I applied in-person. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Portland, OR) in Oct 2019
Interview
I was briefly screened when I dropped off my application, then called in for a sit-down interview several days later. The first interview with mates (managers) went very well and was fun and relaxed. I was quickly called back for a second (final) interview with the store captain and another mate a week later. This did not go well at all. Their scheduling was off and I waited for 35 min before they brought me in. It was two male interviewers and my interview was in the closet that they use for their sign designers (three desks crammed into a 7' x 7' room stuffed with signage, file cabinets, and other paraphernalia). In my previous work experience, I was sexually harassed and abused by male supervisors. Having to wait on the interviewers for that length of time, then finding myself in a closet with them was NOT comfortable at all. Maybe this works for most people, but if you have any workplace trauma around harassment, you might want to know this going in. I found this very unnerving and unprofessional, even for a quirky and offbeat employer like Trader Joe's.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a coworker's success. How would your previous employers describe you. Why do you want to work here? What motivates you. Describe a situation in which you did something that was unexpected of you. Describe your weaknesses. How do you apply your strengths in the workplace.
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.