This is a tricky question to answer. You don’t want to sound as if you’re planning to hop from one job to the next, but you also don’t want to seem as if you’re not planning for your future career. Thinking about how you would respond to this question before your interview will ensure that you are prepared with a strategic answer. Review tips and advice for answering interview questions about how long you expect to stay at a job, with examples of the best answers.
What the Interviewer Wants to Know
Interviewers ask this question because they are concerned about whether a candidate is interested in a long-term position or will move on from the job sooner rather than later. Hiring and training new employees is an expensive process. By bringing you on board, the company is investing a significant amount of time and money into you. An interviewer may pose the question in one of several ways:
If you were to be hired, how long do you expect to remain employed with this company?How long do you think you will be in this role?Where do you see yourself in five years?
Don’t be caught off guard. Sometimes, candidates will blurt out that they are only looking for a short-term stint as they are looking to move across the country or go back to school. While upfront, those responses are not likely to impress an interviewer, and they can swiftly get you removed from the candidate list.
How to Answer “How Long Do You Plan on Working Here?”
If the interviewer asks, “How long do you expect to be employed with this company?” don’t say the first thing that comes into your head. Before your interview, give this question some thought. If you want the job, don’t say that this is just a short-term gig for you. That said, do be honest if you do not plan to be with the company long-term. Instead of misrepresenting your intentions, focus your response on saying something positive about the employer, your level of engagement, and your enthusiasm for the position. If you know you are going to be relocating to another city and you work, for example, in retail, you could say so (although you might also add that you hope, if you do excellent work for their store, that the retail chain might ultimately find a position for you in the city you are relocating to). Plans change, but you want to make sure that you are honest about what can be expected of you. On the other hand, if you plan on it being a long-term position, say so. If you are asked, “How long do you think you will be in this role?” or “Where do you see yourself in five years?” you can mention that you hope there will be opportunities for career advancement for you within the company.
Examples of the Best Answers
Try out these responses to the question, “How long do you expect to work at our company?” These answers are a safe way to respond to the question. They do not give a specific timeline, but do demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Why It Works: This answer works because the applicant ties a forward-looking organization’s research and development to the skill set the applicant possesses to let the interviewer know that they plan to remain with the company as long as it is a good fit. Why It Works: This answer works because you are being honest with the interviewer about your situation, but you are also expressing your desire to work. Why it Works: This is a good answer because it reflects the applicant’s good fit with the company culture. Why It Works: This expresses commitment to the company and the team that you’ll be working with. It also shows the interviewer that you plan to stay with the company.
Tips for Giving the Best Response
Focus on the Positive. Say something positive about the company, that you are excited to interview for the position, and that you would be happy working there. Mention Company Culture. Mention that the company culture seems to be a good fit for your skill set. Discuss Recent Developments. Talk about a recent industry or company development and how that fits in with your goals. Consider References. If you are applying for a retail or service position, be as honest as possible when you answer. You don’t want to mislead a potential supervisor, as you may need to use him or her for a reference at some time in the future.
What Not to Say
Don’t Misrepresent Your Intentions. Above all, don’t lie. If you know you will only be at the company for two years, say so. In some industries and occupations, you wouldn’t even be expected to stay longer than that. We can’t say anything with certainty because anything can happen. All you can do is be as honest as possible. Don’t Volunteer Too Much Information. While being honest, make your answer short. There is no need to give a lengthy explanation of your plans for the future. Keep your response focused on the job at hand and what you would contribute to the company if hired.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
Where do you see yourself in five years? - Best Answers What do you hope to accomplish here? - Best Answers What are your career aspirations? - Best Answers
