If you are looking for a new job, IKEA may be the place to start! Here are 30+ common interview questions that they ask. These questions will help prepare you for your upcoming interview at IKEA. The company hires thousands of people every year, and it’s not unusual to find an IKEA in most major cities.
IKEA is a Swedish company that was founded in 1943. It is one of the largest furniture retailers globally, and it has stores in more than 50 countries. IKEA is known for its affordable, stylish furniture, and it has a wide selection of products for every room in your home. The company is also known for its unique customer service experience, and it offers a wide range of services, including assembly and delivery.
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IKEA Interview Process
The IKEA interview process can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews at IKEA follow a similar format. You will usually be asked to complete an online application first. If you are qualified for the position, you will be invited to participate in a phone or video interview. If you are successful in the video or phone interview, you will be asked to participate in a face-to-face interview.
IKEA Interview Questions and Answers
Here are 30+ common questions that you may be asked during your interview at IKEA:
When was IKEA founded?
IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad.
What is IKEA known for?
IKEA is known for its affordable furniture, stylish designs, and home decorations.
Why do you want to work for IKEA?
IKEA is a global company with a wide selection of products and services. I am interested in working for IKEA because it offers opportunities for growth and development.
Dedicated resources to answer this question
Why do you want to work at IKEA? Detailed Sample Answers
Who is the CEO of IKEA?
The CEO of IKEA is Jesper Brodin.
How do you get to work every day?
The interviewer wants to know if you are familiar with the area and if you will be able to get to work on time. Try to formulate your answer according to the modes of transport available.
Example Answer: I usually take the bus or subway to work. However, I am also willing to consider other modes of transportation, such as biking or walking.
Do you like home decoration?
The interviewer wants to know if you are interested in home decoration and whether you have any experience working in this field.
Example Answer: Yes, I enjoy the home decoration. I think it’s important to personalize your space and make it feel like your own.
When was your last time at IKEA?
You can answer what types of products you saw in the IKEA store and whether there is anything that you are interested in.
Example Answer: I was at IKEA last weekend, and I needed to buy some furniture (sofa) for my apartment.
What is your favorite item in IKEA?
The interviewer wants to know why you chose your favorite item. You should mention the style, color, and other features that appeal to you about this product.
Example Answer: I like the style of the Stockholm armchair. It’s simple, elegant and comfortable and it comes in various colors.
What are your views about food in IKEA?
The interviewer wants to know if you are familiar with the food at IKEA and whether you have any opinions about it.
Example Answer: I like the food at IKEA. The Swedish meatballs are delicious, and they offer a wide range of healthy options.
How did you hear about the job opening at IKEA?
The interviewer wants to know how you learned about the job opening at IKEA. You can mention any websites, newspapers, or other sources that you’ve used to find out about this opportunity.
Example Answer: I saw a job advertisement on LinkedIn, and it seemed like an interesting position with a great company.
IKEA Customer Service Interview Questions
How would you deal with an upset customer?
To answer this question, you should mention that your primary goal is to resolve the issue and ensure that the customer is satisfied. You can answer it that you would listen carefully to the complaint and empathize with the person’s frustration before offering a solution or compromise.
Example Answer: I would try to understand the customer’s point of view and apologize for the inconvenience. I would then work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
How would you handle a complaint?
Share your previous experience and formulate the answer.
Example Answer: When working at my previous company, I dealt daily with customer complaints. I learned that it is best to listen carefully, understand the customer’s point of view, and try to provide a solution.
What are the qualities needed to work in customer service?
The interviewer wants to know what skills and qualities you possess will make you a good fit for the role. You should mention that you are friendly, patient, and have excellent communication skills. You should also say that you can stay calm under pressure.
Example Answer: I would say that being friendly, patient, and having excellent communication skills are all important qualities for this position. I am comfortable dealing with angry customers when they have complaints, and I can stay focused under pressure.
How to improve customer service?
Share ideas on improving customer service and the company as a whole. You can mention that you would like to see IKEA expand its product line, have more variety, and open more stores in different locations.
Example Answer: I think that IKEA could improve customer service by expanding its product line. Maybe even open more stores in different locations.
What are the most important qualities of a good customer service representative?
