I dropped off the application in Arlington location, va and had a short interview with a manager right away (not sure if he was a captain or mate). He asked me why I wanted to work there and if I was familiar with the products they sell, also asked about my favorite items which I have a lot because I buy groceries in trader joe all the time. After that I was told to come back the next day for the interview with a mate. The next day I had an interview at the back of the store in a storage room among boxes. The manager was friendly and relaxed. He asked me the same things few times and I gave him pretty much the same answers, not sure if it was some kind of a trick to catch me if I remember what I had said before or he was not paying attention to what I was saying. :) Among the things he asked there were my favorite items to buy in the store, how I deal with difficult customers, what I do to maintain a friendly and fun atmosphere with a crew, how I solve problems with co-workers, what I like for dinner, favorite food, favorite recipe to cook, dream job, how I see myself in 5 years, what decisions in my life I regret and some other. At the end he asked if I had any questions which I did not really have because I read about the company the night before so I asked when I could start. Probably that was my mistake because he said that it was something too direct to ask. ok! :) I asked what was the next thing in the process and was told he would give me a call next week. and next week he said they would not hire me. Ж:(

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.