Target is looking to hire up to 1,200 employees for its two Oahu stores that are slated to open in March 2009.

A four-day hiring event will be held from Dec. 18 to 21 at the Hawaii Convention Center for positions ranging from shift managers to cashiers and stock clerks.

Applicants who go to the event will participate in a combined application and personal interview process - and should be able to find out in about two hours whether or not they have a job offer.

New hires likely will start work in mid-January.

“;We've got the application process down to an art, and ideally we would like to fill all 1,200 positions in those four days,”; said Rob Parke, district team lead for Target. “;We plan to make on-the-spot job offers every day.”;

Parke said Target offers competitive wages, starting between $10 to $12 an hour for general positions, and starting at $15 for supervisory positions.

Target also offers full medical benefits for those who work 20 hours or more, in addition to 401(k)s, holidays and vacations, depending on time of service.

The company is looking primarily for people who have a great attitude, said Parke, and who are “;fast, fun and friendly.”;

A total of 30 managers already were hired over the last two years, and have been training on the mainland.

“;This is an exciting opportunity for those who want to join the Target team and help us open our first stores in the state,”; said Parke. “;We're anxious to get started and we're excited to get the rest of the team on board.”;

In May, Target will replicate the hiring event in Kona for up to 400 positions there.

The Kapolei and Salt Lake stores are expected to open in March, while the Kona store is expected to open in July of next year.