Think back to a time when you did something at work and felt good about yourself, useful, and able to make a difference. In that feeling lies the answer to the question of what your dream job is.
Although it doesn’t seem like an awkward question at first glance, you probably know that it will definitely be one of the questions that the interviewer will ask you. And such a question can cause discomfort.
So, make this abstract and vague question easier to answer by digging deep into your motivations, skills, and values and thinking about how they relate to the job you are applying for.
Let’s get into the details!
Key Takeaways
- When you define what your dream job looks like, you should recognize what your interests, skills, and values are.
- It is important that the role you’re applying for and your ideal job description are compatible with one another.
- Leave a positive impression on the interviewer by showing them that your vision of a dream job successfully meets the needs of the firm and the position you’re applying for.
- Let your answer be enthusiastic and show your skill set.
Why Are Employers Asking “What’s Your Dream Job?” Question?
The “dream job” question is a three-in-one question. Your answer will help the employer form a complete picture of you as a person and employee.
The first thing a potential employer will learn about you from this question is what motivates you and what your guiding principles in life are. They will also be able to tell if you know what skills and knowledge are needed for the job you want.
If you’ve ever done something you love that is related to a potential company, then describe the situation you found yourself in, what your task was, what action you took, and what the outcome was. The STAR method can help you with that.
As a last step, the employer will consider whether or not the job description, the company’s work organization, and your own desires and priorities line up.
How to Decide What Your Dream Job is?
Whether you’ve always wanted to be a hairdresser or your passion for writing crystallized during your education, ask yourself the following questions when deciding on your dream job:
- What motivates you? Think about what makes you feel good because that’s where your motivation comes from. Is that satisfaction or getting compliments after a job well done, or something else?
- What is your field of interest? What activities do you truly enjoy? A specific activity you enjoy doing without giving any thought to the passage of time, something about which you are naturally curious and well-versed.
- What skills do you possess? Think about the skills you can say you have acquired as a result of the experiences you had and went through, as well as from the activities you were interested in.
- Where do you want your education to go? Take some time to carefully analyze how you imagine your ideal workday, the organization, and environment of your workplace, as well as your plans for future growth. What skills would you like to improve or learn?
- What ideals do you aim for? What values have you always admired and would like to be guided through life?
How To Answer What Is Your Dream Job?
Your answer to ‘What’s your dream job?’ is important both for you and for your interviewer, who will use it to determine whether your dream job vision matches the vision of the position you applied for.
To best answer this question, keep the following points in mind:
Be Genuine
People generally like to hear when someone knows what they want to do and how to achieve it.
That’s why it’s important to be honest when you say whether a certain job is your dream job. Don’t say it just for the sake of saying it because it will be easily noticed, and it can further lead you to “unsafe ground.”
Also, we suggest you avoid applying for positions that do not interest you because there will be no long-term benefit.
Make the Answer Relevant to The Job
The starting point for this question is that you have applied for a job that matches your desire, passion, and knowledge. Then it will be easier for you to explain how the fact that you have always been a lover of graphic design, for example, will help the company with the project for which you have applied.
They already know that it is much easier to achieve goals with a passionate person and with someone who has the knowledge and skills relevant to a specific job.
On the other hand, if you wanted to be a math professor and you were in an interview for a job that required you to write an essay about animals, it’s clear that a potential employer would wonder: Why did you come to us?
Display Enthusiasm
Be enthusiastic when discussing what you would like to do and what most interests you about that employment. Your potential new role should be reflected in your answer.
So talk about why you like the job and what you want to get better at. Share your opinion about the benefits a new position might bring you, and vice versa.
However, enthusiasm will come naturally if you truly love the job you applied for.
Don’t be Too Specific
When discussing your ideal job, avoid narrowing it down to a specific title. Instead, concentrate on the duties and working style that you would be expected to perform.
Keep this in mind, especially if the job you applied for and your dream job do not match up entirely but are connected in some way through the specification of duties, work processes, etc.
