Welcome to Trader Joe's - Your Neighborhood Grocery Store

How do I apply for a job at one of your stores?
Can I fill out an online application?
I heard that you’re opening a new store near me; how do I apply?
Can I apply to be the manager at a new store?

What is the difference between a part time and a full time employee?
Do you offer health benefits to part time employees?
I’m still attending college; can I be scheduled around my classes?

I’ve heard about the RMT Program. How do I apply for this position?
Do I have to start as a part time Crew Member to become a full time Crew Member?
Do you offer internships?

Why is everyone so happy and positive here? Do they put something in the water?

1. How do I apply for a job at one of your stores?
Each store hires its own Crew. To find out if a store near you is hiring, you can call the store or just drop by and see if they are currently accepting applications. To find the store nearest you, click here. You can also search jobs online here.
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2. Can I fill out an online application?
At this time, Trader Joe’s does not accept online applications. We are looking for great people, not great resumes or applications. We want to meet you, so we encourage you to stop by the store and fill out an application in person.
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3. I heard that you’re opening a new store near me; how do I apply?
When a new store is scheduled to open, the store Captain and First Mate are responsible for hiring a store full of Crew Members, Food Demonstrators and Sign Artists. Applications are accepted in person about one to two months before the store opens. You can check the job search section to see if the store has posted their job openings online yet. Also, if you live near the new store locations, be sure to be on the lookout for a “Now Hiring” banner or sign at the store.
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4. Can I apply to be the manager at a new store?
All Captains and First Mates are promoted entirely from within at Trader Joe’s, even for new stores! We do not hire into these positions.
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5. What is the difference between a part time and a full time employee?
Part time employees work up to 35 hours a week and do not supervise other Crew Members. Part time positions include Crew Member, Food Demonstrator & Sign Artist. Full time employees are scheduled 47.5 hours a week and are supervisors, Full time positions include three levels of hourly supervisors: Novitiate, Specialist and Merchant; and two levels of salaried management: First Mate (assistant manager) and Captain (manager).
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6. Do you offer health benefits to part time employees?
Absolutely! Part time Crew Members, Food Demonstrators and Sign Artists are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage after meeting the eligibility requirements. Most Crew Members qualify after a couple of months.
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7. I’m still attending college; can I be scheduled around my classes?
Maybe. Our employment application allows a candidate to list his or her availability. This availability is essential information that the store will use to determine whether the candidate’s schedule is compatible with store needs. Your unique scheduling needs should be discussed at time of application.
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8. I’ve heard about the RMT Program. How do I apply for this position?
The RMT Program is a retail management training program designed to take experienced candidates from the level of Novitiate (supervisor-in-training) to Second Mate (assistant manager) in about 15 months. For more information about the RMT Program, click here.
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9. Do I have to start as a part time Crew Member to become a full time Crew Member?
No, but about 85% of our Novitiates started as part time crew members! Trader Joe’s actively promotes from within. We review part time Crew Member performance quarterly and constantly seek to develop our internal staff. However, we do consider individuals with strong retail/grocery experience for the position of Novitiate.
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10. Do you offer internships?
We do not offer internships at this time. However, many students choose to work in our stores part time. This is a great way to earn extra money, have fun and begin your career with Trader Joe’s. For part time positions, you can apply in person at your local Trader Joe’s.
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11. Why is everyone so happy and positive here? Do they put something in the water?
Hmmm… We get this one a lot. Understand, we can neither confirm nor deny any reports of “something in the water.” But one taste of all the terrific food and beverages in our stores and we think you’ll be smiling, too!
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