How long do you have to work at target to get benefits

I used to work at Target, and here are some of the secrets I've uncovered.

Do you want to become a Target employee?

Could a Career at Target Right Be Right for You?

Have you considered becoming a Target employee? Is a career in retail right for you? Target employees enjoy excellent benefits, flexible schedules (to an extent), and a pleasant work environment . . . well, as pleasant as work can be if you work in retail. I know this is true because I used to work there. The pay is low, though, and working nights, weekends, and holidays are not for everybody.

However, even though you work with crabby customers and make peanuts, Target is still an excellent job. Wondering what it's like to be their employee? Curious if you would make a good one? Keep reading for more information.

How Much Do Target Employees Get Paid?

Many employees start out making minimum wage (or just a little above it). Overnight stockers and early-morning stockers usually make more than other employees, and Guest Service Representatives make more than cashiers. Team Leads (managers) also have higher pay rates.

Target Employee Benefits

If you're looking for a job with excellent benefits, you'll love working at Target, where employees receive numerous benefits, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision benefits, 401K, enrollment in an Employee Assistance Program (free counseling and legal advice), and an employee discount of 10%.

Another nice thing about Target is that it covers domestic partners as well as married couples when it comes to health insurance.

Do You Get a Discount If You Work at Target?

Absolutely. You'll be given a card for the cashier to scan that entitles you to 10% off of your purchases. This discount can be combined with coupons, gift cards, and rebates.

Target Employee Uniform and Dress Code

Target employees are required to wear khaki pants or skirts with red shirts. The shirt can be a polo shirt, t-shirt, hoody, or sweater; the only requirement is that it is fully red.

Work Schedule

The work schedule depends on a variety of factors: personal availability, the department you work in, and the willingness of other employees to work the hours you don't want to work.

Most Target employees are required to work some nights, weekends, and holidays, although management is usually flexible about which nights you work and which weekends. For example, if you can only work Thursday nights and between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, your request will probably be honored.

If all else fails, you can post the shifts you don't want in the break room. Most employees aren't scheduled for 40 hours a week, so somebody will probably be willing to take your shift.

What Are the Working Conditions?

Working with customers can always be stressful, but the Team Leads do their best to keep morale high. Although you are on your feet for the entire day, the working conditions are fairly decent. You will take frequent breaks throughout your shift, and there is zero tolerance for things like sexual harassment.

Do You Need a College Degree to Work at Target?

College isn't required for employment at Target, although many of the Team Leads have college degrees.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Work There?

Many positions at Target only require employees to be 16 years old, but some of them require applicants to be at least 18 years of age.

Is There Job Security?

Probably. You might not always get as many hours per week as you'd like, but Target isn't going out of business anytime soon.

Target Employee Job Duties

The job duties of a Target employee depend on the department(s) the employee works in and may include:

• Customer Service: Greeting customers, helping them ring up or return items, and assisting them with locating items
• Light Janitorial Duties: Sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming
• Stocking: Stocking shelves, setting up displays, and organizing items

How to Apply for a Job at Target

Most stores do not offer a paper application. If you want to apply, you'll have to do it on the computer located near the Service Desk.

What Questions Will They Ask on the Application?

The application takes a while, so don't apply if you're in a hurry. There is some sort of personality test to take, along with the regular "Why did you leave your last job?" type of questions. Expect to give your opinion on hypothetical situations that involve stealing, tardiness, and rude customers.

What Kind of People Make a Good Fit?

Working at Target usually requires a considerable amount of interaction with customers and coworkers. If you aren't great with people, you probably won't enjoy it. Target is also not the best choice for parents with young children who require daycare, as you will be expected to work shifts during times when most daycare centers are closed.

If you can stand on your feet for extended periods while remaining friendly to coworkers and customers, Target is probably a place you'll like working at.

Target is a wonderful job, especially for teens, college students, and adults who don't mind working nights and weekends. The benefits offered are as good as (if not better) than most jobs. Although the pay is low, the benefits make Target a great part-time job for many people.

If you're looking for a job where sexual harassment and verbal abuse are not tolerated, you'll be extremely happy at Target. If you find it hard not to tell racist jokes and hit on your coworkers, Target is not for you.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Greg on July 30, 2020:

The place sucks! They don’t bother training you so your expected to know everything even though you haven’t been trained. You can’t even stop long enough to go to the bathroom

Sandra on July 29, 2020:

I have currently just started working at Target and I will say there is absolutely no training. So when you screw up they jump you. I went into work today and the HR lady said one of the managers said there was a incident last night?? I just looked at her cause I had no clue what she was talking about. Why would a manager lie about a new employee that she knows nothing about?

Meryl on August 17, 2019:

I was working at Target. The schedules are horrible one week you work 4 hours next week you work 8 or 16. I tried communicating with my LOD about my hours. No response. I worked hard and covered for everyone for hours. When I told her I was interested another job why didn’t she tell me I had to give two weeks notice and if I didn’t I could never work at Target again. I was told it was in the handbook. I couldn’t find it in the handbook!

