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 5 weeks. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Valencia, CA) in Sept 2015
Interview
The first time I applied I got a letter in the mail signed by the Captain that was a rejection letter (I think due to the fact I could not work weekends at that time). The time I was hired, I came by the store in interview attire with a completed application (found on the website), résumé and cover letter and applied at the bridge (the desk on the side of the store with the people with Hawaiian shirts). A mate asked me a couple questions (the standard first question is "What's your favorite product in the store?" and they also asked me "Tell me about yourself" and "Why do you want to work here?") and gave me a card and told me to follow up in three weeks. Another Mate called me to schedule an interview. After two interviews (each with two mates) and an interview with a Captain (and a mate) they called me with an offer (the job description said $11-$13 and I was hired at $13/hr). The process took about a month including the initial screening (when I came in the store), two interviews, and interview with the Captain.
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.
