How to Answer the Question “What is Your Ideal Career Path?”

During interviews, hiring managers ask a range of questions. Obviously, they ask interviewees about work experiences and skills. But beyond these topics, many interviewers also want the hear an answer to a more complex: “What is your ideal career path?” If you are not yet sure how to answer this, read on

Why is it important to know your ideal career?

Answering this question goes beyond projecting your professional goals in the next few years. When you think about your ideal career, consider your values and non-negotiables in your personal life. What is your vision for yourself in terms of your career and your work? How does work-life balance play into your ideal career? Do you see yourself in a leadership position down the line, or would you like to explore different paths by reskilling and transferring laterally? 

Your career path is more flexible than your career goals. Goals usually have a time frame attached to completing them; meanwhile, a path’s timeline can change. A career path can also change in terms of direction or outcome, while a goal’s end is set. 

Knowing how you envision your ideal career not only helps hiring managers in getting to know you but also lets you identify what kind of jobs to apply for during the job hunt. It also shapes your long-term motivations and allows employers know if the company can push you to achieve your ideal career path. 

What is an example of an ideal career answer?

To help you answer this question, here are some examples that integrate professional goals with personal aspirations, motivations, and values. These four answers are lifted from JobStreet’s recent report titled “What Jobseekers Wish Employers Knew: Unlocking the Future of Recruitment.” Over 5,000 jobseekers were surveyed, and these answers were the top four they shared as their ideal career. 

“I envision myself in a stable job with a good work-life balance, so I have time for my family, friends, and hobbies.”

This is a well-rounded and straightforward answer. When you say this, it tells the employer that you do not just value the work that you do; you want to balance it with your personal life. It also shows that you are keen on growing with the company while still prioritising your well-being. 

“I would like to work for a good and reputable company and progress to a leadership position.”

If your career goals involve moving up to a leadership position, this is a good answer. Do not box yourself in by saying that the job and the company you are applying for are your ideal job. It may sound as if you are insincere and answering this way to gain favour from the interviewer.

“I want to try different careers by reskilling or upskilling to new professions throughout my life.”

Career shifters are becoming the norm, and hiring managers acknowledge that. If this is how you envision your career, share with the interviewer what kind of work you would want to explore in the future. For example, you might want to move from creative work to event management. Remember to link the potential professions to other job functions in the company you are applying for. Say that you would be interested in a lateral transfer if you are hired. 

“I am excited and keen to work on exciting products, topics, or technologies.”

For some, their ideal career is focused on creating things or solutions rather than reskilling or moving up the corporate ladder. This might be you. If this is your answer, share with the interviewer that you’re interested in helping the company create new products and solutions. 

How to get your ideal job or career?

Forming an answer to your ideal career path can take time and, perhaps, some experience. These are some ideas to get you started. 

Identify your values, goals, and priorities.

Think about the answers above. What are your priorities? Do you want stable work that pays the bills so you have time to pursue your hobbies? Do you want to move up the corporate ladder? Do you want to pursue work that helps others? Pinning down the values that are important to you and the motivations that drive you to work will help you identify your goals.

Practise answering the question: “What is your ideal career path?” 

As with interviewing for any job, have a list of answers to a set of questions a hiring manager might ask. Include this question so you are prepared and you can easily connect the job opening to your ideal career. You can also use your answer to know if your current employer is able to help you achieve your ideal career path. 

Create a timeline.

Since you are practising your answer, also create a timeline of your career path. If it is finding stable work that allows you more work-life balance, you can include adding an extra cushion of savings in case you need some extra time to pursue work that provides this. Interested in reskilling, but your employer does not have the resources? Create a learning plan that you can tackle in your free time. Add actionable steps and a specific timeline to each step, so you are on track. 

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Every now and then, revisit your progress and goals. 

Your ideal career path can change over time, and that is okay. While you are in the middle of job hunting (or even if you are just looking through openings), take some time to evaluate and assess if the career path you envisioned is still the same as before. If your career path has changed, note what is different and keep that in mind when you are ready to interview for jobs. 

Celebrate progress.

Your success can look different from others. You may not be fully on track to getting to your ideal career path. Your peers may seem ahead of you on the career ladder. Regardless, remember that there is no need to compare yourself to others; their goals and timelines are different from yours. Celebrate and acknowledge the steps you have made toward your career path, no matter how big or small they are.

Be realistic. 

Finding the ideal career path is not an overnight task. You may not achieve it with your first or even your current job. But the ideal career path is a marathon, not a sprint. It may take time to get there, and you may have to adjust your timeline to one that you can realistically work with. 

Being able to answer the question, “What is your ideal career path?” can help you set yourself up for success. Knowing your ideal career path can shape your long and short-term goals so you can build a career path that brings you joy and fulfilment.  

Find the companies that best fit your ideal career path and #SEEKBetter work now. Update your profile at JobStreet and find the work that aligns with your passion and purpose. 

For more expert tips and advice on job hunting and interviews, check out our Career Resources Hub.