While we realize changes happen in life, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital hopes to find employees who want to have a long-term working relationship with us. What changes in your life/career do you anticipate in the next 3-5 years?
Knowing what goals you have and any changes you anticipate in your life will give the interviewer an opportunity to evaluate two things: 1. what positions are available that won't disrupt your plans and, 2. are you interested in having a long-term relationship within the company? Change is good and growth is encouraged. However, because employers invest time and money in training new employees, they prefer that they have a plan to stay for the long-term. Still, if you don't plan on being in the same geographical area five years from now, it's OK to say that now. Larger companies may haveopportunities for transfers to other facilities within the same network. Either way, being upfront and honest is always appreciated.
"I recently became engaged. Although we have not set a date yet, we have agreed to wait twelve months before the marriage. My fiance' just passed the Bar exam here and has been offered an opportunity to join an existing law firm. Presently, our plans are to stay where we are and build a career, not just work a job. Also, we do not plan on having children for at least two years after our marriage. We both feel that being able to become established in our careers and save for our future would be the responsible thing to do before starting a family."
"I do not anticipate any significant changes. I have worked different specialty areas before finding a love of pediatrics. I am at a place in my life where I want to stay in one place and grow my career. It is my hope that I can become a part of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and have a long-term career here."
