IKEA Interview Questions
IKEA Interview Questions

Congratulations on getting an Ikea Interview.

We all know interviews are stressful and competition is intense.

However, with a small bit of preparation, you can ace the Ikea Job Interview.

Here you will find how to successfully answer frequently asked Ikea Interview Questions.

Please note these are practice interview questions and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

Ikea Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell us about yourself?

  • It’s okay to discuss your hobbies and interests; but, keep it brief. Try to focus on relevant work experience. Remember that having relevant work experience will put you ahead of the competition.

2. Why do you want to work at Ikea?

  • Mention you love their products, the service, and the exceptional value you get at Ikea and because of all this, you would be proud to work for them.
  • Say you would like a job that keeps you active.
  • State you like how the customer is not subjected to high-pressure sales tactics.
  • Mention why you think Ikea is better than its competitors.

3. Why should I hire you?

  • Let the interviewer know if you have a passion for interior design.
  • Mention that you have great communication skills and enjoy working with customers.

4. What is your greatest strength?

This question is an invitation to explain why you are the best-qualified candidate for this job!

The answer should be broken down into three parts

  1. The Strength – state the strength
  2. Proof of the strength – an example of how you have used this strength.
  3. The strength’s relevance to THIS job.

5. What is your greatest weakness?

  • It would help if you did not deny you have a weakness or state strengths as a weakness. For example, do not say “I am a perfectionist” or “I work too hard and neglect my friends and family”. State a fault required for the role but not a dealbreaker if you don’t have it.
  • When you state your weakness, make sure you say what you are doing to overcome that weakness. For example, I have a fear of public speaking and enrolled in a public speaking class to overcome my fear.
Ikea Job Interview Cartoon
Ikea Job Interview Cartoon

Company Information

6. What can you tell us about Ikea?

  • IKEA is a Swedish company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories.
  • Ingvar Kamprad founded Ikea in 1943.
  • Ikea supports the Ikea Foundation.  The foundation invests a lot of time, money, and energy in helping children around the world.
  • Customers can save time by shopping online. Customers can also look up a product online and find out if the product is available or in stock at their local Ikea.
  • Ikea has a restaurant in all its stores.

7. What are the Ikea Values?

  • Togetherness
  • Caring for people and planet
  • Cost-consciousness
  • Simplicity
  • Renew and improve
  • Different with a meaning
  • Give and take responsibility
  • Lead by example

8. Who are Ikea’s competitors?

Customer Service Interview Questions

9. How would you deal with an upset customer?

  • If the customer was unhappy with the product I would see if they can return it.   Tip – Check Ikea’s Return Policy as it may help you answer this question.
  • If the customer was unhappy because they could not find an item I would find it for them and not just point them in a general direction.

10. How do you define exceptional customer service at Ikea?

  • The lineups move efficiently, the correct price is applied to the product, and the customer is greeted in a friendly manner.
  • If the customer orders delivery, the product is delivered on time.
  • If it is within the Ikea policy and someone needs assistance bringing the merchandise to their car I would offer to help or find someone who can.
  • The store is clean both inside and outside (parking lot).

11. Can you tell us about a time you went above and beyond for a customer?

  • Customers love it when you go above and beyond for them, which will, in turn, generate more business. Try to think of a time when you went above and beyond for a customer. For example, when I was a server at a restaurant, we did not have a specific dessert in the restaurant. Luckily, the restaurant next door had it and I was able to get it for the customer.   
  • Here’s another example: I worked at a fast-food chain in my last job.  There was a senior citizen at the restaurant and he had finished his meal. The rain started, and he started to worry because he didn’t have an umbrella. Luckily, I had an umbrella, so I walked him to his car, sheltering him from the rain.

12. Why do you believe customer service is so important?

Great customer service can

  • Increase customer loyalty.
  • Grow the amount of money each customer spends per visit.
  • Increase how often a customer buys from you.
  • Generate positive word-of-mouth about your business.

Additional Interview Questions

13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

  • If you are interested in a career in interior design mention that.
  • If you don’t know what to say have a look at their career website and find a position you can see yourself doing in five years.  This will make you sound like you are not a job hopper. 

14. What hours can you work?

  • The more flexible you are with your hours, the better your chance of getting hired, so be flexible!
  • Let the interviewer know you can work on weekends and/or holidays if possible.

15. What motivates you?

Possible answers are:

Do Say

  • Meeting deadlines, targets, or goals
  • Mentoring and coaching others
  • Learning new things
  • Coming up with creative ideas to improve something, or make something new
  • Working well as part of a team
  • Finding a way to solve a problem, or overcome a challenge

Don’t Say

  • Money 
  • Employee Discounts

16. How was your attendance at your last job?

  • Be honest when answering this question as the interviewer may check references.
  • Emphasize that you understand the importance of starting your shift on time.

17. Why did you leave your last job?

Interviewers ask this question for the following reasons.

  • Did you leave for a good reason?
  • Did you leave voluntarily?
  • Did you leave on good terms?
  • What are your work values?

Here is a sample response

“I enjoyed my last job at Company XYZ, however, I felt growth was minimal and I was no longer learning. I want to explore new challenges”.

Questions to ask at the end of your interview

18. Questions to ask on an Ikea Interview?

  • What do you like best about working here?
  • How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
  • What about this position is the most important?
  • How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
  • Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
  • What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

Ikea Interview Dress Code

Entry-Level Position

Entry-Level Position

  • Dress business casually if you are interviewing for an entry-level position.  Do not wear shorts and avoid wearing jeans.
Management Position

Management Position

  • Dress formally or business casual if you are interviewing for a management position.  Blazers and dark trousers are a safe choice, as well as wrap dresses for females. Avoid sportswear clothes. 
Colors

Colors

  • Blue tells employers that you’re credible and trustworthy.
  • Black shows leadership and is great if you’re going for a senior position.
  • Red sends a message that you are assertive and will work well in a field like sales.

  • People consider wearing orange to a job interview unprofessional, linking it to being the worst color choice.

How do I prepare for an Ikea Interview?

  • Research IKEA: Understand the company’s values and culture.
  • Know the Job: Study the job description and align your skills with it.
  • Practice Interviews: Prepare answers to common questions using the STAR method.
  • Highlight Competencies: Emphasize teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving in your responses.
  • Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers.
  • Dress Well: Choose business-casual attire.
  • Be Punctual: Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
  • Bring Documents: Carry copies of your resume and references.
  • Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and engage with interviewers.
  • Follow-up: Send a thank-you email after the interview.

Ikea Interview Tips

  • Arrive five minutes early.
  • Don’t speak too fast, as you will sound nervous.
  • Don’t speak too slow as you will sound boring.
  • Make good eye contact during the interview.
  • Don’t ask about time off
  • Sit up straight to prevent you from mumbling.
  • Don’t ask about salary [ask this when offered the job] as you don’t want this to be the deciding factor.
  • Don’t tell any jokes.

See Also