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.
I applied in-person. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Olympia, WA) in Mar 2015
Interview
I first called into my local store and asked if they were hiring. The person who picked up was the hiring manager and he told me that they are always accepting applications and that I could come and drop it off with them. So I went in and dropped my application off. It's very useful to be cheery and smile, and match their atmosphere; making a good first impression is everything. I called in later, about a week after to check up on my application and was told that they were still reviewing a lot of them but was told that it is good that i'm calling in and checking up; it shows interest.
A week or two after that I received a call to come in and do my first interview with a Mate (Assistant Manager) and it went very well, it was very casual and we both were just talking about why I want to work there and my previous work experience. Its important that you are somewhat familiar with the things they carry there. It ended very well and at the end she told me she would give it to the hiring manager to be reviewed. Later, about a few days I was called in for a second interview with the Captain (Store Manager) He asked basically the same questions and was just reviewing the notes that were taken of me. He mentioned that he looks more for what an individual will bring to the store rather than experience. It ended well and I was told by him that he really likes what he sees and that he just needs to interview a few more people and will contact me later.
I was contacted about two weeks later, I also checked in every week after that and was asked to join the team. I accepted and was told to come in the next day to complete some paperwork. I started out at 11$ an hour.
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.
I had 3 separate interviews. 1 was over the phone. 2 were in person. I never heard anything after the third interview. I called the store about a week later and they let me know they didn’t actually have any available positions. Really felt like they wasted my time.