An increasing number of young people are deciding to work.
College tuition rates are skyrocketing, so many turn to employment to make ends meet.
Target is one of the largest retailers in the US, and they always need staff for their retail stores across the country.
If you’re a young person interested in working at a Target store but don’t know the company’s minimum hiring age, I can help you.
I wrote this guide discussing the minimum age requirement to work at Target.
What Is Target?
Target is a retail company offering quality goods and services to customers since 1962.
The company is known for its hiring process, which ensures the highest level of service and satisfaction to shoppers.
Target also has a minimum hiring age requirement that all job applicants must meet to work in the company.
How Old Do You Have To Be to Work at Target?
The minimum age requirement to work at Target as a store associate is 16. If you want to work in a Target distribution center, you must be at least 18 years old.
US child labor laws dictate that 16-year-old employees cannot work more than 8 hours daily or 40 hours weekly.
Target’s hiring process requires these employees to submit specific documents, including a high-school diploma and authorization from their legal guardians (their parents).
These policies help ensure younger employees aren’t overworked or burned out from long shifts.
They also prevent workplace injuries and give young people time to study and maintain their lives outside of working at a Target store.
Target stores must also ensure that they give tasks suitable to 16-year-olds.
The company provides tasks that don’t require previous retail experience. Target doesn’t put 16-year-olds in positions they wouldn’t be capable of at their age.
Jobs for young Target employees include working at cash registers, stocking shelves, unloading goods, sorting items, light cleaning or janitorial duties, assisting customers with in-store operations, and other similar tasks.
Career Roles for Young Applicants
Sales and Marketing
Target is an excellent place for young applicants to pursue entry-level positions.
Working as an hourly sales floor team member with Target can provide young people with valuable experience in an entry-level position, such as a customer service representative or sales floor team member.
Daily tasks vary for young people with entry-level positions at Target.
However, as a Target employee working on the sales floor, your tasks will often involve the following:
- Assisting customers in finding items in the store
- Ringing up purchases
- Answering product or promotion-related questions
- And a few other things.
Customers might also ask employees in entry-level positions to help load items into their vehicles or assist them with the baggage if necessary.
Meanwhile, working at Target distribution centers involves handling products and processing merchandise to ensure efficient logistics.
Target stores expect all employees to greet customers warmly and help them find what they need quickly and efficiently.
Target stores also provide a variety of learnings to enable young employees to handle various tasks while working in a fast-paced environment.
Young employees will become familiar with stocking shelves and setting up promotional displays.
You may also need to track inventory levels and ensure shelves have the correct labels.
Working in Target stores also teaches essential communication skills, especially if you work on the sales floor. You’ll learn how to provide excellent customer service and resolve customer complaints in a friendly manner.
Environment and Culture
Target culture encourages employees to reach their full potential through professional development opportunities like participating in workshops or attending conferences.
Working at any Target store can give you insight into the operational side of running a successful business.
All these experiences can give young Target employees an edge when pursuing other career opportunities or expanding their knowledge to work in different positions at Target retail stores.
With its flexible scheduling options and generous benefits package, working at Target is ideal for any young applicant to start a successful sales career.
Customer Service
A career in customer service at Target offers young applicants many job positions to hone their customer-relations skills in a fast-paced and vibrant environment.
It is an ideal job if you’re outgoing and willing to help customers find creative solutions to their issues.
Target customer service representatives enjoy competitive pay and benefits, flexible scheduling options, and the opportunity to learn new skills.
As a customer service team member, you’re responsible for helping customers complete their purchases.
Your tasks include providing product information, processing payment transactions, resolving complaints, and answering questions on store policies.
You also need to multitask effectively and be organized throughout the day.
Target may also require you to advise customers on trends or provide helpful tips about new products or services.
Sometimes, you may need to refer customers to other departments or even contact manufacturers directly if any issues arise with a product or service.
