Target Senior Group Leader, Distribution Center Interview Questions & Reviews

Interview Details – The process started out great, and through the first few steps my interest in the position grew significantly. The Target culture came through in every interaction. There are a few things that made this interview process very different, and in the end, determined that it was not the company for me.

For instance, no decisions are made on your own. There was no veering from the scripted interview questions and responses. Through interviews and conversations with eight different Target leaders -- every one was filling out a form. This included the leader of the Distribution Center. He basically had no autonomy to even ask his own questions at the end of the interview.

Target really focused on what a feedback-rich environment they are, at every step of the process. I continually received positive feedback every step along the way. We started salary discussions before my final interviews with Target executives in Minneapolis and continued those conversations after. When I say salary discussions, I mean down to the details of time off, sign-on bonus, "would you be willing to accept $x as a starting salary with $y as incentive comp?", when could you start, etc.

Another interesting note is that they do no reference checks at Target. They believe so strongly in their own personality profile that your former experience makes no difference.

However, considerable time began to pass with no further communication. A full two weeks went by after the day I was told to expect an offer. Then, at the beginning of Memorial Day weekend, I got a 30-second call saying Target had decided not to move forward with me. There was no explanation, even when I asked what I could have done differently or better. I was then told that it was "against our policy" to share any insights with candidates.

The only thing I can imagine happened is that the senior level HR person did not like the way I answered something on my personality profile.

My experience with Target was very disappointing. In the end, it was the right thing for me not to get the job there. I would not have been happy in an environment where I am always required to follow scripts. I am not bitter about it, but I did learn not to believe in the Target brand, and I think that is too bad -- because I did.

I would just encourage everyone to be aware that there is so much decision-making by committee at Target that it can be very frustrating as a candidate and I am sure even more so in management at a Distribution Center. Consider strongly whether that is the culture you want before falling in love with the brand we all enjoy.