The interviewer wants to know what you think makes someone a great candidate for this position. Formulate your answer like you have excellent communication skills and can provide clear, concise answers when working with customers who may not be familiar with IKEA products. You should also mention that you are patient and able to handle difficult situations calmly.
Example Answer: The most important qualities for this position would be excellent communication skills, staying calm under pressure, and patience. These qualities would help someone succeed in providing customer service for IKEA products.
IKEA Sales Interview Questions
How would you approach a sale?
When answering this question, you should mention that you would start by getting to know the customer and their needs. You should also mention that you would be willing to offer suggestions and advice based on your knowledge of IKEA products.
Example Answer: I would approach a sale by getting to know the customer and their needs. I would be willing to offer suggestions and advice based on my knowledge of IKEA products.
What are some of IKEA’s best-selling products?
Do your research before the interview and know the best-selling IKEA products.
Example Answer: Some of IKEA’s best-selling products include Billy, Poäng. Stockholm rug.
Why do people choose IKEA over other furniture retailers?
The interviewer wants to know why you think IKEA is premium to other furniture retailers. You can answer that IKEA offers affordable prices for high-quality products, making them very competitive in the marketplace.
Example Answer: People choose IKEA because of its affordability and quality compared with other competing brands. They are very competitive within the market due to their low prices and high-quality products.
What are the different types of wood used in IKEA furniture?
When answering this question, you should mention that IKEA uses a variety of woods, such as pine, birch, and oak. You can also say that they use engineered wood in some of their products.
Example Answer: IKEA uses a variety of woods, such as pine, birch, and oak, for its furniture. They also use engineered wood in some of their products. Each type is used depending on the result they are looking to achieve with each product line.
IKEA Warehouse Interview Questions
What would you do if a product was missing from inventory?
When answering this question, you should mention that you would report the discrepancy to your supervisor. You should also mention that you would be willing to help locate the product and track it down if necessary.
Example Answer: If a product was missing from inventory, I would report the discrepancy to my supervisor. I would also be willing to help locate the product and track it down if necessary.
What equipment do you know to operate?
The interviewer wants to know if you are familiar with the equipment used in IKEA warehouses. You should mention that you are familiar with forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment. Similarly, they can also ask questions like
- Do you know how to operate a forklift?
- What is your experience with Electric Pallet Jack?
Example Answer: I am familiar with forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment. I have experience operating this type of equipment and would be able to avoid accidents when using it in the workplace.
Are you comfortable in switching tasks if needed?
You should mention that you are flexible and willing to take on new challenges.
Example Answer: I am comfortable in switching tasks if needed. I am flexible and willing to take on new challenges, so I can help out wherever is necessary.
Are you comfortable working overtime?
Are you are willing to work past your scheduled shift and stay late. You should mention that you do not mind working overtime occasionally, but it will depend on the workload.
Example Answer: I am comfortable working occasional overtime as long as there is enough time for me to catch up with my regular tasks once I am back at work. It will depend on the workload and whether or not there is enough notice for me to plan accordingly.
What is your experience with delivery and assembly?
When answering this question, you should mention if you have received any training in this area before.
Example Answer: I have experience with both delivery and assembly. I am familiar with the process of delivering and assembling products. I have also received training in this area, so I am comfortable with the process.
Alternative Answer: I would like to learn to familiarise myself with IKEA products.
Bonus questions
- Do you have experience with inventory management?
- How well are you able to multi-task?
- How would you handle it if one of the machines in the warehouse was not working properly?
IKEA Team Leader Interview Questions
What is your experience with team leadership?
The interviewer wants to know if you have any prior experience leading a team in IKEA or elsewhere. You should mention that you are comfortable in this position and able to manage tasks accordingly when necessary. It will depend on the situation, but generally speaking, I am confident in leading a group of people.
Example Answer: I have experience with team leadership in the past and am comfortable in this position. I can manage tasks accordingly when necessary, but it will depend on the situation. Generally speaking, though, I am confident in my ability to lead a group of people if that is required of me at work.
Do you have any experience with problem-solving?
The interviewer wants to know if you are familiar with the problems that may arise daily in an IKEA warehouse. You should mention that you deal effectively and efficiently solve these issues when they come up and ask for clarification about what precisely they are looking for.
