How to Answer: Tell me about your dream job.
25. Tell me about your dream job.
The Goal
The interviewer would like to know how this position fits your career goals and dreams. The goal of your response is to help the interviewer get to know you better while highlighting the alignment between your career dreams and what the hiring company has to offer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a specific job title in your response. For instance, instead of saying, 'My dream job is to be a photographer,' consider focusing more on the general vibe of what you'd like to do - 'My dream job is one that would allow me to exercise my creativity.'
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Pro Tip
This open-ended question can be tricky to navigate! First, remember that you are not talking to a friend about your hopes and dreams. You are giving a career-related response to a potential employer.
Maybe you want to be a university professor, but you're applying for a summer swim coach position. In this case, make a connection between what excites you most about teaching university students and the accountabilities of the seasonal swim coach role. Using this example, you could state that your dream job includes teaching and training others, and you look forward to helping your swim students learn new swimming techniques.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
How to Answer
This question is one of the very few interview questions where you can be slightly ambiguous in your response. Consider taking one or more of these approaches:
- Focus your reply on the skills, abilities, and knowledge you wish to gain in your career, regardless of the job title.
- Make a connection between your career desires and what the hiring company offers.
- Talk about what motivates you in your career and how the company's approach aligns with your motivational factors.
- Consider the company's mission, and values then discuss how they align with your dream organization.
- Describe the career achievements you want to bring to fruition. Then, define how you can accomplish these achievements with the hiring company.
Make sure to tailor your response to the job and company you're interviewing with.
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Answer Example
"My dream job is to work for a company that will allow me to grow in the hospitality industry while applying the knowledge I gained while earning my hospitality management diploma. I am most excited about this role with Hotel Group ABC because it will allow me to put into practice everything I learned about guest services, business management, human resources, and hospitality marketing."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Admin Example
"My dream job is not necessarily a specific function but more focused on the workplace vibe and company culture. I set my sights on your organization after seeing its name on the city's 'Top 25 Employer' list. I researched your methods and mission and was very impressed. Company ABC would be a dream 'fit' for me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Manager Example
"My dream job is one where I have the tools and support to be a great mentor to my team members. I am passionate about investing in my top performers, so a dream employer would be an organization that supports this passion. Would you agree that this describes Company ABC?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Marketing Example
"My dream job is one where I can exercise my creativity in a variety of ways. I appreciate that Agency ABC works in pods and that the agency allows engaged team players to try their hand at a variety of tasks that interest them. I look forward to joining this talented and diverse team."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Retail Example
"I love retail and fashion, which is why I applied to Company ABC. I am deeply interested in working my way up in the organization, perhaps in a merchandising or even a buyer role one day."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Sales Example
"Being a business development representative is my dream job! I am thrilled to be considered for this role and career path with Company ABC. The fact that the organization will provide international travel and continued education opportunities makes this position even more enticing."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
Teacher Example
"My dream is to be an educator in a school that focuses less on traditional learning methods and allows for creativity in the classroom. When I read an article about the new teaching methods this school has implemented in its classes, I knew I had to apply."
Written by Rachelle Enns on January 8th, 2022
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