Proceed with caution because this is a tricky question.  If you answer with a strong, “I want to grow with the company,” the hiring manager may get the impression that you’re “too” eager and may not be honed in on the job at hand.  If you don’t respond with a growth focused answer, the hiring manager may walk away thinking you’re not interested in a long term career within the company.

We asked around and searched for unique, strong answers.

We liked the response we found on Work Coach Cafe.

“I don’t have a specific plan! I would like to advance. However, I am flexible. I will do my current job to the best of my ability and keep my eyes open for opportunities within the organization to advance even if it means changing roles. I am prepared to learn new things and contribute to the overall success of the organization in a number of ways. The only specific within that “plan of willingness” is that the opportunity be within my ability to learn, interesting enough for me to dig in and do a good job, and the compensation increase a reasonable amount in relation to the demands of the position.”

This is, obviously, the answer of a confident person who knows what they want. We like it because it’s honest.  This person was hired and promoted eight times in the past thirty years.

For the interviewing faint of heart, a shorter answer and a connection with the hiring manager may be more your speed. Make eye contact, speak slow, and speak from the heart.

If you’re interested in various answers to this question please visit our Facebook page and leave a comment. Good luck!