Employers ask about your goals and expectations for the first 30/60/90 days to understand your ability to set goals, adapt quickly, and contribute effectively to their organisation. They want to see if you can prioritise tasks, adjust to the new role swiftly, and make a positive impact within a specific timeframe. By knowing your short-term goals, employers can assess your focus, strategic thinking, and suitability for the position. It also demonstrates that you understand the role’s expectations and are proactive in preparing for success.

Why Employers Ask This Question:

When employers ask about your goals and expectations for the first 30/60/90 days, they seek to gain insights into your planning abilities, commitment to success, and alignment with the company’s objectives. They want to assess your ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to the new role quickly, and make a positive impact within a defined timeframe. By understanding your short-term goals, employers can evaluate your focus, strategic thinking, and overall fit for the position. It also shows that you have a clear understanding of the role’s expectations and are interested in succeeding.

Preparing for the interview question:

Step 1: Research the company.

Thoroughly research the company’s mission, values, and goals. Explore their website, social media profiles, and available resources to understand their purpose and the industry they operate in. Focus on their culture and the impact they strive to make.

Step 2: Understand the job responsibilities.

Ask the interviewer for a detailed breakdown of the job responsibilities and specific examples of daily tasks. This will give you a clearer understanding of the role and help you match your goals accordingly. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification or additional information as needed.

Step 3: Discuss role expectations with the interviewer.

Engage in a conversation with the interviewer to better understand their expectations for the role. Ask about the priorities and objectives they want to see accomplished in the first 30/60/90 days. This will help you tailor your response accurately and show your commitment to meeting their expectations.

Step 4: Identify transferable skills.

Reflect on your past experiences, whether from previous jobs, internships, or personal projects. Identify the skills and strengths you possess that can be valuable in the new role. Focus on highlighting transferable skills relevant to the job, such as problem-solving, organisation, attention to detail, or collaboration.

Step 5: Set realistic goals based on available information.

Based on the gathered information, set realistic and achievable goals for your first 30/60/90 days. Focus on broader objectives rather than specific tasks. For example, aim to learn about the company’s processes, build relationships with team members, and contribute to a project or initiative. Emphasize your willingness to adapt and learn as you become more familiar with the role.

Step 6: Seek guidance and support.

If possible, reach out to the interviewer or the HR department for guidance or additional information. They can provide insights into the company’s expectations and offer suggestions on how to contribute best during your initial months on the job. This support will help you feel more confident and reduce anxiety during interviews.

Example Answer:

“In my first 30 days, my goal is to fully immerse myself in the company’s culture and processes. I want to understand the team dynamics and grasp the expectations of the role. I’ll dedicate time to familiarise myself with the organisation’s systems and tools to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, I’ll focus on establishing rapport with key stakeholders, building collaborative relationships, and promoting effective communication.

During the next 60 days, my main objective is to master the core responsibilities of the role and consistently deliver high-quality work. I’ll actively seek feedback from my manager and colleagues to refine my skills and address any areas for improvement. Moreover, I plan to contribute my unique perspective and problem-solving abilities to identify opportunities for process optimisation and efficiency.

By the end of the first 90 days, I aim to have made a measurable impact within the organisation. I’ll strive to complete specific projects or initiatives assigned to me, demonstrating my ability to meet deadlines and achieve results. Additionally, I’ll actively participate in team meetings and brainstorming sessions, offering innovative ideas and solutions.

Overall, my objective is to become a valuable asset to the team and contribute to the company’s success through my dedication, adaptability, and strong work ethic.”

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Read our How to Answer ‘Why Do You Want to Work Here?’ Job Interview Question article here