Quick Answer

Yes, Target does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of America's largest retailers with nearly 2,000 stores, Target evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and position requirements. General merchandise team member, warehouse worker, and overnight stocker positions pay $15-$19 per hour and are most accessible.

While theft convictions face more scrutiny in retail environments, Target has made corporate commitments to fair chance hiring and actively works to reduce barriers for people with criminal backgrounds who can demonstrate reliability, customer service skills, and alignment with company values in retail operations.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Target

3. Does Target Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Target

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Target

Target operates nearly 2,000 stores across the United States and dozens of distribution centers, making them one of the largest retail employers in the country. They're known for a $15 minimum wage, comprehensive benefits even for part-time workers, and progressive employment practices including commitments to diversity and inclusion.

For people with felonies, Target presents realistic opportunities. The company has made public commitments to fair chance hiring and implemented "ban-the-box" practices, meaning they don't ask about criminal history on initial applications. They've partnered with organizations supporting people with criminal backgrounds and structured policies to evaluate candidates fairly.

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.

In practice, many Target stores and distribution centers hire people with various criminal backgrounds. The company follows EEOC guidelines, has implemented ban-the-box policies nationwide, and actively practices fair chance hiring. They 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 relatively common among Target employees and rarely prevent hiring if you can pass drug tests (commonly required at most locations, though policies vary). Many people in recovery have found stable employment at Target. The company understands substance abuse challenges and focuses on current reliability.

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 will hire you.

Sexual offenses create significant barriers due to the family-friendly retail environment and customer interaction. Opportunities are very limited with this background.

Time since conviction is crucial. Convictions older than 7 years carry less weight and often don't appear on standard checks in many states. Clean records for 3-5 years demonstrate positive change and dramatically improve chances.

The position you apply for affects odds significantly. General merchandise team members (stocking and assisting customers) are accessible. Cart attendants handling shopping carts have flexible standards. 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. Stores in urban areas often have more experience with diverse candidates. Distribution centers typically have more flexible hiring than retail stores. Individual store managers and DC leaders have some discretion, so attitudes 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 no customer interaction and night differential pay. These positions are very accessible because night shifts are hard to fill and managers are more flexible about backgrounds.

Food Service Team Member

($15-$17/hour)

You'll work in Target's food service areas (Starbucks, Pizza Hut, or Food Avenue), 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 conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This timing allows you to interview and make positive impressions before criminal records are reviewed, following their ban-the-box commitment and fair chance hiring principles.

The standard background check looks back seven years for criminal history. This is typical for retail positions and follows most state regulations. Some states legally limit how far back employers can check. If your conviction is older than seven years, it likely won't appear.

The process typically takes 5-10 business days. During this time, drug testing is commonly required at most locations, though policies vary somewhat by region and position. Testing happens after conditional offers but before starting work if required at your location.

If something concerning appears on background checks, federal law requires Target to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. This gives you 5-10 days to review reports, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances or correct inaccuracies. Use this time wisely to respond professionally.

Geographic variations matter significantly. Target follows ban-the-box practices nationwide, meaning they don't ask about criminal history on applications. However, some states and cities have additional regulations that Target must follow. The company complies with all local fair chance hiring laws.

Target corporate policies emphasize fair evaluation of criminal backgrounds. They've trained hiring managers on avoiding bias and considering individual circumstances. However, individual store leaders and DC managers make final hiring decisions within corporate guidelines, and attitudes vary somewhat.

Distribution centers often have slightly different hiring processes than retail stores. DC positions may have more flexible standards regarding criminal backgrounds since the work involves less customer interaction.

Application Tips

1. 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.

   
   

2. 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.

   
   

3. Don't mention your felony on applications. Target uses ban-the-box practices nationwide, so they won't ask on applications. Only discuss if specifically asked during interviews or background check phase.

   
   

4. 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.

   
   

5. Emphasize customer service skills for store positions. Any customer-facing experience demonstrates relevant capabilities. Even volunteer experience shows service orientation Target values.

   
   

6. Highlight reliability and positive attitude. Target needs people who show up consistently with great energy. Give specific examples of dependability from any context.

   
   

7. 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.

   
   

8. Demonstrate alignment with Target values. Research their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community. Express how these values resonate with you personally.

   
   

9. Dress appropriately for interviews. Business casual attire shows professionalism. Even for warehouse or stocking positions, neat professional appearance at interviews makes strong impressions.

   
   

10. 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.

    
    

11. Bring references who can speak to your work ethic and character. Anyone who can vouch for reliability and positive attitude provides valuable credibility.

    
    

12. 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.

