My Interview at Trader Joe's: An Update

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience interviewing for a demo position at Trader Joe's, including reflections on the interview process, the work environment, and personal anecdotes related to shopping at the store.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared details about their interview at Trader Joe's, mentioning the casual dress code and the importance of the demo position.
  • Another participant expressed enthusiasm for the job opportunity and complimented the original poster's qualifications.
  • Several users noted the fun aspects of working at Trader Joe's and discussed the store's offerings, including discounts on products.
  • One participant mentioned their favorite items from Trader Joe's, highlighting the variety available.
  • Another participant shared their experience with the crowded nature of their local Trader Joe's and suggested checking for less busy times.
  • One participant expressed disappointment after the original poster announced they were not hired, despite the positive feedback received during the interview.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the hiring outcome, as the original poster did not receive the job, while many participants expressed support and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences related to job interviews and shopping at Trader Joe's, with participants sharing their thoughts on the store's culture and products.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in job opportunities at Trader Joe's or those looking to share experiences related to the store's products and shopping environment may find this thread engaging.

chefann
chefann
Gold Member
Messages
22,050
I was asked to update everyone after my interview today.

The backstory: I was at Trader Joe's (TJ's) about 2 months ago to deliver some product to a customer. Never one to pass up an opportunity to do a little shopping, I went in. There was a sign on the door that they needed someone for the demo area (mmm... food samples...). I filled out an application and spoke to a very nice woman about some jobs I've had, etc. I did mention PC to her, and indicated that I was specifically interested in the demo position.

Then I didn't hear anything. I figured they had filled the position, because that woman mentioned that she thought it was filled already. And then I got a call this week, with an interview time.

It was this morning, and I think it went really well. They're interviewing others, but will call within 2 weeks. The manager (or captain as they're known at TJ's) was really nice and asked a LOT of questions about PC in relation to the job.

On the way home I realized that I totally forgot to ask about wages. :grumpy: D'oh! The cool thing is that I won't have to invest in a lot of clothes, other than a couple of pairs of jeans, since they're super casual there (Hawaiian shirts or T's, shorts or jeans).
 
Great job Ann! I hope you get the job- you are MORE than qualified!
 
That sounds like such a FUN job!

Hope you get it, Ann! And since you said you won't need to invest in many clothes, does that mean you already have a closet full of Hawaiian shirts...or do they provide them?:D http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/acid42/hawaiian.jpg
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
They provide them - they have the store logo on them.But the Captain did mention that they think the Demo position is one of the most important in the store, because that's the one employee who almost every customer has contact with. This particular TJ's has about 2000 customers a day. And as he mentioned, "You'd be throwing a party for 1000 of them."
 
Read the bottom left to find out about Ann's potential job:http://www.traderjoes.com/meet_our_crew.html
 
Funny thing...I just thought about the TJ job the other day. Thought I may have missed if you got it or not Chefann. Well I hope you get the call soon and they can't live without you! What a fun job, hopefully the pay is ok too. You may end up using all you earnings at the store....haha
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
That thought had occurred to me. :) But I'll get a 10% discount! mmm... 10% off dark chocolate covered almonds with sea salt.
 
chefann said:
I was asked to update everyone after my interview today.

The backstory: I was at Trader Joe's (TJ's) about 2 months ago to deliver some product to a customer. Never one to pass up an opportunity to do a little shopping, I went in. There was a sign on the door that they needed someone for the demo area (mmm... food samples...). I filled out an application and spoke to a very nice woman about some jobs I've had, etc. I did mention PC to her, and indicated that I was specifically interested in the demo position.

Then I didn't hear anything. I figured they had filled the position, because that woman mentioned that she thought it was filled already. And then I got a call this week, with an interview time.

It was this morning, and I think it went really well. They're interviewing others, but will call within 2 weeks. The manager (or captain as they're known at TJ's) was really nice and asked a LOT of questions about PC in relation to the job.

On the way home I realized that I totally forgot to ask about wages. :grumpy: D'oh! The cool thing is that I won't have to invest in a lot of clothes, other than a couple of pairs of jeans, since they're super casual there (Hawaiian shirts or T's, shorts or jeans).
Click to expand...

They have to hire you! You are like a female Alton Brown (but way better looking :)) so they'd be silly not to hire you!

I hope you get the job and I hope they don't take another 2 months to get back to you this time.

