I applied in-person. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Torrance, CA) in Jan 2013
Interview
I went to my local Trader Joe's on a weekday during an off-peak time with my application in-hand. I had a quick pre-interview with a Mate on the spot, but the whole time he was asking me questions he didn't once look me in the eyes, which kind of seemed unprofessional to me. He actually seemed bored and uninterested in every answer I had to his questions. Then after about 10 awkward minutes of him speaking to my application, he walked away and said, "We'll get back to you." And yes, they got back to me...two months later they sent me a letter letting me know that they hadn't picked me for an interview. I'm kind of glad I didn't get hired, because if that how they run their hiring process I could only imagine how cold and unattached they treat their employees.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
None, he didn't even take the time to ask me a real question about my work ethic or prior experience.
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.