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Target Interview Questions and Answers

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Practice for your upcoming Target job interview by using our mock interview. Click 'First Question' below to get started.

First Question

30 Target Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   How would you deal with an angry customer while you were busy completing tasks?

How to Answer

In a retail position at Target, customers are always the priority. Be sure to tell the interviewer that you know positive customer-interactions are the most important part of your job and describe how you would handle a frustrated customer. The interviewer wants to hear that customers come before other tasks. Be sure to mention that once you have the customer on their way you would go back to working on your task.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"Retail work is all about making customers happy, so I would immediately stop what I was doing and listen to the customer. They just want to know their complaints and frustrations are being heard like the rest of us, so I would be sure to ask questions, make eye-contact, and repeat information back to the customer so they know I'm really listening. If I couldn't immediately solve the customer's problem, I would work with another team-member or manager to make sure the customer leaves the store feeling happy -- and with a positive story to tell their friends about shopping at Target."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"I love the challenge of changing a bad experience into a good one, so frustrated and angry customers don't bother me at all. Tasks can always wait; the customer's experience is the most important thing, so I would stop what I was doing and focus on the customer. Most of the time, angry customers are more upset because they've been treated badly in the past -- they really just need to know that their frustrations are heard and understand that I'll do everything I can to fix the problem. I make it my personal mission to make an angry customer laugh or crack a smile before they leave the store."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2.   Have you ever been faced with enforcing a company policy that you did not agree with? How did you handle it?

How to Answer

At a large corporation like Target, you may not always agree with and understand company policies -- but these policies were created for a reason and are likely of vital importance to the success of your store and the company at large. Let the interviewer know that you are a supportive advocate of difficult or inconvenient policies.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"A couple of years ago, I overheard some of my coworkers complaining about a store policy we had recently implemented. They were all really frustrated with the small change and disagreed with the way it was handled. Internally, I agreed with them -- but I also knew that contributing more negativity to the conversation would only bring the team down. Instead, I approached my coworkers and told them that I understood why they were frustrated but that in the long-run the new policy would make the store run more efficiently. I told them that we just had to trust our managers and policy-makers -- we're all on the same team, after all, and the policies are there to ensure great customer experiences."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"At one of my former retail jobs, our return policy changed unexpectedly, which made a lot of our customers really upset. It was a huge inconvenience for me and my coworkers, and we were all frustrated with the way the policy changed. For weeks, we had irate customers coming into the store, frequently yelling at the customer associates, who had no control over the new policy. Even though it would have been easier at times to just return an angry customer's item, I also knew that the policy existed for a reason and that it would be unethical and inappropriate not to follow procedure. On the upside, I got really good at patiently listening to customers' complaints and explaining policies calmly!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

3.   How would you handle an unruly customer?

How to Answer

In a service-focused job like a retail position at Target, you will likely encounter customers who make your job less than pleasant. In retail, it's important to maintain a cheerful, calm demeanor even when dealing with angry or frustrated customers. Describe any experience you have dealing with unruly customers or talk about how you imagine you would deal with a negative customer experience.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"I know that customers are just people like the rest of us -- sometimes we all have bad days! If a customer was upset, I would be sure they felt heard and understood, and then I would let them know that I would do everything I could to address their concerns. Sometimes people just need to know that their problems are important to someone else. I would be sure to maintain my cheerful disposition and positive attitude about the problem."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"In my last retail job, we had a regular customer who always had complicated problems -- returns, online orders, you name it. She was always frustrated and always wanted one of my team-members to "hold her hand" while she shopped. Myself and my other coworkers kind of dreaded helping her, and sometimes we didn't give her all the attention she wanted. One day, one of my coworkers took a different approach: she asked the customer questions and got to know her a little bit, and then did everything she could to address her frustrations and make her happy. The customer left that day smiling, and I learned so much about how to speak to and listen to a frustrated -- and frustrating -- customer!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

4.   Have you ever called off from work before?

How to Answer

Being a member of a team means being reliable and consistent, and working at Target is no exception. Make sure the interviewer knows that you respect your coworkers and managers enough to always show up for your assigned shifts. Of course, emergencies and illness happen from time to time; you can be honest about a time you had to miss a shift and that you followed all of the protocol for calling off of work.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"I know that my coworkers and managers rely on every team-member to show up for their shifts on time and prepared to work -- if one person doesn't show up for their shift, that means everyone else has to work harder! I've never skipped work without a good reason, and I always make sure to call in with plenty of advance notice so that my managers and coworkers are prepared to cover the shift."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"Luckily, I've only ever had to call into work twice -- I had a terrible case of the flu last year and couldn't make it into work for two shifts in one week. I felt so bad about missing the shifts, but I didn't want to spread my germs to my coworkers and customers. As soon as I got home from the doctor, I followed store protocol by emailing my coworkers and letting them know I was ill to see if anyone could cover my shift. I was able to get my first shift of the week covered, but no one was available to cover my second shift. I immediately got in touch with my manager and let her know the situation. I made sure to get a doctor's note that I brought in with me during my next shift."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

