The Chicago Tribune reports that Target is testing a program that allows job applicants to inquire about holiday jobs via text message. The pilot is taking place for the holiday season at 170 Target stores nationwide.
Job candidates send a text message from their cell phones to the retailer, then Target responds with a link to the careers section of its website where candidates can apply online. The discount retailer has been posting signs throughout the test stores (like the one shown here) for the past 3-4 weeks to encourage inquiries.
"About one-third of the people who text us follow through and apply, so we do believe the program is resonating with our busy guests," said Eddie Baeb, a spokesman for the Minneapolis-based retailer. Target hired more than 92,000 seasonal workers nationwide last year, and plans to hire slightly more this year.