Student Jobs at Target

Target Job Application for Students

Target and the slightly smaller and more rural-focused Target Country sell a wide range of goods, including clothing, homewares, cosmetics and electronics. Despite its identical name, logo and business, the brand is in no way related to Target in the US.

Target, like all large department stores, has an almost constant need for casual, temporary and part-time workers. And more often than not it's students who fill these roles.

Target employer info

• Size: One of Australia's largest discount department stores ($2.8 billion revenue in 2018.)
• Number of locations: 284 shopfronts (191 Target stores and 93 Target Country stores as of 2020.)
• Number of employees: ~16,000.

What casual positions do Target offer?

1. Checkout Operator/Attendant

Target checkout operators and attendants aren't just responsible for transactions; you'll also be the face of the company, and will therefore need to be warm and welcoming, whether from behind a checkout or amongst the self-serve machines. While no experience is necessary, you must be comfortable handling cash and enforcing purchasing rules.

2. Shop assistant

A Target shop assistant is the Swiss army knife of the team, assisting customers, tidying and restocking, conducting bag checks and taking part in stocktakes. This entry-level role doesn't require any experience, but like those at the checkout, you'll need to be friendly and approachable, ready to give the customer the best experience possible.

3. Storeperson

Working out back rather than in front, as Target storeperson you'll receive and dispatch deliveries, checking contents using a computerised system. The more introverted will enjoy the fact that they won't be dealing with customers, but you will need to demonstrate great attention to detail and decent physical fitness, as heavy lifting is sometimes involved. In certain stores a forklift licence may be a requirement.

4. Stock Filler

Cleaning, organising, filling and generally managing the shelves, a stock filler will work under a fill leader, who will direct them on what to restock and where to restock it. No qualifications are necessary, but fitness, a keen eye and a willingness to work early or late are a plus. You may be asked to work after hours.

5. Cleaner

Sometimes its own after hours role, other times the responsibility of shop assistants, cleaners at Target must ensure the place is spotless, ready for the day's trading. Again, fitness and an eye for detail are valuable traits.

How do I get a job at Target?

Target advertises its open positions on its own careers site. The site also offers up plenty of info on the Target recruitment process, and tips and tricks on how you can get your application to stand out.

Can't find any open roles in your area? Don't stress! With around 16,000 team members at any one time, there'll always be opportunities popping up to join the Target team. This is particularly the case over summer, as Target, like most consumer goods retailers, sees a spike in trading in the lead up to Christmas and in the sales that follow. As school and uni students are on their break at this time, many secure temporary and casual employment.

What is the average pay for a Target casual worker?

According to PayScale, the average hourly pay at Target is $19.64 an hour.

Target pays most of its retail employees the appropriate retail award rate, which changes with a worker's circumstances. You can calculate your award rate using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay Calculator. The rate can vary quite a bit - in June 2020 the award for a 15-year-old casual retail worker (retail level 1) was $12.04 per hour, while a 21 year old got $26.76. 

The perks of working at Target

On top of a solid job, Target offers its employees a few tempting benefits (which can vary from between stores and roles) including:

1. Flexible work arrangements.
2. A team member discount card for use at Target, Kmart, Liquorland, Coles, Officeworks and other Wesfarmers stores.
3. Exclusive offers on health and insurance products.

How old do you have to be to work at Target?

Generally, Target will employ staff from the age of 15. However, check with the official Target website for their latest employment guidelines and hiring age.