What is the hiring process at Trader Joe's? (2024)

The hiring process at Trader Joe's is smooth and easy, involving just an application and one to two interviews. Trader Joe's recruiting process takes anything from one week to three weeks, including the background check and drug screening.

Trader Joe's Application Process:

Unlike most other companies, you don't submit an application online. Most applications need to be submitted in person. You go to one of their stores, ask for an application, and then fill it out.

Trader Joe's Interview Process:

Someone from Trader Joe's will take your application and ask you a few questions. If the hiring manager is available, then anticipate being interviewed on the spot. Most people go through two interviews before getting hired at Trader Joe's.

If you get invited to a second interview, that means you're very likely to be hired. If you're accepted, and they decide to hire you, it can take about a week for you to start working at Trader Joe's.

The reason for the delay and second interview is that the store usually performs a quick background check. Trader Joe's evaluation process is certainly more rigorous than others. You will make more money; therefore, they will demand a little more from you. Since they have a low turnover rate, there are limited vacancies.

Candidates must submit application papers at their preferred location store and then await an interview appointment. There are two in-person interviews. Prospects must first sit with a supervisor, or "Mate," and subsequently a "Captain," or store manager.

The initial interview is an informal conversation to learn about the candidates. The second interview expands on the first interview with additional in-depth inquiries.

Common Trader Joe's interview questions:

  • Why do you want to work for Trader Joe's?

  • What is your favorite Trader Joe's product?

  • Please tell us more about your previous job. Why did you leave it?

  • What is your favorite Trader Joe's product?

  • Tell us about the last time when you went above and beyond for someone.

  • Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer.

  • Tell us about a time when you were a leader in the workplace.

What is the hiring process at Trader Joe's? (2024)

FAQs

How long is the hiring process at Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's Interview Process:

Most people go through two interviews before getting hired at Trader Joe's. If you get invited to a second interview, that means you're very likely to be hired. If you're accepted, and they decide to hire you, it can take about a week for you to start working at Trader Joe's.

How long does it take to hear back from Trader Joe's after interview? ›

After interviewing at Trader Joe's, 38% of 1,319 respondents said it was about a day or two before they received a job offer. The second most popular response was about a week.

How do I know if I got the job at Trader Joe's? ›

You will receive word when you are no longer in consideration for a role you applied to – either by email or directly from the interviewer. You can check the status of your application by logging into your My Profile page. I recently applied or interviewed for a job at Trader Joe's and was not selected.

How long does the hiring process take from start to finish? ›

On average, the hiring process lasts three to six weeks. Factors determining the hiring process length include the position level, the number of applicants, and the hiring manager's experience level. Recruiters and hiring managers consider the candidate's experiences and how those relate to the position when decidin.

How long is Trader Joe's training? ›

Train with regular crew members. Basically they train you for 10 days.

Does Trader Joe's negotiate salary? ›

Negotiate Salary

If you think you and your skill set should be valued higher than your offer, negotiate your salary! 20% of men and 100% of women at Trader Joe's said they negotiated their salaries. On average, Trader Joe's employees earn $128,919. Trader Joe's ranks in the Bottom 45% for compensation in Los Angeles.

Does Trader Joe's do three interviews? ›

Went through 3 rounds of interviews before getting offer. First and second interview was with captains and final interview with the manager of the store. Very generic questions, mostly looking to get to know your personality and attitude. Favorite trader joe's product?

How long is a typical shift at Trader Joe's? ›

(a) The first shift (day shift) shall consist of eight (8) consecutive hours worked between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Employees on the “day shift” shall receive eight (8) hours pay at the regular hourly rate for eight (8) hours work.

Does Trader Joe's call past employers? ›

Yes. They will make sure you're trustworthy and dependable.

What is the Trader Joe's uniform? ›

You'll be provided a shirt, Just wear some decent jeans or cargo shorts and you'll be fine.

Do you get paid every week at Trader Joe's? ›

Bi-weekly means twice a week, so, no, they don't pay you twice a week. They pay employees every other week. Trader Joe's is a weekly based paycheck.

What day of the week do Trader Joe's employees get paid? ›

Bi-weekly payment, every other Thursday.

