Trader Joe's Interview Questions & Reviews
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Updated Feb 8, 2012 – Interview questions and reviews posted anonymously by interview candidates.
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Difficulty Rating [?] Based on 38 ratings 
“Easy” Interview
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Interview Experience [?] Based on 38 ratings
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| 1–10 of 38 Trader Joe's Interviews | Sort by |
Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Feb 8, 2012
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4.0
Difficult Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Feb 2012 (took 6 days)
It was 2 interviews. The first was with 2 managers and the second was with the GM and another manager. Those are not the titles they used and none of them ever introduced themselves as managers. They all just used their first names.
I was very impressed with everyone I interviewed with. All of them had worked for TJs for many years a few for more than 2 decades. Also I was impressed with how young everyone seemed even though upon reflection working for the company for multiple decades means the interviewers were not in their 20s.
The interviewers took themselves and the company very seriously and that was awesome. It is such a "cool" place I was impressed with how passionate the interviewers were about groceries. Both interviews were relaxed as well as being very professional.
They asked me how I'd handle an irate customer. They asked me to give examples about times I'd done that in the past. They asked if I liked to work in groups. They asked how a former boss would describe how I worked. They asked if I minded working in the freezer. They asked what hours I functioned better in - morning or evening person. They were all quick to give an example as to how they answered the question when they interviewed or how they felt about a question if I hesitated in my answer. It was two fun and interesting interviews.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
I didn't negotiate. There was a lot of competition for this job so when it was offered I just took it.
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Jan 26, 2012 — 2 of 2 people found this helpful
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in New York, NY (took 2 days)
I saw that they were hiring for the crew member position on the TJ website. I printed it out, filled it in, and went to the store to hand it in. I made sure to be very polite and friendly and all smiles when I handed in my application and resume.The person who took my application was very nice; asked me what my favorite TJ product was, my availability, and if I shopped there often. That person told me that they had received A LOT of applications and that they were currently reviewing them and to wait about a week for a call if they want to interview me.
The very next day I got a call asking me to come in for an interview 3 days later. I was ecstatic! I had applied once before a few months ago, but never got called (this was the second time I had applied). I wore a button down shirt and dress pants and shoes to the first interview but realized that wasn't entirely necessary because the interview was very casual; it was in some kind of backroom/employee area. The captain interviewing me was very friendly and nice and smiled a lot. It was pretty short- about 10-15 minutes. Super easy questions. I was told that they were going to do interviews for the rest of the day and that I would get a call back that night if they wanted to do another round of interviews with me.
A few hours later I got a call to come back the following day for a second interview with a different captain. The second interview was a lot of the same questions as the first. Again, I wore a button down shirt and dress pants. I was told more details about the position and the captain who interviewed me was super friendly. All in all, a good experience- took about 20 minutes. I was told that I would get a call back within a few days if I would be offered the job.
I got a call back the same day offering me the job and I accepted :)
APPLICATION TIPS:
-write neatly
-open availability- especially on weekends- is super important
-Write something funny/witty/unique in the area where it says "describe any unique abilities, experience, aptitude that you believe would be helpful in your job" (Try to be as concise as possible while still giving them a fresh, out-of-the-ordinary view on what you are all about) Don't just put "i have x amount of experience in retail and I love people/ That's BORING!
HANDING IN YOUR APPLICATION:
-Be polite, smile, say hello, and look bright eyed and bushy-tailed! (Keep in mind- The person taking your application is happy to see you and likes that you are interested in working at TJ's)
-Be prepared to be screened when handing in your application (The person who takes your application might look over it right then and there and ask you simple questions, i.e favorite product, availability, are you a frequent customer, where you go to school, etc.)
-Be nice and smiley in general while in the store handing in your application (other managers and crew members (quite possibly your future co-workers!) might be looking at aka judging you.
INTERVIEW TIPS:
-Study, study, study! Go on the TJ website, go on Glassdoor (wait- you're here already reading this- good job!) go on the Wikipedia entry for TJ and learn the company history. I actually wrote down my favorite things about TJ (environmentally friendly, care about their customers and their employees, debt free, progressive, ethical, food donation program) and I learned more things about their product line (gluten free, dairy free, no preservatives, organic, low sodium, vegetarian, something for every diet and tastebud) and studied them before going on the interview.
-Look nice and clean- TJ employees have a chill look to them but don't go looking like you're stoned to the interview.
-Smile! Laugh! Engage the person interviewing you. Don't just answer their questions/ have fun with it and let your personality shine. (Nothing crazy though- no jokes that might be offensive, don't badmouth customers or previous bosses/jobs)
-Ask the person interviewing you questions! Ask about the food donation program, ask about store activities, ask how that store connects with their community, ask anything about the store and/or position you are applying for. Do not ask about your salary (not at this point in the process at least)
Phew! I think that's it. All in all, it was a pleasant experience. Good luck, y'all!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
I didn't negotiate because I don't think it would have been appropriate.
