Getting Hired at Target: Everything You Need to Know About the Virtual Job Preview
You've applied for a job at Target, passed the initial screening, and now there's this thing called a Virtual Job Preview standing between you and your potential new job. You're probably wondering what in the world you're supposed to do for it, whether you need to put on a suit, and if your cat will accidentally photobomb your video answers.
Here's the good news: the Target virtual job preview is actually pretty straightforward once you know what to expect. The not-so-good news? Because of that, a lot of people bomb it simply because they didn't prepare. Don't be one of them Surprisingly effective..
What Is Target's Virtual Job Preview
Target's Virtual Job Preview (often called the VJP) is a pre-recorded video interview that candidates complete online before meeting anyone in person. It typically shows up after you apply for a position — usually within a day or two — and you'll get an email inviting you to complete it That alone is useful..
And yeah — that's actually more nuanced than it sounds And that's really what it comes down to..
Here's how it works: you'll log into a platform (usually HireVue or a similar system), watch a question appear on your screen, and then record your answer using your webcam or phone. You usually get a minute or two to think about your response, then another minute or two to answer. Some questions let you do a practice run first.
It sounds simple, but the gap is usually here.
The whole thing takes most people about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many questions they ask And it works..
What Positions Require It
Not every Target role uses the virtual job preview, but it's pretty common across the board. You're likely to encounter it if you're applying for:
- Guest Service Team Member
- Cashier
- Sales Floor Team Member
- Backroom Receiver
- Food Avenue Team Member
- Certain supervisory roles
The exact questions might vary slightly depending on the position, but the general theme stays the same.
Why the Virtual Job Preview Matters
Here's the thing most applicants don't realize: the virtual job preview isn't just a formality. Here's the thing — target uses it to screen candidates out. That means if you bomb this step, you won't get the in-person interview — no matter how great you'd actually be at the job That alone is useful..
The hiring manager never even sees your application until you've passed this stage. Think of it as the first gatekeeper.
What Target Is Actually Looking For
Target wants to see a few specific things in your responses:
Customer service mindset. Can you handle a frustrated guest? Will you actually care about helping people, or are you just looking for any paycheck?
Reliability signals. Can you show up on time? Will you call out constantly? They can't see your work history in this format, so they ask behavioral questions that reveal this.
Team player attitude. Target stores run on teamwork. They're looking for people who won't create drama or refuse to help a coworker.
Basic communication skills. Can you form a complete sentence? Do you sound like a human being or a robot reading a script?
How the Virtual Job Preview Works
Let's walk through the actual process so there are no surprises.
Step 1: The Invitation
Check your email (and your spam folder — it might end up there). You'll get a link to complete the virtual job preview. The link typically expires after a few days, so don't wait until the last minute.
Step 2: Setting Up
You'll need:
- A quiet space with good lighting
- A working webcam (laptop or phone camera works fine)
- A stable internet connection
- About 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time
Find a spot where you won't be interrupted by family, roommates, or that dog who thinks every sound is a reason to bark Worth keeping that in mind..
Step 3: The Questions
Target uses situational and behavioral questions. They'll describe a scenario and ask how you'd handle it. Sometimes they also ask standard questions like "Tell us about a time you provided great customer service Most people skip this — try not to. Which is the point..
Some questions you're likely to encounter:
- "Describe a time you went above and beyond for a customer."
- "What would you do if a guest was upset about a product being out of-stock?"
- "Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult team member."
- "How do you handle working under pressure?"
- "Why do you want to work at Target?"
Step 4: Recording Your Answers
You'll see the question on screen, then hit record when you're ready. You usually get one attempt (or sometimes two) per question, so don't waste it by starting over because you stumbled on one word It's one of those things that adds up. That alone is useful..
Step 5: Submitting
Once you've answered all the questions, you submit your responses. Then you wait — usually a few days to a week — to hear if you're moving to the next stage.
What Actually Works: Preparation Tips
Okay, let's get into what actually matters here.
