I applied in-person. The process took 6 days. I interviewed at Trader Joe's in Feb 2012
Interview
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.
It's two to three interviews, the final with the Captain (or highest manager) of the store. The interviews are largely to get to know your personality and how well you would do at customer service.
The interview process was absolutely wonderful! I didn't feel stressed or nervous and it felt like I was just chatting with a friend! Trader Joes is a great company and the interview was great.
Very chill, asked things a lot of job interviews don't, more personal down to earth questions. Made me feel very comfortable. Professional but also cool vibes from everyone who interviewed me. Went to one interview with mates and another with the captain.