Hiring for the Ikea store in Dartmouth Crossing is in full swing, with the company hosting its first job fair for the new store over the weekend.

Store manager Sue Coulet said about 3,500 people have submitted applications to work at the Nova Scotia store, but only 300 or so will be hired.

"We're having a fantastic turnout for our first job fair for Ikea. This is one of several that we'll be having over the next few months. Hiring will go right into June so we're really excited," Coulet said at the job fair on Saturday.

Full-time jobs down in N.S.

The jobs are welcome in Nova Scotia, where full-time work has decreased steadily in recent years.

According to the province's most recent data, between February 2016 and February 2017, the labour force decreased by 3,800.

Compared to a year ago, Nova Scotia lost about 2,700 full-time jobs while it gained more than 4,400 part-time jobs.

Ikea is hiring staff for a number of different functions including logistics, interior decorating, sales, customer service and kitchen staff for the store's restaurant.

Coulet said the company will be holding more job fairs in the coming weeks. She said the store is on track to open by fall 2017.