If you have been practising for interviews at all you more than likely have come across common interview questions such as How To Answer “Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years time?”. No matter what way the question is worded you still need to be ready to answer this type of question.

An interview board will ask you this type of question for a variety of reasons. They want to know whether or not you have any long-term visions or plans. They also want to know if you are thinking of staying with the business for a long time or will you want out at the earliest opportunity.

Here at Rezoomo.com, we have put together some tips on how to answer questions about your career goals. These tips will help you prepare for questions about your career goals and where you would like to be in the future.

Keep ambitions organisation related

Nearly all hiring managers are looking for a candidate who could be with the business for a long period of time so make sure to concentrate on company-related goals. This obviously means you should not be saying that your major career goal is to work for a different organisation. Do mention what you feel you can accomplish in the new role and how the business can help you develop your knowledge and career. Constantly make sure the goals you talk about wanting to achieve could actually happen in the organisation.

Don’t talk about Salary

Avoid talking about goals associated with earnings, raises, bonuses or perks. You want to talk about the work you are going to do, rather than the money you want to make. It’s ok to talk about a salary range if asked. However, you should never bring it up in conversation unless asked to do so.

For example, don’t ask his: Can you provide me with the salary range for this role? My target earnings are at least €40,000. The price of my rent has increased, and I have a car loan to pay off, so I can’t consider a position that is below this.

Avoid Bragging

Of course, it is great to have goals for your future. This demonstrates you are working towards something. It also indicates you will aim to accomplish things for the company. Be sure not to boast about what you hope to achieve in the future. Confidence is a major part of any job but being overconfident could ruin your chances of getting the job. For example, some answers could be seen as condescending towards other roles. If you say, “I hope to be running this business in 5 years” you may annoy others, due to the fact there are certain steps you have to take to get to this particular goal. Many on the interview board are more than likely high up in the organisation and would not particularly like such a forward answer.

Sample Answers

  • My current short-term goal is to build and use my marketing and communication skills in this role. In the long run, I would like to progress into a role that allows me to continue to use these skills while also managing a marketing group. I will get ready for this position by taking on leadership positions in team projects and by developing my professional career by going to leadership conferences such as the one put on by your business every year.
  • In the interim, I would really like to work as a sales development representative for a business like yours. A company which emphasis massively on great customer service and care. I feel working as a sales development representative will help me develop into a role as team-lead in the future whenever the opportunity arises.

When this question comes about in your interview make sure to keep your long-term goal and career plan focuses first of all on the role you are interviewing for. Mention how your aims and plans align with those of the business. Then go out about talking about the role you would like to see yourself doing further along in your career. It’s also a good idea to look over a number of job interview questions so you will be fully prepared.