collaborative experience in a team environment. Using the STAR method, break down the Situation, the Task at hand, the Action you took, and the Result of the team collaboration. Then, describe your part in it, your positive take on it, and the rewards of the experience while not emphasizing your contribution.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
This question delves into your concept of teamwork. Regardless of whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, the purpose of this question is to assess how well you work with others. Focus on the collaboration involved in teamwork. The adage, "There is no 'I' in team," should be driven home in your answer. Treating the members of your teams with dignity and respect and recognizing and rewarding their efforts is paramount.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Communication is key to collaboration. Collaboration is integral to innovation. I would share, discuss, actively listen, and keep thinking outside the box."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022