โIt can be difficult to juggle the need for spontaneity and open-mindedness with having to plan for your future. It's a pretty scary thought - where will you be in 5 years?
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Whatever the variation; โwhat are your long term career goals?โ, โwhat plans do you have for the future?" etc. if youโre heading for a job interview, thatโs probably a reason to sit down and think about where you see your career heading. Itโs likely theyโre going to ask you about it.
It can be a good thing. Understanding your direction will help you make the right decisions to get you to where you want to be. That being said, 5 years, thatโs quite a long way off.
No interviewer expects full clarity but it helps to be prepared.
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Just remember these things if someone pops that interview question:
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Reassure the interviewer you are invested in that career path
Letโs face it, a lot of time, effort (and often money) goes into hiring people. Letting the interviewer know youโre going to be around for a while and that their effort will pay off, is often all they really want to hear.
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Do some research into the company structure
You could really WOW the interviewer with your knowledge of the company. Express how youโd like to be in a certain role that is attainable, maybe even name the person who is currently in that position to really show off your forward thinking.
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Be enthusiastic
Body language and enthusiasm can say a lot. Sometimes itโs not about what you say, itโs how you say it.
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Ultimately, the worst thing you can say is โI donโt know". So stear clear of that.