A job at Target can be aspiring if your experience and skills resonate with the job criteria. However, you might be thinking about Target’s drug testing policy before joining the organisation. Does Target drug test at the warehouse or orientation?
Target imposed a break on drug testing during the pandemic era. Reportedly, the company has resumed its drug testing policy lately. Do you have to undergo Target’s drug testing screening as a new joiner or an existing employee?
Target does conduct drug testing on employees, but there’s a catch. The company doesn’t force all employees to appear in a drug screening. However, the company is strict at keeping the workspace free from drugs and their negative impacts.
Let’s see what you can expect at Target’s drug screening and hiring procedures.
Does Target Drug Test?
Yes, just like other leading corporations, Target maintains a drug-free policy. Under Target’s drug screening policy, employees might have to undergo random drug tests, even during hiring. Why is Target so strict about drug testing?
The main reason behind this is to enhance the safety of both employees and customers. Target just wants to confirm that whoever works for them should be safe during working hours. After all, many employees are associated with driving and operating machinery.
Does Target insist all employees appear in drug tests? The answer is NO. Target doesn’t force all new employees to go through a drug screening. Especially, new employees don’t have to appear in a drug test.
However, Target has made drug screening mandatory for employees in managerial positions or applying for those designations. Hence, Target conducts drug tests on employees handling and operating machines.
In addition, existing employees have to take a drug test if they are blamed for an accident. Moreover, an employee must take a test if someone suspects them to be working while drunk or under the influence of alcohol.
However, cart operators and cashiers don’t usually have to take drug tests unless they are suspects of drinking or taking drugs during working hours.
Times When Target Employees Take Drug Tests
When does Target drug test you? Target can drug test its employees after offering them a conditional job. In addition, Target collaborates with a third-party staffing agency called Accurate to manage the testing procedure. How often does Target drug test its employees?
One thing is for sure: Target doesn’t conduct drug tests randomly. Reportedly, Target might proceed with a drug test in the following situations:
- Once an employee has been in an accident and is culpable.
- If Target suspects an employee has started raking drugs after returning from rehabilitation.
- When a Target employee appears to be under the influence of drugs while working.
Generally, Target doesn’t approve pre-employment drug tests. However, exceptions can be made for a potential candidate under the following circumstances:
- When a drug test is a requirement for job positions, such as a manager, a truck driver, or a machine operator.
- If the candidate seems to be influenced by drugs.
Besides this, Target can drug test an employee before they promote them. However, they can only test you if you are promoted to work with pharmaceuticals or in a managerial position.
Type of Drug Test Target Conducts
What type of drug test does Target do? In general, Target opt for Urine drug testing for pre-employment drug screening. Apart from this, Target might conduct a hair follicle or mouth swab drug test if required.
However, Urinalysis is one of the most used methods for drug testing. This is because drugs and their metabolites can last in urine for longer. So, Target mainly conducts a urine test to detect drug as the method effectively extend the detection window.
Which drugs do Target test for? According to sources, Target looks for the substances mentioned below during drug screening:
- Cocaine
- THC
- Natural Opiates
- PCP
- Amphetamines
Hiring Process at Target
As a potential candidate, you might feel nervous before appearing in Target’s hiring process. However, Target runs a simple hiring process through an online application. So, you can apply for a suitable job via Target’s online portal. Here’s what you can expect in the preliminary stage of Target’s hiring process:
- An online application
- Assessment test
- Phone interview
After that, Target might invite you to an in-person or group interview if you are selected. The drug test will be at the end of the overall hiring process. However, that might only be necessary for some new joiners. If your job description needs one, the in-charge Target manager will tell you where to go for the drug screening.
Once you pass the test, Target will schedule an orientation for you, and you can be an employee of the company.
Tips and Tricks to Pass the Drug Test
Are you afraid of the drug test at Target? Taking prescription medications can impact your drug test. Hence, you must bring those medications with you to the drug screening. Thus, the testing authority will consider them while reading the results.
However, you must detoxify your body before appearing in Target’s drug test policy. The following tips might help you regardless of what type of drug test you’re taking:
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
- Also, buy a detox drink.
- Refrain from doing drugs in the weeks before the screening.
- Get sufficient sleep.
- Moreover, eat healthy foods.
Do All States Allow Drug Testing?
Almost every state allows employers to drug test their employees along with some particular terms and modifications. Some states in the USA have explicit instructions on how the drug test should be for applicants and employees.
However, some states, like Texas, don’t impose these restrictions. For example, the use of medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal in 18 states. That’s why Target’s drug test policy can vary from one state to another regarding its adaptation to marijuana testing procedures.
What Happens if You Fail the Drug Test?
Well, you will lose your employment. However, you can re-apply for the position after 6 months, and you have to come out clean. If Target suspects that you are under the influence of drugs, then the company won’t hire you.
According to Target’s drug test policy, the company won’t employ those who fail a pre-employment drug test or refuse to take one. On the other hand, Target keeps your drug test results confidential. Nobody will share the results without your permission.
Wrapping Up…
Why does Target drug test? Target wants to ensure a drug-free workspace. Therefore, the company conducts drug tests and reduces the danger and risks of an employee under the influence of illegal substances. In addition, a drug-free workspace enhances productivity.
So, you should refrain from using illicit substances if you are going to appear in the hiring process at Target. Moreover, Target may run drug screening under some circumstances. Hence, you must stay away from drugs to preserve your employment.
