IKEA Mock Interview
Practice 40 IKEA interview questions covering design thinking, customer service, and Swedish values.
Question 18 of 40
What is the most competitive work situation you have experienced? How did you handle it? What was the result?
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Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
IKEA celebrates collaboration and encourages its teams to overcome challenges together. "At IKEA, we like people who like to challenge things. And together, we find better ways to make things better for others. We believe in people and in the power of when people work together, lead by example, find better ways, and get things done. This has nurtured a unique culture that every day inspires, challenges, and empowers people across the globe to make life better for more of the many. In all our collaborations, it is important for us that we share values and the belief in people. That brings out the best in us and our collaboration."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"My current sales position is highly commission-based, so it is a competitive environment. 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."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"Last year, I worked at a high-end jewelry store where sales goals were intense, and the rewards were high. There were contests, of which I won 7 of 12 contests. I won an iPad, cash incentives, and concert tickets. I learned to put my all in and came from it more so from the perspective that I was competing with myself. Having said that, I am looking forward to a more collaborative environment. It feels healthier and friendlier to me."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
This question is designed to determine if you can function well in a non-competitive environment. It will also help them identify if you are competitive by nature and singularly focused on your own goals, as opposed to the goals of your teams. Think back to a time you found yourself supporting the team effort, despite the efforts of those who were focused more on their own goals and competing against you. Keep things positive. Show the interviewer that you are willing to rise to any challenge and consistently push yourself to perform at your best while focusing on the team effort.
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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 Feedback
You give specifics here on your goals, which is excellent. Exact numbers and percentages are exactly what an interviewer wants to hear. Good work!
Anonymous Answer
At my old job, we participated in a competition that awarded the best looking Back To School department in the district. I gathered my best team members for the challenge, and we created a checklist to account for signing, displays, fixtures. etc. I asked my manager to work overnight. Not only did we finish the transition earlier than expected, but we also won the competition.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! Your response shows that you are competitive, motivated, and organized. Why was it so important to you to win this competition? Don't forget to mention that you look forward to putting your ambition to work at IKEA too.
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