career goals for cover letter

50 Inspiring Examples of Career Goal Statements

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 7, 2024 — 12 minutes to read

A career goal statement is a clear and concise description of your professional aspirations: it outlines what you aim to achieve in your career path, providing direction and serving as a guide for your professional decisions. Crafting this statement requires self-reflection to identify what truly matters to you in your career.

Think of your career goal statement as a compass. It helps you navigate through opportunities and choices, aligning them with your long-term objectives. A well-defined goal statement includes specific job titles or roles, industry preferences, skills you want to acquire or use, and the values that matter to you in a work environment.

For example, your statement might be, “I aim to become a Senior Software Developer at a tech company that values innovation, in the next five years.” This statement is direct, time-bound, and reflects personal and professional values.

When writing your own career goal statement, start by asking yourself some questions:

What am I passionate about?
Where do I see myself in five, ten, or fifteen years?
What skills do I need to develop to reach my goals?

Your statement can evolve as your career advances and your goals change. Remember, it’s a living document meant to grow along with you. Keep it precise, make it inspiring for yourself, and let it reflect who you are and who you want to become professionally. By doing so, you’ll create a powerful tool to steer your career decisions and help achieve your ambitions.

Components of a Strong Career Goal Statement

A strong career goal statement effectively communicates where you see yourself in the future and how you plan to get there. The keys to crafting this include clarity in your aspirations and how your current path aligns with your long-term objectives.

Clarity and Specificity

Your career goal statement should clearly articulate the position you’re aiming for and the steps you plan to take to achieve it. For example, instead of saying “I want to grow in the tech industry,” specify “My goal is to become a Senior Software Engineer at a renowned tech firm within the next five years by honing my skills in mobile applications development and leadership.”

Alignment with Career Objectives

Ensure that your statement aligns with your broader career objectives. For instance, if you’re determined to enter the field of environmental sustainability, your goal statement could specify, “I will secure a role as a Sustainability Project Manager by gaining expertise in renewable energy solutions and contributing to conservation projects.”

Brevity and Conciseness

Keep your statement concise; it shouldn’t be longer than a short paragraph. A crisp, well-worded statement would look like, “Within three years, I aim to advance to a Lead Graphic Designer position by consistently delivering innovative designs and taking on more strategic projects.”

Personal Motivation

Include a sentence about what drives you towards this goal, which gives a personal touch to your career goal statement. You might say, “I am committed to becoming an industry-recognized financial analyst by developing cutting-edge quantitative models, fueled by my passion for data-driven decision making.”

The Purpose of Career Goal Statements

A career goal statement helps you and others understand where you’re aiming in your professional life. It serves as both a guide and a benchmark for your career progression.

Professional Development

Your career goal statement is a powerful tool for professional development. It’s a declaration of your ambitions, which often falls into specific categories like acquiring new skills, achieving certifications, or reaching a new position. For example, you might aim to become a certified project manager within the next two years, highlighting the steps and skills you’ll need to get there.

Job Search Focus

When you’re on the job hunt, having a career goal statement gives you a lens to evaluate potential job opportunities. Imagine you’re an engineer seeking roles in renewable energy projects; your career goal statement would specify this preference, allowing you to target your job search and tailor your applications to match your aspirations.

Performance Management

During performance evaluations, your career goal statement offers a clear outline of what success looks like for you. It can act as a communication tool between you and your supervisor, ensuring that you’re both aligned on your targets. If your goal is to lead a team, your performance metrics might include leadership training and successful project outcomes.

Personal Reflection and Growth

Your career statement doubles as a checkpoint for personal reflection and growth. By setting specific goals like enhancing your public speaking skills or learning a new programming language, you create a framework for personal progress, tying these improvements back to your broader career objectives.

Writing Your Career Goal Statement

A career goal statement is a clear and concise description of your professional aspirations. It’s important to chart a course for your career by setting strategic goals and outlining the steps you plan to take to achieve them.

Self-Assessment

Start by evaluating your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and values. This step helps you align your career trajectory with your personal attributes and ambitions.

If you enjoy creative problem-solving, you might aim for a role in strategic development.
Someone with a natural talent for communication might target a career in public relations.

Research and Exploration

Learn about the industries and positions that align with your interests and skills. Find out what qualifications you may need and what career advancement may look like in those roles.

Researching the field of data science might show you the importance of skills like programming and data analysis.
Exploring the healthcare industry could lead you to consider roles ranging from a health administrator to a nurse practitioner.

Articulating Your Goals

Clearly state your short-term and long-term career objectives. Make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Short-term goal: Completing a professional certification in digital marketing within the next year.
Long-term goal: Becoming a chief marketing officer at a technology company within the next ten years.

Revising and Refining

Your career goals are not set in stone. Periodically review and adjust them to reflect your growing skills, changes in the industry, and personal life changes.

Revising your goal to include leadership skills if you’re aiming for management positions.
Refining your goals to focus more on work-life balance if personal circumstances change.

Examples of Career Goal Statements

When crafting your career goal statement, be specific and align your goals with your desired career path. This section will provide examples for different career stages to guide you.

For Recent Graduates

As a recent graduate, your goal statement should reflect your eagerness to apply your education in a practical setting and grow professionally. For example:

“My goal is to secure a role as a software developer at a forward-thinking tech company where I can contribute to innovative projects and hone my coding skills in real-world applications.”

For Mid-Career Professionals

For you in mid-career, a statement should focus on advancing your current skills and taking on larger responsibilities. For instance:

“I aim to elevate my expertise in digital marketing to become a marketing manager, where I can lead strategic campaigns and impact the company’s growth directly.”

