Preparing before answering this question is vital. Blurting out the first answer in your mind or stumbling over your words can cause you to lose the job. So, it’s best to ask yourself this question and plan out your answer to say it confidently.
Follow these steps to come up with the perfect answer:
Fit Your Future Goals Into the Job
It’s essential to decide on your future goals and ambitions before answering. After that, it’s time to connect your plans to the position. Relate the job to your aspirations by explaining how it’s going to help you achieve them.
Imagine your future self five years from now and figure out how this job can make you be that self. It’s critical to demonstrate to the employer your interest in the position by highlighting the experiences and skills you can gain from it.
Honesty Is the Best Policy
There’s no need to lie if the job doesn’t fit your future ambitions. However, if you see the job as a temporary position, there’s no need to say that. Stick to the truth, but remain tactful. Instead, be generic with your answer.
Focus on the skills you want to gain, the value you hope to add, and the opportunities you aspire to get. Generalize your answer, but not too much, so as not to make them skeptical of your intentions.
So, instead of saying, “I’d also like to be a sales manager by then,” or mentioning certain companies that you hope to work at. You can say something along these lines:
“I intend to work as hard as I can during the next five years to gather experience. I hope to be able to state that I've developed permanent and trusting client connections at the end of those years. I’d also like to be among the team's top salespeople.”
Don’t Overdo It
There’s nothing wrong with being ambitious, but you don’t want to sound arrogant. Keep your ambitions realistic. It’s best to stay rooted if you want to reach the sky.