How to Get a Job at IKEA
A practical guide to getting hired at IKEA, including where to apply, what roles exist, what the hiring process looks like, and how to prepare your resume and interviews.
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To get a job at IKEA, apply through the official careers site with a CV, review the role requirements carefully, and prepare for screening, interviews, and possible assessments. IKEA’s process varies by role and location, so focus on showing relevant experience, teamwork, motivation, and values alignment. Confirm openings and steps on the official careers page before applying.
About IKEA
IKEA is a global retail and consumer company that hires across stores, development centres, factories, distribution facilities, studios, and office hubs. Public careers pages show opportunities in customer-facing, operational, creative, and corporate functions, with a hiring approach that emphasizes uniqueness, teamwork, simplicity, and practical problem solving.
Who may be a strong fit
IKEA may be a good fit if you want a values-led employer with a broad range of roles and a process that can include screening, interviews, and sometimes assessments. Candidates who can show collaboration, customer focus, initiative, and role-specific skills are likely to have the strongest application story.
Roles and departments
Sales and Customer-Facing Retail
Roles focused on helping shoppers, explaining products, and supporting store performance. IKEA highlights sales, customer relations, and other retail-facing work areas on its careers pages.
Food and Restaurant
Roles in IKEA food operations, where teamwork and service matter alongside operational consistency.
Logistics and Supply Chain
Roles that support inventory flow, fulfillment, warehousing, and distribution across IKEA’s network of facilities.
Digital and Information Technology
Roles supporting digital products, technology operations, and online customer experiences.
Interior Design and Visual Merchandising
Creative retail roles focused on how IKEA presents products and spaces in stores and other environments.
People, Project, and Support Functions
Corporate and support roles in HR, project work, compliance, leadership, and communications.
The hiring process
IKEA publicly describes a multi-step hiring process, but the exact path can vary by role, country, and seniority. In general, candidates apply online, may go through screening and possibly an assessment, then move into one or more interviews before a decision, checks, and onboarding.
The number of interviews, whether an assessment is used, and whether interviews are online or in person can all vary by role and location. Some positions move faster than others, and IKEA notes that timing can vary because many jobs are popular.
1) Search and apply
What to expect
Create a profile in IKEA’s job portal, upload a CV, and submit your application. A cover letter is optional, not required.
How to prepare
Use the official job description to match your resume to the role. Keep your application concise, accurate, and easy to scan.
2) Screening and review
What to expect
Recruiters review applications and may pre-screen candidates. Depending on the role, you may be asked to complete a short assessment.
How to prepare
Be ready to explain your background, relevant achievements, and why you want the job. If an assessment is requested, complete it carefully and on time.
3) Phone or video screening
What to expect
Some candidates are contacted for a phone screening or an initial video conversation.
How to prepare
Prepare a short summary of your experience, examples of teamwork or customer service, and a clear explanation of your motivation.
4) Interviews
What to expect
You may meet a recruiter, a future manager, and in some cases the manager’s manager. Interviews may be online or at a work location.
How to prepare
Use specific examples from past work or school, and prepare questions about the team, role expectations, and day-to-day work.
5) Decision, checks, and offer
What to expect
IKEA says background and reference checks occur at the decision stage before an offer. The recruiter then communicates the decision and written offer.
How to prepare
Keep your references ready and respond quickly if the recruiter asks for additional information.
6) Onboarding and pre-boarding
What to expect
New hires may receive onboarding or pre-boarding material and an introduction to the team and workplace.
How to prepare
Review the material promptly, confirm your start details, and learn the basics of the team and location.
Application and resume strategy
The strongest IKEA applications are clear, relevant, and role-specific. Focus on matching your experience to the job posting, showing how you work with others, and making it easy for a recruiter to see why you fit the team.
Application steps
- Start with the official IKEA careers site and choose a role that matches your experience and location.
- Read the full job description before applying and note the required and preferred qualifications.
- Tailor your resume to highlight experience that maps to the work area.
- Submit the application with a complete profile and a current CV.
- Prepare for screening by writing down 3-5 examples that show results, teamwork, and customer focus.
- Follow up only through appropriate application channels and wait for the recruiter’s response.
Resume tips
- Lead with the most relevant experience for the specific IKEA role.
- Use short bullet points with measurable results where possible.
- Show teamwork, customer service, problem solving, or operational reliability, depending on the role.
- Include experience that demonstrates adaptability and a practical, hands-on approach.
- If your background is not a perfect match, emphasize transferable skills and motivation.
Useful resume keywords
Use only the terms that truthfully match your experience and the live job description.
Networking tips
- Use IKEA’s official careers page and job portal as your primary source of openings.
- If you know current employees, ask for a realistic view of the team and day-to-day responsibilities, not a referral promise.
- Connect with people who can help you understand the function you want, such as retail, logistics, design, or digital teams.