For Career Changers

As someone looking to change careers, your statement needs to leverage your transferable skills and express your commitment to the new field. Consider this example:

“I intend to transition into the field of data analysis, leveraging my extensive background in market research to deliver actionable insights and drive decision-making processes.”

For Executive-Level Positions

Your executive career goal statement needs to showcase your vision for leadership and your ability to steer the company to new heights. An example could be:

“I am determined to apply my 15 years of managerial experience to a Chief Operations Officer role, focusing on optimizing company-wide operations to boost profitability and efficiency.”

50 Examples of Career Goal Statements

1. “To secure a challenging position in a reputable organization to expand my learnings, knowledge, and skills.”
2. “Seeking a role at (…) Company where I can contribute to the team’s success while developing my skills as an accountant.”
3. “To achieve a lead position in software development that allows me to design innovative solutions and manage a dynamic team.”
4. “To become a primary school teacher that inspires young minds and fosters a love of learning.”
5. “Aiming to leverage my experience in customer service to become a leading sales representative within the next five years.”
6. “To grow into a senior role within the marketing department, contributing to the company’s strategic goals and brand development.”
7. “Seeking a position as a clinical practice assistant for a health organization that focuses on the development of innovative medical treatments.”
8. “To secure a position as a human resources manager and contribute to an organization’s employee engagement and professional development strategies.”
9. “My goal is to become a project manager within a progressive tech company, leading innovative projects to successful completion.”
10. “Aspiring to be a top journalist within a major media outlet, reporting on significant global events that shape our world.”
11. “To develop a career in finance, eventually becoming a chief financial officer for a well-established corporation.”
12. “To obtain a managerial position in the hospitality industry, providing exceptional guest experiences and leading a successful team.”
13. “Looking to apply my graphic design skills in a dynamic advertising agency, producing high-quality work for a variety of clients.”
14. “To establish myself as a leading real estate agent within the community, known for diligently serving clients and achieving their property dreams.”
15. “To become a senior software engineer, specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence, contributing to cutting-edge technology advancements.”
16. “Aspire to join an international non-profit organization, focusing on human rights advocacy and contributing to meaningful change.”
17. “To earn a position as a lead researcher in a top-tier biotech firm, focusing on the development of life-saving pharmaceuticals.”
18. “To be recognized as an expert in environmental law, working to protect natural resources and promote sustainability.”
19. “To secure a role as an art director within a prestigious agency, driving creative strategy and inspiring a team of designers.”
20. “Aiming to become a chief operations officer, optimizing organizational processes and enhancing overall efficiency.”
21. “To advance my career in the field of education technology, developing innovative tools that facilitate learning and growth.”
22. “Seeking to become a master electrician, overseeing complex projects and mentoring apprentices in the trade.”
23. “To climb the ranks to a senior data analyst role, transforming data into actionable insights that drive business strategy.”
24. “To become a leading figure in digital marketing, known for crafting high-impact strategies that generate measurable results.”
25. “Aspiring to be an executive chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant, creating world-class cuisine and leading a top-tier culinary team.”
26. “To secure a position as a cybersecurity expert, protecting sensitive information from threats and vulnerabilities.”
27. “Aiming to be a respected leader in the field of public health, influencing policy and improving community health outcomes.”
28. “To establish a career as a professional musician, performing internationally and sharing my passion for music with diverse audiences.”
29. “Seeking a role as an aerospace engineer with a focus on sustainable design and innovation in air travel.”
30. “To become a leading architect, known for designing eco-friendly and innovative structures that enhance the urban landscape.”
31. “To grow into a senior role in supply chain management, optimizing logistics and contributing to the company’s profitability.”
32. “Aspiring to become a senior content creator, producing engaging and informative content that resonates with a wide audience.”
33. “To secure a position as a labor and delivery nurse, providing compassionate care and supporting families during a pivotal life event.”
34. “To become a principal consultant, offering expert advice and solutions to businesses in my area of expertise.”
35. “Aiming to be a top sales manager, driving team performance and exceeding company sales targets consistently.”
36. “To secure a leadership position within the field of environmental science, contributing to research and advocacy for climate change mitigation.”
37. “To become a recognized expert in user experience design, creating intuitive and user-friendly digital products.”
38. “Seeking a role as a professional event planner, executing unforgettable events that exceed client expectations.”
39. “To advance to a senior technical writer position, producing clear and concise documentation that supports product development.”
40. “Aspiring to be a chief diversity officer, fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees can thrive.”
41. “To become a lead mechanical engineer in the automotive industry, contributing to the development of innovative and efficient vehicles.”
42. “To secure a position as a business analyst, helping organizations to improve processes and systems for better performance.”
43. “Aiming to become a senior environmental consultant, providing actionable strategies for sustainable business practices.”
44. “To establish myself as a professional photographer, capturing moments and stories through my lens for global publications.”
45. “Seeking a role as an investment banker, helping companies to grow and investors to achieve their financial goals.”
46. “To become a thought leader in digital transformation, guiding enterprises through the integration of new technologies.”
47. “Aspiring to be a senior policy advisor, influencing legislation and policy decisions that impact the public sector.”
48. “To secure a position as a professional interpreter, facilitating communication in multiple languages for international organizations.”
49. “Aiming to become a leading expert in nutritional science, contributing to healthier lifestyles and dietary choices.”
50. “To establish a career as a professional speaker and author, sharing my expertise and inspiring others in my field.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you write an effective career goal statement for your resume.

