Meta title: How old do you have to be to work at Target? Learn the facts

Meta description: Starting a career at Target is easier than you think. Check out our article to find out how old you should be to apply and what kinds of positions you can get.

How old do you have to be to work at Target? Learn the facts

Target is one of the largest retailers in the US, providing job opportunities to over 440,000 employees across the country. The company sells a wide variety of products, ranging from groceries and apparel to electronics and home decor. It’s become a popular place to work.

But how old do you need to be to work there?

This article covers what you need to know about landing a job at Target, including the minimum age requirements, popular roles with the company, employee benefits, and tips for applying successfully.

What is Target?

Target is a retail company in the US that was founded in 1902 as Goodfellow Dry Goods by George Dayton. The first Target store opened in Roseville, Minnesota in 1962 and offered a new shopping experience with a focus on discount pricing, stylish design, and a wide range of products.

In the early 2000s, Target continued to grow and innovate, launching new brands like Archer Farms and Room Essentials and expanding its offerings to include products like prescription drugs and financial services.

Target also strives to keep up with technological advancements, having launched its online store in 1999. Today, it offers same-day delivery in some markets.

The company has continued to innovate with new initiatives, like its Good & Gather brand of grocery products and its partnerships with companies like Disney, to offer exclusive products and experiences to its customers.

How much can you work at Target as a teenager?

Target is a popular place to work for people of all ages and backgrounds. 50.7% of Target workers are employed in early-career positions, which can be performed either on a part-time or full-time basis.

In general, you must be at least 16 years old to apply for a job at Target.

Seasonal

A seasonal job is a great way to start your career at Target. Seasonal positions are typically available during the busy holiday shopping season, but they can also be found during other times of the year. These positions are usually pretty flexible and temporary, but they can lead to permanent jobs if you perform well.

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To find out if you can work a seasonal job at Target at 16 or 17 years old, you need to check if the particular position you’re going for hasn’t been declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. If you’re 18 or older, these limitations don’t apply.

Full-time

Full-time jobs are the most common type of job at Target. These jobs are usually available in all departments and offer various benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. The health insurance may also cover eye exams, dental checkups, and clinical services.

Full-time usually means 30–40 working hours a week. If you’re 16 or older, you can easily work full-time on a permanent basis as long as the position isn’t hazardous.

Part-time

Part-time jobs are perfect for people who want to work at Target but can’t commit to a full-time schedule. Even though you’re working part-time, you can be hired for a critical role, depending on your experience.

Part-time usually means that you’re working 20–30 hours a week. Working part-time is the best option for younger workers, as it allows them to earn decent money without jeopardizing their education.

What kinds of jobs can young employees get at Target?

Target offers a variety of jobs, allowing people with different schedules to start their careers at the company. The average salary for a Target worker is $15 per hour. However, you can expect to earn higher based on your role.

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The best part is you can find an occupation that fits your lifestyle, skillset, and personality. Let’s look at some common roles at Target and what they entail.

1. Cashier. Cashiers are responsible for processing customer transactions at cash registers. Your main tasks will be handling payments, issuing receipts, and processing refunds.

2. Stock associate. Stock associates receive, distribute, and replenish merchandise to ensure store shelves are always full and properly organized. Your duties will include unloading shipments, checking inventory, and labeling products.

3. Sales associate. Sales associates assist customers with their shopping needs, provide them with product information, and help them locate items within the store. Sales associates are also expected to operate cash registers when necessary and keep aisles clean.

4. Cart attendant. Cart attendants collect shopping carts from the parking lot and return them to their designated areas. Occasionally, they may also need to assist customers, clean spills, or restock bags at checkout.

5. Food service worker. Food service employees work in the deli, bakery, or prepared food sections of the store. They handle food preparation, including slicing meats, assembling lunches, baking bread, and making sandwiches.

6. Customer service representative. Customer service reps handle customer inquiries and concerns either in person or over the phone. Their duties include organizing returns and exchanges as well as resolving customer complaints.

