Quick Answer
Target can hire people with felonies. In 2013, it removed the criminal-history question from its job applications nationwide, and records are reviewed later in the hiring process based on factors like conviction type, time passed, and the position. General merchandise team member, warehouse worker, and overnight stocker positions are common entry points; pay depends on role and location, so check the posting.
Theft convictions face more scrutiny in retail environments. Because Target's application doesn't ask about criminal history, you can first show your reliability, customer service skills, and work ethic.
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About Target
Target operates stores across the United States plus distribution centers, making it one of the largest retail employers in the country. Pay and benefits depend on role, location, and hours, so check the posting.
For people with felonies, Target presents realistic opportunities. In 2013, Target removed the question about criminal history from its job applications nationwide. Records are still reviewed through a background check later in the hiring process.
Target maintains high standards for customer service, store operations, and company culture. They want employees who can create welcoming shopping experiences, work efficiently, and represent their brand values. If you can demonstrate these capabilities, your criminal background becomes less of a barrier.
The company operates both retail stores and distribution centers, providing different types of opportunities. Store positions focus on customer service and retail operations, while distribution centers offer warehouse work with less customer interaction, often at higher pay rates.
Does Target Hire People with Felonies?
Target does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate applicants individually based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This case-by-case approach gives you real opportunities.
Target's applications don't ask about criminal history, a policy it adopted nationwide in 2013. The 2012 EEOC criminal-record guidance is no longer current; applicable federal, state and local protections remain separate. Hiring teams focus on your ability to provide customer service and contribute to store or warehouse operations.
The type of conviction matters. Theft and fraud convictions create the most significant challenges at Target since retail involves merchandise, cash, and inventory systems. However, they don't make employment impossible. Positions like cart attendant, warehouse worker, or overnight stocker that involve less cash handling may be more accessible. Time since conviction and complete honesty matter enormously.
Drug convictions are reviewed like other records, based on the offense and time passed. If drug testing is required for your role and location, you'll need to pass it. Showing current stability and reliability helps.
Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case. Customer-facing retail requires appropriate interpersonal behavior. However, warehouse positions and overnight stocking roles with less direct customer interaction may be more accessible. If your violent conviction was several years ago and you've maintained clean records with evidence of personal growth, some locations may consider you.
Sexual offenses create significant barriers because retail work involves close contact with the public, including children. Opportunities are very limited with this background.
Time since conviction is crucial. How far back a background check can report depends on the type of record and state law. Clean records for 3-5 years demonstrate positive change and improve your chances.
The position you apply for affects odds significantly. General merchandise team members (stocking and assisting customers) are accessible. Cart attendants work mostly outdoors with no cash handling. Warehouse workers at distribution centers face minimal customer interaction. Overnight stockers work when stores are closed. Cashier positions face more scrutiny with theft convictions but aren't impossible. Food service positions are possible depending on backgrounds.
Location matters. Hiring needs differ between stores and distribution centers, and individual store and DC leaders make hiring decisions, so experiences vary.
The bottom line is that Target wants to see strong work ethic, customer service orientation (for stores), reliability, and alignment with company values. If you can demonstrate these qualities, your background may not prevent employment.
Available Jobs at Target
Target offers numerous positions suitable for people with felony convictions:
General Merchandise Team Member
($15-$17/hour)
You'll stock shelves, assist customers, organize products, maintain store appearance, and support operations. Physical work with customer interaction. This is the most common entry position and accessible for people with felonies. Every store needs reliable team members.
Cart Attendant
($15-$17/hour)
You'll retrieve shopping carts, maintain parking lot, assist with carryout, and support store entrance. Physical outdoor work in all weather. Often the most accessible position for people with felonies because it's physical work with less direct sales interaction and no cash handling.
Warehouse Worker (Distribution Centers)
($17-$22/hour)
You'll receive, store, pick, pack, and ship merchandise in Target distribution centers. Physical warehouse work often paying more than retail stores. Very accessible for people with records—behind-the-scenes work focusing on productivity and reliability.
Overnight Stocker
($16-$19/hour)
You'll stock shelves and organize products while stores are closed (typically 10pm-6am). Physical work with little or no customer interaction. Overnight shifts can be harder to fill, which may mean more openings.
Food Service Team Member
($15-$17/hour)
You'll work in Target's in-store food service areas (such as the Starbucks cafe in many stores), prepare items, serve customers, and maintain cleanliness. Food service experience helpful but not required. Accessible depending on backgrounds.
