General Knowledge

How To Answer “What Are Your Short Term And Long Term Goals?”

What are your short-term and long-term goals is a universally asked interview question. A question that highlights your focus on your career and life or you can say that this is the way recruiters judge your commitment and your stand for the applied position.

Let’s discuss here the best interview tips and how to reach your short and long-term goals with examples.

Know The Purpose of this Question  


First, through this question, recruiters know if your goals correlate with the job profile. In fact, if your goals are in line with the job description, you are sure to excel.

The second important factor is commitment. The recruiter certainly wants to know about your commitment to the company. The answers you give to short-term and long-term goals help them judge your loyalty.

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The most obvious reason to ask the question of short-term and long-term goals is how ambitious you are. An ambitious candidate is always an asset to the company because they are eager to climb the ladder of success and are more likely to have a long association with the company.

Depending on the purpose of the question, your answer should show your knowledge of the job profile, your commitment to the company, and the career goals you have set for yourself. So how do you respond to this and impress your prospective employer? These interview tips will help you solve this problem.

Be Prepared by Planning Your Answer


As you prepare your answer, think about your goals, job description, and the companies mission and vision. It’s not just about impressing the employer with the answer, but also you need to figure out whether the job is suitable to you or not.

1. You Short-term and Long-term Goals should be related

Make sure your answers to both questions are related. You have to arrange the answers by planning. And should make them feel you are motivated and proactive candidate.

Ideally, your short-term goals lead to your long-term goals. For example, if your short-term goal is to learn a new skill set, your long-term goal should be to gain experience and lead a team. Your answers must be honest.

2. Include the Company’s Mission

Customize your answer for each interview. Before preparing for interviews, always visit the company’s website. Learn about its mission and vision. When framing your answer for short-term and long-term goals, use the researched information. By doing this, you are telling your potential employer that you are the right candidate for the job.

3. Refer to the Job Description

When planning your answer, try to relate your goals to the job description. This is an effective way to show the interviewer that you can add value to their business and that you are interested in the job.

4. No Exaggeration Please

Oftentimes, to impress the interviewer, the candidate may over-exaggerate the long-term goal which the interviewer may not like. Avoid saying that your long-term goal is to be the CEO of a big company. While it’s good to dream big, but tell the interviewer which is convincing.

Your answers should be consistent with your skills, qualifications, experience, and abilities. Your answer should never feel arrogance or selfish to the interviewer. What you can say is your next goal is your short-term goal.

5. Show the desire for a long-term Association 

Work on your answer to meet the needs of the particular company, emphasizing that you are looking for long-term employment. Because employers look for candidates who will stay for a long time to reduce the cost of training, and other expenses.

Few examples to just give you a brief idea

  • Example 1- My short-term goal is to be one of the best employees in your company by improving my skills. And my long-term goal is to be the best employee in the company.
  • Example 2 – My short-term goal is to join your company and learn about the company and client processes. And my long-term goal is to work for the company and contribute to the growth of the company.
  • Example 3 – My short-term goal is to obtain a job in a reputed firm and the long-term goal is to reach a respectable position in the firm.

[ Also Checkout: How to Answer Why Do You Want This Job? ]

Conclusion


To conclude, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. The answer depends on your skills, your experience, your personality, your abilities, and your real purpose. The only rule is to be honest. Don’t fake about your goal to please the employer. Plan your answer before the interview and avoid stumbling on the question. By this, you will be able to answer properly and get the job.

"Follow Your Passion" I am a professional blogger, my aim is to help millions of readers to get the right information at the right time.

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