Do you anticipate any significant changes in your life within the next 2-3 years that may prevent you from continuing employment here if you are offered a position here?
"My goal is to find a position that will allow me to work long term. I do not anticipate any significant changes that would affect that. I have family that live nearby and close ties to the community."
"I have no plans of relocating and all of my family live close by. I have traveled before and have come to a place in my life where I want to find a stationary position and grow with a company. With those things in mind, I do not see a predictable circumstance that would cause me to be unable to continue employment."
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?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."
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 don't foresee many issues but as the job is a bit of a distance from my home, my children's school might affect my employment.
Marcie's Feedback
Your best bet when answering this question is to be honest but also emphasize that you desire to stay with the company for a long time. They won't want to hire and train someone only to have them leave shortly after! Consider rephrasing your answer like the one below:
I am looking for a long-term position with your company and would love to stay with you for multiple years if everything works out. I don't foresee any big changes in my life that would prevent me from continuing to work for you. While my children's schools aren't very close, I don't think this will be an issue. I believe that all of the benefits of your company culture and this role will far outweigh that small inconvenience.
