Target, a company who focuses on finding employees with similar attributes to fit their core values, has, for years now, been developing a relationship with Nichols College for recruitment and hiring purposes. They have made appearances at several of Nichols’ previous career fairs including this years’. The company offers Nichols students high quality internships with guaranteed potential for a full-time position following.

The process for securing a spot as one of Target’s leaders is very detailed and involved – probably to ensure an applicant’s actual interest. Although the process is involved many Nichols applicants agreed that the progression was extremely beneficial. Once applications, resumes, cover letters and requests for interviews were submitted through Nichols’ online Road to Success database, Target notified applicants they were interested in interviewing. Applicants then met Target employees at the Nichols Career Fair through a Target meet and greet. Target also provided an info session for eligible applicants prior to interviews.

Several interview candidates, including Gabriella Sarkis, Kat Floridia and Noelle Palazzi, agreed that the information session was an extremely beneficial portion of this process. During this time, applicants were provided with interviewing tips and were further informed about the company. Applicants were also provided with one on one time when current Target employees provided further direction for the interviewing stage. This simple act of guidance provided several applicants with a feeling of being well prepared come interview day.

A theme of leadership shined not only through interaction between applicants and current employees, but also through the entire interview process. Applicants determined that the characteristic of leadership was top priority when selecting a candidate for an internship position. Candidates were interviewed through scenario-based questions in which they were assessed based on three major components: the situation, their behavior and the outcome. If candidates made it past their first interview they were offered a second interview at Target’s district office in Windsor, Connecticut. Two Nichols students, Gabriella Sarkis and Noelle Palazzi, prevailed to second round interviews making Nichols very proud.

Second interviews required both Sarkis and Palazzi to be even more prepared than they were for their first interviews. Both applicants further familiarized themselves with the company and organized two copies of their resumes, cover letters and recommendation lists prior. They also prepared their answers for possible interview questions and constructed outlines as personal guides – a skill that Nichols College has instilled into their student body. Once their interviews at the district office were complete they waited to learn their fate with the company.

Sarkis has been hired by Target. Both Noelle and Gabby , appreciate the knowledge they have gained from working so closely with Career Services and Target and their employees throughout this process.