When you apply for a job at Target, the company asks you to be specific about what area you want to work in so your application can be routed appropriately. First, you will need to get into the job application area. Go down to the bottom of the home page and look for the column titled "Company Information." Double click on the link to "Careers" in that column. This will take you to a screen that offers you choices about where (location) you would like to apply, what your experience level is - for instance, whether you are an experienced professional such as a pharmacist or a college student, and if you are seeking an hourly or salaried position.

You will need to complete your actual application online and should plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour to complete everything. Have all of your information about your previous job history, qualifications and skills, education including dates, and references available so you can easily enter it in the appropriate area. You will also need your social security number, permanent address and telephone number, and date of birth.

Note: Target only hires employees who are 18 years of age or older, so if you are under the age of 18, there is no need to apply.

Most first time applicants at Target are probably college students or others seeking an entry level, hourly paid job at Target in a store location near them. So the first thing to do is select "Hourly Jobs." This will send you to a new menu where you can select whether you are looking for a job in the Stores, Distribution Center, or at the Corporate Office.

If you select "Stores," for example, you will come to a new screen where you can click "Start" to start the application process. Then click "Find Jobs" under the Stores section on the next screen. Go ahead and verify that you are over the age of 18.

You will need to find a location where you want to work to locate available jobs at that Target store. The easiest way to do this is to fill in the zip code of Target location nearest to you or where you want to work. Select the store you want to apply at and click "Continue."

You will then go through a series of screens where you can select the job area you would like to work in (anywhere from the food area to the pharmacy) and then select the specific job you would like to apply for in the area you designated. You can select more than one job area and more than one position to apply for at the same time. This is the most efficient way to apply for multiple jobs if you need an entry-level job and are not that particular about what you will be doing to start out.

You can then read more about the desirable traits candidates for the specific position you’re interested in should have.

Finally, you will get to the actual job application where you will complete your personal information and information about your specific past experiences. At this initial stage of the application, you will need to provide answers to some questions to make your application and information private and secure. You will need to remember these same answers if you want to access your application online again in the future.

Make sure you are certain of your answers before you complete each section. For instance, your basic information in section one cannot be changed once it is entered and you verify it is correct.

You will need to agree to use an electronic signature - combination of numbers using the last four digits of your social security number and your date of birth - to continue the process. Then you will be asked to electronically sign statements indicating you have read and agree to abide by Target's policies.

The job application process online at Target is logical and sequential, progressing from providing basic demographic information, background, and education and employment history about the applicant going through to a section where you can indicate your work preferences. You will also need to complete an applicant questionnaire before your job application is complete.

The questions aren't difficult, but you should take your time, complete the application when you are not feeling rushed, and know that you can always stop and then come back to finish completing the application at a more convenient time within the next 48 hours.