When interviewing for a new position, one of the questions you may be asked is, “What are your goals for the future?” This is an important question as the interviewer wants to know what you think about your future. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to answer this question in a way that will impress your potential employer.
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Why do interviewers ask this question (What are your goals for the future)?
Asking about your goals for the future is a common interview question. Your answer can give the interviewer insight into whether you’re perfect for the job and the company. When interviewers ask about your goals, they’re usually trying to check two things:
- Your level of ambition: Do your goals reflect a desire to learn and grow in your career? Or are you just looking for a job that pays the bills?
- Your ability to think long-term: Can you see yourself in the role long-term? Or do you plan on moving on as soon as something better comes?
Keep in mind that there’s no right or wrong answer to this question. There are many different goals but what matters most is that your goals align with the company’s goals.
How to answer “What are your goals for the future?”
When answering this question, you should avoid giving a canned response or generic answer that could apply to any company or job.
Here are some tips on how to answer this question:
- Please discuss your long-term goals, but make sure they are realistic and attainable. For example, if you’re hoping to be promoted to a management position within the next five years, that’s a great goal to mention.
- If you’re unsure about your long-term goals, discuss your short-term goals and how they fit into the company’s plans. For example, if you’re hoping to learn new skills and gain more experience in your current role, that’s a great goal.
- Be positive and enthusiastic about your goals. This will show you’re excited about the future and committed to the company.
What not to say when asked, “What are your goals for the future?”
There are a few things you should avoid saying when answering this question.
- Don’t say you don’t have any goals. This makes it seem like you’re not ambitious or motivated to grow in your career.
- Don’t talk about goals that are too specific or unrealistic. For example, if you say you want to be promoted to a management position within the next year, that’s probably unrealistic.
- Don’t discuss goals unrelated to the job or company. For example, if you say you want to start your own business in the future, that’s great, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the job you’re interviewing for.
Role-Based Sample Answer to “What are your future goals?”
Sample Answer 1 – Software Engineer
“My long-term goal is to be a technical leader in my field. To achieve this, I am looking for opportunities to develop my skills and abilities and expand my knowledge base. With that said, I think your company would be the perfect fit. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain why I am the best candidate for this role.”
Sample Answer 2 – Sales Professional
“I aim to be promoted to a position with more responsibility within the next three years. To achieve this, I am looking for opportunities to increase my sales and develop my skills. I appreciate that your company emphasizes professional development and would take advantage of any opportunities available.”
Sample Answer 3 – Business Analyst
“In the long term, I would like to be in a management or leadership position where I can help an organization reach its goals. I am interested in working with a team to develop strategies and solve problems. I think your company would be a great fit for my skills and abilities. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain why I am the best candidate for this role.”
Other Sample Answers to “What are your goals for the future?”
Sample Answer 1
“My long-term goal includes finding stability with a certain job and continuously developing my abilities to give my best performance for the company. Taking on new challenges is what motivates me most. I appreciate that your company emphasizes professional development and would take advantage of any opportunities available.”
Sample Answer 2
“In the immediate future, I am looking for an opportunity to expand my skill set and knowledge base. I want to be challenged every day and come out of each day feeling like I’ve accomplished something significant. With that in mind, I think your company would be the perfect fit. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain why I am the best candidate for this role.”
Sample Answer 3
“I am looking for a position where I can use my skills and abilities to impact the company positively. I am also looking for an opportunity to grow further and develop my skills. I appreciate that your company emphasizes professional development and would take advantage of any opportunities available. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explain why I am the best candidate for this role.”
Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to have goals for the future, both short-term and long-term. When interviewers ask about your goals for the future, they are trying to get a sense of how committed you are to the company and the job. They want to know if you are looking to stay with the company for the long haul or if you will move on as soon as a better opportunity comes.