How Do You Plan to Achieve Your Career Goals?

More often than not, interviewers ask questions like “How do you plan to achieve your career goals?” Or “Where do you see yourself in five years?” during interviews. The answers to both questions are more or less the same. Now, why exactly is it that we get tongue tied when they ask this question? Why is it that even though we swore we answered the question correctly, we’re still rejected?

Well, there can’t be just one correct answer to this question, as the answer differs from person to person based on his/her priorities and career goals, but we can definitely suggest some tips which can help you in answering such questions perfectly.

But, first, it is important that you know

Why interviewers ask this question.

To check your stability.
How well you’d fit in with the company.
If you have plans for the company in the long run.
To know if you’d be the perfect candidate for the position you are applying for.

Tips on “How Do You Plan to Achieve Your Career Goals?”

Preparation and practice

The night before the interview do a thorough research on the company and position you are applying for. Google the most asked questions in an interview. Now, prepare your answers accordingly and practice in front of a mirror or your family members. You too put much thought into your answer especially when it comes to “How do you plan to achieve your career goals?” You have to be clear about what you’d want to do in the furniture and what you could give to the company if you were hired. To make it easier, ask yourself where you’d be in the next 3 or 5 years.

Should be in line with the position you are applying for

One main reason interviewers ask this question is to look into your stability. They want to know whether you are in it for the long haul or just leave after a few months or years, thus giving them yet another tawk in finding the perfect candidate again. So, when you answer, ensure that your future plan somehow includes working for the company in the long run or holding the same but more senior position.

Short-term and long term-goals

When interviewers ask this question, it is usually unclear if they mean long-term or short-term goals. Now, you could simply ask them OR you could answer both. Start with your short-term goal and move on to the long-term. This will tell the recruiter that you are a goal-oriented and a rational person.

How you plan to achieve your goal

It’s not enough that you just mention your goals, you should also have a premeditated plan to ensure that you achieve your goal. Your methodical approach and determination should definitely impress the interviewer.

Culture fit

When you do your research on the company and its people before the interview, try to get an overview of what qualities and values the company holds in high regard. This will help you in answering smoothly while aligning the answer in accordance with the company’s culture.

Things to keep in mind while answering “How do you plan to achieve your career goals?”

Do not discuss pay/salary.
Do not be overconfident nor vague.
Do not talk about any plan that may suggest you’d be working for the company only for a year or two.

Well, now that you’ve got the tools to ace your answer to the question “How do you plan to achieve your career goals?”, we will leave you here with our best wishes.

Go get them!