When you write a career goal statement for your resume, start by reflecting on your strengths, skills, and experiences. Then, identify the kind of position you’re aiming for and how your career path aligns with the goals of the company. Use action words and quantify achievements where possible.

What are some examples of short-term career goals in professional development?

Short-term career goals might include obtaining a professional certification, improving specific job-related skills such as public speaking or technical proficiency, or networking to connect with industry leaders. These goals are typically achievable within a few months to two years.

What should be included in a personal career goal statement?

Your personal career goal statement should include your career interests, the competencies you wish to utilize, the type of environment you thrive in, and how you see your career progressing. It gives employers a glimpse into your aspirations and professional philosophy.

Can you give examples of comprehensive goal statements for students?

An example for a student might be: “Graduate with a degree in Environmental Science and secure an internship with a leading sustainability organization, to contribute to effective climate change solutions.” This states the education aim and the practical, immediate objective after graduation.

How do you frame a career goal statement for entry into graduate school?

A career goal statement for graduate school should express your academic interests, how the program aligns with your career plans, and what you intend to accomplish professionally with the advanced degree. This could be working towards a specific research field or role in academia.

What elements make up a compelling and succinct one-sentence career goal?

A compelling one-sentence career goal is specific, mentioning the desired industry or role, is realistic, and includes a timeframe. For example, “To become a certified project manager within the next year and lead technology-related projects in a Fortune 500 company.”

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What Are Your Career Goals - How to Answer w/ [Examples]

You could say “What are your career goals?” is the adult version of “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

You probably even had a better idea of what to answer when you were 6.

You should channel that same level of confidence when talking about your career goals to an interviewer.

Easier said than done, right? Especially if you’re uncertain about what your goals are or what they should look like in the first place.

We know that struggle! To help you figure out your career goals (and answer the dreaded interview question), we compiled this guide.

What is a Career Goal and Why is It Important to Have One
The 4 Most Common Types of Career Goals
Tips for Answering “What are Your Career Goals” and things to avoid saying
3+ Examples of How Your Answer Should and Should Not Look Like

So, let’s get started:

What is a Career Goal

Career goals are targets. Things, positions, situations related to your professional life that you have set your mind on achieving.

They can be short-term, like getting a promotion or certification, or they can be long-term, like running your own successful business or being an executive at your dream company.

No matter what they sound like, they should be this sort of prize that motivates you to get going in your career.

Why Is It Important to Have a Career Goal (And Why Interviewers Care)

Firstly, the job interview aside, you should have a career goal simply because it’s beneficial to you .

Not to impress the interviewer, your relatives, or your future Tinder date, but to improve yourself.

Having a career goal will keep you focused and keep you from getting stuck on a cycle where every day looks the same and you forget what you are working for in the first place.

It gives you something to aim for, steps to follow, progress to make.

Now, back to the interviewer and why they’re asking the question. Your answer lets them know about two things:

How long do you plan on working for them
What motivates you to work

All interviewers are curious as to why you want to work for them, and they will ask you straight up about it. However, this question tells them something that the “Why do you want to work for us?” interview question doesn’t.

Your career goal will give them an idea as to what type of employee you will be - long term or short term. Is this position something that you will be staying in for a while, or is this a temporary stop until a better opportunity comes along?

In 2020, hiring and training an employee costs between $4000-$7600 . Money that employers have no interest in investing in someone who will be working for them for no longer than two months.

Having a career goal also means you are not applying for a position just because the job ad randomly stumbled in your way and, being unemployed, you’d apply to just about anything so… here you are.

If you have a goal that you want to achieve, it means that this interview was no accident and this job position really aligns with your aspirations. That means you will probably be more dedicated to the job, work harder, and have a great attitude.

An alternative to the career goals question is “ Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ”. In both cases, interviewers are trying to get to the same point: your future.

4 Most Common Career Goals

Apart from the two main types - long term and short term - career goals can also be sorted into categories depending on their focus.

The 4 most common ones being:

Goals focused on professional advancement

These goals are all about improving your work performance and being more efficient; getting better and faster at what you do and climbing higher up the ladder because of it.

Short-term example: A sales agent increasing their monthly sales by x%

Long-term example: Make a senior partner at a top law firm.

Goals focused on leadership advancement

When it comes to leadership, there’s a lot of room for career advancement. These goals are all about improving your management skills and aiming for positions with more responsibilities.

Short-term example: Working my way up to the position of a manager at this restaurant.

Long-term example: Working as an executive at X company.

Goals focused on educational advancement

Whether you just graduated or you’re a full-on professional, there’s always more to learn. These goals are about keeping you up to date with the new developments in your field or just learning something new and different.

Short-term example: Learning a new programming language.

Long-term example: Finish medical school, complete a surgery residency program, and successfully earn a state license to practice medicine in no more than 11 years.

Goals focused on personal development

These goals put emphasis on self-improvement and skills like networking or teamwork. Achieving them has a positive impact on your professional life, but they also show that you are more than just work work work.

Short-term example: Becoming more proactive within your company.

Long-term example: Improving your networking skills.

How to Answer - “What Are Your Career Goals?”

There really is no formula for getting this question right. There are, however, some tips we can give you to make sure your answer hits all the right spots.

Be relevant to the company.

Let’s say one of your goals at the moment is to get a certification from an online course in fictional writing. That’s an amazing goal, but if you are applying for a position as a sales manager, this certification is not going to help you a lot at the interview.

So what this means is, your answer to this interview question should be related to the position/company you’re applying for.

