What are your career goals? Do you know them? What if asked in an interview? How would you be able to give your answers? If you’ve been going for an interview(s) you will agree with me that you are most times asked: what are your career goals?.
You need to be able to give a catchy answer so that you leave the employer no other choice but to consider you for the role. Don’t know how to go about answering the popular question “what are your career goals?” In this guide, you will learn how to go about it.s
What is a Career Goal?
A career goal is a specific statement that explains what profession you want to pursue throughout your career. In a nutshell, career goals are milestones you hope to hit as you advance in your chosen profession.
You should be very mindful what you say when asked “what are your career goals?” Don’ts rush into answering what are your career goals questions with answers like – make a lots of money, own a lot of houses, etc, but there are more to than the figure you have in your bank account.
Think about your current employment (if you have a job already), or your past experience at your former work place(s). Where do hope to see yourself in the next 5 years? What about ten years? Or when you retire? Are you able to conceive an image of what you hope to achieve within those periods? If yes, hurray! You have been able to identify three long-term career goals.
Just like so many other common interview questions out there, what are you career goals is a question you are most likely going to be asked in an interview. Not all the time it is asked like this “What are your career goals?”, you might be asked in a different way but drives at the same point.
For instance;
- What do you hope to accomplish?
- What professional goals do you have?
- Where do you see yourself in five, ten years
You should be able to relay a perfect answer irrespective of how it is asked, and with this guide you are sure going to wow your interviewer with a perfect answers to his/her question “what are your career goals?”
Why is it Important to have a Career Goal
For many, job is just… a job. No mutual connection, just what you do for 8, 10, or even 10 hours daily and expects a paycheck at the end of the week, two weeks, or even month.
Every day is like the day before… and exactly what would be the day after. Although there might be a slight difference in the tasks, but overall it is the same thing over and over again – that shouldn’t be the case as a professional.
You need to focus on something, something that will motivates you, drive and bring the best out of you. Career goals are just what will help you get ahead in whatever you do, help you grow from just another day in the office to a day closer to attaining your career goal.
Why do Employers/Hiring Managers ask “What are your career goals?”
Just as said earlier on, you as most likely going to be asked “what are your career goals?” in your next interview. The main reason why employers or hiring manage ask this question is to know if :
You plan having a long term commitment with the company: It is very important that your short and long term goal should align with the roles of the company. This will make the employer consider you as someone would stay long in the company because it is expensive to hire and train an employee.
You desire professional and personal improvement as you grow in the company: In it very obvious that candidates whu thrive to improve tends to succeed at their job.
What to avoid when asked “What are your career goals?”
- Goals unrelated to the job
- Goals that are unprofessional
- Not saying anything
Also Read: 10 Interview Questions with Answers That Work
5 Perfect Examples of “What are your Career Goals?”
Career Goals Example 1
You want to seem goal oriented so you should avoid saying “I don’t know which in particular to say”, or “I haven’t thought about it yet”. Below example answers to what are you career goals question should guide you in answering yours.
Career Goals Example 2
“My immediate goal is to secure a position at a company like this one where I can continue to grow and improve myself both personally and professionally. I enjoy challenges and look forward to opportunities where I will be able to assume more responsibilities. Ultimately, I’d like to move into management with a focus on strategy and development and work my way into a long-term position where I can build a solid career. Right now, I’m focusing on improving my communication skills through continuing education programs outside of work. I’m very interested in leadership positions and know effective communication is critical. While I’m very happy as a member of any team I’m on, I’m looking forward to being able to take on small leadership roles, eventually working my way into a position as a manager and team-leader. I have been so lucky to have been surrounded by manager and team leaders who have been generous with their knowledge and I look forward to an opportunity to become a mentor for others like me within this field.”
Career Goals Example 3
“My goal for many years was to become a senior web developer. I achieved that last year. Now as I look forward in my career, I’d like to oversee and manger projects. I’ve found I really enjoy mentoring and leading a team, even more than I enjoyed working as an individual contributor earlier in my career. When I saw you job posting looking for someone who will lead a project and manage a team of web developers. I decided to apply.“
Career Goals Example 4
“My current, short-term goal is to develop and use my marketing and communications skills in a job like this one. However, I eventually want to develop into a position that allows me to continue to use these skills while also managing a marketing group. I will prepare myself for this goal by taking on leadership positions in team projects, and by developing my professional career by attending leadership conferences such as the one put on annually by your company.“
Career Goals Example 5
“In the short term, one of my goals is to continue developing myself as a full stack web developer. I want to help brands create world-class robust websites. In addition, I would be looking into the mobile app development field. I’ve come to realize that websites and mobile app has a link. I will love to apply this skill set to establish you company as one of the top in the industry.”
What Do You Think?
Now I’d like to turn things over to you:
Which career goal tip from this list was your favorite?
Or maybe you have a tip that I didn’t cover here.
Either way, let me know and leave a comment below.