Step-by-step guide to the IKEA application process

It’s fantastic that you’re interested in joining us here at IKEA. Wondering what you need to do? You’re in the right place. Here we explain how you can apply to join the ever growing team of IKEA co-workers. And our tips will help you whizz through with flying colours.

Two IKEA co-workers in IKEA uniform enjoy a coffee together in the staff canteen.

Your next job in five steps No user manual needed.

At IKEA we recruit without the hoo-ha. We’re looking for people who know how to get things done and don’t make things more complicated than they need to be.

1. Find a vacancy and apply

Found the perfect vacancy? Great. Get your application in. Start by creating your profile on our Job Portal. Remember to upload your CV. You can also provide a cover letter to present yourself and your motivations. We’re most interested in what makes you unique. There you go. The ball is well and truly rolling!

2. Screening

Our recruiters screen all applicants and they will call you to clear up a few practical matters. If you tick our boxes we’ll invite you to an interview. And if you’re not the person we’re looking for, we’ll let you know. Be sure to pop back to our vacancies page regularly. Next time you might be the perfect fit. We will always respond within 30 days.

3. Interview

If you pass the screening, we’ll be wanting to meet you. Job interviews can take various forms, but typically you’ll be invited to come along to one of our sites for an in-person meeting with your future manager or you’ll be asked to do this online. You may also meet the manager of that manager. The job interview is your chance to tell us why you want the job and ask us any questions about it. Nervous? That’s totally normal. It shows you really care about getting the job.

If you’re applying for a managerial position at IKEA, a successful job interview will be followed by a management assessment.

4. Offer

Congratulations! We’ve made our decision – now it’s your turn. We’ll contact you to explain and discuss the conditions of employment we can offer you. You’ll also receive everything in writing, so you can think it over properly. Obviously we hope you say yes! We aim for equal pay for equal work. We take care to offer everyone a fair deal based on their experience and qualifications. That’s why we may ask you what you’re expecting in terms of pay. But we’ll never ask you what you earned in your previous job. At this stage we will also run the requisite background checks and review your references.

5. Onboarding

As soon as you say yes, you’ll be given access to our preboarding portal to introduce you to the IKEA brand, the business and the team you’ll be joining. You’ll also find other useful information there. Basically everything you need to prepare for your first day as an IKEA co-worker.

An IKEA co-worker holding a yellow IKEA bag comes down the stairs to greet customers.

FAQ on how to get a job at IKEA

The application process can often be a source of stress and sometimes you’ll be unsure of where you stand. To make things easier, we answer the most common questions here. Hopefully this will relieve some of the strain so that you can be yourself.

Select a business-like font and keep your layout simple. Provide clear information on the following:

Your main skills and qualities

Your work and other relevant experience (voluntary work, say)

Your education

Be sure to highlight specific skills and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for and check that all the dates are correct.

No work experience yet? No need to worry. Mention the experience you’ve acquired in your studies or as a volunteer.
A cover letter is not a requirement, but we do recommend you write one. It’s an opportunity for you to present yourself and give the recruiter a clear picture of your background and your reasons for applying. If you do write a cover letter, be sure to tailor it to your application by explaining why you’re interested in that specific job at that specific IKEA site. Your cover letter is your best chance to make a positive impression and show what makes you unique.
It depends on the job you’re applying for, of course, but generally you’ll be asked to explain how you would act in such and such a situation. So try to remember situations in which you had to call on your skills and experience, such as making decisions, working in a team, solving problems or getting a message across effectively.

We are a company whose actions are guided by clear values, so we’re curious about your values. We want to know what you find important and why you make certain decisions, in work and in your private life.
We’ll ensure you receive everything you need ahead of your interview, whether it takes place in-person or online. If your interview is to be held in Microsoft Teams we’ll email you detailed instructions for downloading the Teams app and a link to the virtual meeting room.

For on-demand HireVue video interviews you’ll receive detailed instructions from HireVue, including support team contact details. HireVue is a tool used by recruiters and HR managers to set up online real-time interviews on demand. You don’t need to download anything.
Check your equipment: test your camera and mic. Test your online connection to check there’s no buffering. If you’re using headphones, check they are properly hooked up and you have audio in and out. Think about the device you want to use – computer, smartphone or tablet? If you go for a smartphone or a tablet, ensure the app is installed ahead of the interview and check the battery is charged (or plug it in).

But the main thing is: relax! You’re not alone. Your IKEA interviewer is on your side.
At IKEA we do our very best to optimise accessibility and give all applicants equal opportunities – including people with a disability. We want everyone to be able to access and participate fully in our recruitment process. That’s why we try to identify and remove as many potential obstacles as possible. Did we miss something? Let us know! Do you require certain facilities? Okay. Just let us know in advance by email or phone.

Ready for a new adventure?

Take the time to check out all our vacancies. Found the perfect fit for you? Don’t leave it too long. Things can move really fast here. And we always like talking with people who want to help us create a better everyday for people at home.

View all vacancies