30 IKEA Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Personality fit is important to us at IKEA. How would you describe your personality?

The culture at IKEA is based on a 'spirit of togetherness, enthusiasm, and fun,' and we are looking for coworkers who bring that spirit to work with them every day. Talk to the interviewer about how your personality will strengthen this cooperative environment and what you add to a team.

Jordan's Answer #1

"First and foremost, I'm a major team-player; I do my best work when I feel like I'm a valuable member of a team instead of just a cog in a machine. My friends always describe me as extremely loyal; when I'm on someone's 'team', I become their loyal advocate and supporter. I'm also very friendly and personable, and I love to bring positivity into an environment that could use some sprucing up."

Jordan's Answer #2

"If I had to boil my personality down into one phrase, I would say 'lifelong learner.' I love research, reading, and I especially love getting to know new people. I think my love of learning translates really well into a retail environment because I would get to learn new things about the products here every day and also get to learn more about my coworkers and customers."

Anonymous Answer

"I'm outgoing and really enjoy working with people. I think having fun and a good sense of humor is very important. I think those words would describe me."

Rachelle's Answer

Try relating your best personality traits to how they will benefit your future employer.

"I would describe myself as willing to jump in and help, sociable, and good-humored. My friendly personality makes me approachable at work, helping my co-workers when they need a hand."

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2.

How do you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?

We all like recognition in some way for our accomplishments in the workplace. Share with the interviewer how you would want credit for your hard work. Through gifts? Financial perks? Public recognition? Kind words? Title promotions?

Jordan's Answer #1

"I am very much an over-achiever and find that the best way for me to be recognized for a job well done is through words of kindness and recognition. I am easily encouraged, and the best reward for me is to know that my hard work is noticed."

Jordan's Answer #2

"As a sales professional, I am driven by a challenge with a financial perk. Sales contests, for example, are a great way to motivate me."

3.

In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?

Being flexible in your schedule is valuable as a retail-based employee. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift and you were asked to cover? Assure the interviewer that you are a team player.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I am more than willing to cover a shift for a co-worker if I am able. I don't mind accepting overtime hours and do consider myself to be a team player."

Jordan's Answer #2

"If a co-worker failed to show up for their shift, I would pick it up if possible. I always strive to be a team player."

Anonymous Answer

"I've been asked to cover shifts before when someone didn't turn up. It happens. What is most important to me is that the customer is not let down. In my mind, the customer comes first so I will, where possible, be ready to roll up my sleeves."

Rachelle's Answer

Wonderful answer! You are showing the interviewer that you have the team-driven and customer-centric mindset that IKEA is all about.

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4.

At IKEA, 'We Love Challenges' because they push us to achieve more. What challenges or problems have you encountered and solved at work?

Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, liked to say that 'Most things still remain to be done' -- he was excited by the knowledge that new challenges were always waiting around the corner. At IKEA, we celebrate challenges as opportunities to come up with our next great idea. Talk to the interviewer about how you react to challenge, or describe a difficult problem you worked through on the job.

Jordan's Answer #1

"Creative problem-solving is one of my natural talents, so my brain feels really energized when I meet a challenge at work. When I was working at a smaller, family-owned retail shop a few years ago, the owners realized that they needed to put a system in place to perform a yearly inventory, but they didn't know where to start. It was a big challenge because we needed to figure out how to use our limited resources and workers to complete an inventory of the entire store before the shop opened for the day. I came up with a plan to split the store up into sections, like a grid, and assigned each of my coworkers a 'grid section' to work on. It meant everyone had to come in really early in the morning, but I tried to make it as fun as possible by bringing in coffee and breakfast from a local restaurant."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I totally agree with the philosophy that big challenges are opportunities for big ideas -- that's a really encouraging perspective, and it makes me excited to think about working for a company that values challenge and creative problem-solving. At my last job, my managers always seemed tense and frustrated when they encountered problems, so it would be refreshing to work at a company like IKEA that has such a positive outlook on challenge."

Anonymous Answer

"I love to be challenged. I love to solve problems. When I was working in the family retail business, I realized that we needed to put our business online or we would lose sales to competitors. I researched, found, and implemented an e-commerce solution. Soon we were selling 5% of our sales online!"

Rachelle's Answer

Try to lead with the result rather than burying it in the story. Even more specifics would be helpful here.

"In my previous role with a small family retail business, we realized the need to become more relevant online. I boosted our sales by 5% in 6 months by introducing an e-commerce solution. This solution allowed us to be competitive in the market while boosting our customer reach."

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5.

We need reliable people on our team at IKEA. How many days were you absent from work last year?

A part of being a diligent employee is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. It's great to even be 10 minutes early rather than just showing up right on the dot. Talk to the interviewer about your attendance.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took 12 vacation days out of my 15 allotted days. I was sick just 2, and a note from my Doctor accompanied those. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm, and I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I am very committed to my employer and am only absent in events of sickness or the odd family emergency. I do my best always to be available and present when expected."

Anonymous Answer

"I missed 2 days from work last year."

Rachelle's Answer

Try being more specific about the fact that you were responsible by reporting those absences.

