We’re so glad you are here because it means you’re serious about getting a job, helping your family and creating a successful life. At this point, you’re probably wondering, does Target hire felons? We’re going to answer that question and many others in this article, including:
- Does Target do background checks?
- Will I get drug tested at Target?
- Does Target hire people with misdemeanors?
- How can you ace the interview?
To do this, we directly contact each company and ask them about their hiring practices. We then put together tips on applying and landing an interview so you have the best chance possible.
Successful Release knows what matters when doing a job search with a record. To give you the best information possible, we hire former felons ourselves. Real tips from real people.
So, without further ado, let’s look at how to get a job at Target with a felony.
Does Target Hire Felons?
Official company policy for hiring felons
We asked Target directly if they hired those with a felony conviction and they told us:
“At Target, we are proud of our record on diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. As a leader in this area, we have played a role in helping remove barriers that individuals with criminal records face when seeking employment. We continuously strive to recruit talented and diverse team members, and we realize that one way of accomplishing this goal is to consider the impact of a person’s criminal record on their ability to seek employment.
As a result, in October 2013, Target announced plans to remove the previous conviction question from the initial employment application nationwide. This process was finalized in June 2014, and Target no longer gathers criminal history information from applicants until the interview process (or after conditional offer in locations where asking earlier is prohibited).
While removing the question from the initial employment application allows applicants to tell their story before a hiring decision is made, we believe that it is still important to consider a person’s criminal conviction history when making hiring decisions. Target’s background check process is carefully designed to ensure a safe and secure working and shopping environment for team members and guests, while treating all applicants fairly.
Our criminal background check process excludes only those applicants whose convictions could pose a significant risk to our guests, team members or property. This process considers, among other things, the age and type of conviction, the number of convictions the individual has on their record, whether the applicant completed their sentence without further violations, as well as the age of the applicant when the crime was committed. Target specifically informs applicants that they should not disclose arrests or any convictions which have been ‘expunged, annulled, sealed, statutorily eradicated, pardoned, or dismissed upon condition of probation.’ Because of the nuances of the process, it is impossible for us to say whether a particular candidate’s criminal record would be disqualifying.”
Have they hired felons in the past?
Target did not confirm or deny if they have hired felons in the past, but don’t worry about that. As you can see from their response above, it is likely that they have hired those with prior convictions. Most importantly, they believe in helping former felons get a fair chance.
Does Target hire people with misdemeanors?
We could not find specific information on this, but we strongly suspect that Target does hire people with misdemeanors.
Is Target on the Ban the Box list?
The Ban the Box campaign advocated by civil rights groups gets companies to remove the box asking about criminal history from their applications. Its sister movement, the Fair Chance Business Pledge, works to help former felons be treated equally.
In 2013, Target announced plans to remove the previous conviction question from the initial employment application nationwide. The process was finalized in 2014, and Target no longer gathers criminal history information from applicants until the interview process. They are on the list!
This is great news. You will be initially looked at based on your experiences, not your criminal history.
Does Target have any special programs for hiring felons?
Target does not have any specific programs for hiring felons. However, other companies in your community do. Always check with your local workforce center or job placement agencies, though. They have knowledge about their specific communities and will point you in the right direction.
What are the odds someone with a felony will get hired?
We think there is a high chance you’ll get hired at Target with a felony. While it is great that they don’t ask about criminal convictions on the application, they still perform background checks and will discover your criminal history. Ultimately there is no guarantee, but you have a better shot here than elsewhere.
What are some entry-level jobs?
Target is a growing company, which is a testament to the value customers place in them. In just three months, the number of shoppers in their stores increased by three percent. More shoppers means they need more employees.
So, what kind of jobs can you expect at Target? If you look at their employment page, you will likely always find postings for positions such as the following:
- Cashiers
- Sales floor members
- Food service assistant
- Logistics team (shelf stocking)
- Electronics department member
- Beauty team member
For these jobs, you can expect light labor, like cleaning, stocking shelves and getting the shopping carts out of the parking lot. Most of these entry-level positions do not require a high level of education, though you should always highlight your skills on the initial application and in an interview.
Does this sound like something you want to do? More importantly, does it sound like something you can do? Remember, there’s always room for growth. You are building your resume just by being employed.
How to get hired at Target with a felony
One of the best ways to get a job at Target with a felony is to show you would make an excellent team member from the moment you show up. Get online and explore the positions you are interested in applying for.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have experience in this area. Get creative. What jobs did you hold in prison that can translate to real-world skills? Dorm jobs, librarians, kitchen workers, clerks and more are all positions that should have given you valuable skills.
Think about the things you can put on a resume after working those jobs:
- Organizational skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Kitchen work experience (for Target’s food services)
Choose the store you want to apply for and go there in person. Yes, you can apply online, but getting face-to-face with the person who will be hiring you is always better. When you show up, be positive and upbeat. Make sure you are well-dressed and groomed.
You don’t want a manager’s first thought to be, “I bet they did time.” You want them to think, “I want this person on my team.”
