Plan your career to succeed

Where do you see yourself in the next 2-3 years?

In most of the interviews, the hiring managers/recruiters pose this question. Though it's a common question, the answer can't be the same for everyone...

Many aspirants dislike this question...The main intention of asking this question is to understand whether the aspirant has some clear goals at least for the next one/two/three years from now. Are they aligning with organisational goals and to understand whether a candidate is looking for a career rather than just a job! Instead of giving vague/generic answer, it's always better to give specific, thoughtful, clear answers.

Some of the vague/generic answers are:

I would like to see myself in a good position.

I would like to become a team leader or manager.

I would like to find the joy and love the job which I do.

I want to see myself in your place (pointing to the manager).

Many prefer to say such generic answers because they do not know what kind of role the company is going to provide them. If you know their requirement, then it's your turn to prepare an answer. In order to succeed here, plan your career and find out your future career plans and design a career road map before you attend an interview. Better do not talk about your second income plans, because every employer expects you to focus on the job assigned...

Here are a few tips to face such challenges and win the job during interview process:

Do not mention vague statements like you will become manager/team lead as soon as possible.

Make them know that you have a thought process and then sharing your ideas.

Be specific but flexible: You may think that giving generic answer may save you instead of being specific.

Talk professional and not personal.

Showcase your skills and aspirations in such a way that they align organisational goals.

Make them understand that you’re loyal and willing to make commitment for at least two years. Any employee can stay for a longer period as long as both the employer and employee are happy with that association.

Do not bring monetary part; instead your answer should just focus on your professional development. Speak in terms of skills you'd like to acquire or ones you'd like to be using or responsibilities you'd like to have.

You can mention like "I'd like to have more responsibility in the next three to five years; ideally I'd be working on some of this company's fantastic high profile accounts."

Emphasize the value you can bring in to that position... this is where many aspirants have an advantage to impress the interviewer.

Also it depends on where the company would be in next 2/3 years. So, you can also ask the interviewer the company's future expansion plans, then it gives a scope for you to answer in a better way. But you need to prepare well in advance so that you can answer instantly according to their future plans. The best way to impress the recruiter is understand their business, and department or Company's plans thoroughly before you attend any interview.

By:Kamal Pabba

The writer is the CEO and founder of Passion4career, an organisation that trains students to make them employable. For queries call 8099453869 www.facebook.com/khrconsultant askkamalpabba@gmail.com