Questions and answers
IKEA: common questions about working there
Hiring process, interview format, pay bands, benefits — sourced from IKEA's own materials and our editorial review.
- What do you know about IKEA, and why do you want to work here?
This is almost always one of the first questions. Do your research before the interview. Know IKEA's history, its Swedish origins, and its core values. Explain that you are drawn to IKEA because of its culture, its commitment to sustainability, and its approach to treating co-workers as genuine members of the IKEA family. If you have personal experience as an IKEA customer and genuinely love the brand, say so. Authenticity matters greatly in IKEA's hiring process.
- How do you handle a difficult customer situation?
Use the STAR method to answer this question. Describe a specific situation where a customer was dissatisfied, explain the steps you took to understand and resolve their concern, and share what the outcome was. IKEA values empathy and problem-solving, so your answer should demonstrate genuine care for the customer's experience, not just a focus on closing the interaction quickly.
- How do you prioritise your tasks when you are busy?
IKEA stores are large and fast-paced, and co-workers often need to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Your answer should show that you can assess what is most urgent, communicate clearly with your team, and make sensible decisions without constant supervision. Give a specific example from a previous role or context where you successfully managed competing priorities.
- How do you feel about working on weekends and in the evenings?
Be honest here. IKEA stores are open seven days a week and require staff across early, mid, and late shifts. If you are genuinely available across a broad range of hours, say so clearly. If you have some restrictions, state them upfront. IKEA's approach to rostering is considered fair and transparent, and the company would rather know your real availability from the outset than have a mismatch create problems down the track.
- What does good customer service mean to you?
This is a values-focused question. IKEA's definition of good customer service goes beyond just being polite. It involves genuinely understanding what the customer needs, helping them find solutions, and creating an experience that makes them want to come back. A strong answer will demonstrate empathy, product knowledge (or willingness to learn), and a proactive approach to helping people rather than just waiting to be asked.
- How long does an IKEA interview take?
A standard co-worker interview at IKEA typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Management interviews can be longer and may involve multiple sessions or assessments across different days.
- Are there group interviews at IKEA?
Group interviews or assessment events are sometimes used when IKEA is hiring a large cohort of new co-workers, such as during a new store opening or a major seasonal hiring period. For individual role openings, a one-on-one interview is more typical.
- What should I wear to an IKEA interview?
Smart casual is perfectly appropriate for an IKEA interview. The company's culture is not overly formal, and you do not need to dress in a business suit. Looking neat, clean, and professional is what matters. Some candidates choose to wear IKEA-branded clothing or products as a subtle signal of genuine brand enthusiasm, but this is entirely optional.
Before your interview, review our IKEA Job Application guide for a full overview of the process, and check what employees say in our IKEA Employee Reviews article.