    
    

13. Research Target's departments and services. Understanding their operations, merchandise categories, and services shows genuine interest and preparation.

    
    

14. 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 will give you chances. Your best approach is targeting positions with no cash handling—cart attendant, overnight stocker, warehouse worker, or fulfillment roles. Time matters enormously—recent theft is much harder to overcome than old convictions. Apply to many locations (15+) to find managers willing to give opportunities. Distribution centers may be more flexible than retail stores for people with theft backgrounds.

Does Target do drug testing?

Drug testing is commonly required at most Target locations, though policies vary somewhat by region and position. Retail stores and distribution centers typically require pre-employment drug testing. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required for your specific position and location. Testing happens after conditional offers if required. Promotion to leadership positions more commonly involves testing. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring documentation. Be prepared for possible testing and able to pass drug screens to maximize opportunities across all Target positions.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Target?

You can apply immediately after conviction, but chances improve with time. If conviction is less than 2 years old, you'll face more challenges but aren't automatically disqualified, especially for cart attendant, overnight stocking, or warehouse positions. After 3-5 years of clean records with stable employment, options expand considerably. After 7 years, many convictions won't appear on checks in most states. The key is demonstrating stability, employment consistency, and personal growth since conviction. Don't wait unnecessarily if you need work. Apply to multiple stores and distribution centers and let managers decide.

Can I work at Target while on probation or parole?

Yes, many Target employees work while on probation or parole. Having employment with Target often looks favorable to probation officers due to the company's reputation and starting wage of $15/hour. Be upfront with hiring managers about restrictions like check-ins or curfews. Target scheduling can usually accommodate these needs, especially if you're transparent. Some managers may coordinate with probation officers to confirm employment. Being honest about your situation from the start is better than hiding it and having scheduling conflicts arise later. Target's flexibility with part-time and full-time options helps accommodate supervision requirements.

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. The company has hired many people with drug-related criminal histories who are in recovery. 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. Target values personal growth and understands that people overcome addiction. Your current reliability, work ethic, and ability to contribute matters more than past drug convictions. If drug testing is required, be prepared to pass. Distribution centers and overnight positions may have particularly good opportunities.

Can I advance to leadership with a felony record?

Yes, many Target team leads, supervisors, and managers have felony convictions in their past. Once hired and proving yourself as reliable, hard-working team members, criminal backgrounds become much less relevant for advancement. Target regularly promotes from within. Team members can become team leads or specialty sales experts, then potentially move to executive team lead roles and beyond. Your performance record with Target matters far more than criminal history for internal advancement. Demonstrating leadership, strong performance, and cultural alignment can lead to management regardless of backgrounds. Target invests heavily in leadership development for high-performing team members.

Are Target distribution centers better for people with felonies than stores?

Generally yes. Distribution centers often have more flexible hiring practices regarding criminal backgrounds because the work involves less customer interaction and focuses more on productivity and warehouse operations. DC positions typically pay $17-$22/hour compared to $15-$17/hour in stores. The work is more physically demanding but can be more accessible for people with various criminal backgrounds. However, don't discount retail stores—many stores hire people with felonies regularly, especially for cart attendant, overnight stocking, and fulfillment positions. Apply to both stores and DCs to maximize opportunities.

What should I do if my background check shows errors?

Take immediate action if checks contain incorrect information. Federal law requires Target to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions based on background results. You typically have 5-10 days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both Target HR (contact information provided in the notice) and the background screening company to file disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days to ensure dispute processing. Don't miss the deadline. Accuracy matters significantly for employment decisions.

What are Target benefits like for people with criminal backgrounds?

Once hired, all Target team members receive the same benefits regardless of criminal backgrounds. Target offers $15+ starting wage, comprehensive health insurance for team members averaging 20+ hours per week, 401k with company match, employee discount, education assistance, and paid time off. These benefits are excellent for retail and can significantly improve your life situation. Health insurance, education benefits, and consistent hours at $15+ per hour provide real opportunities for building stability. This makes Target employment particularly valuable for people rebuilding their lives after conviction.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Target doesn't work out, these similar retailers also practice fair chance hiring:

Walmart: Largest retailer that regularly hires people with felonies 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 with fair chance hiring practices for various 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. Their ban-the-box commitment, $15 minimum wage, excellent benefits, and options across retail stores and distribution centers create pathways to stable employment. While theft convictions face more scrutiny, positions like cart attendant, overnight stocker, and warehouse worker focus on physical work and reliability where backgrounds matter less. 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. Many people with criminal backgrounds have built successful retail careers at Target—with persistence and professionalism, you can too.