Frequently asked questions about working at IKEA
Applying and interviewing for a new job can be a bit confusing and stressful. So, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions that will hopefully make things easier and help you relax and be yourself.
We won’t expect you to draw an organisation chart or cite the latest financial or sustainability numbers, but we do think you should know who we are and what we stand for. If you haven’t been to an IKEA store it could be useful to visit or to check out IKEA.com.
To start with use a clean font and keep the design simple. Then make clear points about the following areas:
- Your key skills and personal attributes
- Your employment history/volunteer/other experiences
- Your education
Be sure to highlight skills or experience relevant to the job you are applying for and that all dates are correct.
No working experience yet? No problem! Simply, provide your school and/or volunteer experience.
We don’t insist on a personal letter, but we highly recommend it. It’s your chance to present yourself and help the recruiter get a clearer picture of your background and motivations. If you choose to write one, make sure it’s updated and refers to the specific job and IKEA company you’re interested in. A personal motivation letter is your chance to stand out from the crowd and show what makes you unique.
Naturally, this will vary from job to job, but in general you can expect behavioural questions asking you how you think you would act in certain situations. So, think of previous occasions where you’ve had to use skills like decision making, teamwork, problem solving or communication.
We are a values-driven company so you should also be prepared to talk about your values. We want to know what is important to you and why you made the decisions you have made, both at work and in your private life.
If you share our values, have a can-do attitude, and are interested in home furnishings, that’s a good start. Then of course, each job requires different skills and qualifications.
Absolutely. The interview process is not just about us getting to know you, it’s about you getting to know us. So feel free to ask anything you’re wondering about. Training, opportunities, career development or perhaps why your interviewer started at IKEA or what they like – or don’t like about work. It’s all good.
We’re a casual bunch. You certainly won’t find any neck ties or power suits at an IKEA workplace. We’re interested in you and what you have to offer, not your clothes. We do however recommend that you wear clothes, no matter what you’ve heard about Swedish culture.
Regardless of whether it’s a face to face or virtual interview, we’ll make sure you have everything you need prior to your interview. If you are attending a Microsoft Teams interview, we will email you thorough instructions that will explain how to download the Teams app and provide you with a link to the virtual room that your interview will take place in.
If you are attending an OnDemand HireVue video interview, HireVue will email you thorough instructions, as well as support contact details. HireVue is a video interviewing tool that allows recruiters and hiring managers to conduct video interviews, OnDemand and live interviews over the Internet. No additional downloads are required.
Test your setup and make sure your camera and microphone are in working order. Test your internet connection to make sure you have a reliable connection. If you are using headphones, make sure they are connected and selected as the audio and microphone source before the interview begins. Decide which device you feel most comfortable interviewing with (computer, tablet or phone). If tablet or phone, make sure you have downloaded the app prior to the interview and that you have enough battery power (or keep your charger nearby).
But above all, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Your recruiter is your partner throughout the process.
First, try to close the app, relaunch it and try to re-join the interview. If you’re still having technical difficulties, don’t worry. We make sure that whoever is interviewing also has your phone number. They will call you to complete the rest of the interview.
IKEA is committed to improving access and opportunity for all applicants, including those with disabilities. We want everyone to be able to access and fully participate in our recruiting process, so we try to identify and remove as many obstacles as possible. But if we’ve missed something, let us know. Need accommodation? No problem, just let us know in advance via email or phone.