Your step-by-step guide to the IKEA recruitment 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.
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 our job portal and create your profile. Don’t forget to upload your CV. Not required, a cover letter will give you the chance to present yourself and your motivation. We’re interested in what makes you unique. Congrats! You've taken the first step!
2. Resume review
Our recruiters rigorously begin reviewing each and every application as they come in. Many of our jobs are quite popular, so timing can vary. But rest assured you will get a response as soon as possible.
3. Phone screening
After a thorough review of resumes, our recruiters will reach out to candidates selected for the initial phone screening. We'll want to hear specific examples from your past experiences. That's the first step in getting to know you and how you work.
4. Interview
Almost there, 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. Hiring decision
Our recruiter will let you know about the hiring decision. If you are the right candidate for the job, you will receive an offer. We will contact you to present our employment offer and discuss it with you. You will also receive it in writing so that 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.
If you are not the chosen candidate, we will let you know right away and even help you discover other open positions that may be a better fit.
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. We want you to have everything you need to prepare for your first day as an IKEA co-worker.
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.
We won’t expect you to draw an organization 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 do not require a cover letter. If you would like to present yourself and help the recruiter get a clearer picture of your background and motivations, by all means, include one.
Naturally, this will vary from job to job, but in general you can expect behavioral 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.
Why do you want to work at IKEA? Expect behavioral questions. They will help us determine how you’re a good fit for IKEA and if we’re a good fit for you. Questions change per position but always focus on how you handled various work situations in the past. So, think about it and be ready to share specific situations that you’ve been in where you had to use certain skills such as decision making, teamwork, problem solving, communication, etc.
We’re a casual bunch. We’re interested in you and what you have to offer, not your clothes. So feel free to come to the interview in clothing that is comfortable for you, whether it’s casual or more professional.
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.
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.