Anyone have any experience working for Target?

[wtf9862]

Hi all,
As I've stated before, I have a job in LP that I thoroughly enjoy. However, I only get 12 hours a week at my current employer. I'm a college student, and I need to take an extra job to pay for classes, books, and the other fees associated with school. I have an interview with Target next Tuesday for one of their uniformed Target Protection Specialists. I wanted to apply for a plainclothes LP job (That's what I do at my current employer,) but I was told by the Asset Protection Manager that they are not hiring for plainclothes positions.

With all of that backstory out of the way, does anyone have any experiences with Target and their Assest Protection program? The manager I spoke to told me that Target likes to promote from within to the plainclothes jobs. Is this true? Is this a good job, or would I just be collecting a paycheck? I was looking into various security firms to look for a job, so I am not entirely averse to working a uniformed job.

Sorry for the long post, but any information is greatly appreciated. I know I've asked my share of questions, but I'd like to know what I might be getting myself into if I am hired. Thank you very much.

[N. A. Corbier]

I guarantee you, your post isn't long.

From what I've learned about TPS (Target Protection Specialists)...

1. Your job has little to do with apprehension. You are not to engage anyone without the plainclothes "APS" directing you.

2. You will eventually be trained in "non-confrontational defensive tactics," which is where you play some kind of judo and try to make the bad guy not touch you. This may or may not happen.

3. You stand at the front of the store for visible deterrence, and maybe respond to assistance calls from the APS, such as "Go stand in Electronics." The idea being that a uniform scares the shoplifters.

[wtf9862]

Thank you for the information. Do you know if there is actual room for advancement to the Asset Protection Specialist job? Would I be better off trying to find a uniformed security job with another firm? I realize that every company is different, but I like to know that I have an active role in preventing theft or incident. It seems as if I will be spending most of my time at the front as a simple scare tactic.

[N. A. Corbier]

Thank you for the information. Do you know if there is actual room for advancement to the Asset Protection Specialist job? Would I be better off trying to find a uniformed security job with another firm? I realize that every company is different, but I like to know that I have an active role in preventing theft or incident. It seems as if I will be spending most of my time at the front as a simple scare tactic.

They do hire from within, at least at my store. I was "overqualified" for the TPS position, and put was suggested to put in for the AP-ETL position. They still haven't filled it at my local store, and I doubt they will, the APS is acting as ETL.

[Lawson]

I was contract security at a Target Warehouse. T600 is the designation, you'll learn what it is if you get hired on...

I never did any store stuff, but from what I have picked up in my experience, I think it is like a police department... you typically get hired for a uniformed position... you end up standing at the front door and all that... and when positions open they will bump you to AP Investigator if you so desire, kinda like getting hired into patrol then moving to undercover.

[WMISLP]

to anwser your question

I started my LP career with Target, I worked as a TPS for stores T-92, 91 and was promoted to APS at T-355. So I am here to say that yes they do like to promote within the company. I also think that it is a very smart move to start as a TPS and learn all of the aspects of Target. Also a lot of you getting promoted is going to be the APTL and how much he/she wants to work with you. I would suggest after being there for 6months to have your APTL print you the career advancement and training outlines and find out when they are going to do there round robin interviews so you can get a chance to see where you stand and where to improve. Also find a mentor and I found that the store mgr or STL was my best asset. If you have anymore question don't hesistate to ask.

[wtf9862]

Thanks!

To all who replied,
Thank you very much for all of your information. The Tuesday interview was my second, and it seemed to go well. Now, I'm just waiting to hear from Target.

WMISLP,
Thanks for the great advice. Don't be surprised if I pick your brain every so often if I am hired.

[WMISLP]

Your welcome

Feel free to pick my mind anytime. I have been working the LP career field for 8yrs now so I have a vast knowledge of how things work internally and externally.