If hired for this position, where would you like your career with Microsoft to take you?

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It may seem like a significant challenge to climb the proverbial ladder within a large organization like Microsoft. However, they have a dedication to educating and growing their brightest team members to let them go wherever their career dreams want to take them. There are plenty of opportunities for you to build your skillset and develop yourself professionally within this giant organization. Prior to your interview, be sure to put some serious thought into your career goals to be able to speak openly and honestly about them with your interviewer. In the end, they are looking to hire a candidate that shows passion and dedication to the organization.

"One of the reasons I was so excited to interview with Microsoft is because of the endless growth opportunities you appear to offer your high-performing employees. My biggest ambition down the road is to be in a leadership position where I can have a direct impact on the performance of an entire team. I know that competition is stiff within Microsoft when it comes to promotions and I plan to prove myself and my abilities in the coming years if I'm fortunate enough to be offered this job."

"What interests me most about Microsoft is that there are so many options when it comes to my professional development. In all reality, I am most looking for an organization that will be like family to me where I can grow and develop throughout my career. Being so junior in my career, I think I have a lot to explore with Microsoft in the future. Your 'One Microsoft' vision is one that resonates with me."

Anonymous Answer

"I would like to stay in the analytics space with the architecture and development lead. I also would like to travel as well."

Amanda's Feedback

Employers often ask this question in order to gain a clearer insight into your future goals and how those goals match up with the position you're applying for. While you may not know exactly where you see your career going, you can name skills you want to gain, the path you see yourself taking to becoming a development lead (is there another role you need to advance to first), naming a particular committee or project you'd like to work on, or talking about any additional training or certifications you'd like to earn that would help further your career. Where possible, draw connections between your career goals and the skills or traits required by the role you're applying to.