Glassdoor is your free inside look at Trader Joe's interview questions and advice. All 110 interview reviews posted anonymously by Trader Joe's employees and interview candidates.
No Offer – Interviewed in Carlsbad, CA May 2013 – Reviewed Jun 16, 2013 New
Interview Details – Dropped off application, mate reviewed application and then asked a few questions (mostly Trader Joe's knowledge). Mate was not friendly and gave card saying they would get back.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Charlottesville, VA – Reviewed Jun 12, 2013 New
Interview Details – Took 4 interviews. Very unorganized. Ask weird questions. They care about personality, not experience.
Interview Question – Favorite meal to prepare. It's weird because you don't have to cook to work in a grocery store... All I do is stuff chips on shelves, not prepare master chef meals. Answer Question
Negotiation Details – Fine, they were bad at communicating though, I almost thought I didn't have the job.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in New York, NY Oct 2011 – Reviewed Jun 10, 2013 New
Interview Details – I was called once and had an interview but at that time it seemed as if management was all over the place and forgot about my appointment to have the interview with me came back for a second interview and the second manager was an hour late to interview me upon being hired I wasn't given a schedule and had to call the store and spoke to the store manager who didn't even know who I was.
Interview Question – all questions were easy to answer it wasn't rocket science Answer Question
Negotiation Details – I received 10.50 but others who started with me were receiving 12.00 or 13.00 an hour
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Saratoga, CA Aug 2009 – Reviewed May 28, 2013
Interview Details – Very basic interview questions
Interview Question – Difficult questions came from case scenarios Answer Question
No Offer – Interviewed in Boston, MA May 2013 – Reviewed May 28, 2013
Interview Details – 4 interviews, 1 with a recruiter, 2 with Captains, 1 with Regional
Interview Question – The usual questions, nothing too difficult or out of the ordinary Answer Question
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Hartsdale, NY Sep 2011 – Reviewed May 24, 2013
Interview Details – The interviewer started by asking why I wanted to work for Trader Joe's. After I told him about being a longtime customer we started talking about the food. He emphasized that it was a fun atmosphere. He also told me there was a good deal of physical work involved and asked if I was okay with that. He said there may be another interview, but I was hired after one 1:1 session.
Interview Question – How do you have fun at work? Answer Question
No Offer – Reviewed May 20, 2013
Interview Details –
Dropped off resume and application, had a brief interview at that time. I ask if they were hiring and was told they never let a good applicant go. I called a week later to see where I was in application process and was told it could take 2 weeks for review. I was called the next week and went for second interview. It was pretty easy, what are fav TJ products?
What does customer service mean to you? Called a week later for third interview a week later. Tomorrow is my third interview!!
Interview Question – No unexpected questions after reading glassdor. Answer Question
No Offer – Interviewed in Chicago, IL Apr 2013 – Reviewed May 19, 2013
Interview Details – Applied on line and received a a phone call that lasted about 20 minutes. Was told I would have someone else call me, which that did happen within a couple days. That call lasted about 40 minutes. Both where phone interviews seeing what type of person I was and asked why I left my past job. After that, I was sent to a store manager interview which lasted over 2 hours. Again, nothing hard, just getting to know me. The next interview was set up by the next day. She sent me to another store manager. That manager asked me some stability questions dating back to 1993. Why didn't I pursue what I studied in college? Even though in the past 21 years i have had only 3 jobs, one of which went out of business. The next interview was to be with a regional person, but never got that call.
Interview Question – Why didn't I pursue what I studied in College? View Answer
Accepted Offer – Reviewed May 13, 2013
Interview Details – If you don't smile within the first few seconds chances are you won't get hired. Questions are based around food you like, products you are familiar with, etc. Personality is favored over skill.
Accepted Offer – Interviewed in Los Angeles, CA Apr 2013 – Reviewed May 16, 2013
Interview Details – I was a walk-in applicant and filled out my application on the spot. I was lucky enough to talk to the Captain directly when I applied, which helped him put a face to the name I believe. Be persistent... I had to make about 5 phone calls to the store to set up an interview, which took about a month to finally set up. Definitely call about once a week, I've been told by management that you can't annoy them and it shows them how motivated you are to get your foot in the door (also, they receive TONS of applications so keeping in contact helps make you stand out). I absolutely believe that experience is beneficial but the interview seems mainly based on your personality and motivation.
Interview Question – What motivates you? Answer Question
Negotiation Details – When they ask you in interview what you would like to make, be honest and up front about it. Tell them what you would be comfortable making. I wasn't expecting to have my previous rate be matched upon start but that's what they offered!
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