Fulfillment Expert
($15-$18/hour)
You'll pick online orders, pack items for shipping or store pickup, and support e-commerce operations. Physical work requiring accuracy. Good position for people preferring less direct customer interaction.
Inbound/Receiving Team Member
($15-$18/hour)
You'll unload trucks, sort merchandise, and prepare products for sales floor. Physical work behind the scenes. Accessible for people with backgrounds who prefer warehouse-style work in retail setting.
Cleaning/Janitorial Team Member
($15-$17/hour)
You'll clean store areas, maintain restrooms, and support cleanliness standards. Physical work with less customer interaction. Very accessible for people with various backgrounds.
Best entry point
Cart Attendant or Overnight Stocker positions offer quickest paths for people with felonies. They require no experience, focus on physical work and reliability, and have less scrutiny than cashier positions. Distribution center warehouse positions are also very accessible. Once employed and proving reliability, moving to other departments becomes realistic.
Background Check Process
Understanding Target's background check process helps you navigate hiring successfully.
Target doesn't ask about criminal history on its application. The background check comes later in the hiring process, so you have a chance to interview and make a positive impression before your record is reviewed.
How far back a background check can report depends on the type of record and state law. Some states limit how far back employers can look or what they can consider.
The process often takes several business days. Drug testing may be required depending on your role and location; if it is, it usually happens before you start work.
If something in your background check could lead Target to withdraw an offer, federal law (the FCRA) requires that you first receive a pre-adverse action notice and a copy of the report. Use that time to review the report, provide context, or dispute errors, and respond professionally.
Geographic variations matter. Target removed the criminal-history question from its applications nationwide in 2013, and some states and cities also have their own fair chance hiring laws that add protections for applicants.
Individual store leaders and distribution center managers make final hiring decisions, so experiences can vary by location.
Distribution centers have their own hiring processes, which can differ from stores. Because DC work involves less customer interaction, it may suit some applicants with records.
Application Tips
Apply online at target.com/careers for specific store or distribution center locations. Target stores and multiple DCs to increase chances—apply to 10-15 locations.
Visit stores or DCs in person after applying online. Go during slower times for stores (mid-morning or early afternoon) or inquire at DC security offices. Express strong interest and ask about application status.
You don't need to bring up your felony on the application, because Target's application doesn't ask about criminal history. Answer honestly if it comes up in interviews or during the background check.
Be completely honest when background questions eventually come up. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility, explain lessons learned, and focus on personal growth. Practice until natural and confident.
Emphasize customer service skills for store positions. Any customer-facing experience demonstrates relevant capabilities. Even volunteer experience shows service orientation Target values.
Highlight reliability and positive attitude. Target needs people who show up consistently with great energy. Give specific examples of dependability from any context.
Show flexibility with scheduling. Target stores operate long hours and need staff for various shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility makes you more valuable.
Demonstrate alignment with Target values. Research their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community. Express how these values resonate with you personally.
Dress appropriately for interviews. Business casual attire shows professionalism. Even for warehouse or stocking positions, neat professional appearance at interviews makes strong impressions.
For distribution centers, emphasize physical capability and production mindset. DC work is physically demanding and productivity-focused. Show you understand these demands and can meet them.
Bring references who can speak to your work ethic and character. Anyone who can vouch for reliability and positive attitude provides valuable credibility.
Express interest in learning and growth. Target offers advancement opportunities and training. Show you're interested in developing skills and potentially growing within the company.
Research Target's departments and services. Understanding their operations, merchandise categories, and services shows genuine interest and preparation.
Follow up after applying or interviewing. Call stores/DCs or visit 3-5 days later to express continued interest professionally. Persistence demonstrates genuine commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my theft conviction prevent me from getting hired at Target?
Theft convictions create the most significant challenges at Target since retail involves merchandise, cash, and sophisticated inventory systems. However, they don't make employment impossible. If your conviction was 5+ years ago, you've maintained stable employment since, and you're completely honest about circumstances, some stores or distribution centers may consider you. Your best approach is targeting positions with no cash handling—cart attendant, overnight stocker, warehouse worker, or fulfillment roles. Time matters—recent theft is much harder to overcome than old convictions. Apply to many locations to improve your chances.
Does Target do drug testing?
Drug testing policies vary by role and location. You'll be told during hiring if testing is required for your position. If it is, testing usually happens after a conditional offer and before you start. If you take prescribed medication, keep documentation ready.