7. Distribution center associate. These professionals receive, store, and ship products to stores and customers. Among their tasks are unloading and inspecting shipments, labeling products, and ensuring accurate inventory management. They may also use forklifts or pallet jacks to move items and fulfill orders.

8. Corporate. You can also apply for positions in marketing, finance, human resources, and other departments. Corporate jobs are usually located at Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In short, Target has many positions that offer flexible hours, making it perfect for students or people with other commitments.

If you’re ready to learn quickly or already have some marketable skills, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a job at Target — even if you’re only 16.

Minimum requirements to work at Target

Age

Target has clear requirements regarding age and prefers applicants who are flexible and ready to work on demand. You must be 16 years old to work in-store. For distribution center employees, the bar is even higher at 18 years old.

Authorization to work in the US

Target promotes transparency and requires all its applicants to provide proof of legal authorization to work in the US. This is a good thing for young and inexperienced employees because it means that they’ll be officially employed and their rights will be protected.

Social Security number

Target needs to know your Social Security number to verify your identity and, potentially, complete a background check.

Permanent address

You’ll be required to submit your permanent address during the final stage of the hiring process — it’s essential for completing all the necessary paperwork, including that related to taxes and benefits.

Driver’s license or ID card

The hiring manager will need to verify your identity before proceeding with your application, so ensure that you present them with a valid document.

Employee benefits and perks at Target

Target offers a comprehensive benefits package for its employees. It includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, and more. Target also offers discounts on Target merchandise for its employees.

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You can expect the following benefits when working for Target:

Health

Target offers health insurance plans to eligible employees and their families. Employees can choose from various health plan options, including a PPO, HMO, or high-deductible health plan.

In addition, some employees may also get a health savings account (HSA) and a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to help them save on healthcare costs.

Financial

Target also provides financial benefits, including a 401(k) plan with a company match, a discount stock purchase plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Career

When you work at Target, you can expect career growth and development opportunities. Target provides employees with the resources they need to succeed in their roles, including training and development programs.

Education

The company also offers educational assistance to help employees further their education and careers. Employees can receive a certain annual sum for tuition reimbursement for courses taken at eligible schools.

Applying and interviewing at Target

Here are some things you can expect when pursuing a job at Target:

Completing the application

You can apply for a position at Target on the company’s website. In fact, you can apply for more than one role at a time.

A resume or CV for in-store and distribution center positions isn’t a must but is highly encouraged. You can filter search results to focus on job openings close to where you live. The full application form is available online in PDF format.

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Once you’ve submitted the application, you’ll be able to monitor its status by logging into your Candidate Homepage. If you’re lucky, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview.

Target personality test

The applicant questionnaire is a 50-question personality test that helps hiring managers determine if a candidate will mesh well with the Target family. Take your time filling out this section — answer honestly and let your personality shine through.

This is the first opportunity you will have to show the hiring manager that your ethics, beliefs, and values align with the company.

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Sample questions

• Are you more tactful than most?

• Do you have a rebellious streak?

• Do you daydream often?

• What percentage of people do you believe cheat on their taxes?

• What percentage of politicians do you think are honest?

Target relies largely on behavior-based interviewing to assess whether you’re a good fit for the role. Hiring managers want to see an engaged, passionate person who shares Target’s values and understands the specifics of their future job.

Background check

No matter what job you’re applying for, your profile will have to undergo a pre-employment screening process that includes a background check. The background check happens near the end of the hiring process and is managed by Target’s vendor, Accurate Background.

Land a new job at Target today

The main requirements to work for Target include being at least 16 or 18 years old and having a valid Employment Authorization Document and permanent address. Strong communication and customer service skills are important for most roles. You’ll also benefit from having physical stamina, especially for positions like stocking or warehouse work. Previous experience may be preferred but is not always required, as Target often provides on-the-job training for new hires.

Check out Jobcase’s job board to browse positions that are currently available. Our Getting Hired Resource Center can also help you kickstart your career!