Justme on March 07, 2019:

You obviously never actually worked in a store! Lies and butterflies is what is in this article. Don’t apply and if you did and they call RUN. Been working for 11 years and it’s had ups and downs but, I see it kmarting soon the way they are running it now. Problem to many people being innovators and coming up with great ways store should run but never actually working in the store.

story4young on October 20, 2017:

I am over 50 and they hired me. Auburn, CA. I love my job and can't wait to show them what I got.

TGT Team Member on October 09, 2017:

In the handbook it stats, "You may wear a red top (any shade of red is fine, but not orange, pink or purple) and solid color pants or skirts (preferably khaki)." The pants just cannot be lycra or jeans.

I have been wearing random color pants for the last month or so when the new brands launched.

AM on October 05, 2017:

What you didn’t say is that you’re only eligible for benefits the January after you’ve worked there for one year. So if you get hired in March of 2017, you’re not eligible until January of 2019.

GE on August 16, 2017:

GE I was told that weekly schedules are only posted a few days in advance. Is this true? How can an employee plan for doctors appointments,etc. if given only a few days notice? I think someone had the wrong information.

GG on February 02, 2017:

A Target Cafe worker commented on my designer purse and made a gesture as if I thought I was upper crust. A team front end lead is also nasty, but it does not stop me from shopping at the Washington Square Target; there are plenty more decent employees, the products are fun, always updated and the Cartwheel app brings the prices down.

Kris j. on September 03, 2016:

Does target pay for the red shirts? I was told by an old target manager they don't.

In Washington state it is a law that if employees must pay for their own uniforms it had to be one of the "common colors" white, tan or blue.

How do they get away with that?

sariepoo on August 08, 2016:

The Target I work at starts you at $10 an hour which is almost $3 above the minimum wage in Missouri

Fit and 50 on July 29, 2016:

I would love to work for Target. I have an extensive work history in higher management and training for a large retail company. I am 50 years old and in excellent health but I am concerned they may by pass my resume since I am over 40. I really hope I am given an interview and a chance. :)

Sunnyglitter (author) from Cyberspace on January 16, 2015:

Well, I live in America, so it's still relevant here. I wrote this for an American audience, but I'm sorry that I offended you. I'll update it when I have time.

Mrktng-girl on January 15, 2015:

The section on job security needs some adjustment. "Target isn't going out of business anytime soon". Really, ask Canada if they agree.

unhappy team member on September 08, 2012:

unfortunately they have gone down hill over the past few years and force you out when they no longer want you...when it comes to review time they are only allowed to give out so many outstanding reviews then start changing reviews so they don't go over their magical numbers...even if it means the team members who have been there for years who are at there cap get a low score which equals to no raise

hifizah on September 03, 2012:

Very interesting. I used to shop at Target when I lived in Australia. I probably wouldn't know how it feels like working there but from my shopping experience, it is a nice place.

Chelsea on March 25, 2012:

Hey Erika, I did a drug test on Thursday and received a call about orientation the next day. Though you posted this 4 days ago so they probably called you by now. Good luck!

Erika on March 21, 2012:

Just did the drug test! How long does it take for them to call me for orientation ??

Jules on February 22, 2012:

Very informative article!!! Thank you!

I will apply at Target pretty soon, just another question about the benefits. Do you by any chance know how long it takes until you can use the benefits for the Health Insurance? I don't have a health insurance right now, so it would be awesome if that would be available right now. Just so I can get a heads up :) Thank you!

Sunnyglitter (author) from Cyberspace on February 15, 2012:

Jessica, I had to do carts sometimes too, so I'm pretty sure they can make you do that. And I'm not a man. :)

jessica on February 07, 2012:

I work @ target as a brand attendant, their cart attendent quit and now they trynna force me out in the snow to collect carts. Can they hire me for one position and force me to go out there? I think that's a man's job!!

Sunnyglitter (author) from Cyberspace on November 07, 2011:

Thank you, Saif. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

MM876, Some benefits start immediately, others take 3 months, and a few take a year.

MM876 on September 01, 2011:

Does anyone know how long it takes for benefits to start at Target?

Thanks.

saif113sb on July 26, 2011:

Nice hub. thanks

Sunnyglitter (author) from Cyberspace on January 08, 2011:

Fiddleman- Why wouldn't you want to be a cashier? I agree that it can be very stressful at times, but it's not too bad overall.

Erik- Thanks! I loved working at Target. It's an awesome job.

Eric Parker from Fort Worth, Texas on December 29, 2010:

Very specific and useful hub. You make Target sound better than I would think it is!

Erik

Fiddleman on December 29, 2010:

We have a Target about 30 minutes away from where I live. I wouldn't mind working for them as long as it was not a Cashier.

Does Target have any benefits?

What is the target employee discount?

Do Target employees get stock?