If you‘ve scored an interview at Target, you‘re likely equal parts excited and nervous. Landing a job at this retail giant can be a fantastic opportunity, whether you‘re looking for a fun summer gig, a part-time position while in school, or the start of a long-term career.
One of the keys to nailing your interview is dressing the part. In this ultimate guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about what to wear (and what to avoid) to make a great impression and increase your chances of getting hired.
Why Appearance Matters in Interviews
Before we dive into the specifics of Target‘s dress code, let‘s talk about why your appearance matters so much in a job interview. While your experience, skills and personality are the most important factors, how you present yourself visually also plays a significant role.
Studies have shown that it takes just seconds for someone to form a first impression of you based on your appearance alone. One survey found that 70% of hiring managers say they notice an applicant‘s dress and grooming right away, and 65% said clothing could be the deciding factor between two similar candidates.^1
When you put effort into looking polished and professional, it sends a message that you‘re serious about the opportunity, pay attention to detail, and know how to present yourself in a work setting. It boosts your own confidence as well, helping you feel more self-assured and perform better in the interview.
Understanding Target‘s Dress Code
Now that we know why dressing well matters, let‘s go over what Target expects from its employees in terms of attire. The company‘s official dress code is "business casual" for all store positions.^2 But what exactly does that mean?
Business casual is a step up from everyday casual wear, but not as formal as a full suit and tie. For Target interviews, aim for a clean, put-together look that‘s slightly more elevated than what you‘d normally wear to go shopping.
However, the exact guidelines can vary somewhat based on the position you‘re applying for and the store‘s management. Here‘s a general breakdown:
Entry-Level Positions (Cashier, Cart Attendant, Stocker, etc.)
- Collared shirt or blouse
- Slacks, khakis or skirt
- Close-toed dress shoes
Specialized Positions (Beauty Consultant, Starbucks Barista, etc.)
- Collared shirt, blouse or professional dress
- Slacks, khakis or skirt
- Close-toed dress shoes
- May have more leeway for trendy pieces
Management Positions (Team Lead, Executive Team Lead, Store Director)
- Business professional attire
- Dress slacks or skirt
- Button-down collared shirt or blouse
- Blazer or sweater
- Tie (optional)
- Dress shoes
Across the board, you‘ll want to avoid items like:
- Jeans (except perhaps nice, dark-wash pairs)
- T-shirts or tank tops
- Shorts or extraordinarily short skirts
- Athletic wear or leggings
- Sandals or open-toed shoes
- Anything ripped, stained, wrinkled or ill-fitting
If you‘re unsure if something is appropriate, it‘s best to err on the side of caution and choose a more conservative option. You can always incorporate more of your personal style after you‘ve been hired.
Building Your Interview Outfit
So what exactly should you wear? Here are some foolproof formulas for looking sharp and stylish at your Target interview.
Women‘s Interview Attire
Option 1: The Polished Dress
- A solid-colored, knee-length sheath or fit-and-flare dress
- Brands to try: Loft, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Calvin Klein
- A matching cardigan or blazer
- Closed-toe pumps or ballet flats in nude or black
- Simple, understated jewelry like stud earrings and a delicate pendant
Option 2: The Sleek Pants Outfit
- Tailored slacks in black, navy or charcoal gray
- Brands to try: Express, The Limited, J.Crew
- A crisp white, blue or pastel button-down shirt
- A fitted sweater or blazer in a coordinating color
- Low heels or sleek flats
- A leather tote bag or briefcase
Option 3: The Statement Skirt
- A pencil skirt or A-line skirt in a solid color or subtle print
- Brands to try: H&M, Zara, Macy‘s
- A tucked-in blouse or lightweight sweater
- Tights (in colder weather)
- Heeled booties or pumps
- A few refined accessories like a watch or bracelet
Men‘s Interview Attire
Option 1: The Dressed-Up Casual
- Khaki slacks or chinos
- Brands to try: Dockers, Gap, Bonobos
- A long-sleeve, button-down shirt in white, blue or a muted color
- A v-neck sweater or half-zip pullover
- Brown or black leather dress shoes
- A matching belt
Option 2: The Business Professional
- Suit in charcoal, navy or black
- Brands to try: Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker
- Dress shirt in white or light blue
- Conservative tie
- Dress shoes in black or cordovan
- Dark dress socks
Option 3: The Elevated Basics
- Nice, dark-wash jeans (no rips or distressing)
- Brands to try: Levi‘s, Banana Republic, 7 For All Mankind
- A polo shirt or casual button-down
- A sport coat or bomber jacket
- Loafers or chukka boots
- A leather or canvas briefcase
Seasonal Considerations
If you‘re interviewing during the height of summer, you may be tempted to break out the shorts and sandals. Resist that urge and stick to the items above, but in lightweight, breathable fabrics.
For women, a knee-length dress in cotton or linen paired with open-toed heels can work. Men can opt for lightweight chinos and a short-sleeve button-down. Bring a blazer or cardigan to throw on in case the interview room is chilly from air conditioning.
