Quick Summary
What is your ambition? is probably a question you must have encountered in a job interview. Employers ask this question to understand your values, interests, and motivations and determine if you are the right fit for the job. It might seem like a trivial question, but it could be a deciding factor for recruiters to pursue your candidature.
Hence, your future employer wants to know what your true driving force is and what you value. Be prepared for this question by having a few goals and ambitions you’d like to pursue that you’ve already planned out. So, let’s get started and make sure you knock their socks off with the answer they’re looking for!
To impress recruiters in 2025, your answer to “What is your ambition in life?” should reflect personal aspirations and align with the company’s values. Here are some tailored responses:
Here are some key pointers you must remember while answering ‘What is your ambition in life?”:
When asked about your ambition, be specific. Instead of saying you want success, identify career goals and steps to achieve them. For example, mention plans to become a manager within five years or launch a business within a decade. Being clear and concise shows you have a well-defined strategy for your future.
When answering interview questions, tailor your response to the job. Emphasize leadership for a management role; share a data-driven problem-solving example for an analytical role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences, showing how they align with the job requirements and contribute to the company’s success.
Recommended Read: How to Answer “Why did you Quit your Last Job?”
Learning about the company’s mission and values before an interview is essential. It shows that you care about the company and want to learn more about it. It also helps you connect your ambitions to the company. This way, you can show the interviewer that you want to work for the company because you support its mission.
Be mindful of how personal you get in an interview. It’s fine to mention personal goals, like starting a family, but focus on professional ambitions. The interviewer will assess your fit for the company and role. Overemphasizing your personal life might suggest a lack of career dedication.
It’s important to be enthusiastic and passionate about your ambitions in life. This will demonstrate your dedication and commitment to achieving your goals. When you’re enthusiastic about your aspirations, staying motivated and focused on the task is easier. You’re more likely to inspire others to believe in you as well. So, whatever goals you’re pursuing, let your enthusiasm shine through!
When crafting your answer, consider what truly drives you and how you can articulate that in a way that resonates with your audience. Tailor your response to reflect your values, experiences, and aspirations.
Individuals with clearly defined goals are 10 times more likely to get a job compared to those without them, as per a study by Harvard Business Review. Here are some sample interview questions about ‘What is your ambition’. You must tailor your answer according to the question.
“I think the most important factor when striving to achieve my ambition in life is having a meaningful purpose. Knowing why I’m pursuing my goals and having the courage to keep pushing forward will be key to my success.”
“My ambition is to become an inspirational leader and use my skills and gifts to impact the world positively. To achieve this, I aim to develop my leadership capabilities through education, collaboration, building meaningful relationships, and seeking out new opportunities whenever they arise.”
“I believe leadership opportunities are essential in helping me achieve my ambition. I can gain valuable experience and help others achieve their potential by taking on more responsibilities. This can help me gain greater insight into how leadership works and how to apply it best to reach my goals.”
The interviewer might ask this question differently, and here are sample answers you can use.
“Well, I’m driven by personal development. I want to keep pushing myself to reach new levels of success. My immediate goal is to take on bigger roles and challenges to help me progress in my career. In the long term, I’m looking to achieve leadership positions in my industry and to remain competitive by continuing to build knowledge and skills that contribute to my career growth.”
Read More: 10 Tips For Entrepreneurs to Become Successful
“I aspire to achieve financial stability and growth through my career by consistently delivering exceptional results, advancing in my field, and seizing opportunities for professional development. Ultimately, I aim to secure a comfortable lifestyle for myself and my family while making meaningful contributions to my organization’s success.”
“I think the main ingredient for achieving success in my career is dedication, commitment, and effective communication. I must be focused, work hard, and persist positively to succeed. Additionally, I need to be open to skill enhancement and stepping out of my comfort zone. The key is to remain curious, open to criticism, and determined to stay the course. I believe these qualities are essential for career growth and meeting goals.”
Read More: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Here are some dos and don’ts for answering the question “What is your ambition in life?” during an interview:
It’s essential to remember that your response should reflect your genuine aspirations while aligning with the values and goals of the organization you’re engaging with. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
In summary, the best way to answer “What is your ambition?” is to make it relevant to the job role. Doing so’ll demonstrate your knowledge of the role, understanding of the industry, and enthusiasm for the job. This will show potential employers that you’re a good fit and that your ambitions align with theirs. They’ll also recognize your drive and ambition and that you’re investing in the company’s future.
So, be sure to take the time to properly engage with this important interview question and come up with an informed and meaningful answer that reflects the job you’re applying for. By incorporating these elements into your response, you can leave a lasting impression on recruiters and position yourself as a motivated and forward-thinking candidate.
Ace your job interviews with tailored tips for a great first impression! Explore more Interview Tips with us.
A sample of one of the best answers to this question would be the following.
My ambition is to live a meaningful and impactful life by continuously learning, growing, and striving for excellence. I aim to make a positive difference in the lives of others—whether through my career, relationships, or personal efforts—and to leave behind a legacy that inspires and uplifts.
Some examples of life ambitions could include traveling to every continent, writing a book, starting a business, becoming financially independent, or making a difference in the world. These are just a few examples. Life ambitions vary greatly depending on an individual’s values, interests, and personality.
One way to answer this question would be the following. “I’m focused on continuously learning and taking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. I aim to leverage those experiences to become a sharp professional and develop my career. Ultimately, I believe personal development is key to successful career growth.
A person’s ambition is a strong goal or dream they want to achieve, often related to their career or personal growth. It shows what they aim for, like reaching a specific job position, learning new skills, or making a difference in their field. Ambition motivates people to set goals and work hard to get them, guiding their choices and efforts.
Research the company’s mission, values, and long-term objectives. Then, tailor your ambition to reflect how you’ll contribute to these goals. For example, if the company values innovation, you could mention your ambition to lead projects that drive innovative solutions.
“My future ambition is to keep growing and advancing in both my career and personal life. I aim to work hard, strive for success, and continuously challenge myself to achieve more.”
Ambition is the inner drive to achieve goals, succeed, and improve oneself. It motivates individuals to pursue growth, overcome obstacles, and aim higher in life or career.
I set clear goals to achieve my ambitions, break them into actionable steps, and stay consistent with my efforts. I regularly evaluate my progress, stay open to feedback, and adapt when needed. With focus, discipline, and continuous learning, I stay aligned with my vision while remaining flexible.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
Editor's Recommendations
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
