In looking for a job, a felon faces many challenges.
Any felon who has experience working in a furniture and interior design store might want to apply at IKEA.
This blog post will cover whether or not IKEA runs background checks.
- What Is Included in a Background Check?
- IKEA Application
- IKEA Background Check
- Tips for Getting a Job at IKEA
Contents
What Is Included in a Background Check?
IKEA, like many employers, reviews an applicant’s background because they don’t want someone who doesn’t succeed after starting a job.
This is considered to be a, “bad hire,” which is someone who:
- Doesn’t produce quality work
- Has a negative attitude
- Doesn’t work well with other employees
- Doesn’t deal well with customers
- Doesn’t have the skills they stated on an application
- Has attendance problems
- Is dishonest on the job
The last question is the biggest challenge for felons.
Their criminal history can be a problem when applying at IKEA even if they are now committed to living an honest lifestyle.
An employer might view at least some of the following:
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Educational records
- Criminal offenses
Background information helps an employer like IKEA to determine a candidate’s:
- Past mistakes
- Character
- Financial fitness
This allows an employer to identify hiring risks for security and safety issues for the company.
IKEA Application
IKEA is one of the best-known furniture retailers in the world.
The company was founded in Sweden and offers high-quality products at lower prices.
IKEA provides a wide range of functional furniture selections for the public and has more than 40 locations in the U.S.
IKEA is known for being environmental friendly, simplistic, in offering modern architectural furniture and interior designs.
IKEA emphasizes cost control, product development, and store expansion. Working for IKEA means belonging to a giant family.
IKEA values its employees and invests in their development.
The company offers a tuition assistance program as well as special study leave for up to six months.
A candidate typically applies online and will be contacted by a recruiter for an interview.
An interview may be over the phone, in person one-on-one, or in a panel interview.
A group interview may be used to pre-screen applicants before a one-on-one interview.
The hiring process may last one to two weeks for entry-level positions and longer for managerial positions.
In order to gain an interview with IKEA, an applicant needs to have excellent customer service skills.
An applicant with previous sales experience usually has an advantage.
The minimum age to work at IKEA is 18 years old. Typical entry-level positions include:
- Cashier
- Call center worker
- Full serve worker
- Customer service worker
- Cart worker
- Stock controller
- General warehouse worker
The first part of the IKEA application is a diversity questionnaire involving questions regarding gender, ethnicity, and veteran status.
This part of the application is voluntary.
Then, there will be a section about contact information.
Additional information will be requested regarding:
- The store location an applicant would like to work at
- Languages that he or she is fluent in
- Work field in which he or she has experience
- Number of years of experience in that field
A strong resume and impressive cover letter will maximize an applicant’s chances at being hired by IKEA.
After submitting an application, it will be processed by the Human Resources Department, and applicants will be contacted for the next step in the process.
An applicant may be asked to go through a pre-employment assessment step that is conducted online.
An applicant will simulate some responsibilities of an IKEA career for the hiring specialist to get an idea of how an applicant would fit into the IKEA work environment.
An applicant who passes this stage has a good chance at being employed by the company.
Then, there may be an opportunity for a face-to-face interview.
Typical interview questions include:
- Why did you choose to apply to IKEA?
- Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
- With which of the IKEA core values do you identify the most?
- How would you handle a situation with an upset customer?
- Has there ever been a time you went above and beyond to satisfy a customer?
- Can you describe a time when you had to give up something that you truly believe in?
- Could you please tell me a time in your life when you made a mistake?
IKEA Background Check
IKEA can hire felons. The company will request permission to perform a pre-employment background check.
Anyone who declines this opportunity will be unable to complete the application.
Any employment offer depends on passing the background check.
An applicant may also need to consent to a pre-employment drug screening.
There are many factors considered by IKEA in making a hiring decision.
Important information relating to a conviction includes:
- Experience and skills
- Type of conviction
- Number of convictions
- Time since release from supervision
Any felon applying at IKEA needs to:
- Know his or her criminal history
- Answer all questions
- Be honest
- Focus on the positive
All questions on the application regarding criminal history must be answered truthfully.
If a job is offered, an applicant will be asked submit to a background check.
A routine background check at IKEA takes several days to a week.
A background check is run for IKEA to protect:
- The company
- Its employees
- Its customers
A felon would have the best chance at getting a job at IKEA by having his or her record expunged.
Tips for Getting a Job at IKEA
A few tips for getting hired at IKEA include:
- Be flexible in working different hours
- Have reliable references
- Be ready to provide a job history with a current resume
- Be honest about all personal information and history
- Arrive early for an interview
- Dress appropriately
- Be polite and respectful
- Use a firm handshake
- Speak up clearly and show enthusiasm
If possible, applying in person allows an individual to talk directly to the manager at IKEA.
Don’t hide the fact about having a felony conviction if it comes up. Instead, explain the facts about that conviction without being emotional.
It is never a good idea to lie about your past on an application.
This could result in not being considered for a job if IKEA finds out about it.
Highlight skills and abilities that qualify you for the job; focus on them during the interview.
Take responsibility for past actions and explain how you are putting your life in order.
Doing your own background check allows a you to know what an employer will see on your record.
So what do you think about this blog post about whether IKEA runs background checks?
Have you or someone you know had IKEA run a background check?
What was that like and was he or she successful in being hired?
Please tell us in the comments below.