My goal has always been to be a Certified Public Accountant. In one year I will have finally fulfilled the education and experience requirements to enter the Uniform CPA Exam, which I’m very determined on passing.
I’m only an amateur photographer, but my goal is to have my own exposition one day. Whenever I’m outside of work I try to dedicate myself to it as much time as possible so I can expand my portfolio. I think it’s cool for an accountant to be engaged in something else like photography, right?

Start with short-term goals and then move to long-term ones.

Short-term goals usually tend to be steps in the way of the bigger long-term goal. They’re also more specific and clear.

When giving your answer, you can start talking about these goals, and then roll into the long-term ones. Your answer will sound much more logical and your plans well thought out.

I’m aiming to discover some new talented authors in the upcoming years. Delivering a bestselling book would help me establish my name as an editor in the publishing industry and help me gradually build a strong clientele of writers.
My goal is to be the editor of some major writers. I can see myself delivering a bestselling series like Harry Potter in a few years.

Back your goals with an action plan

Laying out a list of goals doesn’t make for a very convincing answer. Instead, focus on one or two main goals and briefly explain how you plan on achieving them or how they will benefit your career in the long-term. This shows that you have thought these goals through and are clear about what you want in the future.

For example, if your short-term goal is to learn a new programming language, explain how you will achieve that (certification or auto-didactic learning) and how that improves your work performance (does it allow you to work on more projects? Does the company you work for benefit from that?).

Elaborating on that last sentence: Focus on the employer.

Yes, they’re asking about your career goals, but at the end of the day, they care about their company’s best interest more. (No shocker here.) So, when talking about your goals make sure to express how achieving them will also be beneficial to your potential employer. Convince them it’ll be a win-win situation.

I’m trying to find the appropriate time this year to enroll in a course for learning SAP FICO. It would help me as a financial analyst deliver more accurate reports, as well as help the company plan and monitor costs better.
I’m aiming to improve the quality of my reports and analyses. I need to do some more research on how exactly I can do that, but for now, that’s my goal.

Preparation and Practice.

No matter how much you feel you have your future plans figured out, it’s still important to prepare for this question in advance. Think about some short-term and long-term goals, and take the time to practice your answer.

3+ Sample Answers to “What Are Your Career Goals”

If all that talk had you confused, here are 3 examples of answers that illustrate how to turn theory into practice.

Student/Intern Example

“Well, I’ll be graduating next year and I would love to start working in the marketing department of a company like yours right away. Apart from expanding my knowledge and experience in marketing, I also hope to improve my communication and public speaking skills. I really want to be a proactive and valuable team member.”

Short-term goal: Work in marketing after graduation.

Long-term goal: Be a proactive and engaged team member.

Action plan: Earn more experience and knowledge in marketing and improve communication and public speaking skills.

Professional Example

“I know that it’s become more and more helpful to know Python in the context of finance, so I plan on learning it this year. It will come in handy when solving portfolio optimization problems. As far as long-term goals, I would like to become a part-time professor at Y university. I have given some guest lectures there and really enjoyed it. The flexible hours are also very beneficial as they allow me to keep another job as well.”

Short-term goal and action plan: Learn Python in the finance context.

Long-term goal and action plan: Become a part-time professor at Y university.

Management Example

“At the moment I’m trying to improve my leadership skills so that I’m able to manage larger game design teams. I’ve only had experience as a lead designer so far, but I hope after a few years and some more experience I’ll be able to fully manage an entire project.”

Short-term goal: Manage larger game design teams. Long-term goal: Become project manager.

Action plan: Improve leadership skills and gain more experience as game design lead.

If you’re looking for sample answers to similar tricky interview questions, check out these 35+ Common Interview Questions and Answers .

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “What Are Your Career Goals”

After covering the to-dos, let’s get to the NOT to-dos.

Here are 4 of the most common mistakes people make when answering “what are your career goals?”

Answer with “I have no goals”

There isn’t much to elaborate on this one, just.... don’t.

Talk about salary

It’s okay for money to be your motivator. Hell, it’s the motivator for most people. You know that, we know that, the interviewer knows that, BUT that’s not what they want to hear and that’s not what you should say.

For example, if you’re in the marketing industry and you want to get to a point where you have an annual salary of $70,000. You should look into what positions in your industry make that kind of earning and set them as your goal instead.

So, at the interview, instead of saying “My goal is to make $70,000 in salary by the time I’m 30”, go with “My goal is to be a content marketing director by the time I’m 30.”

Set unrealistic goals

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dream big. We fully support that reach-for-the-stars mindset.

However, insisting that in 5 years you’ll be CEO of the company where you’re applying, when you just graduated a month ago… that doesn’t sit that well, especially with the interviewer. You will come off as arrogant and that definitely won’t get you through the door.

Get into too many specifics

Meaning, if your goal is being head of marketing for your dream company and that’s not the position or company you’re applying for, it would be best to not mention that.

Doing so would let the interviewer know that your eyes are on another company and this position is temporary to you. Instead, you can just say that your goal is being head of a marketing department. No more details on who, where, what.

There are a lot of other danger zones during interviews, so if you want to find out about them, here’s a guide on 26+ Biggest Interview Mistakes .

Key Takeaways

Whew, that was a lot to take in, right?

When answering the “what are your career goals” interview question, here’s what you need to remember:

Be relevant to the company. If your goals align with the needs of the company, or even better, the company benefits from them, you’ll have an advantage as a candidate.
Explain how. Give some steps that you plan to follow to reach your goals. That will show that they are well thought and planned.
Avoid the money talk. Instead of talking $ bills translate salary into an actual position. That sits better with the interviewer.