What Qualifications Does Target Seek in Job Seekers?
Target will only accept applicants with the proper essential qualifications.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is the minimum requirement, but having post-secondary education is an advantage.
Target prefers job seekers with experience in the same role because it demonstrates the individual’s ability to perform the job function and handle tasks efficiently.
Applicants must also be familiar with Target and the products and services the company offers.
Target wants individuals with strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Customer service is critical at any Target store, so applicants must provide excellent customer service and maintain professional relationships with customers and other employees.
It’s also beneficial for potential candidates to have experience operating point-of-sale systems, computers, and barcode scanners.
As part of Target’s application process, the company requires new hires to complete an authorized background check.
Target values commitment and dependability and seeks candidates who demonstrate these qualities during the application process. The company favors positive punctuality and attendance records because they indicate reliability and responsibility.
Prospective employees must be able to work with minimal supervision and exhibit flexibility through a willingness to take on additional tasks or adapt to schedule changes when necessary.
A valid driver’s license is also advantageous for specific positions within Target.
How To Submit Your Job Application
Visit Target’s online career page if you want to send a job application.
Target offers a wide range of positions for job seekers to help you find the perfect job.
There are entry-level positions like store associate and sales floor team member.
When applying for Target jobs, review all the information for each position. Doing so can help ensure you apply to the job that best fits your skills and experience.
If you need more information about any particular vacancy, don’t hesitate to contact the hiring manager.
A target hiring manager will be more than happy to answer job-related questions.
Note that submitting a Target job application doesn’t guarantee placement in the company. Representatives only contact candidates who pass their initial screening.
However, having an effective resumé, cover letter, and excellent educational background can go a long way in helping you stand out from other applicants.
Ensure you include relevant work experience, qualifications, and other relevant activities or volunteer work.
Remember to tailor your job application to the specific role—generic resumés or cover letters won’t get you far in this competitive market.
Research the role you want to apply for so that you can tailor your application accordingly and demonstrate your knowledge of what it takes to succeed.
Compensation and Benefits
Target’s employees enjoy the following benefits.
- Physical health programs (medical, vision, dental, etc.)
- Work-life balance and various family-centric benefits
- Mental health programs (Free, 24/7 access to trained clinicians)
- Credit union membership, access to a complete banking institution
- Educational assistance
Target offers workers access to various medical plans, providing comprehensive coverage for preventive care and medical services.
With a wide range of in-network providers, these plans help employees get the care they need at an affordable cost.
The company also offers employee assistance programs providing counseling services to all Target employees and their family members struggling with emotional or mental issues.
This free and confidential service ensures all Target employees can access professional help when necessary.
Mental health is a priority for Target.
The company provides online and offline mental health resources, including free courses on stress management, healthy eating habits, and mindfulness practices. These resources help employees cope with everyday challenges.
Target offers numerous vacation days each year and paid holidays throughout the year. The company also gives team members parental leave if they are expecting a child or adopting one.
Target’s work-life balance allows employees to take time away from work without financial worries. The company also provides flexible work options such as telecommuting and job sharing for those who need more flexibility in their daily routine.
The company has implemented several initiatives to create a supportive office environment where everyone can feel safe and supported regardless of their background.
Target offers educational assistance via language learning classes, college tuition reimbursement programs, and certifications related to your expertise.
These certifications can boost your career within the organization and outside of it.
These resources enhance employees’ personal growth and allow them to balance their private and professional lives.
Target pays competitive salaries, reflecting each team member’s value and making the workplace a better environment for everyone else.
As of 2022, the minimum wage for hourly positions at Target ranges from $15 to $25 per hour.
The Bottom Line
I hope my article clarified how old do you have to work at Target stores and distribution centers.
Don’t hesitate to apply at Target if you’re within the minimum hiring age. It could be the start of a fulfilling career.
Are you expecting to receive Target gift cards for Christmas? You should learn how to check your Target gift card balance.
