Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

mackerel

(4,412 posts)
Wed Mar 23, 2016, 10:55 PM Mar 2016

Interview Questions

The last few interviews I have had they ask me nothing about my job skills or tell me much the job duties. They've asked what are more goals for the next five years? I'm not sure I answered well. Honestly I have no serious goals. I'm not trying to climb the corporate latter, just do a good job at what I do until I hit retirement.

What is the best way to answer the question?

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Interview Questions (Original Post) mackerel Mar 2016 OP
My 2 cents ArtD48 Jun 2016 #1
+ my 2 cents 4 cents david.byrne59 Feb 2017 #7
For a question like that at least say what you think they want to hear groundloop Jul 2016 #2
Giving piece of advice. timdiaz Jul 2016 #3
Nice piece of advice. EllaJones Aug 2016 #5
Not a threat, just unrealistic. groundloop Aug 2016 #6
goals here2help Jul 2016 #4
I would suggest taking your response and HeartachesNhangovers Mar 2017 #8

ArtD48

(150 posts)
1. My 2 cents
Wed Jun 29, 2016, 02:24 PM
Jun 2016

"Honestly I have no serious goals. I'm not trying to climb the corporate latter, just do a good job at what I do until I hit retirement."

I'd say if you're in your 60s or maybe late 50s your answer might work and the interviewer might appreciate your openness. But if you're younger I not sure your answer would be wise.

david.byrne59

(13 posts)
7. + my 2 cents 4 cents
Wed Feb 8, 2017, 04:22 PM
Feb 2017

agreed... if you're young make something up... doesnt necessarily have to be a lie, just show the best version of you!

groundloop

(11,519 posts)
2. For a question like that at least say what you think they want to hear
Fri Jul 1, 2016, 12:56 AM
Jul 2016

Ahead of time, while you're studying for the interview, try to imagine what job would be a step or two above the one you're applying for. THAT's where you should want to be in 5 years (or at least that's what you say in the interview).
 

timdiaz

(12 posts)
3. Giving piece of advice.
Fri Jul 8, 2016, 04:37 AM
Jul 2016

The answer must show your leadership potential, your ambitions.
For example, in next five years I’ll have made a significant impact to the company’s bottom line. You should be able to share what areas you can strengthening in the near term. Accent your interest in a long-term career in the company.
And DON’T SAY, that you want to head the company within the next 5 years.

 

EllaJones

(20 posts)
5. Nice piece of advice.
Thu Aug 11, 2016, 04:20 AM
Aug 2016

You answered really well but why we should not sat that we want to rule the company within next 5 year .. does they take it as a threat.. just curious

here2help

(10 posts)
4. goals
Fri Jul 8, 2016, 06:11 PM
Jul 2016

Employers value forward thinking. Even if your goals aren't with that company, goals in general are important.

8. I would suggest taking your response and
Mon Mar 6, 2017, 03:17 PM
Mar 2017

editing a bit. Cut out all the stuff that raises questions and emphasize and build on the stuff that sounds good.

Cut: No serious goals, Not trying to climb ladder, Hit retirement

Emphasize: Do a good job.

So talk about how you like to go to work and be challenged and solve problems, rather than just doing the same thing the same way every day. Talk about the satisfaction of learning the system or job and possibly - down the road - being able to improve how things are done - making a contribution. Give examples of previous jobs where things have worked out well (limit or leave out examples where you've been bored, etc). This makes you sound like a basically positive employee without making any claims that you don't really believe. Who knows, maybe you'll like a job enough that you WILL want to get ahead.

Good luck!

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Career Help and Advice»Interview Questions