Dear Lee – What Are My Long-Term Plans?!

I just had an interview and the interviewer asked me, "What are your long-term plans?" I tried to answer what I thought he wanted to hear, but I don't think he liked my answer. What kind of answer are interviewers looking for?

Sincerely,

Uncharted Course

I used to interview candidates to work in our office, and I always asked this question, but I rarely liked the answers. The reason? Because, like you, the candidates were usually trying to tell me what they thought I wanted to hear. I heard things like how s/he saw her/himself working as a manager in our company (we're a flat organization) or going to medical/business school (when only moments before s/he had revealed university grades in the low 70s).

I wasn't expecting candidates to have a detailed five- or 10-year plan. I also didn't expect them to assure me that they would still be with the company in five or 10 years, since we live in an age when changing careers is common. Instead, I was gauging their personality, and how well they communicated, what their interests were, how realistic they were, etc.

If you really have no idea what you'd like to do long-term, talk about your short-term plans. For example, you can say, "I'm really not sure where I see myself in the long-term, but in the short-term, I'd like to gain experience in …," or, "… I'd like to take my university education in X and put it to practical use in Y." (Just don't say what one candidate said: "In the short-term, I see myself working with your company." She was incorrect.)

So instead of trying to figure out what the interviewer wants to hear (and possibly make a negative impression by sounding inauthentic or out of touch), just be yourself. Particularly, show that you have some insight into yourself and have an eye to the future.