In an interview, a common question asked by the interviewer is “What are your short-term and long-term goals?” This is one of the frequently asked questions by HR. By this question, the recruiter wants to know your goal and ambition, and also match your goal with the company’s goal. It is the most important thing that your goal must align with the company's goals, which helps to show your interest towards the company, and it also influences HR or recruiters.

Some candidates give an answer properly, while some are a little confusing when answering. Some candidates come in overconfident and give overstate answer which are not entertaining, because they seem like an unrealistic approach. You should focus while answering, and you have to choose one relevant answer very carefully which interact the recruiter.

In this article, you learn how to answer this question, why HR asks this question and as a going article, you find some sample answers which help you in further interview and there are some tips and tricks which works while your interview.

Sample Answers to “What Are Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals?”

This question is all about you and your goals, and it is all up to you how to frame your answer with effective manner. By this interviewer knows more about you before joining the organisation. This tells about your ability and how much you are for the company. Here are some sample answers that work in your interview session. By using them, you can crack your interview.

Sample Answer for Fresher

I am very clear-cut about my short-term goals as it's my learning phase. I want to keep my attention to learn about my duties and responsibilities. Learn new things and adapt new work environment quickly, which are better for me.

Now come on, my long-term goals are to grab first mover advantage with my ability and talent while learning things. I will use every single experience in my career that helps me to grow in future. It's not all about my goals its like a promise to me which I will achieve.

Sample Answer for Experience

As I have experience over the years, my short-term goal is to coordinate with my team and build a strong relationship with them. In my previous company, I gave my hundred percent and I must say I learn too much from them, and I am also eager to learn from here and give my best to the company.

Let’s talk about my long-term goals in the next 3 to 5 years. I see my self on a greater position, building a team and new big projects being handed over to me. I develop my expertise which help to organization grow effectively.

Sample Answer for Career Changer

As I told you earlier, I am coming from a different sector as my interest not match my previous work, so now my short-term goals are to join a company that matches my interests and put efforts to understand the company’s way of work and how the company’s policies work. And I am always eager to learn new things. and promise to work efficiently and effectively.

My long-term goal is to make sure I will be an expert in this new function by using my diverse abilities and face new challenges. And turn these challenges in opportunity for my further growth. I stood with the company and gave it as much as possible.

Sample Answer for Professional

As I am an expert in the technical field, my short-term focus is to become proficient in specific technology and contribute to immediately to upcoming and new product and service project which are profitable to the organisation and also adds on in my skills.

Now, come to the long-term goals, I want to stand out in a strong position, take on projects in my field and make a strong professional connection with the team. I am also driven by innovation and invention, which help the company’s further growth.

How to Answer Questions About Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals 

Here’s how you can frame your answer to the question “What Are Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals?” During an interview.

Understand the context

Before answering the question, you should understand the context of the question and take a moment while answering, then give a response according to your demanded role and the company’s objective, also keeping in mind.

Be clear about what you want.

You should be confident about your answer and make sure it is clear and understandable to the interviewer, which is actually what you want. Explain your 6-12 months plans in an interview. Highlight the skills that you want upgrade and what kind of project you want work on. What kind of goals and how to achieve them clearly are stated in the interview.

Match your goals with the role.  

Link your goals to the position you are interviewing for. Match your goals to the organisational goals, which shows your interest in working for the organisation and shows how you are beneficial to the company positively and help achieving result efficiently.

Highlight Your Future Goals 

In the middle of a conversation, smoothly talk about your plans and goals. State your next 3-5 year plan and explain how to achieve it. Describe how your goal aligns with your career as well as the organisation's objective. Highlight the area where you plan to grow professionally, like development, management, technology, education, etc.

Share what matters to you.

Properly understand the core values of an organisation and try to adopt these values to manage work-life balance. How you are managed the professional and personal life clearly explains your priority clearly defines how you prioritise your growth and spending time with your loved ones while achieving your career goals.

Be positive and motivated.

By giving a genuine commitment in an interview, it reflects on the interviewer and this shows how much you are involved, your interest, showing your enthusiasm and how ambitious you are to invest in your career growth.

Encourage conversation

Shortly, conclude your topic with a clear explanation of how your mission connects with the organisation's vision. Explain how much you are beneficial to the company by this conclusion. This opens the door for further conversation and discussion.

FAQs: “What Are Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals?”

Q1. What are the short-term and long-term goals?

My short-term goal is to learn new skills and perform well in my role. My long-term goal is to grow in my career, take up more responsibilities, and contribute to the company’s success.

Q2. How can I answer short-term and long-term goals during an interview?

Give honest and realistic goals, which need to be appropriate for the job role, and show interest in securing growth positions with the company.

Q3. What is the best example of short-term and long-term goals?

A good example is: “My short-term goal is to improve my skills and perform well. My long-term goal is to grow into a leadership role.”

Q4. Why do employers ask about short-term and long-term goals?

This question is asked to know your reasons for being driven, your commitment level, and to assess if your goals align with the company’s future.