- Prepare a brief introduction that explains why you want IKEA and what kind of work you do best.
Interview preparation
IKEA’s public guidance suggests a values-led interview process that rewards concrete examples, motivation, and a willingness to collaborate. Prepare for a conversation about your past experience, how you work with others, and why this role makes sense for you.
Themes to prepare
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer focus and service mindset
- Practical problem solving
- Motivation for IKEA and the role
- Communication and adaptability
- Role-specific skills such as logistics, design, food service, or digital experience
Preparation tips
- Use specific examples rather than general statements.
- Keep answers focused on the situation, your actions, and the result.
- Show that you understand the role and the pace of the work environment.
- Prepare questions for the interviewer about the team, schedule, and expectations.
- If an assessment is included, treat it like part of the interview process and complete it carefully.
- Ask about any support or adjustments you may need early in the process.
Practice questions
- 1Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to solve a problem.
- 2Why do you want to work at IKEA?
- 3Describe a situation where you helped a customer or coworker.
- 4How do you stay organized in a busy environment?
- 5Tell me about a time you handled a change or unexpected challenge.
- 6What experience do you have that is most relevant to this role?
Your 30-day application plan
Days 1-7
Find the right IKEA roles and understand what each one needs.
- Review IKEA’s careers site and job portal for current openings.
- Choose 2-4 roles that match your experience and location.
- Save each job description and identify the core skills and responsibilities.
- Create a simple tracker for application deadlines, contacts, and interview notes.
Days 8-14
Tailor your application materials.
- Rewrite your resume for each target role using relevant keywords from the posting.
- Draft an optional cover letter template you can adapt when motivation matters.
- Prepare 3-5 accomplishment stories that show teamwork, customer service, or problem solving.
- Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your resume for clarity.
Days 15-21
Apply and prepare for screening.
- Submit applications through the official IKEA portal.
- Make sure your contact details and work history are complete and accurate.
- Practice a 60-second introduction and concise answers about why you want the role.
- Refresh references so they are ready if requested.
Days 22-30
Prepare for interviews and follow-up.
- Practice interview questions aloud using specific examples.
- Research the store, facility, or business area connected to the role.
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, schedule, and success metrics.
- Check your email and portal regularly for recruiter updates and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to apply for a job at IKEA?+
Apply through IKEA’s official careers site or job portal, create a profile, and upload a current CV. A cover letter is optional, so focus first on a strong resume and a complete application.
Does IKEA require a cover letter?+
No. IKEA’s U.S. candidate guidance says a cover letter is optional, not required. If you submit one, use it to show motivation and fit for the role.
What happens after I apply to IKEA?+
Applications are reviewed by recruiters, and some candidates may be invited to a phone screening, interview, or assessment depending on the role. The process can vary by location and seniority.
How many interviews does IKEA do?+
IKEA does not publicly commit to one fixed number of interviews for every job. Some candidates may meet a recruiter, a future manager, and possibly the manager’s manager, but the exact process varies by role.
What should I put on my resume for IKEA?+
Highlight the experience most relevant to the role, such as customer service, retail operations, logistics, food service, design, digital tools, or HR support. Keep it easy to scan and include clear examples of results.
What does IKEA look for in candidates?+
IKEA’s public materials emphasize uniqueness, teamwork, simplicity, practical problem solving, and people who want to improve things in smarter ways. Role-specific skills also matter, so match your examples to the job.
Are IKEA interviews online or in person?+
Either is possible. IKEA says interviews may happen online or at one of its work locations, depending on the role and hiring setup.
Where can I check current IKEA jobs?+
Use IKEA’s official global careers page or the job portal to find current openings and role details. Openings change frequently, so confirm the posting before applying.
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Sources and methodology
This guide is based on publicly available IKEA careers information reviewed as of 2026-08-26. Hiring steps, openings, and requirements can change by country, role, and time, so always verify details on the official careers site before applying.
- source-1: Jobs: The key to your future – IKEA Globalwww.ikea.com
- source-2: Come work with us - IKEAwww.ikea.com
- source-3: Search our Job Opportunities at IKEAjobs.ikea.com
- source-4: Our recruitment process - IKEAwww.ikea.com
- source-5: Prepare for success – IKEA Globalwww.ikea.com
- source-6: Work areas - IKEAwww.ikea.com
- source-7: Search our Job Opportunities at IKEAjobs.ikea.com
- source-8: Search our Job Opportunities at IKEAjobs.ikea.com
- source-9: Search our Job Opportunities at IKEAjobs.ikea.com
- source-10: Search United States Jobs at IKEAjobs.ikea.com
- source-11: Life at IKEAjobs.ikea.com
If you want to get hired at IKEA, focus on the basics done well: apply through the official site, tailor your resume to the job, prepare strong examples, and show that you work well with others. IKEA’s process is structured but flexible, so the best strategy is to match the role closely and confirm current requirements on the official careers pages.
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