Welcome to Trader Joe's - Your Neighborhood Grocery Store

How do I apply for a job at one of your stores?
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?
I've heard that Trader Joe's offers really great benefits - is that true?
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?

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 and all applications must be submitted at the store. At this time, we do not accept online applications because we are looking for great people, not great resumes/applications. We want to meet you in person, so we encourage you to stop by and fill out an application at the store or click here to download an application that you can print out, fill in and submit in person.

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. You can also search jobs online here.
Back to the top

2. 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. 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.
Back to the top

3. 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.
Back to the top

4. What is the difference between a part time and a full time employee?
Part time employees work up to 40 hours a week and do not supervise other Crew Members. Full time employees are scheduled 40 or 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).
Back to the top

5. I've heard that Trader Joe's offers really great benefits - is that true?
Oh, you bet! Trader Joe's offers a variety of benefits to its Crew - both full time and part time - to assure their health and well-being and that of their families. These benefits are intended to provide assistance for many aspects of life, from health care to employee discounts. Our benefits include:

Medical, dental & vision insurance
Company-paid retirement plan
10% employee discount
Paid time off
Employee Assistance Program
Free Trader Joe's shirts
Disability Insurance
Great Pay
Flexible Hours

We top it all off with the potential for upward mobility and a rare chance to - and we know this may be a foreign concept to you - look forward to going to work!
Back to the top

6. Do you offer health benefits to part time employees?
Absolutely! Part time Crew Members are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage after meeting the eligibility requirements. Most Crew Members qualify after a couple of months.
Back to the top

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.
Back to the top

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. To apply visit the job search section of our website and conduct a Category Search for “Retail Management.” Select an opening and follow the application directions per job posting.
Back to the top

9. Do I have to start as a part time Crew Member to become a full time Crew Member?
No, but about 80% of our Novitiates started as part time crew members! Trader Joe's actively promotes from within. We review part time Crew Member performance twice a year and constantly seek to develop our internal staff. However, we do consider individuals with strong retail/grocery experience for the position of Novitiate.
Back to the top

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 Joes. For part time positions, you can apply in person at your local Trader Joe's.
Back to the top

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!
Back to the top

4. 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).
Back to the top

5. 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.
Back to the top

6. 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.
Back to the top

7. 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.
Back to the top

8. 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 twice a year and constantly seek to develop our internal staff. However, we do consider individuals with strong retail/grocery experience for the position of Novitiate.
Back to the top

9. 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.
Back to the top

10. 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!
Back to the top