"I missed two days from work last year; however, one was with ample notice to my employer, and the other came with a doctor's note."

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6.

Do you have reliable transportation?

Even if you're not expected to drive for the job, you will need to have some form of reliable transportation. If you take the bus or ride a bike, that works too! Merely share that you have the means to get to work consistently and on time.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I have reliable transportation. I have a well-maintained vehicle, and I am comfortable with the amount of travel required to get to your office every day."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I take public transit; however, I find it to be very reliable. I was late to work only once last year, and that was due to a snowstorm which stalled all of our employee's commute - including those with personal vehicles. Rest assured, I am reliable and will always come to work on time."

7.

What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?

This question is designed to determine if you can function well in a competitive environment. Think back to a time when you were racing others to achieve the highest sales, were working towards a promotion, or eagerly trying to win a new contract. Show the interviewer that you rose to the challenge and that you were excited to push yourself to be the best. It is a definite plus if you have cheered on your competitors and helped them along the way. Finally, be sure to mention any successful outcome.

Jordan's Answer #1

"My current sales position is highly commission based, so my colleagues and I are quite competitive. Despite being competitive, we have a great work environment where we help each other when someone is struggling to meet their quota. We coach each other on sales techniques and share success stories. The result has been a positive work environment with healthy competition."

Jordan's Answer #2

"Last year I worked at a high-end jewelry store where sales goals were intense, and the rewards were high. I am geared for healthy competition, so when we had contests, it greatly motivated me. I ended up winning 7 of the 12 contests! I won an iPad, cash incentives, and concert tickets. It was great."

Anonymous Answer

"I was a sales rep where I had monthly, quarterly, and annual targets. It was a very competitive environment. Every day was a challenge to sell more and one particular year, I achieved the top sales rep out of our team of 4. It was my first year! There was great camaraderie amongst the team and we always helped each other where we could."

Rachelle's Answer

You give specifics here on your goals, which is excellent. Exact numbers and percentages are exactly what an interviewer wants to hear. Good work!

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8.

How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

At IKEA, we see challenges as opportunities for growth and big ideas, so the interviewer wants to get a feel for how you react when you encounter a challenge or unforeseen circumstance that could make you late for work. Talk to the interviewer about how you plan ahead to make it to your shifts on time, and how you react when things don't go according to plan.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I'm a mom, so I constantly have strategies running through my head for how I will respond to the unexpected. I operate from the perspective that you should always be prepared for something to go wrong. Since I'm constantly strategizing how I'll react to a problem, I usually have a good plan in place when the unexpected does happen."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I stay calm and composed when issues arise. My dad got rear ended one time when driving me to school. I texted my friend to see if she could tell my teacher what happened. I explained the situation to my teacher when I got to class. If this happened on my way to work, I would call ahead of time to ensure someone could cover my shift."

9.

IKEA recently raised their average minimum hourly wage to $11.87 per hour, and they offer a competitive benefits package for workers over 20 hours per week. What are your salary expectations?

IKEA truly values the work performed by every worker in the company, which is why they strive to continuously improve wages and benefits. Talk to the interviewer about how you hope to be compensated as a retail coworker at IKEA.

Jordan's Answer #1

"$11.87 per hour is a really generous starting minimum wage, so I'd be happy about starting out at that level. The benefits package looks amazing, and I would love to take advantage of that, so I'm hoping to be able to take on 20+ hours per week."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I really appreciate how transparent IKEA is about their compensation and benefits packages -- all the information I need is right on the website. I'm looking forward to the chance to eventually hit the 20+ hour per week mark so that I can take advantage of the amazing tuition assistance program."

10.

IKEA is intentional about being a great place to work. What stands out to you about what makes IKEA different from other retail environments?

IKEA has franchises all over the world, so it's a unique challenge to create a work environment that is positive for each individual community. We have a diverse team, and so we work hard to make sure that the spirit of togetherness and enthusiasm is consistent in every store. Talk to the interviewer about what stands out to you about the culture here.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I've worked in retail for years, but I've never encountered an environment like the one at IKEA. What stands out to me most is that they encourage their coworkers to question and challenge company policy or way of doing things when they see an opportunity for growth. I appreciate that they invest so much in their coworkers and really want each team member to feel like an individual."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I love that IKEA is defined by the characteristics of Ingvar Kamprad's hometown of Sm?land -- 'simplicity, humility, thrift, and responsibility' are all values that I hold dear, as well. I like that IKEA empowers its coworkers to take responsibility for their work and to take initiative on a new project when they see something that needs to be done."

Anonymous Answer

"I love that IKEA invests in its coworkers and is genuinely interested in their input in making constant improvements to their products and their service. This gives the coworkers a strong sense of teamwork, ownership, and pride in the company. That is rare in a company so huge!"

Rachelle's Answer

Try being specific and discussing any awards or accolades that set IKEA apart. Most large companies boast teamwork and company pride, so what makes IKEA different?

"I have researched the IKEA employee experience and was pleased to see that you are 'Great Place to Work' Certified, with over 90% of your new employees reporting that they felt very welcome upon joining the IKEA organization. I look forward to that same warm welcome!"

