I applied in-person. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Brooklyn, NY) in Oct 2014
Interview
I applied in person at one location.They will ask you 3 questions tops on the spot usually just why you want to work for trader joes, and what your favorite products are. The first time I went to the hiring manager and thought I made a great impression she told me she would definitely call me to set up an interview and never did. I didn't get discouraged since they always seem busy and I never called to check on my application. I applied again however this time I put extra effort into the application and even wrote a cover letter addressed to the hiring managers. I brought it to a different mate this time and called a week later to check on my application. A week and a half later received a phone call for an interview.
The first interview went great I definitely nailed it thanks to glassdoor I was fully prepared for every question asked and had no surprises. Just make sure you can talk about previous situations at jobs you have had as well as your strengths and weaknesses. Smile a lot and dress nicely. I was told by the Mate that she wanted me to "Meet" the captain next and was called about 1 week later for the second interview.
The second interview I thought went well there were some tougher questions but I never stalled and I thought I made a great impression. Apparently not, however because I was called the next day by a completely different mate telling me they had decided to go with someone else. I understand they don't give feedback but I felt a little disrespected that neither one of the people who interviewed me called me to give me the news, they passed the dirty work onto a different person. I was extremely disappointed because I felt like the perfect fit for the store and had done so much research and preparation for the job but I guess it wasn't meant to be. Looking back I guess I didn't make an impression enough on the captain for him to hire me, because the mate who interviewed me loved me and i'm sure I wouldn't of made it to the second interview if she didn't feel I was a good fit.
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.
I applied in-person. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (West Hollywood, CA)
Interview
Casual, took place outside of the store. First I had a phone call interview. Then another which was in-person with 2 of the mates in the store, and finally a third in-person with the captain of the store.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What was something I did for a friend that was above and beyond?
Different questions than I have experienced in past job interviews, but seem to be their traditional hiring questions. They want to make sure they are hiring sociable people more so than just someone that can do the job.
Trader Joe's Crew Member Interview Questions | Glassdoor