Because of the challenge and the opportunities at _________. IÕm well qualified for it, and this is exactly the kind of _________________________ (competitive/creative/ progressive/technically orientedÑuse an adjective appro- priate to the company and type of work) atmosphere IÕve been looking for. My career goal is _____________, and this job would allow me to develop my potential further while actively participating in that kind of work.
IÕve been offered a number of other opportunities; but, after evaluating those jobs and companies, I de- cided not to make a move. Making a job change is a major decision, a long-term commitment that I take very seriously.
After researching the history and future plans of ___________________, meeting people who work here, and seeing the kinds of jobs there are to be done, it seems like a perfect fit!

As long as I continue to learn and develop my capa- bilities. As with any partnership, I intend to fulfill my commitment and meet challenges as they come.
ItÕs my hope that, as long as I perform well on the job and make contributions, IÕll be considered a valuable em- ployee. And as long as IÕm making a contribution that is valued, IÕll have no reason to leave. However, if for any reason I donÕt meet the companyÕs expectations, I donÕt expect to remain on the payroll. So I look forward to stay- ing as long as IÕm productive.

Slightly. I made my plans at an early age. However, I modified them as I progressed and learned more about my capabilities and the work.
For a career plan to be usefulÑlike any business planÑit must be flexible enough to respond to changes in the world of work. Career planning is an ongoing process, and several times throughout the years I have revised and have updated my goals in response to new developments and opportunities.

Yes. I think a major part of any good employeeÕs job is to contribute to the departmentÕs work and efforts in a way that reflects on the department managerÕs skills and abilities. When that happens, the manager often is tar- geted for promotion.
Helping my boss get promoted might result in my being considered for his or her job. In that sense, I guess you could say IÕm interested in my bossÕs job. For companies to grow and improve, the people who work there must grow and improve. Promotion and advancement within the ranks are signs that a company provides opportunities and recognizes the potential of its employees.

I wouldnÕt like to own a business right now. IÕm committed to my career, and that means working in an- other organization and helping it meet its goals.
I have considered what business might be interest- ing to own after IÕve accomplished all I can in this indus- try and have retired. It would probably be something related to my outside interests, such as _______________ ___________________________________________________

(Give specific details about the field or profession first and then about the level you hope to attain within it.)
Essentially, I have given my career and opportuni- ties a great deal of thought, and from that process IÕve developed a plan for achieving my long-term objective. This position is an important step in that long-term plan.

ItÕs more of a general goal than a constant ambition of mine. I know that, if IÕm the best employee I can be, ca- reer advancement will take care of itself. Having a goal without hard work is like aiming at a target without am- munition. Working hard and enthusiastically is the best method for reaching the top.
I complete my work to the best of my ability and trust that, if I prove myself to be an asset to my employer, IÕll be rewarded. So although the opportunity to reach the top is important to me, I know that opportunity presents itself only to those who earn it.

Yes. I donÕt know too many capable, ambitious peo- ple who donÕt aspire to the highest management level within their companies. I aspire but I perspire, too. It gets better results.
I also realize that there are many other steps along the way through which I can learn, contribute, and be re- warded in my work. I want to do the best job I can, moving on to the next challenge when IÕm ready. If I continue to do that, IÕll automatically rise to the top.

Yes. Whenever I think about my goals and plan how I will achieve them, I aim high. However, IÕm also a real- ist and know there can be only one president.
Being president of my (current/previous) company would have given me the opportunity to carry out plans and ideas for improving and enhancing the company, its operations, and its products. But wherever IÕve worked, whatever the scope of my position, IÕve done that to some extent.

Possibly. IÕm very happy with my chosen field, have done well in it, and think there are things I can do even better as I progress upward.
However, I believe in being flexible and open to new opportunities. If you have a position in mind for me in the company that is different from the work IÕve been doing, IÕd like to explore it. IÕm always interested in seeing how my background and skills can contribute to my success at a particular job.