Interviewing for the good enough jobI have an interview scheduled for a position for which I am very well qualified. It is very similar to what I've done in the past, and I know I'll have no problem doing the job. The thing is, I do not intend to pursue this career path for very long. My plans, should I get the job, are to stay in this position for about 2 years while I take classes in another field, using it to pay the bills in the meantime and, eventually, to finance a career change. So, here's where things stand at the moment: I like the job (for the time being) My question is, how do I deal with the "plans for the future" questions? After all, I can't very well tell the interviewer that my plans are to use this job to pay the bills until I get the job I really want in a completely different field. At the same time, I don't want to outright lie and say that, in 5 years, I see myself in a position 2 levels above the one to which I am applying (friends tell me I am not a very convincing liar, lol). What's the best way to let the interviewer(s) know that I plan to do a good job and contribute in this position, without going into my plans for the future? I don't want to sidestep this question because it will only set off red flags, but I'm concerned that I won't sound sincere if I talk about a long term career I am picturing with their company (because, well, I am not). So, how do you handle the "tell me about your goals" or "where do you see yourself in 5 years" questions when all you are looking for is a "good enough" job to pay the bills? "What' s the best way to let the interviewer(s) know that I plan to do a good job and contribute in this position, without going into my plans for the future?" By telling them just that: That you plan to do a good job and contribute in the position. Be realistic. Think of both sides of the coin: The company could hire you, love your work, and want to promote you down the road. Or, they could decide you don' t fit in and let you go, or go through a down size in the future, and you' d be out of a job. When you really think about, two years does seem like a lifetime in today' s job market. Nothing in this world is guaranteed to be forever anymore. When job searching, you have to keep an open mind, and sometimes just think of it as a "job to pay the bills", and not a "step up the career ladder." When they ask you about your career goals, say that your goal is to obtain a position that will allow you to use your talents to contribute and grow with the company. You believe that THIS position is the job for you because of A, B, and C. That's what employers want to hear, so, if you need this job, that's what you need to tell them. I agree that nowadays 2 years is a hell of a commitment and you have nothing to feel bad about. They don't want to invest in someone who doesn't plan to stay? Too bad. If you are hired, and they need to lay you off 6 months from now, they will have no problem doing that, so why should this be any different? Employers are no longer able to guarantee job security and long term employment, and so are not in a position to expect profound loyalty from their employees. Say whatever you need to say to get the job, use it to pay the bills, leave when you no longer need it, and don't look back. A job, any job, is nothing more than a means to an end. | |
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