How do I answer, "What are your goals for this job?"

You prepped for the interview. Things are going well. You think you're out of the woods as far as tough questions and then you get this:

"What kind of goals would you have in mind if you got this job?"

What do you say?

Do

• Take your time answering

• Be succinct and clear

• Let them know one of your goals is to support the organization's mission

• Tell them you want to be a team player

Don't

• Say, "I haven't thought about that," or "I don't know."

• Say, "I don't really care."

• Be arrogant or self-serving

• Talk about salary or promotions

• Keep your goals connected to the organization's mission

• Research this before the interview

• Make sure the goals you talk about are realistic and within your ability to achieve

• Discuss past experiences that show how you have reached these goals

• Include examples of being a team player

Scenario #1

If you're applying for a customer service representative position, you can say:

"My goals for this position are to continue to develop my interpersonal skills by learning about customer needs and being a reliable team player and supportive colleague."

Scenario #2

If you're interviewing for a sales position, you can say:

"My goal for this position is to further develop understand customer needs through effective questions and listening. This will allow me to meet and exceed the team's sales targets and help secure long-term customers."

While you may not get this specific question in the interview, you can still talk about your goals for the job if you're asked related questions such as:

• "Why do you want this job?"

• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

• "What questions do you have for us about this job?"

Remember to be enthusiastic and honest and keep your goals related to the expectations of the job and the organization's needs.