Target: A Prospective Employee’s Experience and Recommendation

Have you ever considered working at Target, one of the largest discount retailers in the United States? My two years of experience at Target provide valuable insight into this question, detailing both the highs and lows of working within the organization. In this article, I will explore my experience, discussing the role, working conditions, management, and ultimately whether I would recommend Target to others.

Role and Responsibilities at Target

When I first joined Target, my role involved unloading trucks and assisting with pre-opening stock. My start times were typically from 4:30 AM to 8:15 AM. It's worth noting that many Target locations have phased out overnight crews, a shift in strategy that I believe is partly influenced by corporate efforts to prioritize profits. While they don't want to pay for employees to prepare the store before opening, they are unwilling to do so at the expense of efficiency. Despite these issues, some stores and departments operate more effectively than others.

Management and Team Structure

The leadership at Target stores is structured in a hierarchical manner. Typically, each department is led by a manager, while team leads oversee various areas of the store. In case the department has enough employees, they may have assistant team leaders. My interactions with the managers and team leads were consistently positive, and I often found that they were exceptionally skilled in their roles. Corporate leadership, however, has been a source of contention for me, as they often prioritize profitability over employee well-being.

Working Conditions and Pay

While the hours can be challenging, Target has a robust seasonal strategy that makes it an ideal choice for those looking for flexible work. As a seasonal employee, I started around Halloween and spent the holiday season working diligently. Despite the hard work, the compensation can be rewarding, especially if you hit certain milestones. Over time, I saw my wage improve significantly, which was a positive factor.

One of the latest initiatives at Target is to increase the starting wage to $15 per hour. However, this increase comes with a trade-off. Some employees report that corporate is now cutting overhead costs to balance the budget. This means that while employees may see an increase in starting wage, they might not be earning more overall. My advice to prospective employees is to be prepared for this dynamic.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Looking back on my experience, I must say that I enjoyed my time at Target. The organization has a bustling and exciting work environment, particularly during peak holiday seasons. While some issues, such as inconsistent management and corporate priorities, exist, these are largely case-by-case and not prevalent across all locations.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a job, especially during the holiday season, I would certainly recommend Target. However, it is essential to be cautious and not overly trust Human Resources or assume that corporate is always in your best interest. Ultimately, the decision to work at Target should be based on your individual circumstances and preferences.