How do you answer 'How does this job fit into your career goals' in a job interview?

Answer 1

What do they want to hear when asking "'How does this job fit into your career goals?" question in an interview?

For employers, it is vital to ensure the hiring of employees who have the potential for further personal growth and are the best contributors.

Therefore, they are looking for those who have a clear mindset about what they wish to accomplish and most importantly those with a career plan - career goals and objectives.

Secondly, they would also want to observe whether the candidate is highly motivated toward the offered position.

Employers actually address two points:

• Is the candidate going to take any job offer (shooting in all directions..) or does he seriously consider his job search target and career objectives?

• Does he/she want to 'get a foot in the door' OR is he/she going to bring added value to the company?

They want to be able to rely on the fact that their employees share a common interest - building the company's stature and remaining loyal to said company.

One cannot accurately predict what the job or the company will look like in a few years time. So it is better to answer in general terms about the type of situation you would like to be in and the way you want to have grown and developed. Avoid giving specific time frames or job titles in your answer. You can state general career goals such as skills acquisition, knowledge attainment and personal growth. Then point out how the opportunities offered in the position will allow for this if you put your head down, work hard and make use of the opportunities that come your way.

Answer 2

Since you anticipate this question you should do your homework before an interview and prepare an answer.

You will have to know the following:

* your goals * your skills (training and experience) * your strengths/weaknesses * your interpretation of what the job you are trying for requires * your interpretation of progression available from this job to the next by promotion. Once this is in your mind, tie the first three points in to the second two.

Example:

I have always wanted to (be in management in a department store). I know I enjoy the work and am good at it (because I worked in several retail stores previously and have always gotten good reviews).

This job (as a sales representative) will allow me to use the skills I have developed (like customer relations, stock display, and handling cash) immediately. I know good performance will likely lead to eventual promotion, perhaps as (store manager or a corporate representative).

Answer 3

You never want to overshoot the job you are applying for. Keep your goals within what the company can provide for you. Answer this by explaining how the company and the position are the next step on your career journey.

Answer 4

No one here knows. You are the only one who knows your goals and how this fits.