Getting Hired in a COVID-19 landscape: 5 Career Goal Questions & How To Answer Them

Hiring and training employees can be a time-consuming and costly process at the best of times. The COVID-19 outbreak is changing the way organisations are having to work, and potential employers are going to be keen to ensure great staff investment.

Below we provide examples of 5 career goal interview questions you may hear during this time, and how you can answer them effectively to maximise your chances of success.

What can we expect from you in these next 6 months?

Generally, employers will have a plan in place that sets out expectations for your performance and progression in your role. Employers consider how their expectations, and your abilities align.

This means your answer should:

• Adopt a strategic approach to demonstrate how you’ll create value.
• Promote your teamwork skills, maintaining productivity with minimal direction.
• Show a strong work performance, and a capability to adapt and grow in a role.

With many working routines changing, it is beneficial to adjust answers to the anticipated working environment. The next 6 months are likely to be unpredictable, show them you are an adaptable and dependable team-player.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Employers are looking to gain some insight into your ambitions and how practical your long-term goals are. A persuasive response to this is to highlight your drive and positivity in the face of challenges - just be careful not to over-sell and risk an unrealistic view.

Another valuable approach is to provide a modest but positive reply - demonstrating your ability to work hard, be patient, with a drive to progress up the corporate ladder.

Ultimately, provide honest answers that demonstrate ambition, while promoting realistic expectations to reach your 5-year destination.

Why do you want this job?

This question will show how well you have researched your next potential employer. It’s also an invitation to explain how your skills, character, and values make you the perfect candidate. It is important to ensure your answers are tailored to the organisation in question.

This is a great opportunity to show how your unique contributions will help the company achieve its goals, so make the most of it!

Why are you leaving your current job?

Negative comments about your current employer or colleagues have the potential to raise questions about your character. At TRS, we encourage you to instead focus on your motivations, and the growth and development opportunities for you in this new role.

Tie your answer back to the company’s current objectives during this outbreak to once again show why you’re the best person for the job.

Which type of working environment will you be most suited to?  

This question is posed to understand how well you would fit into the employer’s current team setting, and how you could adapt in if these were to change.

For instance, if a company has shifted from a collaborative office environment to remote working, it’s useful to demonstrate excellent independent working skills and organisation. Balance this with your capability to collaborate, presenting you as a dependable character that can fit in with the working culture the client needs.

Getting hired during a COVID-19 landscape can be a nervous experience for all, however at TRS we are here to help ensure that your skills are presented effectively for the roles and clients most suited to you. Click here to search and apply for our latest vacancies. Alternatively, contact your local office today to discuss how we can help you.