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11.

This position requires you to wear a uniform to work. Have you worn a uniform in the workplace before? How do you feel about this?

Our uniforms give off just the vibe we're looking for at IKEA: the bright yellow is friendly and eye-catching, while the uniform is also functional and no-nonsense -- just like our employees. Talk to the interviewer about your feelings about wearing a uniform to work.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I love the IKEA uniforms, actually. I think they're fun and really stand out from other retail uniforms I've seen, and they also seem really comfortable! I think uniforms are a great way to encourage team unity, and it makes getting ready for work a breeze!"

Jordan's Answer #2

"I think that uniforms are a great way to provide a feeling of unity in the workplace. May I see what your uniforms look like?"

Anonymous Answer

"I've worn work uniforms before. I don't mind wearing a uniform to work. It makes it easier to decide what to wear in the morning!"

Rachelle's Answer

Your response is to the point, and positive. Good one!

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12.

This position requires a flexible schedule as we are open evenings, weekends, and most holidays. Are you able to commit to these hours?

Most retail positions require a wide range of hours that may include evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and split shifts. Assure the interviewer that you can commit to a wide range of hours. If there is anything in your schedule that may hinder your availability, be sure to address this.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I am happy to offer a flexible schedule, and to work overtime as needed. I do take an evening college course on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I would not be available those days, after 5 PM."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I understand that this role will include working evenings, weekends, and holidays. I am available to work anytime and am happy to work overtime as well."

Anonymous Answer

"I'm fully aware that retail business hours are a mix of weekends, evenings and holidays. That's not a problem for me"

Rachelle's Answer

Short and sweet is all that's needed here. Good response!

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13.

Why is this job with IKEA right for you at this time in your career?

At IKEA, we believe that our coworkers' growth is mutually-beneficial: when you grow, we grow. We believe in every coworker's ability to develop while working at IKEA, and we want to help you achieve your goals. Talk to the interviewer about how a job at IKEA will help you meet your long-term goals.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I'm just starting out in retail, but so far I love it. I'm hoping to make the transition to IKEA from my current position because the culture seems great here -- my only real complaint about my current job is that the environment can be kind of competitive and combative, and that's not really my ideal atmosphere. I think a job in the positive, team-centered environment at IKEA would be more conducive to me learning more and developing my sales and communication skills."

Jordan's Answer #2

"I've been working in IT for the last several years, and I've been feeling pretty burnt out. I think it's time for me to tackle a new challenge, and retail feels like a good fit: I'm excited about a job that keeps me on my feet so that I can feel more active instead of sitting behind a desk all day, and I think it would be great to use my communication and interpersonal skills to the benefit of a team."

Anonymous Answer

"I've been working freelance and in a small office recently and I miss working with the general public. I'd like a change where I can work in an environment where I can work with people, be creative, solve problems, and have a lot of job satisfaction."

Rachelle's Answer

Try incorporating a bit about the IKEA culture and specific growth opportunity so the response is a balance of you and them.

"I've been working in a small office recently, and miss the opportunities that come with working among larger groups of people. This role with IKEA would offer me the chance to work in a busier environment where I can learn and grow from my team leaders. IKEA offers excellent employee growth opportunities, and I look forward to working my way into a position such as (list the role one or two ranks above the job you are interviewing for)."

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14.

What type of work environment do you dislike working in?

Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of environment offered in this position before the interview.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."

Jordan's Answer #2

"Rather than focusing on the negative, try spinning your answer into a positive focus: "I do best in a supportive environment where there is room to grow, the ability to ask questions, and healthy co-worker relationships."

Anonymous Answer

"I'm pretty adaptable to most working environments. I dislike environments where there is any distrust, ill will, or any bad behavior towards staff or management. It just creates a bad atmosphere for everyone."

Rachelle's Answer

Try flipping your language to the positive versus the negative.

"I am adaptable to most working environments; however, I thrive most when there is trust among co-workers. A positive work atmosphere is always appreciated!"

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15.

What does your future with IKEA look like?

At IKEA, one of our values is to 'Accept and Delegate Responsibility,' which means that our leadership team is constantly on the lookout for coworkers who show willingness to learn new things and take on new responsibilities. We promote coworkers who show potential and surpass expectations. Talk to the interviewer about what you expect from your time at IKEA.

Jordan's Answer #1

"I see myself working here at IKEA for the long haul -- I'm so excited by everything I've read about the work environment here, so right now I can't imagine a situation that would cause me to leave. I would love to work my way up into a leadership role in the future as you feel that I'm ready for more responsibility, and I'm eager to earn that responsibility with my hard work and down-to-earth personality."

Jordan's Answer #2

"Since I'm finishing up my degree, I'm only able to commit to about 20 hours per week, but I'm really looking forward to being able to work more after I graduate in December. I'm interested in several different areas of the organization, especially in merchandising and design -- I'm working to earn my degree in interior design, so I'm very hopeful that I can work my way into a creative position at IKEA in the future."

16.