I can't wait to hear the good news! Make sure you tell us all real soon! :)
 
chefann said:
That thought had occurred to me. :) But I'll get a 10% discount! mmm... 10% off dark chocolate covered almonds with sea salt.
Click to expand...
I must have grabbed a container and put it back about 5 times when I was there the other day. I was looking for some more festive Lara Bar flavors- sadly my local grocery store had more to offer than Trader Joe's and I was sad.

I am just not a huge dark chocolate fan (don't mind it in baking) so I was afraid to try them. My they have so many yummy looking things in there.

Our Trader Joe's is so crowded that it's nearly impossible to shop in there. I should call them and ask them when their REALLY slow times are!
 
chefann said:
That thought had occurred to me. :) But I'll get a 10% discount! mmm... 10% off dark chocolate covered almonds with sea salt.
Click to expand...


I want to work at TJ's and get DCC Almonds w/ SS for 10% off!:cry: :cry: :cry:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
I have found that of the 3 locations in this area that I've been to, weekends are the busiest. When I went in this morning for my 10:00 interview, there were a few shoppers, but pretty empty. One of the questions they asked at the interview was, "What's your favorite item?" I told them that it depends on the week and what I've been in the mood for. This week, it's the Joe-Joe's sandwich cookies, which are an all-natural alternative to Oreos. They also taste better. But I also love their General Tso's sauce for easy dinner (saute cut-up chicken breasts, add sauce and serve over rice with some broccoli), and that's where I buy my crystallized ginger for baking.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Becky- you'll have to make a trip down. I thought of you as I walked through the store this morning, and kept seeing "organic" and "all-natural" on things. :)
 
Yumm-o!!!! (I know I said I was working on not using so many exclamation points, but this darn character max gets me some times when all I want to say is just plain YUMMO!)
 
Meh.It's easy to get past the minimums.
 
That sounds great--I hope you get it!
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Meh.


It's easy to get past the minimums.
Click to expand...

Not really, you are still typing extra letters/character's that you'd rather not. But that is a clever idea!
 
With the wealth of information you provide to us Cheffers, if they don't hire you then they don't know what they missed!:chef:
 
I think we are getting a TJ's in our area....I am gonna have to look into this!
 
looky at what I just found....

and Trader Joe’s is expected to arrive later this year with a 12,500-square-foot store in the adjacent Short Pump Station.

this is only 20 minutes from my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I want one in WNY! If we have one around here, they are keeping it a secret.
 
chefann said:
Becky- you'll have to make a trip down. I thought of you as I walked through the store this morning, and kept seeing "organic" and "all-natural" on things. :)
Click to expand...


I KNOW!!! Maybe sometime this summer it will work out. I don't do weekend shows during the summer - maybe I'll have a non car show weekend when I can come!

So far, I want all of the foods you have mentioned....and I do get online and drool over their ad/newsletter.
 
chefmeg said:
looky at what I just found....

and Trader Joe’s is expected to arrive later this year with a 12,500-square-foot store in the adjacent Short Pump Station.

this is only 20 minutes from my house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Whoot! Like I need another excuse to traipse up to Maggiano's up there :) I'm psyched!
 
Cheering for you to get the job Ann. It is a perfect fit. I love TJ...especially their truffles!
 
KateD said:
Whoot! Like I need another excuse to traipse up to Maggiano's up there :) I'm psyched!
Click to expand...
Kate, I have never been to Maggiano's! I have been to the Copper Grill, which a yummo! Where are you "outside of Richmond"??
 
  • Thread starter
  • #25
Aw, nuts!Well, TJ's called today. They interviewed over 40 people and hired 3. And I wasn't one of them. Drat.
 
Well, they obviously have no taste or discernment when it comes to hiring good help. I'm now re-thinking my enjoyment of Trader Joe's. Hmmph!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #27
That made me giggle, Rae. Thanks. You rock!
 
chefann said:
Well, TJ's called today. They interviewed over 40 people and hired 3. And I wasn't one of them. Drat.
Click to expand...

Their loss! Sorry it did not work out!
 
chefann said:
Well, TJ's called today. They interviewed over 40 people and hired 3. And I wasn't one of them. Drat.
Click to expand...
Seriously?!?!? Did you give them all our names and numbers for references? I don't understand how they couldn't hire you.

I might just boycott them- to show my support for you !!!

:)
 
I'm so sorry Ann! Definitely their loss. They have no idea what they just said no to!
 
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