We could not find any information regarding Target’s tattoo policy. So, if you went a little crazy with the prison tats, cover them up the best you can when you first go put an application in or for an interview.
If it is getting close to a holiday, they may be looking for immediate help. If you land an interview, that is your opportunity to explain your record and let them know how much you’ve changed. Ask questions about the job you are applying for and about the company. This will show them you are interested.
Does Target do background checks?
Yes, Target does perform background checks. Like we reported in the beginning of this article, Target does believe it is still important to consider a person’s criminal conviction history when making hiring decisions. While this doesn’t necessarily disqualify you, it is something you should be aware of.
Here’s what you need to know about background checks:
Some states don’t even look at offenses that are more than seven years ago. If you are on that sixth year, you may want to wait a year before applying. These states don’t look at your record if it’s been seven years since your conviction:
- California
- Colorado*
- Kansas*
- Maryland*
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire*
- New York*
- Texas*
- Washington*
*sometimes certain pay or salary bracket positions require one.
Guess what? There are some states that do not even show court cases where you were found not guilty. Eight states are currently on this list:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York
However, there are still many states that look at your whole record, even the cases where you were found not guilty. If you live in one of these states, that they will see everything:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- DC
- Delaware
- Florida
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Company ratings
Because Target is such a large company, they have thousands of reviews on the site glassdoor.com. Target has a 3.4 score out of a possible 5 and 63% of respondents say they would recommend working at Target to a friend.
Most of the comments from former employees were positive. The negative comments, however, revolve mostly around what you would expect from a large store: very busy, some bad supervisors and the pay is a little low.
What felony convictions might have a hard time getting hired here?
Does Target hire felons? Yes, but do they hire someone with your type of felony? There are some felonies that will stop you from getting hired. Remember earlier when we said that Target looks at each individual’s case? Here are some cases where your record may make it harder for you to get hired:
- Theft convictions. Most employers will be hesitant to hire someone with a theft conviction to work around money or products.
- Sex crime convictions. Because Target stores draw many customers and want to maintain a family friendly environment, they will likely be hesitant to hire those who have been convicted of a sex crime, particularly if your crime involved a minor.
Be aware of your convictions when you apply for certain positions. You’ll more than likely be able to find work in an area where you don’t have a conflict. They may hire you for their warehouse or some other area that lets you get a second chance so you can work on rebuilding your life with a reputable company.
Does Target drug test?
We could not find a specific policy related to drug testing. However, in our research, we found they typically do not drug test regular employees. It seems that they will for managers, however.
Have you applied for a job or worked here before? Share your experiences!
We want to hear your experiences, specifically on how to get hired at Target. If you’ve gotten a job there with a felony or misdemeanor conviction, tell us how you did it and what the hiring process was like.
Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your job search!
No Target does not hire felons. Maybe if you have a misdemeanor they will consider it but definitely not felons. I went through the hiring process and was denied employment after being offered the job when they ran my background. I have only one conviction and it’s nearly 5 years old. After they ran y background when I was honest with them about answering only one question (yes or no), they avoided me like the plague and made ME call back to found out that I was not going to be hired. I applied for the Starbucks venue in Target as well as the grocery position an was denied. Some one please tell me what the hell child endangerment (spanking my kid, yes seriously that’s what my conviction was about) has to do with serving coffee?! I won’t even be taking orders from kids!
Long story short, I am now suing for discrimination and I find out that Target currently has 10 formal complaints filed by the EEOC because others have been discriminated against as well. Their “Ban the box” maneuver was just a public stunt. Yes they’ll let you go through the hiring process but when it comes to the conditional offer that’s where and when they say no. Just to make it “look like” they considered you. The reason they do this is because the state where the companies HQ is located has a law banning blanket hiring practices (such as: you have a criminal record of any kind) and was forced by the local goverment to stop asking on applications “yes or no.” Now they just “gitcha” later.
I just want to encourage each one person with a record to stand up for your equal hiring rights (according to Title 7). I believe if enough of us stand up somebody is going to break ground and getting a functional life after conviction will no longer be a failure of society! There are changes in the goverment already happening concerning this issue, be strong and push for equality!
do targets hire felons
Anon where did you file the lawsuit at and with whom. I am currently waiting to hear from target now.
My son was just turned down by Target. He thought he had the job, but his felony disqualified him.They hired his friend who was less qualified, dressed badly & late for his interview. My son is also a seasonal firefighter. Apparently, they don’t care about any of that.
I was hired by target and even given a start date just for them to tell me no cause of background which i have 2 felonies possesion charges one from 2006and one from 2008 the rest is driving crap who can i contact to file a law suit and is it even worth it
NO Target does not hire felons. Neither does Walmart. Don’t waste your time.
