Last Updated On: 02/19/2026
Quick Answer
Yes, Target does hire people with felony convictions. They do not advertise a formal second-chance hiring program, but they are known to be more lenient towards applicants with a felony record than most other large corporations. Hiring decisions are made on a case-by-case basis after a conditional job offer and background check. Target is a large corporate retailer with centralized hiring policies.
Target Felon-Friendly Score™
37.5 / 50 – Moderately Good Score
Industry Type (Large Corporate Retail) — 6/10
Retail offers opportunity, but corporate retailers typically apply more standardized screening policies than restaurants or warehouse employers.
Centralized Hiring Structure — 8/10
Target uses corporate HR guidelines and structured background screening processes BUT they are more lenient than other large retail employers.
Background Check Policy — 8/10
Background checks occur after a conditional job offer. Felonies are not automatic disqualifiers, but are evaluated individually.
Corporate Restrictions — 7/10
There is no public blanket ban on felons. However, theft convictions come under heavier scrutiny.
Second Chance Ethics — 8.5/10
Target follows “ban-the-box” practices in many states and delays criminal history review until later in the process, which is positive for applicants. This is pretty good in todays world.
Comparison to Other Major Employers
| Employer | Overall Accessibility to Felons (willingness to hire you) |
|---|---|
| Waffle House | Very High |
| McDonald’s | Moderate Plus |
| Walmart | Moderate |
| Target | High |
| Costco | Moderate |
| Dollar General | High |
Large centralized retailers like Target generally provide fewer opportunities than decentralized restaurant employers, but more opportunity than highly regulated employers like pharmacies or financial institutions.
Target Background Checks
Target conducts background checks after a conditional offer of employment on all applicants. If you have a felony, they typically evaluate the following.
• Type of offense
• How long ago it occurred
• Whether it relates to the job duties
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Employment history since conviction
How Far Back Does Target Go?
This depends on state law. Many states limit background checks to 7 years for certain non-violent convictions. Other states allow longer lookback periods. State laws can significantly affect your eligibility.
Felony Convictions That May Be Harder to Overcome
Because Target is a retail company handling merchandise and cash, the following convictions may present challenges.
• Theft / Shoplifting
• Fraud / Embezzlement
• Robbery
• Recent violent offenses
These crimes relate directly to retail operations and customer safety. But time matters!
What makes you look good to Target
Applicants report better success when any of the following apply.
• Older convictions (7+ years old)
• Non-violent drug offenses
• DUI (depending on position)
The amount of time that has passed since your conviction and if you have demonstrated stability matter significantly. There is a huge difference between a three year old theft charge and identity theft that is six months old.
Best Positions to Apply For at Target
Applicants with felony records, or any type of criminal record are more likely to be considered for the following positions.
• Stocker / Fulfillment Associate
• Overnight Inbound Team Member
• Warehouse / Distribution Center roles
• Cart Attendant
Customer facing and cash handling roles may involve stricter background screening. If you really want one of these positions apply for one of the above jobs then transfer over to what you want later down the road. Asset Protection and management positions typically involve deeper screening and may be more difficult to obtain with a felony record.
Target Pay Scale (2026 Estimates Only)
Team Member (Store Associate): $15–$18 per hour
Fulfillment / Stocking: $15–$19 per hour
Warehouse / Distribution Center: $19–$25 per hour
Team Leader: $21–$30 per hour
Store Director: $100,000+ per year
Disclaimer: Pay varies by state, experience, and market demand. These are estimates only.
Is Target Second-Chance Friendly?
Target does not formally market itself as a second-chance employer but they do have some policies that make them more of a second chance employer than many large corporations.
Yes — they hire felons on a case-by-case basis.
No — they do not guarantee employment.
Yes – they participate in ban the box.
Can You Be Promoted With a Felony?
Yes, promotion is possible. However, higher-level roles may involve additional screening, especially if they include any of the following:
• Cash control
• Supervisory responsibility
• Asset protection access
Strong performance after hiring can significantly reduce the weight of past convictions over time. Target promotes internally and values performance metrics.
How to Improve Your Chances of Being Hired
• Apply for non-cash-handling roles first
• Do not disclose your record unless asked
• Be honest if asked — never lie
• Emphasize stability since conviction
• Bring strong references
• Highlight reliability and availability
Simple Response If Asked About Your Record:
“I made a mistake in the past, took responsibility, and have maintained steady employment since then. I’m focused on reliability and growth.”
Keep it short. Do not overshare.
What To Do If You’re Denied by Target
• Apply to decentralized employers (restaurants, warehouses)
• Seek expungement or record sealing if eligible
• Apply for overnight or distribution center roles
• Continue building employment history
One denial does not define your employability! You can find more job information on our main page.
Related Employer Information
If Target does not hire you, consider looking at other employers.
- Does Walmart Hire Felons
- Does UPS Hire Felons
- Does Waffle House Hire Felons
- Does Amazon Hire Felons
- Does Costco Hire Felons
- Does Dollar General Hire Felons
- Does Wendy’s Hire Felons
FAQ – Target & Felony Records
No. They evaluate criminal history individually
Yes, it is possible but more difficult if your felony is recent, especially for customer-facing or cash-handling roles. It is best to apply for other positions then transfer one hired.
Possibly but the specifics will be scrutinized by the hiring manager. There are to many variables to give you a cut and dry answer on a complex question like this. The older the violent felony conviction is the better.
Generally no for entry level positions.
Disclaimer
Hiring policies vary by location and change over time. Information on this page is based on reported hiring experiences and publicly available data and is not a guarantee of employment. Nothing on this site should be considered legal advice.