Career Objective Questions: Make It Clear What They Hear

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Your "career objective" should vary depending on the target job. That's why I told you in Jeff Allen's Best: The Resume never to state your objective on your resume, and to be careful about what you write on an application form. Don't write the real one down either ("Getting this job"), even though that's what it is. The job search research you've been doing all along will help you customize this section of the script.

Q.  How important to you is the opportunity to reach the top?

A.  It's more a general goal than a constant ambition of mine. I know if I'm the best employee I can be, career advancement will take care of itself. Having a goal without hard work is like aiming at a target without ammunition. Working hard and enthusiastically is the best method for reaching the top.



I complete my work to the best of my ability and trust that, if I prove myself to be an asset to my employer, I'll be rewarded. So while the opportunity to reach the top is important to me, I know that opportunity only presents itself to those who earn it.

Q.  Why do you want this job?

A.  Because of the challenge, and the opportunities at_ _. I'm well qualified for it, and this is exactly the kind of _ (competitive/creative/progressive/technically oriented use an appropriate adjective to the company and type of work) atmosphere I've been looking for. My career goal is_ _, and this job would allow me to develop my potential further while actively participating in that kind of work.

I've been offered a number of other opportunities; but after evaluating those jobs and companies, I decided not to make a move. Making a job change is a major decision, a long term commitment that I take very seriously.

After researching the history and future plans of _, meeting people who work here, and seeing the kinds of jobs there are to be done, it seems like a perfect fit!

Q.  How long will you stay with the company?

A.  As long as I continue to learn and develop my capabilities. As with any marriage, I intend to fulfill my commitment and meet challenges as they come.

It's my hope that as long as I perform well on the job and make contributions, I'll be considered a valuable employee. And as long as I'm making a contribution that is valued, I'll have no reason to leave. However, if for any reason I don't meet the company's expectations, I don't expect to remain on the payroll.

I've always approached a job as an important part of my life. There's a saying: "Work is not only the way to make a living; it's the way to make a life." That says it all.

Q.  What do you picture yourself doing (five/ten) years from now?

A.  Five years from now, I see myself working for this company. My job will have increased at least one, probably two levels in responsibility and scope. I'll have made a significant contribution to the _ department, and will be working on new ways to_.

Ten years from now, I will have progressed up the ladder into general management. I'll have gotten there by proving I'm a producer, a problem solver, and someone who can grasp the scope of a program while not losing sight of the details.

Q.  What are your long term career objectives?

(Give specific details about the field or profession first, and what level you hope to attain within it.)

A.  Essentially, I have given my career and opportunities a great deal of thought, and from that process I've developed a plan for achieving my long term objective. This position is an important step in that long term plan.

Q.  Are your present career objectives different from your original goals?

A.  Slightly. I made my plans at an early age. However, I modified them as I progressed and learned more about my capabilities and the work.

For a career plan to be useful like any business plan it must be flexible enough to respond to changes in the world of work. Career planning is an ongoing process, and several times throughout the years I have revised and updated my goals in response to new developments and opportunities.

Q.  Would you consider a switch in careers at this point in your life?

A.  Possibly. I'm very happy with my chosen field, have done well in it, and think there are things I can do even better as I progress upward.

However, I believe in being flexible and open to new opportunities. If you have a position in mind for me in the company that is different from work I've been doing, I'd like to explore it. I'm always interested in seeing how my background and skills can contribute to my success at a particular job.

Q.  Would you be willing to relocate in the future?

(If the answer is an unqualified "yes":)

A.  Definitely, yes. When I have moved or relocated in the past, new worlds of opportunity opened for me. Any major change, while always containing some risk, is a chance to grow, learn, and advance. All I need is a few days' notice, and I'll be ready.

(If the answer is a "qualified yes":)

Yes, if that relocation provided opportunity for advancement or for making a greater contribution to the company. My family is very supportive of my career. They know I would base such a decision on whether the move would be advantageous for them, too. I would evaluate the opportunity carefully; and if it was good, I'd need a little time to complete my commitments both on the job and at home before getting settled somewhere else.

(If you would rather not:)

My family and I have established our roots here. It's a great place to live, and we've made many friends in our community. Stability and continuity are important for raising a family. I'd never reject a transfer without considering it seriously, however. I'd base my decision on whether the result would be a net gain for the company, for my family, and for myself.
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