I applied in-person. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Clarendon, VA) in Aug 2014
Interview
I dropped off the application in Arlington location, va and had a short interview with a manager right away (not sure if he was a captain or mate). He asked me why I wanted to work there and if I was familiar with the products they sell, also asked about my favorite items which I have a lot because I buy groceries in trader joe all the time. After that I was told to come back the next day for the interview with a mate. The next day I had an interview at the back of the store in a storage room among boxes. The manager was friendly and relaxed. He asked me the same things few times and I gave him pretty much the same answers, not sure if it was some kind of a trick to catch me if I remember what I had said before or he was not paying attention to what I was saying. :) Among the things he asked there were my favorite items to buy in the store, how I deal with difficult customers, what I do to maintain a friendly and fun atmosphere with a crew, how I solve problems with co-workers, what I like for dinner, favorite food, favorite recipe to cook, dream job, how I see myself in 5 years, what decisions in my life I regret and some other. At the end he asked if I had any questions which I did not really have because I read about the company the night before so I asked when I could start. Probably that was my mistake because he said that it was something too direct to ask. ok! :) I asked what was the next thing in the process and was told he would give me a call next week. and next week he said they would not hire me. Ж:(
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.
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.