During job interviews, Glassdoor CEO frequently poses a straightforward inquiry that could indicate a significant warning sign.

Christian Sutherland-Wong typically asks a few questions during job interviews, with his preferred question being: "What's your dream job?"

The Glassdoor CEO, Sutherland-Wong, reveals that during interviews, he typically conducts them in the later rounds. By then, the candidate's capabilities have been evaluated, and he wants to learn more about the person.

Each candidate's response could potentially indicate a significant warning sign: a person lacking objectives and ambitions.

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"Sutherland-Wong explains that an answer that does not align well with what the candidate wants to achieve in their career may not be satisfactory. If the response lacks enthusiasm, she wants to continue probing to determine if the candidate is the right fit."

Expressing a lack of purpose or career drive can be conveyed through responses such as "I'm not sure," "I haven't really thought about it," or "I just want a job that pays me well."

Sutherland-Wong states that big ambitions and big dreams are what they want, says the source.

How to answer the question successfully

Andrew McCaskill, a LinkedIn career expert, advises that if you're stumped on a good answer to the dream job question, you should remember to highlight the role you're interviewing for.

"According to McCaskill, a vice president at Weber Shandwick and Nielsen, the ideal answers to questions about your dream job should demonstrate how the current role will help you achieve that dream. Candidates often make the mistake of appearing to want any job instead of the specific one during the job search. It is crucial to show enthusiasm for the job at hand."

If your dream job is not at the same company or in the same industry, you can still align your answer with the position by stating that your ultimate goal is to find a job that allows you to utilize your key skills to make a significant impact and have key responsibilities. You can then mention how the company's mission to uphold specific values aligns with your aspirations.

Expressing to the hiring manager that this role does not align with your future goals could result in losing the opportunity.

"McCaskill advises against revealing your dream job in corporate finance during a CMO interview for a marketing position, as the interviewer may appreciate your honesty but will likely let you do the calculus and soul-searching on someone else's payroll."

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