Interview Question: "Describe your ideal job"
This question can help interviewers determine your passions and long-term goals - assisting in determining whether you are good fit for the role and for the company. Interviewers are not expecting that your answer describe the position for which you are applying exactly. They will expect to see some overlap in the goals and skills you present and which are integral to the job.
While candidates should take the question seriously, remember that the interviewer is more interested in determining whether or not you will thrive at their company than they are about how they might turn your dreams into reality.
The company wants to find the best match for the opening, and your task remains demonstrating that the person to hire is you.
Consider the role for which you are applying...
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Identify applicable skills, interests and goals: Start with identifying your skillset, job interests and workplace goals. Look at your list and the qualifications, duties and expectations of the job for which you are applying - see where the two overlap.
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Apply an element: Consider what you're passionate about (be it professional or personal) see if there are elements of the job for which you are applying that relate to your passion.
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Determine the connection: Assess your long-term career trajectory. Consider whether this role is on the track to your ideal job. If it's a direct step toward your dream job, make note of it to connect to your answer.
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Integrate the qualities: Think about the qualities you hope to have in your dream job. Consider things like working independently versus on a team or working directly with customers or in a background-position. See if any of these qualities align with the position for which you are interviewing.
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Describe the work environment: List the characteristics you hope to have in a dream job. Components like location, freedom to work in different places, open floor plans and office or work-site amenities should be considered. Assess if any of these items match with the company's workplace.
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Craft your answer: Use the information and ideas you outlined in the prior steps to identify strong connections between your specific dream job and the job for which you are applying. Make sure you clearly explain how the job you're applying for connects to your ideal job. Start your statement with something like, "My ideal job would involve…"
Examples:
"My ideal job would be a full-time human resources trainer. In my last position, I had the opportunity to lead a few training sessions for new colleagues, and I loved preparing the material, planning the event and performing the training. This position seems to have some training opportunities, which I would love to take part in."
"My dream job would involve using my excellent customer service and communication skills. I would love to work directly with customers in some capacity to help solve their problems and improve their experience with the company. This position will help me develop my problem-solving skills and use my communication abilities."
"My ideal position at this point in my career is to work as a programmer for a media company. I've always had a passion for the media business — how one delivers content and appeals to a broad or targeted audience. My best skills are in programming. I'd like to apply what I've learned in school and about the industry, on the job. I'd very much welcome the opportunity to be challenged to learn new programming languages, contribute broadly to the organization and be able to receive support from a more senior professional in my division."
Tips on what to avoid: Note that the sample answers show you took the time to think about what you want and the specific position. A generic response, such as, "I'm looking to work in an environment that challenges me and allows me to grow," can come off as hasty or uninspired.
Watch, too, that you don't go to the opposite extreme by expressing delight over each and every responsibility. Avoid being too "on the nose" about everything - it'll appear obvious and disingenuous. Also, ensure your responses are positive and aspirational, rather than a laundry list of tasks you never want to perform again.
For Interview Success Formula member's, visit your Interview Cribsheet™ for articulating a custom response to your "Ideal Career".
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