When it comes down to it, all the lists and tips don’t mean much if you don’t take time to properly prepare and practice, so don’t skip that part.

And if you want to practice more interview questions, we've prepared examples answers for you:

Tell Me About Yourself
Why Do You Want to Work Here?
Why Should We Hire You?
What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
What Is Your Greatest Strength?
What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment?

Wait, that's not all! We've even got guides with tips on how to ace your next interview:

Video Interview - Tips on How to Ace It
Phone Interview Questions & Tips - How to Ace It
How to Ace Interviews with the STAR Method [9+ Examples]
Thank You Email After Interview

The Ultimate Guide to Creating Career Goals: Strategies (and Examples) for Success

Whether you’re just starting your career journey or looking to make a change, creating career goals is essential to keep you focused and motivated.

In this post, we’ll discuss:

How to come up with career goals that align with your passions and strengths
How to set professional development goals that will propel you toward career success
Plus, some examples to help guide you through this journey

Let’s dive in!

Reflect on Your Passions and Strengths

Before you can create effective career goals, take some time to reflect on your passions, strengths, and interests.

This self-assessment can help you identify the skills and experiences that make you unique, and it can serve as a foundation for your professional goal-setting. Consider your past accomplishments, your values, and the types of work environments you thrive in.

Ask yourself questions such as:

What activities or tasks do I genuinely enjoy doing?
What subjects or topics am I passionate about?
What skills do I excel at?
In which work environments do I feel most comfortable and productive?
What accomplishments am I most proud of?
Which values are most important to me in a work setting?
What types of projects or tasks do I find most fulfilling?
What motivates me to perform at my best?
What aspects of my current or past jobs did I enjoy the most?
If I could design my ideal workday, what would it look like?

To get started, you can check out the U.S. Department of Labor O*NET Tools webpage where you will find resources to help you explore careers and develop your skills accordingly.

Conduct Research and Gather Information

Once you have a better understanding of your strengths and passions, you can start researching potential career paths.

Look for jobs or industries that align with your interests and leverage your unique skillset. Reach out to professionals in your desired field to learn more about their experiences and get advice.

This research will help you develop a clearer picture of how to set professional goals that make sense for you.

Some questions that will help you clarify your path are:

What industries or job roles align with my passions and strengths?
What are the key skills and qualifications required for my desired career path?
What are the typical career progression opportunities in my chosen field?
What are the current trends and challenges within my desired industry?
What resources are available to help me learn more about my chosen career path? Think in terms of websites, books, podcasts, etc.
Which companies or organizations in my desired industry have a strong reputation or align with my values?
How can I connect with professionals in my desired field? Platforms like LinkedIn or attending networking events might help you with this.
What additional training or education might be needed to transition into my desired career?
Are there any professional associations or groups that I can join to expand my network and knowledge?
What job search strategies can I employ to increase my chances of finding a position in my chosen field?

Set SMART Career Goals

When you’re ready to set your career goals, it’s a good option to use the SMART criteria in order to come up with actionable ideas.

SMART stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework can help you create clear, actionable, and realistic goals. For example, instead of saying:

“I want to become a better communicator,”

“I will complete a public speaking course in the next 6 months to improve my presentation skills.”

To help you decide, you can answer the following questions:

What specific career goals do I want to achieve?
How can I measure my progress toward these goals?
Are my career goals achievable with my current skills , resources, and circumstances? If not, what do I need to make it possible?
How are my career goals relevant to my passions , strengths, and long-term aspirations?
What is a realistic time frame for achieving my career goals?
Can I break down your goals into smaller , more manageable steps?
What obstacles might I encounter while pursuing my objectives, and how can I overcome them?
How will I stay motivated and focused?

Let’s look at some examples of career goals that follow the SMART criteria and align with passions and strengths. These ideas can serve as inspiration when creating your own career goals.

Project Manager Goal

Specific: Earn a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Measurable: Complete the required coursework and pass the PMP exam.

Achievable: Research and enroll in a reputable PMP exam prep course.

Relevant: The PMP certification is highly regarded in the project management field and will boost career opportunities.

Time-bound: Achieve the PMP certification within 1 year.

What a Project Manager’s resume looks like.

Graphic Designer Goal

Specific: Improve digital illustration skills.

Measurable: Create a portfolio of at least 10 new digital illustrations.

Achievable: Dedicate 4 hours each week to practice and take online courses to learn new techniques.

Relevant: Digital illustration is an essential skill for graphic designers and can lead to new job opportunities.

Time-bound: Complete the new portfolio within 6 months.

What a Graphic Designer’s resume looks like.

Marketing Specialist Goal

Specific: Increase social media engagement for the company’s main platforms.

Measurable: Achieve a 20% increase in likes, shares, and comments on social media posts.

Achievable: Research social media best practices and implement new strategies based on findings.

Relevant: Strong social media engagement can boost brand visibility and help the company reach its marketing objectives.

Time-bound: Accomplish the 20% increase in engagement within 3 months.

By using these examples as a guide, you can create your own SMART career goals making sure they align with your passions, strengths, and professional aspirations.

Break down your goals into smaller steps

Once you have your SMART goals in place, break them down into smaller, more manageable steps.

This will make your goals feel more achievable and help you track your progress. For example, if your goal is to transition to a new industry, you might start by researching companies, networking with professionals in the field, and updating your resume to highlight relevant skills.

