close

If You Could Be Anywhere In The World Right Now, Where Would You Be?

jasmine escalera author photo
by Jasmine Escalera   Career Expert 
Published On : May 30, 2017

Depending on the type of job you are applying for, you can expect to be asked more off-the-wall questions like: “There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be”

This type of hypothetical question is simply asked to learn more about who you are as an individual. Your career experience can be learned from reading your resume, but the interview is a chance for the hiring manager to learn more about the person he or she will be working with. Employers want to be certain that they are truly hiring the best person for the position.

Points to Emphasize

Every interview question should be viewed as an opportunity to make the best impression possible, so follow these pointers.

  • Make your response relevant to your career
  • Talk about how you want to be right here in this interview
  • Discuss how you already want to be working with the company doing great work
  • If possible, ask the interviewer where he or she would like to be right now

Making your answer relevant to what you are doing now is certain to score you some brownie points and make it clear that you are motivated to get this job.

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Although hiring managers begin this question by saying there is wrong answer, there is definitely a way to answer this in a way that does not reflect well on yourself.

    • Don’t say you want to go on some extravagant vacation
    • Don’t simply say “Right here” without giving an explanation
    • Avoid getting sidetracked
    • Don’t pause for too long; this question is supposed to be simple

The place you want to be most might be Hawaii or Europe, but that is not necessarily what a prospective employer wants to hear. Interviewers want to know that you actually want this job and want to be where you are now.

Sample Answer

A good answer to where you want to be right now should go something like this:

I want to be right here where I’m at. Getting this job would do wonders for my career, and a lot of opportunities are on the line. My career is what’s most important to me, and I’ll do anything to move it forward. I honestly can’t think of anywhere else I would rather be.

Employers do not want to hire someone who is constantly going to be fantasizing about their next vacation. You want to make it clear that your mindset is on the task at hand and that you genuinely want this position.

About the Author

Career Expert

Jasmine Escalera Career Expert

Jasmine is a career expert with a background in nonprofit management and significant experience as a hiring manager and leader. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Jasmine holds a B.S. in biochemistry and PhD in neuropharmacology and offers six years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation. She has had her work featured on LiveCareer’s resume builder and in these online publications: Fast Company, CNBC, Fortune, and more.

Rating

Please rate this article

Average Ratings
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
1/5 stars with 1 reviews

Featured in:*

Media features graphic LiveCareer
*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.
Build Your Resume

Build a resume with LiveCareer

Build My Resume
Build My Cover Letter

Craft a Winning Cover Letter

Build My Cover Letter