Steps on How to Answer “What are Your Career Goals?”
When interviewing for a potential position, many employers ask the inevitable question: “What are your career goals?”
This can be a difficult question to answer, especially when you are unsure of where you want to take your career.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Values and Interests
The best way to answer this question is to really reflect on what your values and interests are. Consider what you enjoy doing, what your skills and strengths are, and what you can envision yourself doing in a few years.
Step 2: Identify Your Professional Goals
Once you’ve identified your values and interests, it’s time to think about your professional goals. What type of career would you like to pursue? What do you want to accomplish in your career? How would you like to grow professionally?
Step 3: Be Realistic and Specific
It’s important to be realistic about your goals. Make sure your goals are achievable, and try to be as specific as possible.
It’s also important to note that your goals don’t have to be focused solely on your own career. You can also mention goals that involve helping the company you are interviewing with.
Step 4: Develop a Plan
Once you’ve identified your goals, it’s important to develop a plan of action. You should have a few steps in mind that you need to take to reach your goals.
Step 5: Explain How This Job Fits into Your Plan
When answering the question, it’s important to make sure you explain how this job fits into your overall plan. Show the interviewer that you are thinking long-term and that you are willing to invest the time and effort necessary to achieve your goals.
Step 6: Be Positive and Confident
When answering the question, it’s important to stay positive and confident. Assure the interviewer that you have a plan and that you understand the steps you need to take to reach your goals.
Conclusion
Answering the question “What are your career goals?” can be a daunting task. However, by reflecting on your values and interests, identifying your professional goals, being realistic and specific, developing a plan, and explaining how this job fits into your plan, you can effectively answer this question and show the interviewer that you are a great candidate.
