Interview prep · Companies

Interview questions at Target

Target says it assesses job knowledge, inclusivity, problem-solving, connection and drive, along with its values of Care, Grow and Win. It tells candidates to tie each answer to the skills and values the question asks about, and it calls being genuine your greatest strength. The process varies by role and location, so treat this guide as a general framework and check your own invitation and emails for specifics.

1. Question 1

   Tell me about yourself and why you want this role.

   What they're asking: This tests job knowledge: the background that prepared you for the job and why you want it.

   Sample answer

   I've spent [X years] in [field or role], most recently as [job title] at [employer]. In that job, [situation: a busy period or challenge], and I was responsible for [task]. I [action: what you did, such as organizing the workload, learning a new system or helping teammates], and as a result [outcome with a number or concrete result if you can]. That experience taught me [skill], which is exactly what this [role title] needs. I want this job because [genuine reason, such as enjoying helping people, liking fast-paced work or wanting to build a career in this area]. I've also read the job description closely, and I'm excited about [specific responsibility].

2. Question 2

   What training or experience has prepared you for this job, and which of your skills are most relevant?

   What they're asking: This checks job knowledge, including your prior work, training and relevant skills.

   Sample answer

   The most relevant preparation I have is [experience or training]. In that role, I was expected to [situation and task, such as handle customer questions, move product accurately or manage reports]. I took ownership by [action: a specific routine, tool or habit], and I also completed [training or certification, if any]. The result was [outcome, such as fewer errors, faster turnaround or positive feedback from a manager]. From that, my strongest skills are [skill 1], [skill 2] and [skill 3], and I've seen how each one applies to this job's day-to-day duties, like [duty from the job description]. I'm also eager to learn the parts I haven't done before.

3. Question 3

   Tell me about a time you worked with someone who thought very differently from you.

   What they're asking: This tests inclusivity: working with people who think differently and respecting other points of view.

   Sample answer

   On a project at [employer], I was paired with [colleague], who preferred a very different approach to [task]. I wanted to move quickly, while they wanted to plan every step. My task was to make sure we delivered [goal] together. I asked them to explain their reasoning and listened without interrupting, and I realized their planning would prevent [specific problem]. We agreed to plan the first stage carefully and then work faster on the rest. The result was that we finished [on time or early], and the quality was better than either of us would have managed alone. I learned that different perspectives often make the outcome stronger, and I now ask for them early.

4. Question 4

   Describe a time you faced a challenge at work. How did you assess it and what steps did you take to solve it?

   What they're asking: This tests problem-solving: how you assess a challenge, find ways forward and the steps you took.

   Sample answer

   At [employer], [situation: for example, a recurring delay, a shortage or a customer complaint] was causing [impact]. My task was to fix it before [deadline or event]. First, I gathered facts by [talking to teammates, checking records or observing the process] and found that the root cause was [cause]. I listed two or three options, weighed the time and effort of each, and chose [solution]. I then [steps you took, including who you told and how you checked it worked]. The result was [measurable or clear outcome]. Afterward I documented what I'd done so the team could use it again, and I now check for root causes before jumping to a quick fix.

5. Question 5

   Give an example of how you built a strong working relationship with a teammate, manager or customer.

   What they're asking: This tests connection: how you partner and communicate with others and what collaboration looks like for you.

   Sample answer

   When I started as [role] at [employer], I had to work closely with [person or team], and communication was initially hit-or-miss. My goal was to build a reliable working relationship so we could meet [shared goal]. I set up a quick [daily or weekly] check-in, asked how they preferred to receive updates, and made a point of sharing information early, including when something went wrong. I also offered help when their workload was heavy. Within [timeframe], we were sharing information easily, and the result was [outcome, such as fewer misunderstandings or faster completion]. To me, collaboration means being dependable, communicating clearly and making it easy for others to work with me.

6. Question 6

   Tell me about a time you made sure your work had real impact. How do you define success on a task or project?

   What they're asking: This tests drive: how you make sure your work has impact and how you define success.

   Sample answer

   At [employer], I was given [task or project] with the goal of [objective]. I defined success as [specific measure, such as accuracy, customer satisfaction or meeting a deadline], not just finishing the task. To get there, I [actions: broke the work into steps, tracked progress and checked in with the people affected]. Midway, I noticed [issue] and adjusted by [change]. The result was [outcome, ideally with a number or concrete example], and [person] told me it made a difference to [impact]. I like to define success before I start, so I know what I'm aiming for and can tell whether my work is truly helping.

7. Question 7

   Tell me about a time you put people first and showed up for a teammate or customer.

   What they're asking: This connects to the Care value: showing up for each other, making people the priority and treating each other with respect.

   Sample answer

   One day at [employer], a teammate, [name or 'a colleague'], was clearly overwhelmed with [situation, such as a heavy workload or a personal difficulty]. Meanwhile, we had [deadline or busy period]. My task was to keep my own work on track while making sure they weren't left struggling. I quietly asked how they were doing, offered to take over [specific task], and let our manager know so we could rebalance the workload without singling them out. The result was that we met our goals, and my teammate later said the support meant a lot. For me, caring means noticing people, acting with respect and being willing to step in.

8. Question 8

   Describe a time you helped someone grow, or took the initiative to develop your own skills.

   What they're asking: This connects to the Grow value: investing in people, focusing on development and creating opportunities to reach full potential.

   Sample answer

   At [employer], a new teammate, [name or 'a new hire'], was struggling with [skill or task]. I wanted to help them become confident, and my task was to get them working independently within [timeframe]. I broke the task into small steps, demonstrated it once, watched them try it and gave specific, friendly feedback. I also pointed them to [resource or person]. Within [timeframe], they were handling it alone, and the result was [outcome, such as fewer errors or taking on new tasks]. Teaching also improved my own skills in [area]. I enjoy both learning and helping others develop, because I believe everyone does better when they have room to grow.

9. Question 9

   Tell me about a time you did the right thing even though it was difficult, or succeeded as part of a team.

   What they're asking: This connects to the Win value: doing the right thing, winning the right way and succeeding as part of a team.

   Sample answer

   Our team at [employer] was under pressure to hit [goal or deadline], and I noticed that [shortcut or error, such as skipping a check or a mistake in my own work] could have helped us finish sooner but would have caused [problem]. My task was to decide what to do. I told my manager about it right away, explained the risk and suggested [alternative]. I then worked with teammates to split up the extra work. We [action] and finished [outcome], with the work done correctly. It took more effort, but the result was a better outcome and a team that trusted each other. I'd rather win the right way than take a shortcut.

10. Question 10

    Tell me about a time you listened to a point of view that differed from yours and changed your approach.

    What they're asking: This tests inclusivity: listening to others, respecting other points of view and keeping things fair.

    Sample answer

    While working on [project or task] at [employer], I was confident about [approach], but a teammate, [name or 'a colleague'], disagreed and raised a concern I hadn't considered: [concern]. My task was to decide whether to stick with my plan or adjust it, while keeping the discussion respectful. I asked questions until I understood their view, then checked the facts with [source or person]. It turned out they were right about [point], so I changed [specific part of the plan] and thanked them for speaking up. The result was [outcome, such as avoiding a mistake or a better result]. Since then, I actively invite others to challenge my thinking, because fair decisions come from hearing everyone.