How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Target?
Target doesn't publish a waiting period. You can apply at any time, but chances generally improve with time. A recent conviction may face more challenges, especially for cashier roles; cart attendant, overnight stocking, or warehouse positions may be more realistic. After 3-5 years of clean records with stable employment, options expand. How far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law. Focus on showing stability and personal growth, and apply to multiple stores and distribution centers.
Can I work at Target while on probation or parole?
Yes, if your supervision terms allow it. Steady employment generally looks favorable to probation and parole officers. Be upfront with hiring managers about restrictions like check-ins or curfews; Target's part-time and full-time scheduling may be able to accommodate them. Some managers may coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest from the start is better than having scheduling conflicts arise later.
Will violent felonies disqualify me from Target?
Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you but create challenges for customer-facing retail positions. Store managers assess whether you can handle customer interactions appropriately. Positions with less direct customer interaction—warehouse worker, overnight stocker, cart attendant, fulfillment expert—are more accessible than customer service roles. Distribution centers may be particularly accessible since work involves minimal customer interaction. Time matters enormously—10-year-old assault convictions are viewed very differently than recent ones. You'll need to discuss what happened honestly, show clear evidence of personal growth, and demonstrate appropriate workplace behavior. Apply to multiple locations and consider DCs as well as stores.
What if I have drug felonies?
Drug felonies, including distribution charges, don't automatically prevent Target employment. Be honest about your past and emphasize your current sobriety and commitment to staying clean. Time helps—if you've been sober 2+ years, this demonstrates positive change. Your current reliability and work ethic matter. If drug testing is required, be prepared to pass. Distribution centers and overnight positions may have good opportunities.
Can I advance to leadership with a felony record?
Possibly. Target has internal career paths: team members can become team leads or specialty experts, then potentially move to executive team lead roles. Your performance record at Target matters for advancement, though leadership roles may involve additional screening. Demonstrating leadership, strong performance, and reliability is the best way to move up with a felony record.
Are Target distribution centers better for people with felonies than stores?
Possibly. Distribution center work involves less customer interaction and focuses on productivity, which may suit some applicants with criminal backgrounds. DC positions typically pay $17-$22/hour compared to $15-$17/hour in stores. The work is more physically demanding. Stores also hire for cart attendant, overnight stocking, and fulfillment positions, so apply to both stores and DCs.
What should I do if my background check shows errors?
Act quickly. Under federal law (the FCRA), before an employer takes adverse action based on a background report, you must receive a pre-adverse action notice and a copy of the report. Use that window to dispute inaccuracies with the background screening company and let Target HR know (contact information is in the notice). Gather documentation such as court records, certificates of disposition, or records of dismissed or expunged charges, and follow up until the dispute is resolved.
What are Target benefits like for people with criminal backgrounds?
Once hired, benefits depend on your role and hours, not your criminal background. Target's benefits can include health coverage for eligible team members, a 401(k) with company match, an employee discount, education assistance, and paid time off; check what applies to your position. Pay depends on role and location, so check the posting.
Similar Felon-Friendly Companies
If Target doesn't work out, these retailers are also worth a look:
Walmart: Large retailer hiring for stocking, warehouse, and various store positions.
Home Depot: Home improvement retailer hiring people with criminal backgrounds for sales, warehouse, and freight positions.
Lowe's: Home improvement retailer hiring for various store and distribution positions.
Amazon: E-commerce and retail company with fulfillment centers that hire people with felonies for warehouse positions.
Costco: Warehouse club retailer that hires people with criminal backgrounds for various positions.
Final Thoughts
Target offers realistic opportunities for people with felony convictions. Its application doesn't ask about criminal history, and it hires across retail stores and distribution centers. While theft convictions face more scrutiny, positions like cart attendant, overnight stocker, and warehouse worker focus on physical work and reliability. Your best strategy is targeting accessible entry positions, being honest when appropriate, and demonstrating strong work ethic.
Take action today by applying at target.com/careers to 10-15 stores and distribution centers within reasonable distance. Focus on cart attendant, overnight stocker, or warehouse positions for fastest entry. Visit locations in person during appropriate times to express interest.
Emphasize your reliability, flexibility with scheduling, and interest in Target's values. With persistence and professionalism, you can improve your chances of building a retail career at Target.
Does Target Hire Felons in 2026?
Everything You Need to Know
Last Updated: November 2026
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