You will be able to better manage and accomplish your objectives by thinking about the following:

What are the key milestones I need to achieve to reach my ultimate career goals?
What specific tasks or activities can help me work towards these milestones?
How can I prioritize these tasks to ensure I’m focusing on the most important steps first?
What resources or tools can I use to help me complete these tasks more effectively?
How can I track my progress on these smaller steps?
What mini-goals can I set for myself to celebrate my progress?
How can I maintain momentum and stay focused on my smaller steps?
How can I overcome setbacks or obstacles that arise during the process?
Can I enlist the help of a mentor or accountability partner to keep me on track with my smaller steps?
How can I adapt my approach if my smaller steps aren’t leading to the desired progress?

Create a Timeline

To stay on track with your professional development goals, create a timeline outlining when you plan to achieve each step. This will help you stay organized and focused, ensuring you’re always working towards your ultimate career objectives.

What specific deadlines can I set for each of my career goals?
How can I break down my goals into smaller time-bound tasks or milestones?
How can I ensure that my timeline is realistic and achievable ?
What factors or external circumstances might impact my timeline, and how can I account for them?
How can I use my timeline to prioritize tasks and stay organized?
What tools or resources can I use to create and manage my timeline? Think project management software, calendars, etc.
How can I share my timeline with others who may be involved in helping me achieve my goals? They can be mentors, family members, friends, etc.
How can I maintain flexibility in my timeline to account for changes or unforeseen obstacles?
What strategies can I use to stay focused and committed to my timeline?
How will I know when it’s time to revise my timeline based on my progress or changes in my goals?

To help you visualize what a timeline for your career can look like, we’re including a couple of examples that involve transitioning to a more senior position and moving from a non-technical role to a web developer position.

Examples of timelines for career goal setting

Case 1: aspiring marketing manager.

Let’s assume you’re currently a Marketing Coordinator and your goal is to become a Marketing Manager within 3 years. Here’s how you could set up a potential timeline to help you achieve that goal.

Q1: Identify gaps in your skills and knowledge by researching Marketing Manager requirements.

Q2: Enroll in a relevant online course or certification program to develop the necessary skills.

Q3: Begin networking with industry professionals and attend marketing conferences to expand your knowledge and connections.

Q4: Volunteer to lead a marketing project at your current job to gain experience in managing projects and teams.

Q1: Complete the online course or certification program.

Q2: Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your newly acquired skills and experiences.

Q3: Seek out a mentor within your company or industry to guide you through the next steps.

Q4: Apply for a promotion or a new marketing job with increased responsibility to gain more experience.

Q1: Continue networking and building relationships with professionals in the marketing field.

Q2: Attend advanced workshops or conferences to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Q3: Look for marketing manager job openings and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.

Q4: Secure a marketing manager position and celebrate your accomplishment!

Case 2: Career Change to Web Developer

Suppose you want to transition from a non-technical role to a web developer position within 2 years. Here’s a potential timeline to achieve it.

Q1: Research the skills and knowledge required for web developers in your desired industry.

Q2: Begin learning the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through online courses or tutorials.

Q3: Work on small personal projects or contribute to open-source projects to gain practical experience.

Q4: Enroll in a coding bootcamp or an in-depth online course to further develop your web development skills.

Q1: Complete the coding bootcamp or online course, and build a portfolio showcasing your projects.

Q2: Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your new skills and experiences.

Q3: Network with web developers and attend industry events to build connections and learn about job opportunities.

Q4: Apply for web developer positions, leveraging your network and portfolio to land interviews and secure a job offer.

Monitor Your Progress and Adjust as Needed

As you work towards your career goals, it’s important to regularly assess your progress.

Celebrate your achievements, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments if needed. Your goals may change over time, and that’s okay! Just make sure you’re always moving forward and taking steps toward a fulfilling career.

How will I regularly assess my progress toward my career goals?
What specific metrics or indicators can I use to track my progress?
How can I identify when adjustments are needed?
What strategies can I use to overcome setbacks or obstacles that arise during this journey?
How can I stay resilient and maintain motivation when progress is slower than anticipated?
What resources can I draw upon to help me reassess and adjust my goals? Can I reach out to mentors or a support network, are there online resources?
How can I celebrate my achievements and milestones along the way?
How can I maintain a growth mindset and remain open to learning from my experiences?
How can I identify and address any gaps in my skills or knowledge that may be hindering my progress?

Seek Support and Guidance

Remember, you don’t have to navigate your career journey alone. Reach out to mentors, colleagues, friends, or family members for advice and encouragement. They can provide valuable insights and support as you work toward your professional goals.

Think about:

Who in my personal or professional network can provide valuable advice or guidance related to my career goals?
How can I build relationships with mentors or industry professionals who can support me?
What specific questions or concerns can I discuss with my support network to gain insights and advice?
How can I leverage online communities, forums, or social media to connect with others pursuing similar goals?
What professional associations or networking groups can I join to expand my network?
How can I maintain regular communication with mentors or my support network to stay accountable and focused on my objectives?
What strategies can I use to give back to my support network and foster reciprocal relationships?
How can I remain open to feedback and constructive criticism from my network?
How can I seek out diverse perspectives and advice to ensure I’m considering all aspects of my career journey?

According to a Gallup study , employees who strongly agree that their manager helps them set performance goals are 8.5 times more likely to be engaged in their work. When it comes to moving up the professional ladder, do not be afraid to reach out and ask for support.