Example Answer: I am familiar with problem-solving and have effectively and efficiently solved these issues when they come up in the past. Can you give me more information about what type of problems you are looking for specifically? I want to be sure that I can answer your question fully.
What is your experience in retail?
When answering this question, you should mention if you have any experience working in a retail environment before. If so, what type of work did you do?
Example Answer: I have experience in retail and worked in various positions. My roles included cashier, stock associate, and sales representative. I am comfortable with the demands of working in a retail environment.
How do you motivate your team?
Be sure to focus on how you motivate your team members and not just yourself. Provide specific examples of the strategies that have worked for motivating people in previous roles.
Example Answer: I motivate my team members differently depending on the situation; however, one of my strengths is encouraging a group and helping them achieve their goals.
How do you set goals for the team to perform better?
Your answer should show that you have a plan for identifying and meeting goals. For example, if the job requires managing a team of employees, you can discuss how your previous experience leading teams will help with this role. You could also mention specific skills from past roles that align with the expectations of the position.
Example Answer: I usually set goals for the team by working with them directly and finding out what their individual goals may be. By understanding what they want to achieve, we can work together to develop collective team goals that will help improve productivity. This approach has worked well for me in the past.
What KPI’s as a team leader do you measure?
The interviewer wants to know if you are familiar with performance measurement and how this is done.
Example Answer: I measure the KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) of my team members in several ways depending on their role within the team and what we, as a group, want to achieve. For example, sales associates need to measure customer satisfaction rates, whereas, for warehouse workers, it is most beneficial to focus on the speed with which they can complete their tasks.
Bonus Questions
- How would you handle employee conflict?
- What do you think are the biggest challenges facing IKEA today?
- Why do you choose to become a team leader?
- Share your thoughts on mistakes?
Read Also
Top 35 Teamwork Interview Questions
Top 25 Leadership Interview Questions
IKEA Cashier Interview Questions
- How good are you with numbers?
- How do you handle situations where multiple customers are in line with their orders?
- What was your first job?
- Have you handled cash before?
- Are you willing to switch roles with other duties?
Common IKEA Interview Questions
Can you tell me about yourself?
The interviewer will ask you this question, so make sure that your answer aligns with the job description. For example, if the job requires strong technical knowledge and a history of working in a lab setting, mention related qualifications from previous roles instead of focusing on skills unrelated to the position.
What are your long-term goals?
Your answer should explain how this job fits into your overall career strategy. For example, you can talk about why the role is an excellent next step in gaining more experience and knowledge for future positions or opening up new opportunities within the company. You could also discuss what skills you hope to gain from the work to prepare you for future roles.
What makes you suitable for this position?
Your answer should focus on how your skills and qualifications match the job requirements. Don’t just say that you like IKEA or are a big fan of Swedish design – explain why your experience, education, and abilities make you stand out as a candidate.
What is your strength?
Be prepared to share an example of when you displayed this strength. For example, if you are good at managing projects, talk about when you successfully led a project from start to finish.
What is your availability?
If you are not available for the entire time listed in the job posting, say so and explain your availability. For example, you may be available for full-time work during the day but not evenings or weekends.
What are your salary requirements?
IKEA does not provide information about the salary range for this role. You can state your preferred salary or expected compensation, but be sure to know what you are looking to make before walking into an interview.
Do you have any questions for us?
It is a great opportunity to ask about the company culture, hours, or benefits. You can also ask about the next steps in the interview process.
IKEA Work from Home Jobs
- Digital Product Specialist
- Data Leader
- Sales Adviser
- Software Engineer
Apply for IKEA Jobs here
How should I dress for an IKEA interview?
If you are interviewing for an office position, it is appropriate to wear business casual clothing. If it’s a more entry-level job, you can probably dress formally.
How long does IKEA take to hire after the interview?
It can take anywhere from one to two weeks. The time frame will depend on the specific position you are applying for and how many other candidates there are ahead of you in line.
Can a 16-year-old work at IKEA?
Yes, you can work at IKEA as long as you are 16 years old. Most people that start out working there are teenagers or young adults just entering the workforce in entry-level jobs.
We hope this detailed IKEA interview questions and sample answers post will help you, do let us know know your feedback and any question which we have not answered.