How honest can you be with the answer when you are confronted with this question either in an interview or during the annual performance review? Or, how would you answer this question at an interview at a company where you see yourself working for a short time only?
I have come across some Millennial newcomers to the workplace who have expressed their desire to be in a company only for a couple of years at the maximum where they want to use the company’s name on their resume as a springboard to jump to another more reputed one. So how conducive can be your long-term goal plans for the company in such a situation? And more so are you ready to prepared well to answer this question – with a diplomatic honesty (!)?
Even if you are tempted so say so, but it is best not to blurt out, “I do not plan that far along, my goals are short-term only.” or “I don’t have any.”
Recruiters or managers do look for your ability to manage your own goals and also have some insight on short-term as well as long-term goals. When answering this question keep in mind that the long-term goals you talk about are not the personal goals but those career goals which relates to or somewhat matches with the offered position or division’s objectives or perhaps the overall vision of the company.
While answering this question also keep in mind that you would/could be asked for the short term projections as well. Your short-term and long-term goals must be on similar lines and not totally divergent else cross-grilling and consecutively dishonest statements could result from your side.
Long-term goals usually refer to looking ahead 5 years from now. A similar question that is asked during interviews is: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Short-term goals are your existing current goals, usually in the time frame of six months to one year.
You may not present a very clear picture if you don’t have one on these question. But a planned answer shows that you are diligent towards your career and shows your focus and positive approach towards your career development.
TIP on answering the long-term goal questions:
A pleasing answer is something like,
“My long-term goals are towards making a positive impact in the company though my expertise and ethics. I also look forward to develop myself in leadership areas through experience and training offered by the company.”
At this time you could also share your larger vision if you see yourself being the head of the division or even the CEO one day.
TIP on answering the short-term goal questions:
A good answer would be:
“I see myself developing my skills through your training and development programs. I hope the company policies support internal training and reimbursement of work related courses offered by university extensions etc. Can you please tell me something about how employees in this division are progressing towards more learning and promotions?“
By turning the answer around to a question to the interviewer you have taken control of the situation and are now proceeding towards the second stage of the interview process.
But be sure that whatever you prepare or say relates to where you want to see yourself as a successful individual in the future. An honest reply may take you to success and accolades than a fabricated one on which you have some chances of tripping over when you counter yourself with other inconsistent answers. Try your best to tie in the answers to the company’s interest and objectives.
And of course it depends and also on how you want to project yourself.