5.   How can I trust you not to steal?

How to Answer

This one should be easy! Tell the interviewer that you are a trustworthy, honest worker with a great track-record.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"I can't imagine ever stealing, especially from my workplace! I know that being a member of a team means being trustworthy and honest, and I would never take advantage of my coworkers by taking merchandise that doesn't belong to me. I'm excited about working at Target and would never do something to jeopardize my job!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"At a previous job, I actually witnessed a coworker trying to steal merchandise from the store. It made me so upset, and I knew the right thing to do was to immediately tell my manager what I had seen."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

6.   Why do you think you will like working at Target?

How to Answer

Think about Target's aesthetic, brand, and foundational beliefs: the interviewer wants to know that you can already see how you would fit in the Target family. Maybe describe what 'Expect More. Pay Less.' means to you, talk about the things that excite you about the Target brand, or mention unique things that you would bring to the Target environment.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"Something I love about Target is that it's really a one-stop shop for all of the important events in a customer's life -- from finding the perfect little black dress for a date, to planning a family member's baby shower or graduation party. That's what I'm really looking forward to most about the possibility of being a Target team-member. It's really special to be a small part of someone's big day!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"Having been a Target customer for so many years, it's easy to see that the employees love being a part of the Target team, so I'm definitely excited by that. But the thing that makes me most excited is knowing that if I worked at Target, I would be part of an organization that is committed to the community. It's important to me to work for an organization that makes a positive impact on the world, and I know that's what I would have if I worked at Target."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

7.   Have you ever goofed off, played pranks, or planned surprises in the classroom or in past jobs?

How to Answer

Employers for any organization want to know that you take your job seriously, but being a team member at Target is fun, too! Sometimes it's appropriate to goof off and help other coworkers let off some steam, as long as it doesn't take away from completing tasks or positive experiences for customers. Describe a time you played a role in lightening your work atmosphere with a joke or prank at an appropriate time with a positive outcome. If you're not the joking type, that's fine, too! Just explain that while you have a good sense of humor, you're usually not one to make jokes or goof off.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"I tend to be a serious person and can get laser-focused on my tasks -- every once in a while, it's great to be work with a team-member who lightens the atmosphere with jokes, especially when the team is especially stressed."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"I love to make people smile and laugh, but I also know there's a right and a wrong time to joke around or have fun. My manager at my last job, Terry, was getting ready to leave the company, so a coworker and I made a plan (with our other manager's approval) to throw a little surprise party on Terry's last day. We set up a disco ball and twinkle lights in the break-room, and we all pitched in to buy snacks and treats. When Terry walked into the break-room, he was so surprised and excited about the fun send-off!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

8.   Would you say you are a sociable person?

How to Answer

Tapping into your social nature is an important part of being a Target team-member! Describe some of your experience working with customers or the public, and mention the relationships you've built with coworkers in the past. Even introverts can be sociable, so regardless of your personality make sure the interviewer knows that you are a great communicator who enjoys meeting new people.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"One of the things I love most about the customer-service industry is meeting new people and learning their stories! I really enjoy finding out what a customer is looking for and then helping them find just the right thing, whether it's a new dress for a party or event, or the perfect gift for their newborn niece. And it's so fun to meet new coworkers and find my place as a member of a team."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"Even though I really enjoy my alone-time, I also feel energized by meeting new people and helping them find what they're looking for. I'm especially looking forward to the chance to meet my potential coworkers, make friends, and become a good member of the team!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

9.   Do you need a job at Target, or are you just working for fun?

How to Answer

It may be that you need a job at Target to supplement your income, gain job experience, or because you see a long-term future for yourself at the company. It's also great if you're just looking for a fun way to earn some extra cash! Either way, be sure to let the interviewer know that you're excited about bringing your fun, cheerful attitude to work with you at Target.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"Now that my kids are both school-aged, I'm finally free to start helping my partner by getting a part-time job. The extra income will be great, and I'm really excited about working on a team at a store I really love! I'm hoping that as my kids get older, I'll have even more time to work on the Target team."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"This is the first summer I'm able to work a job between semesters at school, and I'm so excited about the chance to work at Target! While I don't have much job experience, I'm a hard worker and team member, and I know the experience at Target will be a great start to my employment record. I can't imagine a more fun way to get job experience!"

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

10.   Do you have any friends or relatives that work at Target?

How to Answer

There's no right or wrong answer here -- just be honest with the interviewer! If you have had a friend or relative who works or worked at Target, let the interviewer know what a positive experience they had and that they have wonderful things to say about their time at Target. If you don't know anyone who's worked at Target, that's okay, too! You can talk about some of your experience as a Target customer instead, or describe your impression of the Target team-members you've encountered as a shopper.

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

1st Answer Example

"My sister was a part-time worker at Target during her senior year of high school, and she loved it! She always came home from work with stories about her coworkers and customers, and she seemed really excited about all of the great experience she was getting."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

2nd Answer Example

"I don't know anyone who has worked at Target, but I've been a dedicated Target shopper for years! I love that it's a one-stop shop for everything I need from fashion to gift-giving. I've always been impressed with the Target employees I've spoken to -- they always have cheerful, helpful attitudes."

Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018

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