Interview Question: How Long Do You Plan To Work Here?

Job interviews can be nerve-racking experiences, especially if you have been searching for a job for a long time. It may, therefore, come as a surprise when a potential employer asks you how long you plan on working for them.

This is a difficult question to answer. On one hand, you don’t want to sound as if you’re planning to hop from one job to the next, but you also don’t want to seem as if you’re not planning for your future career.

Therefore, thinking about how you would respond to this question before your interview will ensure that you are prepared with a strategic answer.

In your answer, keep in mind that the interviewer wants to hear about your ambition and what you want to achieve while working for them. You might already know the answer to this question, you may not. 

How do you answer how long do you plan on working here?

In your answer, you must play your cards well. Be a little strategic towards answering this, because if you have left your previous job, which might have paid you well or perhaps had satisfactory exposure there, then, why jump elsewhere? 

If you are looking for a short time, do not stutter. Truth is, interviewers are not interested in knowing your personal affairs on the time period you are looking for. Asking this question they just want to know that, the amount of time they invest in training you will be of worth or not. If you intend to leave in months, maybe during a crucial time, they do not want to waste their efforts in training another employee within a short span of time.

Everyone knows plans are volatile, it differs from time and situation. Do not leave a bad impression on stating a specific time.

Be a little discrete and answer that “ as long as I see myself constantly growing along with the company, I would like to work with you” answering this will show that you are career-oriented and would like to grow along with the company.

If you are planning to relocate, tell them the truth. Honesty is the best policy.

Tell them how impressed you are with the job profile, and let them know that as long as you can contribute to the company, you will stay with them. Interviewers look for dedication and stability in this question.

Talk about how this role enchants you to strive further and you are keenly looking forward to working with them.

Sample Answers

• “As long as I am having a positive impact, I would love to work for the company over the long term — it has the capacity to offer me a rich and fulfilling career.”
• “I would like to continue working for this company as long as my services are needed.”
• “Since I enjoy this type of work, I’m looking for a long-term position, provided there are opportunities for advancement and growth.”

In the end,

Be optimistic, clear, and honest. If there are any compelling reasons why you don’t think you would stay on the job, avoid using language that would lead the interviewer to believe that you want to be with the company long term if you sense that’s what they are looking for. If you do want the job, let your genuine enthusiasm come through.

Are you unsure of how to answer this question? Book a mock interview coaching session and succeed in your next interview!