I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Costa Mesa, CA) in Nov 2008
Interview
You have to go into the store to fill out an application. Every store does their own hiring so go to the store which you would like to work. If they don't call you, be persistent but not annoying. Go back and talk to the Captain to see what the status is. One day they may not be hiring, but the next day they may need to hire two more people. You never know. The more consistent you are the more they see that you really want to work there.
Be Friendly! Trader Joe's likes genuinely friendly people and don't pretend to know the store and the products if you really don't. The one-on-one interview is the biggest part of the hiring process and your personality is key. Some stores may require more than one interview.
If you're hired there, be prepared to work smart and work hard, otherwise you will find yourself with less hours than you would like.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If a customer did or says this (example of situation), how would you handle the situation?
Applied online and had one in person interview with the captain. It lasted maybe 10 minutes. Got a call a week or so later that I got the job. Very fast process.
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.