Savvy hiring managers and interviewers get right to the point in a job interview. They want to know why you want to work at the organization, as well as your clearly defined expectations and desired career objectives. Before the interview process, you must establish your short and long-term career goals. That way, when prompted to list them in a job interview, you can respond to the hiring manager with great ease.
A career goal is a set objective for your professional progression and development. By mapping out your future, you can crystalize your purpose. Short-term goals outline practical first steps to build and grow your career within the organization, while long-term goals are aspirational.
What They Are Really Asking
When a hiring manager asks about your career goals, think in terms of the commonly asked questions “Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?” or “Why do you want to work here?”
The interviewer is trying to discern whether your professional goals align with the job at hand. They want to see if there is a mutual fit between what you hope to achieve and what the company can offer you.
Since it is costly to hire, onboard and train new hires, employers only want motivated people who desire this particular position. They want to ensure that you’re not just looking for any company or role to serve as the stepping stone for your next job.
As you frame your answer, the interviewer also assesses the value you will bring to the organization. As you achieve the goals you have set out for yourself, how do they fit into the company’s big picture?
Things To Avoid When Answering This Question
When divulging your career goals in an interview, avoid being too specific about timelines, promotions or where exactly you see yourself, as you can talk yourself out of the job. You risk saying something that will raise red flags that you can’t walk back. Here are statements you want to avoid making:
“My dream is to gain skills, knowledge and experience so that one day I can work in academia or start my own business.”
Never tell a hiring manager you want to hone your skills at their organization, only to take what you’ve learned and use your expertise elsewhere. You will not be considered for the role if the interviewer knows for certain you will jump ship.
“My goal is to fast-track my career, quickly get promoted and make six figures.”
By saying this, it shows you are only focused on the long term, and this particular job isn’t important to you. If you only emphasize moving through the ranks and climbing the corporate ladder, it tells the hiring manager that you don’t plan to stick around and will always be on the lookout for your next big break. Also, you don’t want to be overzealous in stating your goals, as it may show you have unrealistic standards. Lastly, do not bring up salary when answering this question. There will be a time and place for that down the line.
“I actually want your job.”
You don’t want to be perceived as a threat to the hiring manager in an interview. They may withdraw you from contention as they now view you as a threat to their job security. They don’t know you well enough to know what tactics and lengths you would use to steal their job from right under them.
“I know this role and my background are in forensic accounting, but my dream is to be a digital marketer eventually.”
Never list a goal outside the scope, profession or industry of the job you are interviewing for. You are wasting your time, as well as the hiring manager’s.
Interview Script For Sharing Your Career Goals
When formulating your response to this question, think about the role before you. What does a natural career progression look like for someone who formerly worked in this position? Where do you think they are now, and what skills would they have learned along the way? Most importantly, how does this potential employer stand to benefit from you achieving these goals?
Below are some canned responses for how to answer “What are your career goals?” Remember to adjust the scripts to your specific context and goals. Use specific examples to showcase your skills and experience and demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the organization.
Near-Term Career Goals
- Introduction: “Thank you for asking. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to this organization and see myself making a significant impact in the next few years.”
- Specific Goals: “I’m dedicated to mastering the role of [Open Job Title] and further developing my skills in [Specific Skills]. I’m also keen to take on more responsibility within the team, particularly through opportunities like [Specific Opportunities] and contributing to [Specific Project or Initiative].”
- Growth and Learning: “I’m passionate about continuous learning and development. I actively seek new challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set. I believe participating in training programs like [Specific Training Programs] and attending industry conferences would be invaluable in my growth.”
- Alignment with Company Goals: “Ultimately, my goal is to become a valuable asset to the organization and contribute to its continued success. I’m committed to aligning my individual goals with the company’s strategic objectives and working hard to achieve them.”
Abridged Version: “In the next three to five years, I see myself becoming a highly proficient [Your Role] with a deep understanding of the company’s operations. I’m eager to contribute to [Specific Project or Initiative] and leverage my expertise in [Specific Skills] to drive positive outcomes. Additionally, I’m interested in participating in the [Specific Training Program] to enhance my leadership skills and prepare for potential future opportunities within the team.”
Long-Term Career Goals
- Introduction: “I envision myself making significant contributions to this organization over the next five to 10 years. I’m passionate about the company’s mission and values and believe I have the potential to play a key role in its long-term success.”
- Leadership Aspirations: “I’m particularly interested in developing my leadership skills and inspiring others to achieve their goals.”
- Continued Learning and Growth: “I’m committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and technologies. Through continued education, conferences and professional development programs, I’ll actively seek opportunities to learn new skills and improve my knowledge.”
Abridged Version: “In the next five to 10 years, I see myself transitioning into a leadership role within the [Specific Field] department. I’m confident that my leadership skills and experience in [Specific Skills] will enable me to effectively lead a team and contribute to the department’s strategic goals. Additionally, I’m committed to continuous learning and staying up-to-date on industry trends to ensure my knowledge and expertise remain relevant and valuable to the organization.”
Source: Forbes