Mention Skills
Don’t forget to talk about your skills and describe them, because the interviewer wants to know if you have what it takes to do the job you’re applying for.
You can do that, for example, by explaining that you had a problem on a project, what the problem was, what your responsibility was, what you did to overcome it, and what the result of your action was.
Of course, if you have certificates and diplomas in certain fields, put those on the table as well; it will mean a lot.
Discuss Values
Every person, company, or organization has its own set of values by which it is guided and acts.
So, what inspires you to do your finest work? By outlining it, you will show what you think are the most important things every successful business should keep in mind and manage.
You should also describe how these principles line up with the company whose job you’re applying for.
“What Is Your Dream Job?” Answer Samples
“What is your dream job?” Answer samples will help you see the importance of what we wrote through some real-life situations. Here are some of them:
#1. Answer Sample
“I’ve always wanted to be a part of a charitable foundation. That’s why I have been a member of the Red Cross since primary school; I have participated in numerous actions donating clothes, toys, food, and other things; I have organized actions to help people in winter conditions. Later, I led a team that decided which socially disadvantaged groups we would help and in what way, for example, whether financially or through inclusion in social life.”
This response suggests that you have been involved in humanitarian organizations for a long time, understand their ideals, and have a lot of experience helping others in general. Since you work with a charity, the interviewer will know that you really care about helping people and that you would be a good fit for their foundation.
#2. Answer Sample
“I competed in geography competitions in high school and was quite successful. At the same time, I was also a scout, so I spent a lot of time in nature. But the turning point happened when we visited Italy at university; it was simply love at first sight, and after that, I went there twice a year, and after that, my desire to become a tourist guide was born. It is clear to me what a good tourist guide should have, and I am ready to provide it.”
This answer shows that you love to travel, explore, and meet new people, which is very important if you want to be a tour guide and exactly what the tourist agency is looking for.
#3. Answer Sample
“When I read the job description, I saw that you are looking for a person who would be able to take care of team members on a daily basis and organize their tasks. At my previous job, I helped set up a program that would make it easier for employees to talk to each other, do their daily tasks more quickly, and be better supervised. This is why I think this job would be a great opportunity for me.”
This answer shows that you have expertise with this type of job, that you have used particular programs, and that you know what is needed to complete the project.
#4. Answer Sample
“When I think about my dream job, I think about finding technical solutions that will help blind people find their way more easily in today’s digital world. I have read articles about your solutions that are already being implemented, and I must say that I am impressed with the way you have done it, as well as the potential opportunity to collaborate with your scientists and learn from them, and most importantly, help people.”
The company you applied to makes technology solutions that blind people need, so your application showed that you want to help people and are excited to learn from professionals.
#5. Answer Sample
“Over the past several years, I’ve realized that I spend the majority of my time taking images of nature and editing them as a form of voluntary work and that this is something that both satisfies and motivates me. Although I have not worked for a company that deals with photography at a professional level like yours, when I saw the job ad and learned about your company, I realized that we share the same ideas and goals. Because of this, I am sure that, with your mentorship, I will be able to contribute to the long-term success of the company, even though I don’t have any relevant work experience.”
In situations where you don’t have much experience but know exactly what motivates and fulfills you, it is enough to be honest and to have seen that your passion matches the vision of the company. Also, this is an example of an answer where you did not talk about a certain position, but you clearly showed what interests you. Leave the rest to them; you did your part in the best possible way.
Final Thoughts
Finally, we want to say that one thing is certain: Employers welcome those who desire to do what they love. So apply for a job that matches your passion, ambitions, and skills, and the answer to this not-so-naive question will come naturally.
Remember that your answer will affect the interviewer’s final decision. Honest answers that show your professional and personal characteristics are half the way to the interviewer’s positive attitude about you.
So, do what you love and enjoy what you do, and we wish you good luck on your next interview!
