Job interviews can be stressful, especially if you've been to several without success. And you might be surprised when the recruiter asks, 'how long do you plan on staying with us?' According to experts from the job search platform vn.joboko.com (https://vn.joboko.com, formerly known as GoodCV.vn) you might feel surprised yet hopeful upon hearing this question. So, how do you turn hope into reality? The best way is to prepare a smart answer to build trust with the recruiter.
How long do you plan to work for us if hired?
Purpose of the Question
Stay alert when hearing this question. Sometimes, you might inadvertently blurt out an answer that you're only seeking temporary work, and want to work all over Vietnam instead of settling in one place. Answers like these could immediately disqualify you from the list of potential candidates.
Recruiting and training employees is not simple, to say the least, it's even quite costly. When deciding to hire you, the company will invest a significant amount of time and money in you. Most of their time and effort will be wasted if you only intend to work for 6 months or 1 year. Therefore, you need to build their trust that their investments will surely be rewarded.
1. Smart Answers.
2. Winning Strategies.
3. Mistakes to Avoid.
Answering how long you plan to stay if hired?
When asked, 'How long do you plan to stay if hired?' or 'What are your 5-year plans?', don't just say whatever comes to mind. Before the interview, take some time to prepare a convincing answer. If you want to be hired, don't underestimate this issue or treat it as just a short-term plan.
Even if you don't intend to stay long-term with the company, you don't necessarily have to be too straightforward about it; because that will leave a bad impression on the recruiter. Any plan can change and there are always unexpected things happening. Instead of presenting a series of reasons why you can't work long-term, offer a more positive answer to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and the position you're applying for.
If you plan on relocating within the next 2 years, you can discuss it with the recruiter while expressing your desire that the company will continue to grow and expand so you can still work for them, just at a different branch.
1. Impressive Responses
The following responses will help you impress the recruiter, showcasing your enthusiasm for the company without needing to provide overly specific work schedules.
- I've heard about the company's continuous growth in recent years and see many opportunities for development here. The requirements for this position also align well with my skills and experience. I aspire to work and contribute to the company for as long as possible.
- My spouse serves in the military, and we might have to relocate to a new place within the next 2-3 years. However, for now, I seek stable employment here. And if possible, I hope for the opportunity to continue working for a different branch of the company wherever we move.
- If possible, I hope to have a long-term career with my company. The flexible working hours and company benefits are truly appealing.
- I aim for a long-term commitment to the company and will strive to be promoted to a managerial position. I also hope to be given opportunities to showcase and prove my capabilities.
- I genuinely enjoy this job and would choose to work long-term if I have plenty of opportunities to develop and progress.
2. Winning strategies to impress recruiters with this question
- Display positive attitude: Always show positivity in your response, expressing your keen interest in this job and your excitement about the prospect of long-term employment with the company.
- Refer to company culture: Show the recruiter that you will be a good employee in the office environment and will actively develop yourself within that environment.
- Emphasize your suitability: You can mention a particular sector of the company that has recently seen significant growth and demonstrate how it aligns with your skills, experience, and goals.
3. Mistakes to avoid
- Avoiding dishonesty: When asked by the recruiter 'how long do you plan on staying with us,' the first thing is to avoid dishonesty or unrealistic answers. If you are certain you will be relocating within the next 2-3 years, let the recruiter know. No one can predict the future, anything can happen, and the best thing you can do is be honest with the recruiter.
- Avoid lengthy explanations: Providing a truthful answer is necessary, but don't be too verbose. Give a concise response, avoiding justification or elaboration on your answer.
Answer succinctly, clearly, and honestly. If for some reason you cannot commit long-term, then you should not create the impression for the recruiter that you will stay with their company forever. Impress the recruiter with your enthusiasm and dedication. During the interview, there are many questions that the recruiter cares about such as short-term and long-term goals which may catch you off guard. Pay attention when providing answers that make the recruiter trust and be satisfied with your abilities.