Ok. It might not be your dream job — then again it might. But if you’re in an interview and asked the “job fit your goals” question your answer needs to show why this job is a great job for you. One that will fit your future goals as well as your current career needs. But also keeping in mind it has to meet their goals too.
Now I’m not suggesting you lie or bend the truth too much, although it may feel that way. Especially if this is not your dream job. But whenever you’re in an interview you may as well give it your best shot. No matter what. You never know what the job could turn into — or what you could turn it into.
And you never know what else you might get from just doing your best in the interview. Even a recommendation for a different job, which happened to me once. Or a connection with the interviewer you can turn to next time there’s an opening. If they like you, there may just possibly be a next time.
⇒ EXTRA: Rejected? Sample Thank You Note To Keep Doors Open
So how does the job fit your goals?
First it’s good to prepare some goals in your mind before any interview. There’s a pretty decent chance you’ll be asked some version of this question, including Where Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now? Or simply something you can bring up when asked why you want the job.
Next, remember that your answers need to help them (1) see you as a strong potential candidate; and (2) be memorable / different enough from other candidates to help you stand out. So to the best of your ability avoid bland, general answers like “it’s a good company that will give me a chance to grow.”
Not that something like that can’t be a framework for your answer, but add “why” substance to your thinking. And make sure you actually mention a goal or two of yours and then tie that to THIS particular job and company. As an interviewer I’ve had job seekers go off in all directions about their dreams and hopes. Interesting, but doesn’t help me see them in the job.
Sample job or career goals responses
For your own sake — to help you think things through — you may want to divide your goals into goals for this job and also longer term goals. Not that you necessarily need to put this thinking in your actual answer. But ideally by doing your “homework” ahead of time, when it comes to your answer you’ll help them see your reasoning for why this job fits you so well.
Also, something I like to tell clients: When I give examples (next section) they’re just ideas for you to then turn into original answers. Ones that sound like you and fit each interview. If you use canned answers, you can come off sounding robotic. And we interviewers want a real person to invest in.
Some possible goals and how to present them
These are just a few examples geared toward specific circumstances. I hope they’ll help you create your own approaches — in your own words — that fit your background, goals, and the job opening in front of you.
(1) I liked my last job but I’ve been wanting to focus more on _____ and ____. (Try to pick things this job offers / needs that your last one didn’t give you.) And when I saw your job listing, I knew I had to apply because ____. (Choose things you know or have researched about this particular position / company that speak to you and your goals.)
(2) I decided to change careers because _______. (Give some brief reasons that connect your goals to this job / industry.) And so when I saw this listing it was exactly what I was hoping for. (Give some “why” specifics. And then make sure you add any transferable skills you have as well as any direct training / experience that relates.)
(3) I’m looking for a workplace to feel good about where I can become a needed and respected team member. That matters a lot to me. But even more, the type of work we do matters. I’m especially interested in this company because _____. (Mention something you know about them that fits well with who you are and your goals. And add anything specific to you that shows how you would add to the work / organization.)
Again, these frameworks for answering may or may not feel right to you. They’re just general ideas with suggestions how to shape them for the interview to show that the job fits your goals. There are certainly other ways you can go,
Just make whatever you say sounds like you / conversational. And if you can add some brief on-point interesting personal notes to help connect you to your interviewer. And to help them remember you in particular. (Without getting weird. 🙂 )
JUST A MAYBE: If it feels right — especially if your interviewer is also your future boss — you might want to add something like: “I know this sounds corny, but one more goal I have is to one day hear you say ‘I’m glad I hired you.’ I’ll do all I can to make that happen!’ And then just meet their eyes and smile.
Goals probably NOT to use & why
A good answer — whatever way you decide to go with it — needs to help the interviewer see and believe that this position does fit your goals. Hiring takes a lot of energy and costs the company money. They want to avoid mistakes as best they can.
New hires also involve an investment in time to help a new employee learn the ropes. The interviewer wants to know that you really are interested and want to stay — and will fit well enough for them to want you to stay.
So when you answer the “job fit your goals” question or any version of it, probably wise to stay away from responses that resemble any of these:
- I see myself owning my own business one day. I figure I can learn a lot here that will get me to my real long-term goals.
- You have a tuition reimbursement plan. I’m looking to change fields one day and working here will help me get the degree I need.
- You’re close to my home. I’m a late sleeper and this will make it easier.
- I’m a musician / painter / writer / actor / artisan of any kind and I just need a day job to pay the bills for now.
- My friend works in another department. We thought it would be great to be able to have lunch every day.
So I’m sure you’re getting the drift. Not that I expect any of you would actually answer exactly that way. But none of those answers help them see that you’ve really thought about this particular position as a job you want to invest your time in. And none of it shows that you see yourself staying here for any longer than it serves your purpose.
As much as possible frame your answer so they feel their job and company do meet your goals — but also theirs. Companies need you to help paint a picture that works for them. You enjoying your work. Fitting into the culture. Growing in responsibilities and / or skills they need. And being someone others want to work with … and can rely on.
More posts to help
Job Interview Nerves? Tips for Before, During & After
How To Mentally Prepare for a Job Interview
18 Practical Tips to Help You Ace Your Job Interview
10 Impressions You Leave After an Interview
Where Do You See Yourself Five Years from Now?
Job Interviews: What’s Your Greatest Strength?
Job Interviews: What’s Your Greatest Weakness?
How To Handle Tell Me A Little About Yourself
How To Handle “What Do You Want To Ask Us?”
Interview Question: How Do You Handle Failure?
How NOT to Handle the Biggest Weakness Question
Do You Talk Too Much In Job Interviews?
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