How to Get Hired at IKEA
Written by Kymm on August 31st, 2009Tips on how to get a job at IKEA
cscawthon writes to ask about Getting Hired at IKEA:
Hopefully someone can give me some feedback on getting a foot in the door. I have responded to numerous positions, but have never been called for an interview. I am highly qualified, experienced and enthusiastic. I have had experts review my resume, and I know that it is outstanding. I have gone to my local store to try to speak to the hiring manager, but was not able to do so. I have tried to call the HR manager, but only get voice mail. I have left messages, but my call has not been returned. What’s up? Any suggestions?
Answer from fries_n_gravy, a coworker at IKEA Orange, in Costa Mesa, CA:
There’s not really a hiring manager per se; each candidate is reviewed by whoever his/her manager would be (for example, a position in Beds would be picked and interviewed by the Beds manager).
Did you apply online? For some reason the online aspect is highly essential. Go to IKEA | Job search and follow the application process. It looks like there are a number of sales jobs there, so all you have to do is plug in your info and apply for those specific jobs. If all else fails, you can print out a cover letter and resume and leave it with someone downstairs to pass on.
I got hired by going to a job fair that I found out about only a couple of days earlier (sheer luck). After a period of waiting and snacking on Swedish candy, there was a manager-led roundrobin interview with a group of people; after that, the manager filters out the prospective candidates to relevant department managers where they conduct individual interviews.
I’d imagine it’s a little bit more competitive, but it’s way easier to shine in that environment (I know I dazzled the **** out of my manager). Still, for the job fair thing, you need to apply online to be in the system (not sure if they keep a copy of your resume with your file or what). Also, they’re not held all that often, so check with you local IKEA.
Tips on Getting Hired at IKEA:
Apply online first – you must have an online application in the system to be considered for a job.
Be competitive – you are competing against many hundreds of other qualified people for the same job if you’re applying for a new store opening (and these days, even for a regular opening!). Shine.
Don’t count on your resume – Make personal contacts, show up at a job fair, or talk to current co-workers about what’s important to be hired in the department in which you want to work.
Follow up – these days, simply writing a thank you note after an interview may be enough to make you stand out from the crowd. Call back only if you haven’t heard a thing after 2-3 weeks.
Good luck!

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I AM A RESIDENT OF TAMPA, FLORIDA. I ERIC COOK AM SEEKING A POSITION WITHIN YOUR COMPANY TO GAIN BETTER SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT ATMOSHPERE. I AM WILLING WORK STOCKING, SHIPPING & RECIEVING. I CAN BE REACHED AT 813-393-9953; BEFORE 4:00PM. AT THIS TIME I AM EMPLOYED WITH ARBYS RESTURANT. I AM WILLING TO RELOCATE IF POSSIBLE.
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willing to work any position open
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I have been a costumer in Ikea and I really like their products. and their prices are low compare with other stores and also I notice by employees that the company treats them well, I believe is part of their success if somebody cares for you, you care for them is circle of success
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My family and I will be moving to Denver this summer and I’m very interested in applying for a job in your new store that will open in 2011. I’m more interested in a Warehouse position or even the Deli. Let me know when and where should i go to fill an application or if i can do it online? I’ve been living in Portland, OR for the last 8 year and always enjoyed visiting the store with my wife. Thanks!
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Typically four months before the store is set to open, IKEA will begin hiring. The Centennial (Denver) Colorado store is set to open in the fall of 2011, so it will be a while before they’re ready to hire. You’ll see notices in local papers, so keep your eyes peeled!