Key Takeaways for Professional Goal Setting

As someone looking to advance your career or make a change, we hope you now have a better idea of how to proceed to reach the success you’re aiming for. In a nutshell:

Reflect on your passions and strengths: Assess your interests, skills, and work environments you thrive in. Ask yourself questions to determine what you enjoy, excel at, and find fulfilling.
Conduct research and gather information: Identify jobs or industries that match your interests and skills. Reach out to professionals, research the required qualifications, and explore available resources to learn more.
Set SMART career goals: Create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework ensures your goals are clear, actionable, and realistic.
Break down your goals into smaller steps: Divide your goals into manageable tasks and prioritize them to make your goals more achievable and track your progress.
Create a timeline: Establish a timeline for achieving each step of your goals. This helps you stay organized, focused, and working towards your objectives.
Monitor your progress and adjust as needed: Regularly assess your progress, celebrate achievements, and make adjustments when necessary. Be open to changing goals and maintaining a growth mindset.
Seek support and guidance: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and friends for advice and encouragement. Build relationships and leverage your network for insights and support.

And remember, professional goal-setting is an ongoing process. Keep reflecting, learning, and adjusting as you move through your career journey.

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Job Interview

How to answer “What are your career goals?”

Make a link between personal and professional goals

Make your ambitions relevant to your employer, outline your career goals action plan, be determined, but flexible, professional development, educational advancement, personal improvements.

While career dreams might seem somewhat nebulous and far off, it should be possible to plot a logical and achievable path to your career goals.

When you are asked about your career goals at an interview, your future boss wants to hear about how they might be part of your journey. This is no time for fantasy. The more thought you give to your career goals, the more certain you will feel about your career trajectory.

In this blog, we explore the topic of career goals within an interview context:

What are career goals?

Why does an interviewer want to understand your career goals?

How to set career goals that are SMART and relevant.
Blend short-term and long-term ambitions for credibility.
8 Examples of career goals for your interview.
What to avoid when discussing career goals.

Remember that career goals are always a work in progress – it is along the journey that you and your future employer will enjoy success. The loftier the goal, the more profitable the journey. Don’t be afraid to aim higher than makes you feel comfortable.

What is one of the most attractive character traits for any candidate?

Ambition. While you cannot walk into an interview and announce that you wish to take over the world, the “What are your career goals?” question gives you a genuine opportunity to unveil an ambitious streak. If you are someone who is going places, your employer will benefit. Show them that your career goals align with their expectations of excellence.

We are all driven by thoughts about where we would like to be tomorrow.

Career goals (both immediate and distant) provide a framework to help us prioritize our personal and professional development. These milestones form a roadmap to a better future – if they come from the heart, they can be incredibly powerful.

We undertake tough projects because we think that they will help us to develop. We take risks when we believe that the effort is worth the reward. Career goals keep us motivated when we encounter setbacks. Sharing them with others helps them to feel that they are contributing to our story. A purposeful career is a successful career.

Career goals are the fuel on our professional journey.

Put simply, your future boss wants to know two things: whether you can do the job and whether you are motivated to stay for long enough for their investment in you to be worth it. If your career goals are compatible with the challenges of the role, everyone wins. If there is a tenuous connection, they will likely offer the role to someone else. Get ready for a barrage of future-focused questions and make sure that you are consistent with your answers.

How to answer the interview question “What motivates you?”

Every interviewer wants to feel that a candidate can’t wait to get started in the job. While the reasons for their motivation may vary, it is the strength of their conviction that will win the day. What makes you excited about coming to work?

How to set career goals

When setting out on a job search, your career goals should dictate your strategy. Being clear about your ambitions is not just for your interviewers. Compelling and deeply held career goals will help you to make the right decisions in your job search.

Here are a few tips on how to set career goals that will work for you:

As work/life boundaries blend, professional goals will often mix with more personal hopes and dreams. Do not feel that you need to be an unfeeling robot during an interview. If you are on a personal journey, link your workplace ambitions to the trajectory of your life. Your eyes will sparkle with belief and your future boss will warm to your vision.

40+ hobbies and interests for your resume to impress any interviewer

It has long been a job search rule that experienced professionals should not put hobbies and interests on resumes. However, as work/life boundaries shift, employers are increasingly interested in the broader aspects of a candidate’s personality. Time for a rethink.

Every topic of conversation during an interview should be relevant to the specific job in question. It is unlikely that any given role will offer a direct route to your career nirvana, so pick only those aspects of your career goals that are a fit with the expectations of the role. Make that feel that this is the one job that will help you to get where you want to be.

Listing your ambitions will not convince anyone that you have what it takes to reach them. Weave a compelling narrative of how your short-term goals can lead to your long-term goals. Show awareness of which soft and hard skills will help you get there and include previous examples of how you have hit your goals in a similar way.

Life can throw the most unexpected curveballs sometimes, so show that you can roll with the punches. If you tell the interviewer about a time in the past where you successfully readjusted your sights, they will believe in your ability to hit your future goals – even if you need to take an unexpected diversion or two. Flexibility can lead to unexpected opportunities.

For a career goal to be credible, it should be SMART :

Specific . Tell the interviewer in detail how your goal fits into your future career plans.

Measurable . If a goal is not measurable, it may float away, forever just out of reach.

Achievable . No one wanted to hire someone who is delusional. Can you get there?

Realistic . Is it the sort of goals that others in your position have achieved previously?

Timely . Talk about your goals for the next 5 years during an interview. No longer than that.

How to respond to “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Most job seekers are unsure of what exactly they want out of their next role, let alone what lies in wait five years from now. This question is an interview staple for good reason. It will shine a light on your suitability and motivation.

