How to Answer the Question ‘What’s Your Dream Job?’

Follow these tips to discover your passions and pinpoint your dream job:

• Reflect on what you enjoy. Think about your favorite hobbies and how they could translate into a job. Although every hobby or interest may not directly relate to a job, you could take a few key components and change them to fit a career. For instance, if you enjoy listening to music, you could look for a career in music journalism.
• Ask yourself important questions. Discovering your dream job takes some inner reflection. Asking yourself the following questions may help you make a decision: What do I enjoy? Is it about money or passion? What are my core values? What am I good at? What do I want to learn? How much schooling am I willing to do?
• Go on a job shadow. A job shadow is when you observe a real-life professional in their work setting. You get to know what they actually do each day. This gives you a better idea if you could see yourself doing a particular job.

When an employer asks about your dream job in an interview, follow these steps to craft the perfect answer:

1. Relate it to the job you’re applying to

Prior to your interview, get a really good idea of what the job you’re applying to looks like. Think of ways you could tie what this job offers into your ideal situation. For instance, if you see that you’re working on a team in this role, you could say, ‘My ideal job is one where I can grow close to my team. I find that when a team starts to bond, they work better together since they fully understand each other’s working styles.’

2. Share your values

Employers may ask this interview question to get a better idea of what you value in a job. Use this as an opportunity to share what matters the most to you. For instance, if giving back is important to you, you could say, ‘I would love a job where I have a chance to make a difference in the world. That’s why I’m so excited to learn more about your company’s volunteering initiatives.’ You could also tie in other reasons your values make you the best candidate. Get to know the values of the company you’re applying to and think about which of yours align.

3. Make it general

Instead of discussing a specific job title, describe the responsibilities and duties of your ideal job. Discuss certain skills you would hope to develop in this dream role or what types of programs you would get to use. This answer should give the employer some insight into what would make you happy as an employee.

Use these sample answers as inspiration when discussing your ideal job during an interview:

Example 1

I’ve been working in advertising for three years now and have gotten a first-hand look at upper-level positions in this field. My dream role would be leading a team as creative director. I am currently developing my skills in graphic design and copywriting, which are both integral for such a career. If I were to get this role as a senior designer, I would continue to offer my creative insights while also growing my leadership skills. My ideal situation would be working in this role for a while and eventually working my way up to my dream position.

Example 2

My dream career is one where I make a true change in this world. I would combine my programming skills with my humanitarian values to create something that makes a major impact for the better. While in college, I began to create an application that helps low-income families get connected to career counselors. I would hope to be able to finish this idea or work for a company that supports similar initiatives. That’s why your firm stood out to me. The programmer community grants are a wonderful opportunity, and I know I could develop something amazing with such support.

Example 3

Helping others succeed is a passion of mine, which is why my dream role would be a leadership position. I already have years of experience in sales, making me understand the day-to-day work my team members would go through. As a sales manager, I would focus on encouraging my team to meet their quotas while spending time continuing their training. It’s my dream to create a team that supports one another while also enjoying a healthy dose of competition. I’ve had some pretty great managers in the past, making me eager to hopefully make a positive impact on my team.

Example 4

Although I’ve had some fulfilling career opportunities, my real goal is to work for a company that has international connections. I find traveling exhilarating as I love to learn about new cultures and meet people from all walks of life. I would especially be interested in spending some time in Europe, as I am fluent in German, Italian, and French. I also know a little bit of Dutch. If I were to get this position, I would be more than willing to go on the many business trips your company offers. Adapting to new settings is something I do well.