I applied in-person. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Sarasota, FL) in Aug 2017
Interview
I turned in my application in person and had an immediate screening with a Mate. One month later I was called for an interview. I interviewed with the Captain and it seemed to go very well. She informed me that a Mate would be calling within a few days to set-up a second interview. Within a week I received a call and went back a few days later for an interview with two male Mates. I felt like one liked me and the other was annoyed and bored, but I really felt like I would be offered a position......I know I'm a good fit for Trader Joe's, a hard worker and a people person. However, I don't have recent job experience having been a stay-at-home mom for many years. Four days after the interview I was surprised to receive a form letter email and not a phone call. It thanked me for applying but said I would "not be interviewed at this time". What?? I had just completed two interviews. I called the store and was told the email meant I wasn't hired. Very unprofessional of them to not only not call after two interviews, but to send an email that didn't even apply to my situation. I then called back and asked to speak to one of the three people who had interviewed me. I was put on hold for a long time then was told one of the three would call me back. I never received a call. This experience has broken my TJ heart. They just aren't who I thought they were. I'm sad to have not been hired but much more upset that they treat potential employees (who are probably customers) this way. So disrespectful. Management at this store should be ashamed of themselves. They can't even stand-up and make the difficult phone call.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why Trader Joe's? Favorite TJ product? What do you think it will be like working for TJ?
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.