The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
There’s something unique about shopping at Trader Joe’s. The employees are upbeat, the atmosphere is friendly, and somehow everyone is in a good mood. It’s not just another stale grocery store and, if you ever wanted to work here, you’re not alone.
Trader Joe’s are known for their warm staff dressed in Hawaiian shirts. They speak to you like you’re an old friend, not just another customer. That can make or break the whole shopping experience. In a job market full of burnout, Trader Joe’s warmth stands out. But what does it take to get hired? Here’s how to get a job at Trader Joe’s.
What does Trader Joe’s look for in a new hire?
Trader Joe’s values personality and hires genuinely friendly people. In Trader Joe’s podcast Growing People at Trader Joe’s, the host Tara Miller puts it simply, “You hire nice people and you give them permission to just be nice people. It’s just human kindness.”
In other words, the reason the stores feel so different is because people are actually nice. If you’re naturally upbeat, then Trader Joe’s might be the right place for you. They want the right person to fill the spot.
They go on to discuss how Trader Joe’s is big on teamwork. “”It’s showing them I clean the bathrooms too,” Claudia, an assistant manager at Trader Joe’s, said on the podcast.” You can turn around and your captain’s on the register behind you. It’s all of us. It’s teamwork.”
What’s the interview like for Trader Joe’s?
According to Trader Joe’s official website, interviews can include a phone screening and an in person interview. Be ready to hype up Trader Joe’s, talk about what you know about Trader Joe’s and why you want to work there. The interview is less about perfect answers and more about how you get along with the team and culture. Just be yourself.
Want to stand out in an interview? Show them you’re invested. You can discuss your favorite items and recipes and the disappointment you feel when your favorite seasonal items leave the shelves.
What’s it like to work at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s has this positive atmosphere about it. There’s no stiffness with Trader Joe’s “crew members.” There’s just casual chatting about the items you picked up or how good the newly dropped items are.
The stores are full of hand drawn artwork and quirky fonts. Each location is unique and has art specific to it, making it feel like your own personal neighborhood store. Everything is tied together by how inviting the stores are.
This job could be great for you if you get bored easily. Tasks change throughout the day, so you’re not stuck doing one single mundane job for an entire shift. Your shift could include a whole host of tasks. You might start with stocking, then move on to cleaning, and end your shift by ringing people up at the cash register. This kind of flow keeps you moving, thinking, and there’s a lot of autonomy in this style of work.
What’s the pay like at Trader Joe’s?
Trader Joe’s takes care of their crew members. While salaries vary state by state, the pay is generally above minimum wage. This means decent pay and they offer good benefits, even for part time workers. Plus, there’s the general fun, friendly vibe of being around people who actually enjoy their work. Which is rare these days.
What are the perks of working at Trader Joe’s?
One of the coolest things about being here is that it’s common for Trader Joe’s crew members to try new products. Crew members need to know what the food they sell tastes like to make recommendations to customers. When new flyers drop, there’s a taste test in the breakroom. “My first day at Trader Joe’s, I was being shown how to cut open a box and stock some frozen food, and someone came up and said, ‘Let’s go in the back—we’re having a tasting,’” Jon Basalone, president of stores, said in an interview with Forbes.
Plus, working here will get you a 20% discount. In this economy, who doesn’t want to save a little on groceries? Maybe you can pick up one of their tote bags as well, for said groceries.