How to answer ‘How Long Do You Plan to Work for This Company?’ In an Interview

Recently, I met a professional, Peter Wanjohi. During our conversation, he said that he has been through a lot of interviews before, but he has never been asked…. “How long do you plan to work for this company?”

Last week, though, when attending an interview with one of the leading event-organizing companies in Kenya, the question was posed to him. “I said three years and didn’t offer any further explanation.”

Like a lot of job seekers, he wonders how he should have answered the question. “I feel my vagueness may have hindered my success for that job,” he added in an email.

Speaking to Godfrey Wakoli, a recruitment manager at Corporate Staffing Services, he notes that this is a question you should expect in any kind of interview.

“It’s a general question that interviewers  are fond of asking.” He adds, “The question comes in many formats including  ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ both questions should be handled the same,” says Mr. Wakoli.

He further notes, “The advice on handling these types of questions is to make sure you show that you will commit and be sincere as much as possible.”

Here are the best possible answers you can give:

1. As long as it takes…..

Well, make sure you back this up with a factor that will be of benefit to the company.

Mr. Wakoli says, “Talking about your performance and the time you want to stay will do it.

Sample Answer: ‘I will stay as long as it takes, and my performance will continue progressing for the greater performance of the company’

2. As long as there are growth opportunities.

When answering the question, also make sure that you consider what you are looking for in the company.

Sample Answer: “I would like to work for you as long as I can grow professionally and that I get exposed to more challenging tasks.”

3. Friendly work environment.

This is the time to show that you are interested in working for the company and tell them about the background search you have done on the company.

Sample Answer: “According to my research, I have found out that this company provides a friendly work environment, and I find that it’s going to be a good place to work; I am looking for a long-term career here.”

4. Till the company and I are satisfied.
Mr Wakoli advises that an interviewee should emphasise on the satisfaction of both the company and themselves.

Sample Answer: I plan to work here as long as my services are needed by the company.”

5. As long as the company has everything I am looking for.

Sample Answer: “I am looking for a long-term position, and if there are opportunities for advancement and growth here, then I want to stay for a long time,” Mr. Wakoli states.

In conclusion

A word of advice to candidates preparing for interviews is to expect this type of question beforehand and avoid being caught by surprise.

Have you been attending several interviews, but you struggle to respond to some interview questions? Invest in our interview coaching services in Kenya and be on your way to acing the interviews.