What would you do if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?
In a retail environment, schedules are carefully balanced when they are written. When things don't go according to plan, such as staff quitting or calling out sick, those moments are when your flexibility is needed the most. This question aims to determine how you would handle being asked to stay late or adjust your schedule when the need arises.
"I would try to be there for my team. I am more than willing to cover a shift for a co-worker if I can. I don't mind accepting overtime hours and consider myself to be a team player."
"If a co-worker failed to show up for their shift, I would pick it up if possible. I always strive to support my teams."
When answering, you'll want to embody the qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidates, such as being a team player who gets "things done quickly and simply" and gets "together with co-workers to figure things out. You'll find a lot of problem-solving happens during impromptu moments. You're encouraged to find simple ways to do everything."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
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 Feedback
Wonderful answer! You are showing the interviewer that you have the team-driven and customer-centric mindset that IKEA is all about.
Anonymous Answer
I will try to help out picking up on his/her task.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice. Beyond covering for them, you might talk about also trying to cross-train in general so team members know how to do each other's tasks if/when this happens. This will show that you are proactive and take the initiative to make things run more efficiently.
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