I received an e-mail from a recruiter regarding my resume and wanting to set up an initial phone interview within a few days. The phone interview reviewed my resume and then had about 3-4 behavioral questions (tell me about a time when...). After that the recruiter had me scheduled with a STL (General Manager) at a local store within a few days and provided me both feedback on my first interview and tips on things to work on for the 2nd. There was also a 45-60 minute aptitude and attitude test required to be taken prior to the 2nd interview (I didn't have to take it as I had previously taken it and the results were still on file).
The interview with the STL was similar to the phone interview- background information and another 4 or 5 behavioral questions. The STL was very friendly and knowledgeable around the questions I had. After the interview I spoke with the recruiter regarding my experience and, again, he provided me some feedback (both good and bad) in case I advanced to the next step. A few days later I received an e-mail regarding a 3rd interview with the DTL (District Manager) and, again, some information on things to work on and focus on for that interview. That interview, again, consisted of several behavioral questions and the DTL was great to interview with- definitely someone that I feel I would work well for and is passionate about her job and company. I was told at the end that I would receive a call for a final interview with the Group HR Manager if I were selected to go to the final stage.
Within a few days I received an e-mail scheduling me for a final phone interview with the Group HR Manager and some additional feedback for that conversation. A couple days after scheduling that interview, however, I received another email from the District AP Team Leader requesting to speak with me via phone as I was being considered for ETL-AP (Asset Protection) and he preferred to speak with all AP candidates. We spoke a few days later but it was truly more of a conversation; only 1 or 2 behavioral questions but more of a focus on the position itself and everything it entailed. He was very detailed around the specifics of the job and it gave me a much better understanding and appreciate of the position I was being considered for. At the end of the call he told me to keep my interview with HR as scheduled.
The final step was a 20 minute conversation with the Group HR manager. It was not much different from the other interviews- a brief bio of myself and a few behavioral questions. I was then informed that I would receive contact within 5 business days on the decision. Two days later I received an e-mail saying that they had decided to pursue other candidates and that no feedback was provided to external candidates.
Though it is, obviously, very discouraging to not be offered the job I feel it was a very thorough process and everyone involved was great. The recruiter's communication with me was top notch and something I really appreciated. I wish I would have been given a little more information on why I was rejected so that I could work on it but I understand why many companies choose not to divulge this information.
My advice for anyone interviewing with Target is to prepare several 'stories' before each interview. Areas they will focus on include: Receiving/Learning from Feedback, Execution, Talent Management, Driving Change, Demonstrating Courage, Maximizing Relationships, and Managing Performance. They want brief but detailed stories (what was the situation, how did you handle it, and what was the outcome) that truly demonstrate your ability in the areas mentioned.