I applied in-person. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Trader Joe's (Virginia Beach, VA) in May 2015
Interview
Applied in store and was asked a couple of questions up front like Why Trader Joes? And What do you do now? I was called for an interview the following day. I arrived on time and was made to wait since the Mate was not back from lunch that I was supposed to interview with. I needed up being interviewed by two other people. One was a Mate and the other a crew member. We sat in a back room where they asked me questions. They were very nice and laid back but didn't have any openings in a shift that would work with my family life.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a time you had to deal with a difficult customer?
Applied online and had one in person interview with the captain. It lasted maybe 10 minutes. Got a call a week or so later that I got the job. Very fast process.
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.