One of the most common interview questions you may encounter is, “What are you looking for in your next job?” It’s an important question because one of the top factors in deciding which candidate to hire is who the best fit is for the role. If what you say you’re looking for doesn’t match the job you’re interviewing for, you’ll probably be out of contention.
This is a tricky question because there is no one right answer. Your answer will be as individual as you are. But that doesn’t mean that you should answer this question on the fly, without preparing a thoughtful response.
How you respond will impact how you move forward in the hiring process.
What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know
The interviewer wants to know whether your goals are a match for the company. Your answer also allows an interviewer to see whether your skills and interests make you a good candidate for the job at hand.
They might also be trying to determine whether you’ll be a good long-term fit for the company. Are you looking for an opportunity to grow with an organization—or will your plans take you to another employer before long? For example, if you’re a Registered Nurse, and you’re interviewing at an organization that needs Nurse Managers but doesn’t hire a lot of Nurse Practitioners, telling the hiring manager that you’re hoping to use the continuing education benefit to go back to school for your NP won’t be well-received.
How to Answer “What Are You Looking For in Your Next Job?”
To answer this question successfully, consider your goals as they relate to the position. While your answer should always be honest, it should also show how you will add value to the company.
This means doing your research ahead of the job interview and learning as much as possible about the organization and the career path you might forge there. How you respond will impact how you move forward in the hiring process.
Read the company’s story on their website and social media, review their LinkedIn page, and search for recent news stories about the organization.
Then, see what you can learn about other employees at the organization. What do their LinkedIn profiles tell you about their career trajectory, skills, and goals? Think about how you fit in with the company culture and how your experience has prepared you to succeed there.