How long is Trader Joe's onboarding? ›

The onboarding consists of watching a two-hour video about the corporate culture, the Trader Joe's mission, how to stay safe, and so on. Then they pair you with someone on the floor and that person trains you.

What is the final stage of hiring process? ›

Onboarding is the final stage of your hiring process. It also marks the final stage of the candidate experience as your new hires transition to their new role.

How long until I hear if I got the job? ›

As a rule of thumb, you're advised to wait 10 to 14 days before following up. It's not uncommon to wait for a few weeks before hearing back from your interviewer.

What happens after the hiring process? ›

After a round of interviews, hiring managers will spend an ample amount of time reviewing applicants and their qualifications before taking next steps. So you may have to wait a few days or weeks to hear whether you're going to receive a job offer or if the company is moving forward with another candidate.

How long is lunch break at Trader Joe's? ›

You get a 10 minute break, lunch, then your last 10 minutes break. Each day you also take 10ish minutes to have a staff meeting to go over the product, how well we are doing that day, or just to discuss how well our staff is doing.

Does Trader Joe's pay extra on Sundays? ›

The same month, Trader Joe's announced company-wide increases to compensation and benefits, including an increase to discounts for employees from 10 to 20%, a $10 an hour premium pay for Sundays, an increase to paid time off and market rate pay adjustments over complaints about pay disparities between longer term ...

Does Trader Joes do paid training? ›

Is there paid training ? Yes. You get to sit in the back on a laptop and they will give you training on expectations and on the employee handbook...

What is top pay at Trader Joe's? ›

Hourly pay at Trader Joe's Company ranges from an average of $13.77 to $25.74 an hour.

Should you accept first salary offer? ›

Don't accept the first offer — they expect you to negotiate and salary is always negotiable.” “That's just not true,” says Weiss. Sure, much of the time there is an opportunity to negotiate, but some hiring managers genuinely give you the only number they can offer. The best way to find out, says Weiss, is to inquire.

How much is a raise at Trader Joe's? ›

On average, Crew have the potential to receive a 7% annual increase. We currently offer the option of a 401(k) retirement plan. The company and crew members may contribute to the plan. Trader Joe's is dedicated to making an investment in and for you.

Does a third interview mean I got the job? ›

A: This is indeed good news. Usually the third interview is for the department head to "rubber stamp" the hiring manager's decision, but you can't assume anything. Each organization and each hiring manager does things differently, so you have to prepare for this interview just like you'd prepare for the very first one.

How do I pass my third interview? ›

Tips to prepare for a third interview
  1. Review notes or recall information from your previous interviews.
  2. Prepare responses to behavioral questions.
  3. Research your interviewers.
  4. Prepare some questions to ask your interviewers.
Mar 10, 2023

What does 3 bells mean at Trader Joe's? ›

One ring lets the team know to open another register, two rings mean there are questions that need to be answered in the checkout line, and three rings signify a manager-type person is needed at the register, according to Trader Joe's FAQs page.

Is it worth working at Trader Joe's? ›

Fun and Flexible

Great flexibility and fun environment . The pay is highly competitive with raises twice a year. Compare to other retail stores, this is the best store that I have ever worked at.

Is Trader Joes flexible with schedules? ›

at Trader Joe's. Women give Trader Joe's a 3.5-star score for Flexible Work Hours. When we ask employees to rate a company's Flexible Work Hours, we ask them to consider their ability to set their own schedule as long as they get their work done.

How often do you get a raise at Trader Joe's? ›

Flexible hours, pay raise every 6 months, and great employees and staff that really looks after you. Work environment is taxing on your body.

Does Trader Joe's train their employees to flirt? ›

“Absolutely no one told me to flirt with customers. To be honest, I did that on my own,” says Josh, who worked at a Bay Area Trader Joe's from 2014 to 2015. And current Trader Joe's employee Jonny* says, “I've worked at 10 stores in two different states, and this is the first I've heard about flirting.”

Do Trader Joe's employees get raises? ›

TJ's employees are also eligible for a 7-10 percent raise every year and for a 401k plan if they work for more than 30 hours a week for three months. And those are just two of the secrets Trader Joe's employees wish they could tell you. But the positive atmosphere of working there extends beyond the monetary.

