Interviews often comprise of two clear categories of questioning: those which enquire as to what you have done, and others which demand to know what your goals and ambitions are for the future. Despite the deserved focus on competency based questioning and getting these answers right, it would be wrong to fall into the trap of paying lip service to those which concern our future. Employers like to understand applicant’s ambition and motivation to work, so consider this before you attend the interview.
Why Are Employers Interested in Your Long Term Plans?
Of course the level of an employer’s interest is dictated by the nature of the job role in question. However each employer is individual in their approach and values, and some will want you to have a clear understanding of your future regardless of the role you will play within the firm. Consider the following:
- Ambition is a key motivator of the human psyche, and someone who is driven to succeed is generally attractive to employers. However, they will be keen to understand exactly what your ambition is, and whether your core motivation as a candidate is financial gain, career progression or something entirely different.
- With this in mind, it should be remembered that too much ambition can deter a potential employer. If you are seeking an entry level role as a way to find employment after a redundancy for example, then having along term goal of management or achieving executive status can give the impression of someone who will not focus on the job in hand or be especially loyal.
- Remember that employers are looking for reliable people who they can both understand and trust with matters of importance. If you are unclear as to your long term career ambition, then how can you expect and employer to trust fully in your commitment and your ability to remain in a role for the foreseeable future.
Thinking About Your Future: Does Your CV Reflect Your Goals?
There is a great deal of correlation between what we have achieved and what we aspire to, and it is important that your resume supports everything that you claim during an interview. So:
- Evaluate your CV prior to an application or interview, and chart your career history to date. Pay special attention to your qualifications and how you have utilized them to further our career, and make sure that your history to date is a potential launch pad to achieve your goals.
- Then consider any anomalies between how you articulate yourself and what you resume says about you. If your aim is to prosper in one industry but your written experience celebrates your achievements in another, then employers will become confused as to your intentions and reliability as a candidate.
- Above all, think hard about where you are and where you desire to be, and consider the role you have applied for. Is it really a viable position for you, or is it something that you consider filler until something better comes along? Be honest with yourself and a potential employer, as otherwise both an organization and your resume will be the ones that suffer.
Do you enter an interview with a clear ambition for your future? If not, how do you answer this question? Please leave your comments here, or contact us @simplyhireduk
