Page 133 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

126 Nail the Job Interview!

. What would you like to accomplish during the next
ten years?

Again, keep your answer employer-centered rather than self-
centered. You want to communicate that your goals are in line
with those of the employer. For example,

I would like to see 40 percent ofthe compaiy’s sales derivedpom
overseas markets. And I want to play a major role in developing
those markets during the next ten years. Indeed, in theyear 201 3,
I want us to look back at this year as being the year in which the
company reoriented its marketing program mound a truly global
perspective.

. How do your present career goals differ from your
career goals ten years ago?

Your answer should indicate that you both learn and grow with
time. Experience teaches you to alter your goals in the face of
new realities. As you answer this question, try to include
examples of how your goals have changed and how those
changes have affected you:

When I entered thisjeld ten years ago, I had a very simple god
- work my way up to the top ofXYZ Company. However, little
did I know how rapidly thisjeld would change in the face of new
technology and greater competition. Three years after I started,
XYZ Company was bought out by TSR Company in a merger
that eventually ended up in bankruptcyfor TSR Company. In the
meantime, I was hired by two other companies where I moved into
middle management positions. I quickly learned my original career
goals were unrealistic given the rapidly changing nature of work
today. I think my career goals are now more realistic - do what I
really love which is to make great quality sound systems. As a
result, I’m much happier with my career today than I wasjve or
ten years ago when my career didn ’t seem to be progressing accord-
ing to my expectations.