How does this position fit into your long-term career goals?
Again, the interviewer is digging deeper into what your long-term career plan is. They want to know who you are, where you come from, why you are here, and where you are going.
"My primary goal in my career as an HR professional is to eventually work my way from an administrator-level position to HR partner. I feel that what your organization offers is a strong path towards those goals and I am excited about what this position has to offer."
"While I am pretty junior in my career and feel like there are many paths my career can take down the road, the one solid career goal that I have is to be a part of a game-changing medical discovery. I entered this field to make a difference in the lives of others and I am confident that Johnson & Johnson will provide me with a wealth of opportunities throughout my career."
When mapping out your career plan, it's important to track where you started and where you are going, as well as put an X on the spot that says, 'you are here.' Once you know where you are on the map, you should be able to share your map with them and give them directions as to where you are heading. Once you can elaborate on that, then you can help share your vision on how Johnson & Johnson can help get you there. The reason you are at the interview is due to your ambition to move forward and reach that end goal.
Show dedication to the position you are interviewing for by talking about your long-term goals. Align those goals with the organization's future.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I firmly believe that this position will be an excellent introduction for me in the fast-paced pharmaceutical industry. This intern position will not only allow me to gain hands-on experience by working with industry professionals, but it will also allow me to develop a network of contacts, to showcase my abilities, and potentially extend my contract in J&J.
Rachelle's Feedback
You have some very clear goals set, which any interviewer will appreciate. Well said.
Anonymous Answer
My goal is to produce research that improves the quality of life of patients. This placement is not only a starting step for this but also one of my aspirations. Throughout the years I have changed my mind on my final career goal as I gain more experience, originally I was certain I wanted a career in prosthesis and later found myself extremely interested in vascular tissue engineering and medical devices. This position would provide me with experience in an industry I am extremely passionate about and allow me to develop further skills that would allow me to make a large difference on someone's life.
Amanda's Feedback
The interviewer is using this question to determine if this role is a good fit with your overall goals or something you're interested in only until something better comes along. You can use this question as an opportunity to talk about how this position would challenge you, enable you to take on bigger responsibilities, and fit with your overall career goals. A well-considered response can show the interviewer that you've considered the advantages and disadvantages of the position when it comes to the potential impact it will have on your future. Consider expanding your answer by talking specifically about what kind of experience or skills this role would help you gain in order to make a difference in the life of others.
Anonymous Answer
Although young in my career and uncertain of my final destination, I am certain that my long-term career goals lie within the medical field and the ever-expanding world of technology. I strive to make a positive impact on the growing world of medical technology, I am to be a leader and a mentor and I believe what Johnson & Johnson offers will fit my long-term goals no matter what path.
Amanda's Feedback
Your answer is well thought out and while you may not have a specific career goal in mind, it shows that you have truly found your calling and plan to remain in the medical field for the long term. You can enhance it further by sharing a skill or characteristic that this specific position would give you the opportunity to grow in, helping to prepare you for future roles in the medical field.
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