You’ve just applied for a job at Target and now you’re refreshing your inbox, wondering how long does Target take to respond to an application.
If you’re here, you’re not alone — this is one of the most common questions job seekers ask. The good news?
As soon as you open this article, your question gets answered — clearly, completely, and with tips to help you stay in control while you wait.
Different situations call for different approaches. Maybe you applied online, maybe someone referred you, or maybe you interviewed already and are waiting to hear back.
This article gives you a complete view of Target’s timeline, plus 120+ polite, friendly, and professional ways to follow up, respond, and stay confident during the hiring process.
Formal Ways to Ask or Follow Up After Applying at Target
These phrases are respectful, clear, and great for reaching out to recruiters or managers.
- I wanted to kindly follow up regarding my application for the [position] role
- Could you please provide an update on my application status?
- I am writing to inquire about the progress of my job application
- I appreciate your time and would be grateful for any updates
- I hope this message finds you well. I am checking in regarding my recent application
- I am still very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate hearing back when convenient
- Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side
- I am available to discuss further at your earliest convenience
- It’s been [X] days since I applied — kindly let me know if there’s been any progress
- I would be happy to provide more details to support my application
- I remain excited about the possibility of joining your team
- I understand you may be busy, but I’d appreciate an update when you get a chance
- I am eager to hear back regarding the next steps
- Just following up — any feedback on my application would be appreciated
- Please let me know the estimated timeline for the next phase
- I’m writing to express continued interest in the role
- Kindly confirm whether my application was received
- Thank you again for the opportunity — I look forward to your response
- I appreciate your consideration and am hopeful for a positive outcome
- May I know the next steps in the hiring process?
- I am available for an interview at your convenience
- I understand the selection process may take time — I appreciate your consideration
- I look forward to the chance to contribute to your team
- Just a gentle follow-up — I’m very excited about this role
- I hope to hear from you soon regarding the position
- Thank you for reviewing my application — I’m eager to move forward
- Please don’t hesitate to reach out if anything is needed
- I’d appreciate any updates when available
- I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity
- Thank you for your time and consideration
Informal Ways to Check in on a Target Job Application
Use these for casual follow-ups or when speaking with someone you already know at Target.
- Hey, just checking in on that job app
- Any word from Target yet?
- Wondering if there’s been any movement on my application
- It’s been a few days — any updates?
- Do you know who I can talk to about the status?
- Just trying to stay in the loop
- Should I expect to hear back soon?
- Hey, think they’ve started interviews yet?
- Sent in my app — now just waiting
- Know how long they usually take to get back?
- Hope I didn’t miss any email
- Just checking — no pressure
- Has the hiring team reached out to anyone yet?
- Wondering what the next step is
- Should I keep waiting or move on?
- Any idea if they’ve filled the spot yet?
- Guess I’ll keep refreshing my inbox
- Hoping to hear something this week
- Heard back yet? I haven’t
- Let me know if you hear anything
- Fingers crossed for good news
- Know when they usually make decisions?
- I think the wait is the worst part
- Still waiting, trying to stay chill
- Got my hopes up — hope I get a call
- Just checking if you’ve heard anything
- Curious if I should follow up or just wait
- Wondering how long this process usually takes
- Think I should apply to other roles too?
- Still holding out for that Target gig
Idiomatic or Playful Ways to Stay Positive While Waiting
These are lighthearted, fun ways to express you’re waiting — without sounding impatient.
- Still waiting, but patience is a virtue
- No news is good news, right?
- Guess I’m on the hiring cliffhanger
- Playing the waiting game like a champ
- I’m refreshing like it’s a sport
- The inbox is quiet, but my hope is loud
- Still hanging on like a Target shelf
- My email is thirstier than me
- I applied and now I manifest
- Waiting like a red shirt in a sea of khakis
- Inbox silence, but I stay strong
- If I stare at my screen long enough, will it reply?
- Waiting on Target like I wait on holiday sales
- I think my inbox is ghosting me
- Me: refreshing my email. Email: still dry
- Still hoping for that golden interview call
- I applied — now I pretend to be chill
- Inbox is empty but dreams are full
- Just out here waiting like a clearance tag
- Job application status: pending and patient
- Manifesting that interview invite
- Waiting feels like standing in a long checkout line
- Trying not to double-text Target
- At this point, I’d accept a smoke signal
- I should put “professional waiter” on my resume
- Hope this job doesn’t go out of stock
- Job status: still on the shelf
- Guess I’ll keep pretending to be calm
- Waiting like I’m in line on Black Friday
- Hoping the silence means they’re thinking hard about me
Professional Ways to Handle the Waiting Period
Great for staying proactive, poised, and patient during the Target hiring process.
- Keep track of when you applied and mark your calendar to follow up after 7–10 days
- Send one follow-up message after a week, then wait another week before reaching out again
- Don’t email daily — space your messages
- Always be polite and show appreciation for their time
- If you had an interview, send a thank-you email within 24 hours
- Use LinkedIn to check if the role is still open
- Continue applying to other roles while waiting
- Ask about a hiring timeline in your first contact
- Stay professional even if you feel ignored
- Don’t post complaints about the wait online
- Keep a job search spreadsheet to stay organized
- Use the Target Careers portal to check status updates
- Read job descriptions again to stay sharp for interviews
- Prepare your answers in case they call unexpectedly
- Let references know you’ve applied
- Customize your resume for similar openings
- Keep networking while waiting
- Update your resume with any new skills
- Watch out for Target-branded emails (they sometimes land in spam)
- Stay calm — many employers take 1–3 weeks to respond
- Ask if there’s a better way to follow up
- Be open to other roles within the company
- Keep a positive mindset during the wait
- If rejected, respond politely and ask to stay in their database
- Remember that sometimes the delay is HR, not you
- Take this time to prep your interview wardrobe
- Reflect on what excited you about the role
- Stay ready — even if the wait is long
- Always thank them for considering you
- Keep building skills while waiting
Conclusion
Waiting to hear back after applying to Target can feel like forever, but understanding the timeline and how to follow up can give you peace of mind.
On average, Target takes between 5 to 14 days to respond, depending on the role and store. While you wait, stay positive, professional, and proactive.
With the phrases in this guide, you can handle every stage with confidence — from follow-ups to casual check-ins and everything in between.