Does Target Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Target's Ban the Box Leadership

Target was one of the first Fortune 500 retailers to voluntarily remove the criminal history question from its job applications in 2013, well before most state and local Ban the Box laws required it. This decision made Target a leader in the fair chance hiring movement and was praised by employment advocacy organizations including the National Employment Law Project (NELP) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Under Target's current policy, criminal history is not considered until after a conditional offer of employment is extended. At that point, a background check is conducted, and if criminal history is found, Target uses an individualized assessment process consistent with EEOC guidance. The assessment considers the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has elapsed since the conviction or completion of the sentence, and the nature of the job sought. Target has stated publicly that it believes in giving people a fair chance at employment and that a criminal record should not be an automatic barrier to a job. This commitment has been reflected in both policy and practice, though individual experiences can still vary by location and hiring manager.

Background Check Process at Target

Target uses a third-party background check provider to conduct criminal history screenings after a conditional offer is made. The standard check includes a 7-year criminal history search at the county, state, and multi-jurisdictional level, a Social Security number trace, and a sex offender registry check. Target follows the FCRA adverse action process: if criminal history is found that may affect the hiring decision, Target sends a pre-adverse action notice that includes a copy of the background check report and a summary of your rights under federal law. You are given a reasonable period (typically 5-7 business days) to review the report, dispute any inaccuracies, and provide additional context or documentation before a final decision is made. In jurisdictions with enhanced fair chance hiring laws (such as California, New York City, or Los Angeles), Target must also follow additional local requirements, which may include providing written justification for any adverse decision and considering specific rehabilitation factors. The background check process typically takes 3-7 business days to complete.

What Disqualifies You from Working at Target

Target does not publish a definitive list of disqualifying offenses, and decisions are made through individualized assessment. However, based on reported experiences and the nature of retail work, certain convictions are more likely to result in a rescinded offer. Sex offenses are generally disqualifying for all positions due to the family-oriented nature of Target stores and the presence of minors. Violent felonies (aggravated assault, armed robbery, domestic violence) within the past 7 years face significant scrutiny, particularly for customer-facing roles. Theft, shoplifting, burglary, and fraud convictions are especially relevant for retail positions and are among the most common reasons for rescinded offers at Target, even when older. Drug-related felonies are assessed based on type and recency — simple possession charges older than a few years are generally less of an issue than trafficking or manufacturing convictions. For distribution center positions, the assessment may weigh factors differently since these roles involve less customer interaction and less direct access to retail merchandise. Pending charges and active warrants can also prevent hiring.

Target's Legal History and What It Means for You

Target has faced legal challenges related to its background check practices, and these cases have resulted in changes that generally benefit applicants with records. In 2018, Target paid a multi-million dollar settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company failed to follow proper FCRA procedures in its background check adverse action process. The lawsuit claimed that Target did not provide adequate notice and waiting time before making final adverse decisions. As a result of this and similar legal actions, Target has tightened its compliance with FCRA requirements and state-specific fair chance hiring laws. For you as an applicant, this means Target is likely to follow the proper adverse action process carefully — giving you a copy of the report, adequate time to respond, and a clear explanation of your rights. If Target does not follow these procedures, you may have legal recourse. If you believe Target has improperly rescinded a job offer based on your background check, consult with a legal aid organization or employment attorney in your area.

Distribution Centers: A Better Path for Some Records

Target operates more than 50 distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sortation centers across the United States. These facilities process the merchandise that eventually ends up on store shelves or is shipped directly to customers who order online. For people with criminal records — particularly those with convictions that are problematic for retail store positions (such as theft or shoplifting) — distribution center roles can be a more accessible entry point. DC work involves less direct customer interaction and does not put you in a traditional retail environment with open merchandise. The work is physically demanding, involving lifting, sorting, and moving packages and pallets, and shifts may be overnight or early morning. However, the pay is typically higher than store-level positions, often starting at $18-22 per hour with shift differentials. Target distribution centers also have high turnover in physical roles, creating frequent openings. If you are having difficulty getting hired at a Target store due to your record, check for distribution center positions within commuting distance at target.com/careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Target hire felons?

Target does hire people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Target was one of the first major retailers to adopt Ban the Box in 2013, and they use an individualized assessment process that considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job. Many people with felony convictions work at Target, but theft-related and violent convictions face more scrutiny for retail positions.

Does Target do background checks?

Yes. Target conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer of employment. The check typically covers 7 years of criminal history at county, state, and multi-jurisdictional levels, along with a Social Security trace and sex offender registry check. The check is performed by a third-party background screening company.

How far back does Target's background check go?

Target's standard background check covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with laws limiting how far back employers can look (such as California's 7-year restriction), Target complies with those limits. Convictions older than 7 years may not appear on the report at all in these states. Even where older records are reported, the individualized assessment process places greater emphasis on more recent history.

Can I work at Target with a shoplifting or theft conviction?

This is one of the most challenging types of convictions for Target specifically, since employees work in a retail environment surrounded by merchandise. Shoplifting and theft convictions are directly relevant to the job duties of most store positions. However, older theft convictions (5+ years) where you have demonstrated rehabilitation may still be acceptable, especially for non-cashier roles. Distribution center positions may be more accessible since the work environment is different from a retail store.

Does Target drug test?

Target has scaled back pre-employment drug testing for many store-level positions in recent years. Most general team member roles do not require a pre-employment drug test. However, positions operating heavy equipment (such as forklift operators in distribution centers) and safety-sensitive roles may still require testing. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing can apply to any position. Policies may vary by state and location.

When did Target adopt Ban the Box?

Target voluntarily removed the criminal history question from its job applications in 2013. This made Target one of the first major Fortune 500 retailers to adopt Ban the Box, predating many state and local laws that now require this practice. Target has been recognized by fair chance hiring advocacy organizations for this early commitment.

What happens if Target rescinds my job offer after the background check?

If Target decides not to hire you based on background check results, they must follow the FCRA adverse action process. You will receive a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the background check report and your rights. You typically have 5-7 business days to respond with corrections or additional context. After this waiting period, Target will make a final decision. If the offer is still rescinded, you will receive a final adverse action notice with instructions on how to obtain a free copy of your report and how to dispute any inaccuracies. In states with enhanced fair chance hiring laws, additional protections may apply.

Is it easier to get hired at Target's distribution centers with a record?

Generally, yes. Target distribution centers involve less direct customer interaction and a different work environment than retail stores. Convictions that are particularly relevant to retail settings (such as theft or shoplifting) may be viewed differently in a warehouse context. DC positions also tend to have higher turnover and more frequent openings. The pay is typically higher as well, often $18-22 per hour with shift differentials.