You’re in a job interview and the interviewer asks "What are your long-term career goals?

1 Know your goals

Before you go to any interview, you should have a clear idea of what your long-term career goals are. Think about where you see yourself in five or ten years, what kind of role you want to have, what skills you want to develop, and what impact you want to make. Be realistic, but also optimistic and aspirational. Your goals should reflect your interests, values, and strengths, as well as the opportunities and challenges in your field.

3 Explain your plan

When you answer the question, you should explain your long-term career goals in a concise and confident way. Start by stating your main goal, such as becoming a manager, a director, or an expert in a certain area. Then, explain how you plan to achieve it, such as by taking on more responsibilities, learning new skills, or pursuing further education. Finally, explain how your goal aligns with the company's objectives and values, and how you can contribute to their success.

4 Avoid common mistakes

There are some common mistakes that you should avoid when answering this question. For example, don't be too vague or general, such as saying you want to be happy or successful. This doesn't show any direction or commitment, and it doesn't tell the interviewer anything about you. Also, don't be too specific or rigid, such as saying you want to be the CEO or the head of a department. This might sound unrealistic or arrogant, and it might suggest that you're not flexible or adaptable to change. And of course, don't say anything that contradicts or undermines the company's goals or culture, such as saying you want to work for a competitor or start your own business.