Or you might be asked similar interview questions such as, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “What are your goals for the next five to ten years?” Employers often ask about the future to ensure that your goals mesh with those of the organization and to ensure you’re a fit for the job for which you’re interviewing. Here’s advice on how to answer interview questions about your career goals, examples of the best responses, and tips for what to say when you respond.
What the Interviewer Really Wants To Know
Interviewers want to know whether you plan to stay at the company for a while, or if you’re likely to leave at the first opportunity. Asking future-focused questions during interviews is very common. For employers, this tactic helps reveal if you have any long-term visions or plans. It is expensive to hire and train an employee. The interviewer wants to make sure that you intend to stay a while at the company. However, the interviewer also wants to make sure you have ambitions and goals for your future.
How To Answer Interview Questions About Your Career Goals
It might be difficult to think about the future during your interview, so it’s good to plan for questions like these. Keep in mind, there are plenty of ways to answer it successfully. Answer this question with the company in mind. If your personal goals don’t mesh with the company’s vision for the future, it’s better to keep them to yourself. You can divide those goals up into short-term goals and long-term goals. Be prepared to share some of these aspirations with the interviewer. If you’re not clear about what you want to achieve, review this guide on how to set career goals. Then spend some time setting those vital short- and long-term career goals.
Examples of the Best Answers
Here are some examples of answers you can follow when framing your own response. Why It Works: The applicant references the company they are interviewing for in their answer to the question, letting the interviewer know that they would like to be hired by the company and would like to stay there, at least for a while. Why It Works: This answer works for two reasons. First, the applicant states that their short-term goal can be accomplished by working in a company like the one they are interviewing with. Second, the applicant relates their long-term goals to an annual conference put on by the company. Why it Works: Since the applicant is obviously interviewing in a hospital or long-term care environment, they are relating long-term goals to the same environment. This reassures the interviewer that they may be able to retain the applicant if they hire them.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Start with short-term goals, then move to long-term goals. You probably have a good sense of your short-term goals, such as getting a job with an employer like the one you are currently interviewing for. Start by describing these goals, then move to long-term plans. Explain the actions you’ll take. Listing goals is not going to make for a strong answer. You also want to (briefly) explain the steps you will take to achieve them. For example, if you want to take on a management role, describe the steps you have taken, or will take, to become a manager. Perhaps you are developing your leadership skills by running group projects, you plan to attend a series of leadership conferences, or you are pursuing a specialized management certification. Describing your plan demonstrates that you are thinking analytically about your career future and your potential growth within the company. For example, if you plan to further your education, explain your goal in a way that enhances your worth to the company. Focus on the employer. Even though this question is about you, you want to convey that you won’t abandon the employer anytime soon. Focus on how you’ll add value to the company through the achievement of your own goals. Also, convince the interviewer that working at this company will help you achieve your goals for a win-win situation. Take the Time to Practice. Practice answering questions about your career plan and goals out loud, so you can be more comfortable during your interview. It’s also a good idea to review a variety of job interview questions and answers so you’ll be fully prepared.
What Not To Say
Avoid discussing salary. Don’t focus on goals related to earnings, raises, bonuses, or perks. You want to focus on the work you hope to achieve, rather than the money you want to make. It’s fine to provide a salary range if asked (although you might try to avoid getting pinned down too early in the process). However, you should never volunteer your target salary unasked, or tie any information to own your circumstances, rather than to the job market. Here’s an example of what not to say when you’re talking about salary with a prospective employer: Don’t say this: Can you provide the salary range for this position? My target salary is at least $45,000. My rent just went up and I have student loans, so I can’t consider a position that comes in under that. Avoid delving too deeply into specifics. While you want to present clear goals, do not get into too many details. For example, if you know you want to work for a company in a specific position (but not the company or role you’re interviewing for), don’t share this information with an employer. An example of what not to say when discussing your goals: Don’t say this: I’m excited about the possibility of joining this organization. While I’m applying for an administrative assistant job, my hope is to move into an editorial role as soon as possible. Can you tell me how long it would take to move into an editorial assistant position?
Possible Follow-Up Questions
How do you plan to achieve your career goals? - Best Answers What is your professional development plan? - Best Answers Where do you see yourself in 5 years? - Best Answers
