What Do You Want To Do?

You're going to be asked this question, and you have to know how to answer it, without limiting yourself.

In this chapter of The Interviewing Series, the focus is on answering the important career question: "What do you want to do, and where do you want to do it?" This question often arises in networking settings, conversations with executives, or during interactions with recruiters, long before formal interviews. It’s not just an interview question, but an assessment tool to gauge your preparedness and clarity. A well-thought-out answer shows that you are clear about your career direction and not simply reacting to the question in a rushed or unprepared manner.

The podcast stresses the importance of avoiding vague answers like “what I’m doing now” and encourages listeners to define their desired role more clearly, offering specific skills or industries. Being open to similar opportunities is also crucial, as it signals to recruiters and executives that you’re adaptable and willing to consider various paths. Furthermore, you must address your location preferences, ideally by narrowing them down to a region rather than a single city. This helps to avoid limiting yourself while also making it easier for the interviewer to identify suitable opportunities for you.

Finally, if you are open to relocating, the chapter advises expressing that openness in your answer. It’s not about committing to a specific job or location, but showing flexibility for the right opportunity. By following this advice, the podcast highlights how your response can position you as a well-prepared, thoughtful candidate who is ready for the next step in your career. The episode equips listeners with strategies to avoid the common pitfalls and ensure their responses align with successful career management.

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