Looking for your first job? Or maybe you’re keen to pick up some extra shifts while you’re studying?
For plenty of young Australians, working in retail is one of their first experiences in the workforce. It’s a chance to earn your own money, meet new people, develop useful skills and get some work experience under your belt.
And if you’ve ever thought about working at Kmart or Target, you might be wondering what they’re looking for in new team members, whether you need experience and how the application process works.
We caught up with Marie, a Talent Acquisition Advisor for Kmart and Target across Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia, to get some advice straight from someone who helps recruit new team members.
Here’s what she wants you to know before applying.
From Store Team Member to National Office
Marie knows a thing or two about building a career in retail.
She started her career with Kmart five years ago as a Department Manager, working in-store before progressing into a role at the national office around a year and a half ago.
Today, she works as a Talent Acquisition Advisor, helping find and recruit new team members across Kmart and Target stores in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Her own career is a good reminder that working in retail doesn’t necessarily mean staying in the same role forever.
There are opportunities to develop your skills, take on more responsibility and explore different areas of the business as you gain experience.
What Does Kmart Look for When Hiring?
You might assume that getting a job at a major retailer means having previous customer service experience or an impressive resume.
But according to Marie, that’s not what matters most.
At Kmart and Target, they’re looking for people who enjoy helping customers, can work in a busy environment and bring a positive attitude to their shifts.
Some of the qualities they value include:
- A positive attitude: Being friendly, approachable and ready to give things a go.
- Reliability: Turning up on time and being someone your team can count on.
- Adaptability: Being comfortable with change and happy to help wherever you’re needed.
- A willingness to learn: Being open to feedback, asking questions and developing new skills.
- Customer focus: Enjoying working with people and helping customers have a good shopping experience.
You don’t have to be brilliant at everything on day one. Showing that you’re keen to learn and willing to put in the effort can go a long way.
Do You Need Experience to Work at Kmart or Target?
Good news if you’re applying for your first job.
You don’t need any previous work experience to apply for a store team member role at Kmart or Target.
Marie explains that they’re interested in people who bring the right attitude and are willing to learn, regardless of their employment history.
That means you could be a high school student looking for your first casual job, a university student wanting to work around your studies or someone looking for a fresh start.
And you won’t be expected to know everything before you arrive.
Kmart and Target provide training and support to help new team members learn the ropes, understand their responsibilities and become more confident in their roles.
So, if you’ve been putting off applying because you’ve never had a job before, don’t let that stop you.
How to Apply for a Job at Kmart or Target
Marie also shared some advice on the application process, which is completed online.
Step 1: Find an available role
Head to the Kmart or Target careers website and search for opportunities at your local store.
Have a look at the available positions and find something that suits your interests and availability.
Step 2: Create your candidate profile
Once you’ve found a role you’re interested in, you’ll need to create a candidate profile and complete the online application.
Take your time filling everything out and make sure your contact details are correct.
Step 3: Check your inbox
After submitting your application, keep an eye on your emails.
You’ll receive an invitation to complete an online assessment as part of the recruitment process.
Step 4: Complete your online assessment
This is your opportunity to tell the recruitment team a little more about yourself, your experience and why you’d be a good fit.
If you’ve never worked before, think about examples from school, sport, volunteering or other activities that demonstrate qualities like teamwork, reliability and a willingness to learn.
And remember, you don’t need years of experience to have something valuable to offer.
Your First Job Could Be the Start of Something Bigger
One of the benefits of starting your career in retail is the range of skills you can develop along the way.
Working in a store can help you become more confident communicating with different people, managing your time, solving problems and working as part of a team.
These are skills you’ll be able to use throughout your career, whether you decide to continue working in retail or eventually pursue something completely different.
And if you do enjoy retail, there may be opportunities to progress into leadership positions or explore other roles within the business.
Just look at Marie, who started working in-store and now helps recruit team members across three states.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re thinking about getting your first job, earning some extra money while studying or exploring a career in retail, Kmart or Target could be a great place to start.
Visit the careers websites to explore current vacancies, find opportunities near you and submit your application.
Explore Jobs at Kmart
Explore Jobs at Target
