Target Background Checks: Hiring Guide & FAQs

Target was founded in 1902 as the Dayton Dry Goods Company in Minneapolis and has since grown to be America’s seventh-largest retailer. Its company mission is to “help all families discover the joy of everyday life.” Target started as a single department store and now has nearly 2,000 stores and over 400,000 employees. Its transformation into a design-forward destination is powered by partnerships with renowned designers and private label brands like Good & Gather. It also integrates physical stores with digital fulfillment with services like same-day delivery and Drive Up.

The company's commitment to community impact runs deep, with Target giving 5% of its profits to communities since 1946. This amounts to approximately $4 million per week. In 2021, Target committed to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses by 2025, supporting social equity initiatives. This community-first approach extends to Target's workforce, which receives benefits including tuition assistance, college education options, and a company-wide starting wage of $15 per hour.

Target's people-first culture emphasizes growth, inclusion, and purpose. The company has earned recognition as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for multiple consecutive years and has previously ranked on LinkedIn's Top Companies list. Target's commitment to team member development includes career advancement programs, comprehensive health benefits from day one, and employee resource groups that foster belonging across diverse communities. The company's focus on work-life balance and flexible scheduling options makes it particularly attractive to students, parents, and career changers seeking employment with growth potential.

Yes. Following a conditional job offer, Target can request a background report from a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA). The Target hiring process includes background screening to help validate candidate information and support workplace safety across retail, distribution, and corporate environments.

Most background checks can be completed within three to five business days, though timing depends on the specific screenings ordered and the accessibility of records. Database searches typically complete within hours, while searches requiring manual courthouse retrieval or additional verification may take longer than a week. Factors that may affect turnaround times include how comprehensive the background check is, which jurisdictions are searched, and whether any records require manual verification.

The Target background check process may include several components depending on the position:

Lookback periods for Target employment verification and criminal history searches vary by state law, job requirements, and the employer’s policies. Most employers typically focus on the past seven years for criminal convictions, though certain positions may require more in-depth review. Factors influencing the scope of a background check include:

Candidates should review state fair chance or Ban the Box laws to understand any local limitations and protections.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes important protections for job candidates undergoing background screening. Under FCRA requirements, Target must:

Guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recommends an individualized assessment considering the nature of any offense, its age, and relevance to the specific job duties. This approach supports fair chance hiring practices that evaluate candidates holistically rather than through automatic disqualification.

Running a background check on yourself with Checkr allows you to preview what Target hiring managers may see during the background check process and helps identify potential inaccuracies. Your comprehensive report may include:

Create your report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To showcase your credentials during the hiring process at Target, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters and hiring managers.

If you're currently going through the Target hiring process and have an active background check, you can monitor your report status through the Candidate Portal. For questions about your screening, dispute procedures, or technical support, visit the Checkr Help Center for comprehensive FAQs and direct access to the customer support team.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.