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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No
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Feb 1, 2012
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2012 in Brooklyn, NY (took 1 week)
I went in to Trader Joe's to apply for the position. About 2 weeks later after I thought I wasnt gong to be called I was called in for an interview. The interview was quite short which made me worry that I didnt provide a full description of my experience and prove to them i was qualified. The interview was conversational which is always good it wasnt nerve racking or hair pulling. A little longer than a week later I was offered the position
Negotiation Details
There was nothing to negotiate the interview was straight forward and everything that was offered was perfectly fine for me. trader Joes seems like a company who values a family like environment and I look forward to working here. In considering an offer i would only negotiate when I feel I am being ask to do more than what is required for me and what i am getting paid for. Thankfully that wasnt the problem at trader joes!!
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview and a Background Check.
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Novitiate at Trader Joe's
Posted Jan 17, 2012
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2010 in New York, NY (took a day)
Individual interview that led to a group interview
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
no negotiation took place. Accept the crew member position. They hire from within
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
Helpful Interview?
Yes |
No
Inappropriate?
Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Jan 8, 2012 — 2 of 2 people found this helpful
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Jan 2010 (took a day)
Filled out an application in store. Call back and interview with First Mate. They want to see enthusiasm, open availability is HUGE in selecting a new hire. Product knowledge a must, ie. gluten free products (know some of them, you'll find a list on their website). Make sure you know the company history - Pronto Markets, debt free, pay cash to vendors, owned by a German family. You HAVE to set your self out from the other 100 plus applicants. Tell them you work hard and your goal is to join their management training program. Don't focus on "I'm a people person or my mom shops here" Focus on hard working and want to join a debt free, fantastic and expanding company. Let them know that this is a LONG term employment opportunity not just something to use as a stepping stool. GOOD LUCK!
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Not much room for negotiating salary unless you have some retail experience. It's whatever the store can afford. Reviews come quickly and as long as you ASK and take on more responsibility, you'll do well.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Skills Test.
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Jan 13, 2012
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2011 in Spokane, WA (took 5 days)
This particular experience consisted of a 1-on-1 on-site screen with a current Trader Joe's Administrative employee followed. A 5-minute 2nd interview occurred 5 days later with the Store Captain who made final selections.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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No
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Dec 25, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Dec 2011 (took 3 weeks)
I applied twice, and only got accepted to come in for an interview after the second. After the first interview, there was no response for a while, so I called in and they offered me another interview with the Captain and one of his employees. Again, not much response after, and I thought I didn't get it. I called up there, and told them I was still waiting to hear. Not long after they offered me the job!
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Nov 16, 2011
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2.0
Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Oct 2011 in Los Angeles, CA (took a day)
It was short and weird at the same time. Questions where out of the box.
Interview Questions
Other Details
The interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Oct 23, 2011
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1.0
Very Easy Interview
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Overall Positive Experience
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Received and Accepted Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2011 (took a day)
I located the opportunity on the Trader Joe's website, downloaded the forms, filled them out, printed and hand-delivered to the store offering the job. Application materials were standard demographics, work experience and relevant skills given the job description. The application was received with sincere enthusiasm in the store and I was introduced to several employees in the vicinity. Got the call three days later for a face to face interview.
The relaxed and conversational interview was conducted by two supervisors. They took the interview seriously without being stuffy and, given the high degree of customer contact of this position, it was apparent they were most interested in my personality and ability to help and chat with strangers. They gave a follow-up date of after the weekend, but called the next day with an offer. I accepted over the phone and began work the next week.
Interview Questions
Negotiation Details
Firm offer; no negotiation.
Other Details
The interview consisted of a Group/Panel Interview.
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Crew Member at Trader Joe's
Posted Sep 14, 2011
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3.0
Average Interview
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Overall Negative Experience
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Interviewed and No Offer
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Interviewed Aug 2011 in Nashville, TN (took 2 weeks)
I filled out an application after having a cordial conversation with an assistant manager at the Trader Joe's in Nashville TN. About a week later I had an interview with another assistant manager, and it went well. Normal questions were asked to get a sense of what you are like what you did.
The second interview came about week after that, and it was horrible. The main manager was really suspicious of me for some reason. Maybe he thought I was a corporate spy or something. He kept on interpreting my questions as inappropriate attempts to find out financial secrets, which is totally not true and no sane interviewer would interpret them that way. I suspect that he thought I was overqualified (I have a B.A. and good grades from a respectable university) or I am a corporate spy (which I am definitely not). I've worked years in retail and grocery stores, so it really didn't make sense.
I got a phone call about a week later saying they chose someone else, and they flat out refused to give me any feedback. A really negative experience, and now I really don't feel like ever shopping there again. The head manager seems light years away from the brand image they want to project.
Interview Questions
Other Details
I applied In-Person and the interview consisted of a 1:1 Interview.
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Helpful Interview?
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