What are employees called at Trader Joe's? ›

As a member of the Crew, you do a little of everything—and handle a lot. So does everyone along with you. From running the register, to stocking shelves, to creating a beautiful display; all while making sure that every customer has a fun, friendly and informative shopping experience.

What is best answer when asked why you want the job? ›

Talk about specific examples of how you can help this company achieve their goals and highlight any relevant transferrable skills that will make you stand out as the right candidate. Write down any recent achievements you can talk about or any challenges you've faced recently that might be related to this new job.

What's the best answer to why do you want to work here? ›

I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting/forward-thinking/fast-moving company/industry, and I feel I can do so by/with my …” “I feel my skills are particularly well-suited to this position because …” “I believe I have the type of knowledge to succeed in this role and at the company because …”

What should I answer to why do you want this job? ›

Express your personal passion for the employer's product/service/mission. Explain why you would enjoy the responsibilities of the role. Describe how you can see yourself succeeding in the role, given your skills and experience.

Can you wear leggings to work at Trader Joe's? ›

You can wear any pants or shorts of your choosing as long as they do not have rips or holes. Additionally, you can wear any shoes of your choice as long as they are not open-toed.

What are Trader Joes shifts? ›

At my store we mostly have 5-1, 6-2, 9-5, 11-7 (fewer), and 2-10 as the main shifts. We get a night truck around 6 and a morning truck at 4. I heard at other stores, though, they have 5p-1ams and other types of common shifts.

Do you have to wear your hair up at Trader Joe's? ›

Trader Joe's dress code, however, is not your ordinary grocery store dress code, as employees are encouraged to express their individuality. As of 2022, there are no rules regarding hairstyle, color, tattoos, and piercings.

Does Trader Joe's pay overtime? ›

When asked about overtime rates, 68% said that there was no overtime pay. Learn more about benefits at Trader Joe's.

What is the employee discount at Trader Joe's? ›

Employer Summary

Trader Joe's Crew Members receive a 20% discount on food & merchandise.

Are Trader Joe's employees happy? ›

One of the most noticeable things about Trader Joe's is its happy employees. It's easy to tell that Trader Joe's employees love their jobs, and a large reason for that is because the company invests in employee experience.

How long is Trader Joe's hiring process? ›

Trader Joe's recruiting process takes anything from one week to three weeks, including the background check and drug screening. Trader Joe's Application Process: Unlike most other companies, you don't submit an application online. Most applications need to be submitted in person.

What is the earliest shift at Trader Joe's? ›

Shifts start as early as 4AM or if you are participating in a remerchandising of the store you will have to do it on an overnight shift. If you want to advance within the company this is a requirement. Also though you may be scheduled only until 12am you are expected to stay if the work isn't complete.

What is the average age of Trader Joes employees? ›

What is the average age of employees at Trader Joe's? The most common age range of Trader Joe's employees is 20-30 years.

Do you get paid for training at Trader Joe's? ›

Is there paid training ? Yes. You get to sit in the back on a laptop and they will give you training on expectations and on the employee handbook... What training does Trader Joe's offer employees?

How long is expected onboarding? ›

The most commonly accepted answer among the HR community is three to six months. 15% of companies continue onboarding after six months. But nearly 90% of employees decide whether to stay or go within that first six months.

Does Trader Joes have flexible scheduling? ›

at Trader Joe's. Women give Trader Joe's a 3.5-star score for Flexible Work Hours. When we ask employees to rate a company's Flexible Work Hours, we ask them to consider their ability to set their own schedule as long as they get their work done.

Does Trader Joe's pay 10 extra on Sundays? ›

The same month, Trader Joe's announced company-wide increases to compensation and benefits, including an increase to discounts for employees from 10 to 20%, a $10 an hour premium pay for Sundays, an increase to paid time off and market rate pay adjustments over complaints about pay disparities between longer term ...

How much PTO do you get at Trader Joe's? ›

Paid Time Off

We offer paid time-off that increases with tenure. From hire, Trader Joe's contributes 3.6% to 7.5% to each Crew member's paid time-off account—or around 5 to 10 days a year. There's no cap on accruals and the money is yours from the moment you earn it.

Does Trader Joe's have a uniform? ›

What kind of shoes do you have to wear on your shift? What should I wear on my first day? You'll be provided a shirt, Just wear some decent jeans or cargo shorts and you'll be fine.

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