What are your near term goals? How do they contribute to your long term goals?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to understand your planning and goal-setting abilities, as well as how well you align your short-term objectives with your long-term aspirations. Interviewers want to see if you have a clear vision for your career and if you are taking actionable steps to achieve that vision. It also provides insight into your prioritization skills and your ability to strategize your career path.

Answer

Situation: Currently, I am focusing on enhancing my skills in project management and leadership within my current role. I aim to take on more responsibility by leading more complex projects.

Task: My short-term goal is to acquire a certification in project management and successfully lead a project from inception to completion, showcasing my ability to manage resources and timelines effectively.

Action: I have enrolled in a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification course and am actively seeking opportunities at work to shadow experienced project managers. Additionally, I have volunteered to lead smaller projects to build my confidence and experience.

Result: By achieving these short-term goals, I will position myself as a stronger candidate for a senior project management role, which aligns with my long-term goal of becoming a project management leader in my industry. This progression will enable me to contribute to my organization more significantly and develop innovative solutions that drive business success.