Research the STAR Method
This is your best friend for behavioral questions. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. When you answer, structure your response like this:
- Set the scene briefly (Situation)
- Explain what you needed to do (Task)
- Describe what you actually did (Action)
- Share how it turned out (Result)
Example: "A customer came in looking for a specific gift but we were sold out. I personally checked two other nearby stores, found the item, and arranged for her to pick it up there. She was really grateful and came back to shop with us again It's one of those things that adds up..
See how that's specific and shows actual behavior? That's what they're looking for.
Prepare Stories in Advance
You don't know exactly which questions you'll get, but you can prepare for the types of questions. Think of 3-5 stories from your life that show different positive traits:
- A time you helped a difficult customer or person
- A time you worked well with a team
- A time you handled pressure or a busy situation
- A time you went above and beyond
- A time you made a mistake and fixed it
These stories can be from any job, school, volunteer work, or even personal life. It doesn't have to be retail-specific Less friction, more output..
Practice Out Loud
This is the most important tip I'm going to give you: practice answering questions out loud before you do the actual thing. Record yourself on your phone, watch it back, and adjust.
You'll probably hate watching yourself at first. Which means everyone does. But you'll catch things like "um" every three seconds, looking at the floor, or rambling way too long The details matter here. Practical, not theoretical..
Keep Answers Concise
You don't have much time — usually 60 to 90 seconds. Rambling is the fastest way to lose the person's attention. Get to the point, show the behavior, and wrap up cleanly.
Look at the Camera
Not at yourself on the screen. Look at the camera lens so it feels like you're making eye contact with the viewer That's the part that actually makes a difference. Worth knowing..
Dress Like You're Going to an Interview
You don't need a full suit, but look put-together. Day to day, a nice shirt or blouse. In practice, business casual. It signals that you take this seriously That's the whole idea..
Have Good Lighting and Sound
Face a window or light source. Consider this: don't have a bright light behind you or you'll look like a silhouette. Make sure your audio is clear — no fans, TVs, or traffic noise in the background That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Common Mistakes That Cost People the Job
Let me save you from the mistakes I see people make over and over:
Winging it completely. "I'll just be myself and it'll be fine!" Sometimes that works, but why leave it to chance? A little preparation goes a long way.
Giving generic answers. "I just try my best and work hard and I'm a team player." That's meaningless. Give specific examples. Show, don't tell.
Being too long-winded. You have limited time. Don't spend 30 seconds just setting up the situation. Get to the point.
Reading from notes. It's so obvious when someone is reading off a script or glancing at notes. Practice enough that you don't need them Which is the point..
Complaining about past employers. Never badmouth a previous boss or job in an interview. Even if they were terrible, say something like "I learned a lot, but it wasn't the right fit" and move on.
Not testing the tech. Do a quick test run with your camera before the actual interview. Make sure everything works and you know how to operate the recording function Nothing fancy..
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the Target virtual job preview?
Usually 4 to 6 questions, though this can vary. Plan for about 15-30 minutes total Worth knowing..
Can I redo my answers?
Typically you get one attempt per question, though some versions allow a practice run. Check the instructions before you start so you know the rules That alone is useful..
Does it matter what position I'm applying for?
The questions are similar across positions, but supervisory roles might have slightly different or more advanced scenarios That's the whole idea..
What if I don't have retail experience?
That's okay! That said, use examples from school, volunteer work, or other jobs. The key is showing the behaviors and mindset, not having a specific retail background.
How long do I have to complete it?
Usually 3 to 5 days from when you receive the invitation. Don't wait until the last minute — give yourself time to do it right The details matter here..
The Bottom Line
The Target virtual job preview isn't something to stress over, but it is something to take seriously. It's your first real impression with the company, and it determines whether you get a chance to prove yourself in person.
Prepare a few stories, practice out loud, keep your answers concise and specific, and make sure your tech is working. You've got this.
If you've done the virtual job preview and are waiting to hear back, give it about a week before following up. Apply again in a few months or try a different location. And if you don't get moved forward this time — don't take it personally. Target is always hiring, and your next attempt will be stronger.
