Application Process:
I applied online September 30th, 2015. The next day, I was on my way home from my job and the Lord led me to the Target location I applied to. I wanted to see if they were still accepting candidates or they filled the position because I saw it online for over two months but felt I wasn't prepared yet to apply. Back to the present, I walked in and asked to speak with the Hiring Manager. After speaking with two employees briefly, she came out and was delighted to see me. I asked her about the position, told her I applied online, and she asked me what my name was. I told her and she said, "I saw your application this morning and moved it to the top of the list to give you a call today! I am so happy you came in!" She told me about previous applicants applying but by far I had the best resume experience! This is why the position hasn't been filled in two months. She asked me would I be available tomorrow afternoon for an interview.
Interview Process:
I came into my interview in Target colors (red & white or khaki), on time, and with my visual merchandising portfolio. Interview Process took 4 weeks:
Week 1, My 1st interview was with the Executive Team Lead: It went really great. Gave her my portfolio, explained my previous retail experience, she asked me basic work-related, and why I want to work as a Visual Merchandiser interview questions. Laid back casual interview. Received a call 2 days later to set up a 2nd interview.
Week 2, My 2nd interview was with the Store Team Lead and Store Team Lead in Training: Greeted both of them, lots of laughs, and very comfortable fun interview. Asked me questions about leadership, social network skills, visual experience, and they reviewed my portfolio. After that I had to take a 5-10 minute assessment on visual merchandise skills in the store. It was an easy online assessment but slightly challenging at the same time. I sent the Store Team Lead a thank you letter for the interview and he emailed me back within 30 minutes, saying he was really impressed with my interview and that I did well on the assessment, and told me I will be receiving a call later that week. 2 days later I received a call to set up a phone interview.
Week 3, My 3rd interview was with the District Lead: He called right on time and was very professional and relaxed. He told me about himself and then asked me to do the same. This was a very casual, fun, and comfortable interview like the previous ones. He asked me questions pertaining to fashion trends, how I would set up a store display, how I would use social media with customers and displays, and how I would lead a team of people to make the store become a living Pinterest. He called the store right after the interview. The next day HR called asking me to come fill out some paperwork to finish the interview process. I was completely confused but not that confused! 2 days later I came in and HR sat me down excited to offer me the Visual Merchandising Leader Position. I was so so happy and proud of myself!! Especially being entry-level coming a few months out of college, the process was truly a blessing!
Advice:
-Education is important to Target for this position, so I would suggest having an art or fashion related degree before applying.
-Experience with a Visual Portfolio is a huge plus! It gives them an idea of your creative and artistic ability you can bring to their company.
-With in person interviews come dress in Target colors or more professional then if you were applying for an associate's position.
-Send a Thank You Letter to all or at least one person who interviewed you. This shows you really want the position and you appreicate their time to see you as a potential candidate.
-A few days after I received the position, a Target recruiter reach out to me on LinkedIn and said I would be an excellent candidate for this position and to apply. I told her I already accepted a position with the company and she was thrilled! She said with my experience I would be an outstanding attribute to the company! So sign up or have your LinkedIn updated!
-Most importantly BE YOURSELF, and don't be afraid of pressure, without it how can you turn into a diamond!
Best of Luck!