What do you do when one of the top global retail companies calls you for an interview?
When you think about IKEA, the first thing that comes to your minds is their amazing collection. The pure white bedsheets, the gorgeous lamps, the retail therapy paired with cupcakes.
Ever wondered why they are such a popular hit with customers across the globe? So many factors come into play when you try answering this question. The most dominant driver is the price. IKEA products are so reasonably priced that it gives your home the premium look without burning your pockets. IKEA first determines the price of every product from where they reverse engineer the product and materials. This is primarily because they value their customers more than competition. They will do whatever that is necessary to bring value to their customers.
They follow the concept of Democratic Design that is firmly based on 5 key pillars –
Low Price
Form
Quality
Sustainability
Function
While the weightage of each of these elements differ in every product that rolls out of their factory, every product needs to pass this test.
With the new framework of designing principle, they are also moving to a more sustainable structure that encourages resale, reuse and recycling of all their products and if they take back the old products, their idea is to break it down to the basic materials to build new products. This helps in caring for the planet, as vividly mentioned in their values.
Now, what do you do when a company like this invites you for an interview? IKEA is a huge brand to be associated with and 77 years since its inception, it’s still family-owned and run. So, don’t just go through the job description, go through the 8 carefully crafted values of IKEA –
Togetherness
Caring for the People and Planet
Cost Consciousness
Renew and Improve
Give and take responsibilities
Simplicity
Lead by Example
Different with a meaning
If you find yourself in alignment with most of the values listed above, only then apply for the role. You must be mindful about why companies go far and beyond to create their values. This extensive exercise is carried out so that they can create a culture of synonymity through every person that joins / wishes to join.
If you are a fiercely competitive professional and someone who likes working in silos, mind you, this will not be a place for you. While there is nothing negative about the trait, you need to be careful of the setting you will be in. IKEA’s notion of growth is lifting everyone up. They believe that you can only grow when others around you are growing – just like a family. So some of the skills that will work in this organizational context, is high collaboration, humility, fluid communication, team player and on a lookout for the greater good. Only then can one function to the best of their abilities.
All behavioural interviews will probe these areas of your personality and you need to be in alignment with these values otherwise either you will come across as someone who doesn’t quite believe in what you’re saying or you may end up in an environment that you may not like. So it’s always better to take a very informed call about any organization that you are applying to and interviewing, especially if it is your dream company.
I have shared a list of probable questions that you may face in an IKEA interview.
Why do you think you are a good fit for IKEA?
Why do you want to work at IKEA?
What is your personality?
On a scale of 10, how creative are you and why do you think so?
What was one time you had to handle a difficult task in the work area and how did you handle it?
What is your working style?
Tell us about a time you received a difficult feedback and how did you handle it?
Tell me about when you were at work and one of your co-workers needed help with their task. What did you do to help?
How will you work in a situation with another associate when you see something is incorrect?
What do you want / expect from your manager?
Tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a situation that was out of control?
What is that one thing that makes you feel appreciated and how you feel about it?
How would you work with difficult individuals?
Tell us about a time when you did not live up to the management’s expectations?
What does sustainability mean to you?
How do you influence when you have a good idea?
Talk us through some of your past experiences and what has been your most important achievement?
Tell us a bit about yourself?
How would you like to be recognized for your accomplishments?
In a retail environment, staff turnover is very high. How would you handle it if your co-worker did not show up for their shift?
Share with me how you would answer these questions, in the comments. Drop a note if you wish to connect more on this topic and get a detailed consultation on your interview preparedness.
Good Luck!
