If you haven’t thought about the direction you’d like your career to take, it’s a good idea to think about it before you go to a job interview. During the interview, the interviewer might ask you, “What are your short-term and long-term career goals?” or they may pose similar questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “What are your goals for the next five to ten years?” Employers often ask these future-oriented questions to ensure your goals align with the organization’s goals and to determine if you are a good fit for the position you are applying for.
What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know
The interviewer wants to know whether you plan to stay with the company long-term or if you are likely to leave at the first opportunity. Asking questions about the future is very common during interviews. For employers, this approach helps to reveal whether you have long-term visions or plans.
How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Career Goals
It can be challenging to think about the future during an interview, so it’s a good idea to prepare for questions like these. Remember, there are many ways to answer them successfully. Tailor your response to the company you are applying to. If your personal goals do not align with the company’s vision for the future, it’s best to keep them to yourself.
Break down those goals into short-term and long-term objectives. Be prepared to share some of these aspirations with the interviewer. If you’re unclear about what you want to achieve, review this guide on how to set career goals. Spend some time setting those vital short-term and long-term career goals.
Examples of the Best Answers
Here are some examples of answers you can follow when crafting your own response:
Answer Example 1
In the short term, I hope to work as a sales representative for a company like yours – a company that relies on excellent customer service and care. Working as a sales representative for a company I believe in will pave the way for me to take on broader team leadership responsibilities in the future when that opportunity arises.
Answer Example 2
My current short-term goal is to develop and utilize my marketing and communication skills in a role like this one. However, I want to move forward to reach a position that allows me to continue using those skills while also managing a marketing group. I will prepare for this goal by taking on leadership roles in team projects and advancing my career by attending leadership conferences such as the annual conference organized by your company.
Answer Example 3
Although I haven’t completed my LPN training yet, my long-term goal is to elevate my nursing career to the highest level by obtaining my RN certification. My plan is to work full-time in a long-term care environment or in a hospital for the next few years, which will give me the experience I need to excel in the RN program.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
Start with your short-term goals and then move to your long-term goals. You probably have a good idea of your short-term goals, such as getting a job at a company like the one you are currently applying to. Start by describing these goals, then transition to the long-term plans.
Explain the actions you will take. Simply listing your goals won’t be enough for a strong answer. You also want to briefly explain the steps you will take to achieve these goals. For example, if you want to take on a managerial role, explain the steps you have taken or will take to become a manager.
Focus
On the employer. Although this question is about you, you want to clarify that you won’t be leaving the employer anytime soon.
Indicate that one of your goals is to work for a company like the one you are applying to. Focus on how you can add value to the company by achieving your own goals. Also, convince the interviewer that working at this company will help you achieve your goals in a way that benefits everyone.
Be sure to practice answering questions about your career plan and goals out loud so you feel more comfortable during the interview. It’s also a good idea to review a variety of common interview questions and answers so that you are fully prepared.
What Not to Say
Avoid discussing salary. Don’t focus on goals related to earnings or salary increases, bonuses, or benefits. You want to focus on the work you hope to accomplish rather than the money you wish to earn. It’s acceptable to provide a salary range if asked (although you may try to avoid pinning that down early in the process). However, you should not offer your target salary without being asked or tie any information to your personal circumstances rather than the job market.
Avoid overly detailed specifics. While you want to provide clear goals, you don’t want to delve 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 are applying for), don’t share that information with the employer.
Potential Follow-Up Questions
How do you plan to achieve your career goals? – Best Answers
What is your career development plan? – Best Answers
Where do you see yourself in five years? – Best Answers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most common interview questions?
What is the best way to prepare for an interview?
Some of the best ways to prepare for a job interview include spending some time practicing answers to common interview questions with someone else, as well as using a computer or phone to record your answers or practice in front of a mirror. Prepare examples and stories related to how you possess the skills mentioned in the job listing, and be ready to share them with the interviewer.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/job-interview-questions-about-your-career-goals-2061238
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