I applied in-person. I interviewed at Trader Joe's in Jul 2012
Interview
Fill out application at store, or print out form online and take into store. Expect a Mate, or the Captain, to briefly talk to you. After reviewing your application, and they want to interview you, they will call to set up a time to come into the store for an interview with the Captain and a mate.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was a problem you had in your last job and how did you solve it?
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.