Your step-by-step guide to the IKEA job application process

We’re glad to see you’re interested. Not sure what to do next? No problem. Here’s where we show you how to apply for a job with us and join the ever-growing team of IKEA co-workers. You’ll also find lots of tips to help you sail through the process.

Two IKEA co-workers, dressed in IKEA staff uniforms, enjoying a coffee together in the staff canteen.

Search & apply for a job

Step. 1

Pre-screening

Step. 2

Getting to know you

Step. 3

Interview

Step. 4

Offer

Step. 5

Onboarding

Step. 6

6 steps to your next job. No instruction booklet required.

The IKEA hiring process is pretty straightforward. After all we’re straightforward people who like to keep things simple. Here’s what you can expect.

1. Search & apply for a job

Found a job you fancy? Great, then it’s time to get that application in. First, visit the Job portal and create your profile. Don’t forget to upload your CV. A personal letter will also give you the chance to present yourself and your motivation. We’re interested in what makes you unique. There you go. Game on!

2. Pre-screening

Our recruiters will screen all incoming applications and then, depending on the role you are applying for, might ask you to complete a short assessment. You can expect a response from us as soon as possible.

3. Getting to know you

We know that you are much more than your resume, so we would like to get to know you. After all, we recruit people, not CV’s. Now we’ll reach out to you via a phone call or on-demand video interview. This could be followed by an online live interview with the recruiter or your potential future manager.

4. Interview

Almost there now so take a breath and pat yourself on the back. At this point we’d like to meet you again. We work with several different types of interviews, but you’ll typically meet your future manager in a personal job interview at one of our working locations or online. You might also have an interview with your manager’s manager. Use this opportunity to share your motivation and ask anything about your future job. Remember, it’s ok to be nervous, it just shows that the job is important to you.

5. Offer

Congratulations! We’ve made our decision so now it’s time to make yours. We will contact you to present our employment offer and discuss it with you. You will also receive it in writing so you can read through it and make an informed decision. Naturally, we hope you say “yes”. When making an offer, we are committed to equal pay. We make sure that we pay fairly based on your experience and qualifications. This means we might ask you about your salary expectations but won’t be asking you about your previous salary. At this stage we will do any background and reference checks required.

6. Onboarding

Once you’ve given us the thumbs up, you’ll be given access to our pre-boarding portal to learn more about the IKEA brand and business, your new team and other helpful information. Everything you need to prepare for your first day as an IKEA co-worker.

An IKEA co-worker in uniform and carrying a yellow IKEA bag, coming down IKEA store stairs to greet customers.

FAQ about getting your new job 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.

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.
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.

Ready to start your new journey?

Take your time and check out all the jobs we have on offer. But once you’ve found one you like, don’t waste any time. Things move quickly around here and we’re always eager to talk to people who are interested in helping us create a better everyday life for people at home.

Browse all available jobs

Didn’t find anything? Don’t worry. Create a Job alert and we’ll notify you when a job that suits you comes along.