Anon is mistaken. I have a felony on my record (money laundering, over 15 years ago), and Target hired me six months ago. There are other websites like this one which indicate that Target has hired other people with convictions and/or open charges. Not everyone will get hired, as it most likely depends on what your conviction was and how long ago it took place. FYI, there was a document which had felony info questions which I completed AFTER my interview. Target has an obligation to protect itself, its employees, and its customers the best way it can, and I respect that perspective. There are no hard-and-fast rules about Target’s hiring process that I can see but, like I previously mentioned, they DID hire me!
Apparently Target likes to offer jobs, pay rates and start dates before running background checks. Then pulling the offer even if you were completely honest during every interview (4) in which my past never seemed to be an issue. I interviewed with the Executive team lead of HR, 2 Store team leads, and the District Manager. In all interviews I disclosed my past misdemeanor’s and the actions I’ve taken to correct those mistakes. I was then offered Meat and Produce Team lead, salary, and start date. Then a week later told that the company that does their background check advised them not to hire me, but does not provide a reason why. I was then mailed a report from this company, results of their check was exactly what I divulged. Which weren’t even felonies. Targets hiring process is wrong on so many levels and filled with corporate buracracy and layers of “BS”.
Hey Anon, are you kidding me, child endangerment? You have to ask why? Dude, as much writing you done on your post, you should try writing articles for a living. Lmao!
I have had no problem in getting hired at any of my work places in the past. I have worked in many places and have had 2 business. One failed because of the recession. Now the oilfield bottomed out. Im not closing my doors. Just getting extra income to legally operate my business.
I have been a convicted felon. 1990 robery one. Tx. I went through the hiring process. And if i don’t get called and am told no, thats fine. The way I’ll look at it is they will hire a loser young kid who shows up late for an interview dressed bad and give the clients bad service. Because of our conviction we have to be better. Their loss. Not mine.
If we can go to the moon we can do anything.
Be around positive people and not negative ones.
If one door closes, find another one.
Dont drown in a half a cup of water, stand up.
I’m the best dam contractor out there. I dont cheat you and I do so much more. Complete 5 star rating all across. Just things are slow now and need that extra cash.
Remember YOU cause yourself to get that conviction. What are you doing to get out of your situation? You are where you are in life because You choose to be their. So what if you dont get hired. Move on and learn from your mistakes. I suppose we should fight against the governmental Laws and say we want to be cops or jailers? How many have sued for that? Id bet you if given a chance I could be a dam good police officer.
How about we move forward and get another job somewhere else. Im waiting on Target to call me and if I get in awesome. I’ll work my ass off for them. If not then I’ll go somewhere else.
Hired on the spot at Target DC fired on the spot do to felonies in my background check. I was completely honest and during my interview was even told that they wouldn’t hold it against me and I shouldn’t worry.
SMH THEY LIE FELONIES DO MATTER
Well I guess I am up shits creek with no paddle……….I got interviewed then offered the job on the spot, told me to come back next week for orientation, once they find out I have a felony conviction then I guess Im going to get the bums rush
That’s just great ! I have an interview tomorrow. I’ve been so depressed for the last ten years because I’m a 28 yr old white female who cannot find ANY employment anywhere. I literally sleep all day and CANNOT move on because corporate bullshit won’t let me. If I knew better when I went to court I would have never allowed them to ruin my life. What is the point then?? If no one will accept me to be a normal contributing citizen in society, what else can I do to make a living? It’s so hard to be denied every interview I do. After awhile it takes a tole on a person. I don’t even bother applying anymore, and my bf wants to kick me out because I can’t get a job. So now I’m going to waste my time tomorrow, and hold out hope (like I always do) that maybe I can go undetected and actually have a paycheck to pay my student loans off and bills I have. Wish me luck, if something doesn’t happen soon I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself.
Great article.
I was on probation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon which was a class 2 felony that I received deferred adjudication for and Target hired me.
How am I supposed to feel when I get hired from Target at the same time when UPS hired me and then turn down UPS initially because of the higher pay, then on the first day of “work” Target acts like I never even had an interview when I did the following week. I got charged and I am not even convicted of a 3rd degree felony which was possession of Alprazolam (Xanax). I lost my father and sister to suicide back in 2016 and my charge was the following year. Since the deaths I went to see a doctor to get prescribed clonazepam (klonopin) and since I got a taste for benzos and am grieving I got caught with that, long story short. I am really upset because not only is this going to happen to me but others out there even with pending felony convictions. Even if you plan on doing diversion to get it expunged and its still seen, they flag you. Not to mention when people get 2 job opportunities the same day, turn one down for Target for Target to tell you no, or HR not to even bother calling back and the other position you currently could of got was filled. It’s not right. Whats one to do with themselves like stated above? I won’t take my life over a job but it’s just not right!
I was offered a job at target and just agreed to a background check. Hoping for the best but expecting the worse. I have been denied so many great positions because of 3 misdemeanors, 2 theft related, and the other criminal trespass. This has to end! Something has to be to end this nightmare! How are we to survive if No one will hire us? Do we have to suffer the consequences of our actions for the ready of our life? I’m glad to see this is happening to all, and not just people of color.