What Are You Looking For In Your Next Position? Ace the Question in Minutes

In your interview session, you may take a pause to think when hiring managers ask one of the most common interview questions: What are you looking for in your next position? Most employers ask this question because the response to this question enables them to decide whether to select or reject your candidature for the interviewed position.

Yes, it can be the deciding factor!

So, it is extremely important to expect this interview question in your session, and it is even better if you are thoroughly prepared. But how?

Before we start, we want to let you know that all preparation is secondary; it is your passion that will lead the way for you. After all, Oprah Winfrey says that “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

So, know what really matters to you before moving ahead!

We believe there is no exact right or wrong answer, and you can only look for the accuracy level. Pay attention, and do not answer randomly. That’s all!

Why This Question?

It is one of the key interview questions, and responses can create a difference! Interviewers don’t ask this question casually, of course! They have a firm idea behind this one, and you must crack it.

By asking this question, the hiring managers want to know,

• Your long-term goals: It is a rationale, as every company wants an impassioned employee, and it is outstanding if your long-term goals match the company.
• Whether you are the perfect fit for the role: Every employer has its own set of expectations for every position, and they want to check if you are up to scratch for them.
• How do you see progress? A significant reason! Moving ahead with any opportunity is pointless if you do not have a vision for the future. So, they indeed check for that!
• If your skillset is apt: If you claim to be an influencer marketing expert but lack the fundamental knowledge of relevant tools, it can be highly non-beneficial to the company to hire you.

For that matter, “what are you looking for in your next position?” is not a single question that is asked for the motives mentioned above. They seek a strong reason to hire you with every other interview question.

How to Answer?

Every response in your interview should be passion-driven if you want it to work out for you.

Contemplate your goals: Why are you working? You must know your goals and have proper planning. This way, you can curate the content and make the best possible answer.

Your goals define you. For example, if you’re working to become the top couturier in the country, keep this in mind and set your short-term goals accordingly. Maybe this company is a gateway to entering the world of fashion for you. Think and make it clear!

Lay the groundwork: Understand the company through social media, website, and even word of mouth. Recruiters love to hear about them.

The foundation must be strong to build a great building. When you have a piece of proper information about the company, your candidature seems professional and more sincere to your hiring managers.

Find out your x-factor: Everyone have that unique or key factor that works for us. For you, it can be your communication skill or anything else. You need to cash those skills in your interview session to throw the right impression on your recruiters.

A pro tip: Don’t overdo anything. Be calm and conscious of your words and actions. It will be like overselling yourself.

Make the mirror your best friend:

• Practice in front of the mirror.
• Talk to yourself.
• Save yourself from the ultimate embarrassment.

You can ace your art and talent and observe your shortcomings in one go.

Make an allegiance to practice and excel in lesser time!

Add value to your response: You can say anything additional to add value-added advantage to your answer.

Stick to honesty: Whatever you say, don’t leave the side of honesty. Be truthful with your responses, whether it is great or not.

We believe that simplicity is a road to success! Be specific and cut the unnecessary crap out of your response. Give a clear-cut answer in a formal tone and professional body language, and it will work out simply.

We have assorted some sample answers for you. Have a look!

Example 1: I have been a team leader for the past 2 years and have experience handling people of different work styles and personalities. I see myself as proficient now. I didn’t only work hard and became familiar with many more tools, but I also enjoyed it. Now, I feel it is time to upgrade to a managerial position. I understand the requirements of the position and can deliver the tasks accordingly.

This works because:

• The candidate is willing to challenge himself.
• He is clear and confident with his goals.

Example 2: I accomplished many of my goals in my current company and am incredibly proud to work as an SEO executive. I look forward to working in a more professional environment for my next position. I believe that professionalism encompasses how we carry ourselves, and your organization is providing the same. Social media posts suddenly impressed me by learning about your work culture, which seems collaborative and focused. I thrive on working in such great work culture. This is all I want!

This works because:

• The candidate is showing immense pride and satisfaction with his career.
• He is looking for professionalism and is very firm about it.

Example 3: The following position means a passion to me. I am a keen programmer who has worked in the corporate industry for the last 3 years. During this span, I learned a lot about different programming languages and tools to use for revenue generation. Now, I am pretty grown and want to work with a renowned company that can add value to my resume and career. Moreover, I will gladly work and utilize all my skills in this upcoming position.

This works because:

• The candidate has upgraded his hard skills and mentions the same.
• He is excited to work with the company.

Example 4: I am doing and appreciated well in my current job, but I look forward to more projects focusing on cross-functional communication channels. As a cloud engineer, I continuously want to work to improve my skills, and dealing with different clients will be good exposure for me. I am eager to work with highs and lows to track my performance in every aspect of professional situations. I hope the upcoming opportunity will allow me to gain more experiences to add to my professional persona.

This works because:

• The candidate is keen to work harder.
• He is ready to face several kinds of challenges in his career.

Example 5: Till now, I am pretty satisfied with my career graph, but I am prospering in bridging the gap between the product and customer’s requirements. My current company has limited opportunities and a few restrictions that don’t allow me to work in my way. I learned that you primarily focus on meeting customers’ needs through the company’s site and mission statement. This is something I have been looking for quite a long time now.

This works because:

• The candidate has a result-oriented mindset.
• He is highlighting his research work for the company.

Possible Blunders!

In addition to a long list of what to do’s, there a few things that you must avoid. It’s better to avoid them. Add the list to your preparation strategy.

• Do not counterfeit: Don’t fake your goals or expectations! What if you get selected and hiring managers feel regret? You are replaceable. Mention what you believe in! Even if it doesn’t seem too impressive, do not fake it.
• Say no to money-driven response: Even if money is your ultimate goal, it’s better to focus on the other things, to be called your secondary priorities. It is already understood that we all work for money too!

Example: I am earning well, but now I am striving for a good salary package. A job change will help me get the desired salary with additional benefits.

• Don’t be silent: A big blunder! It will calm your pre-interview nerves. If unprepared, most candidates can do that, so we emphasize the groundwork and related strategies. Luck can go against you, sometimes, but the chances are minimal that you fail to respond if you have practiced well.

Keep believing in yourself!

A tip: Even if you can’t find anything to say, you can still talk to them and communicate what you feel like. For example, “I am sorry. But I am getting a little nervous.”

It will bridge the gap between your silence and words and works like a filler. You can assemble the confidence and start giving your answer until they calm you.

A Few Dig-into Interview Questions

• How to Tackle the Interview Question, “What is Your Current Salary”?
• 7 Tips to Answer, “How Do You Stay Organized in an Interview?”
• Why Are You Leaving Your Current Job?
• What to wear to a job interview?