Pros
Despite being lied to about where I would be based, once I started working in the Leeds store I was welcomed into a great team of interior designers, merchandise designers and carpenters. During my short time in the role, I really enjoyed working with the team and the graphic lead on projects in-store.
Cons
I was really excited to join IKEA, after being accepted for the Graphic Communication Designer role that was advertised to take place in both the Manchester and Leeds stores in-house. As someone who lives in Manchester, it was very important to me that it was clarified and confirmed in the interview stages that I would be splitting my time across both the Leeds and Manchester stores. This was confirmed during my interview (saying I would be rotating on a 3 week basis). My offer of employment and acceptance confirmation, was all done through an automated system and I didn't get chance to talk to anyone human until my induction date was announced. Ahead of my induction, I again wanted to make sure that this was still the case (as over a month had based between my interviews and job offer) and was again assured that "We are still working on the two store basis..." but now stated that the role "...will predominantly be based in Leeds." This was a slight change from the initial 3 week rotation statement, but I went ahead with starting my new job (having now already left my former one). My first day was scheduled to be in the Leeds store. Once there, I sat down with my manager and asked about seeing my schedule for the month ahead between the two stores. It was then that I was informed the two store approach between Manchester and Leeds was no longer part of my role and that I would be working solely in Leeds. This was obviously very disappointing and troubling in the long term, as I would be spending more money and time commuting to Leeds from Manchester than I originally planned. Being required to start work at 7am Monday - Friday all month also made this a difficult position to be in, giving the commute that I had. Unfortunately I knew this position was untenable long term both financially and logistically, so I started looking for a role elsewhere almost immediately. Fortunately, I did find another role elsewhere and was only with IKEA for 3 months. When I handed my notice into my manager, I was told that even they had been misled from those above him about the location/s of my role. Before leaving I wasn't given an official apology from IKEA about the handling of the situation or even an exit interview for me to discuss my grievances. I'm really disappointed that such a worldwide brand in IKEA has been this amateurish and misleading about a job role. I hope this review prompts a review of their recruitment process and anyone looking to join IKEA makes sure they're not misled like I was.