In winter, add a few extra layers for warmth and protection from the elements. A wool coat, trench or peacoat are all professional toppers. Swap in tights or thicker socks under your dress pants. Stick to close-toed shoes to avoid slipping on icy sidewalks.
Grooming and Hygiene Tips
In a survey by Recruiter Nation, 85% of hiring managers and recruiters said that being well-groomed is just as important as your interview attire.^3 Here are some tips for looking polished from head to toe:
- Take a shower the morning of your interview and apply deodorant
- Brush your teeth and use mouthwash or mints for fresh breath
- Make sure your hair is washed, dried and styled neatly
- If you have long hair, pull it back or style it so it‘s out of your face
- Men with facial hair should trim and groom it
- Keep your fingernails clean and trimmed, with no chipped polish
- Go easy on the perfume, cologne and aftershave
- Cover tattoos with long sleeves or makeup
- Remove unconventional piercings and choose subtle jewelry
- If you struggle with issues like dandruff, chapped lips or body odor, address them with the right products
What to Bring to Your Interview
In addition to looking the part, there are a few key items you should bring to set yourself up for success:
- Several copies of your resume printed on quality paper
- A portfolio or padfolio with a notepad and pen for jotting notes
- Samples of your work if relevant (writing samples, design portfolio, etc.)
- A list of references
- Directions to the Target location and your interviewer‘s contact info
- Breath mints or a small toothbrush and toothpaste for a last-minute refresh
- A bottle of water to stay hydrated (but avoid drinking it during the interview)
- A small snack in case there are any delays
General Interview Tips
Wearing a killer outfit is a great start, but there‘s more to acing the interview than looking good. Here are some general etiquette tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early in case you hit traffic or have trouble finding the office
- Silence your phone before entering the building
- Smile and greet everyone you encounter, from the receptionist to your interviewer
- Make eye contact, offer a firm handshake, and address your interviewer by name
- Show enthusiasm and express your interest in the role and the company
- Listen actively and take a moment to formulate thoughtful responses
- Prepare a few questions of your own to ask at the end
- Send a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview
What Not to Wear (And Embarrassing Stories)
To really drive home the importance of dressing appropriately, let‘s take a look at some real-life examples of what NOT to wear, courtesy of hiring managers and recruiters:
- "A candidate showed up in a full Halloween costume because the interview was on October 31. Needless to say, we weren‘t impressed."
- "I had a guy come in wearing jeans with giant holes in the knees. When I asked about it, he said he paid a lot for those ripped jeans!"
- "A woman wore a super low-cut top and kept leaning forward. It was very distracting and awkward."
- "One time a candidate wore flip flops and I could hear him flapping down the hall before he even came in. So unprofessional."
- "The worst was a lady who showed up in club attire – a bodycon dress and sky high heels. It was an 8am interview!"
Learn from these mistakes and aim to strike a balance between looking polished and still feeling like yourself. When in doubt, lean towards the conservative side. You can always incorporate more personal style elements after you‘ve been hired.
Dressing for Target‘s Culture
One final thing to consider when choosing your interview outfit is Target‘s company culture and values. The retailer has a fun, energetic vibe and prides itself on providing great service and a pleasant shopping experience.
While you don‘t need to deck yourself out in red and khaki (Target‘s signature colors), you can reflect this aesthetic in small ways – a bright red lip, a pocket square, a statement necklace. Steer clear of anything too stuffy or formal. You want to look approachable and ready to assist guests with a smile.
Target is also big on philanthropy, community service and sustainability. If you have any clothing items or accessories from eco-friendly brands like Patagonia, Everlane or Toms, it could be a nice way to subtly nod to these values.
Resources and Next Steps
Feeling ready to knock your Target interview out of the park? Here are some additional resources to help you prepare:
- Target‘s Careers Site: https://corporate.target.com/careers/
- Target Employee Benefits Overview: https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits
- Glassdoor Target Interview Questions: https://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/Target-Interview-Questions-E194.htm
- Indeed Target Hiring Process FAQs: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Target/faq/hiring-process
Remember, while your interview outfit is important, it‘s just one aspect of presenting your best self. Do your research on the role and company, practice common interview questions, and come ready to showcase your relevant skills and experience.
If you don‘t get hired right away, don‘t be discouraged. Keep working on your resume, gaining experience, and honing your interview skills. With persistence and the right approach, you‘ll find the perfect position at Target or another great company.
Conclusion
Dressing for a Target interview doesn‘t have to be complicated. Aim for a polished, put-together look that follows the company‘s business casual dress code and reflects its fun, approachable culture. Pay attention to detail, practice good hygiene and grooming, and make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
By following the tips and formulas outlined in this guide, you‘ll walk into your interview looking and feeling your best. Combine that with solid preparation and a positive attitude and you‘ll greatly increase your chances of landing the job.
So go ahead and start planning your interview outfit. With the right look and mindset, you‘re well on your way to being a Target team member. Best of luck!