How to blend short-term and long-term goals

In the next chapter, we will share a selection of short-term and long-term career goals. Short term goals are the tactical stepping-stones that will help you to achieve the overarching long-term career strategy.

If you have lots of short-term goals without a long-term direction, your career will meander unpredictably. If you are fixated on long-term goals without the first clue how to get there, you will stagnate and live in a fantasy world.

When it comes to personal development, quantum leaps in performance are rare (and often unbelievable when recounting a career story). If you wish to demonstrate that you can replicate organic success, you need to show that you understand the link between the tactical and the strategic.

Short-term goals might have a time frame from one month to a year, while long-term goals might have a window of up to 10 years. From the point of view of an interview it is best to talk about a long-term goal that you will be able to achieve during your likely time at the next company (i.e. in the next 5 years). If you set your goals too far in the future, you will be talking about a time when you have moved on. Not a good look during any interview.

Six examples of achievable long-term career goals:

Taking on a leadership role in your industry
Moving to work in a new function
Gaining a new qualification or degree
Improving your personal productivity
Starting your own business or side hustle
Becoming a more efficient communicator

8 examples of career goals for your interview

With a wide variety of career and professional circumstances, it is impossible to give a definite list of career goals, but it is important to group them into two categories.

When you are answering the “what are your career goals?” question, make sure that you lead with the long-term vision and then fill in the journey with the short-term goals that you feel will help you along the way.

Ensure that you are talking about the sorts of things that will be achievable with your prospective employer. There is nothing worse than your future boss thinking: “Well, they won’t be able to do that here.”

Here are four top-level examples of areas for career goals:

Short term . Taking a course on the latest Agile techniques.

Long term . Assuming operational responsibility for factory operations.

Short term . Developing a mentoring relationship with a colleague.

Long term . Becoming a department manager with P&L responsibility

Short term . Attending seminars on artificial intelligence in your industry.

Long term . Taking a remote-study degree in computer science.

Short term . Improving employee feedback communication skill metrics.

Long term . Influencing at board level to drive measurable profit growth.

It is not always easy to share a quantifiable benefit when you are gazing into the future of your career, but it is enough to give an idea of your direction of travel. Sharing examples of how you successfully set goals for yourself in the past will be enough to demonstrate that you have what it takes.

One tip for the best possible career goals answer: Make sure that you brim with excitement at the thought of hitting the goal. If you are not excited by it, then how can you expect a potential employer to believe that you have the motivation to make it happen? No obstacle will be overcome if you do not have a fire inside you to get past it.

How to answer almost any interview question

You got the interview! Now you’re excited and a bit nervous. Calm the jitters and impress the hiring manager with preparation. We’ve compiled dozens of interview questions and sample answers to guide you through the process and get that job.

What to avoid when discussing career goals

Hopefully we have clarified how this question forms a critical part of any interview, but there are also several pitfalls that can prove detrimental when answering the question.

Don’t say you are fine with the way things are . No employer wants to hire someone who is fully content with their professional situation. You might well want to take a breather in your career growth, but you should still try to show some career ambition.

Don’t talk about improving salary or benefits . Employers understand that financial compensation is a key element of the job search process, but unless your job is strongly commission based, leave money motivation out of the conversation.

Being too specific will make you seem like an obsessive dreamer . Keep any career goals fairly general – as previously mentioned, flexibility is important. If you share a long-term goal in too much detail it might show that you favor thought over action. Go with the flow.

If your goals aren’t relevant, the interviewer will wonder why you are there . Every single goal (no matter how big or small) should be intimately connected to the future success of your employer. Your future boss should be excited about how you can achieve it together.

You are in a job interview – keep the career goals discussion professional . There is no doubt that many of your professional goals will have a personal angle, but do not be tempted to offer too many personal details during an interview.

Key takeaways

Every part of your job interview should relate back to your core career goals.
If you accept that you are primarily going to work for your own benefit (most of us do), then putting your career goals at the heart of your interview will ensure that you find the best possible job for your needs.
Avoid giving too many personal details and keep the conversation relevant to the employer’s needs.

Career Goals: How to Set Them and 14 Examples for Professional Success

Career development is rarely straightforward. Having a set of career goals keeps you on track.

While many professionals have a vision for their careers, few take the time to develop a set of career goals necessary for achieving it. Career goals are like rungs of a ladder needed to reach one’s professional aspirations — they shape one’s professional trajectory five to 10 years down the road .

Career Goals Definition

Career goals are long-term targets that define what you want to accomplish in your profession. They can include external targets like securing a job title or a specific salary, or they can be based on an internal motivation like making a difference in the world. The best goals map out what you want to achieve in five to 10 years and guide you as you advance in your career.

Take Aneasha Meade as an example. One of her career goals was to start as a sales development representative and become an account executive in three years. Meade developed career goals like finding a mentor, expanding her skill set through workshops and gathering the necessary experience for an AE role. Staying the course, Meade eventually became an AE for the HR platform Justworks.

What Are Career Goals?

Career goals are typically long-term targets that define what you want to accomplish in your profession, be it securing a job title, starting your own company or reaching a specific salary figure. It’s not what you want to achieve in one year to three years, but closer to five to 10 years down the road.

Why Setting Career Goals Matters

Ambition alone won’t lead to success if your career has no direction. Below are a few reasons why setting career goals is crucial to your long-term professional development .

You’ll Improve Your Chances of Success

A career goal gives you a North Star to follow. It puts any setbacks and accomplishments into context, and allows you to see the bigger picture of your career. As a result, career goals play a crucial role in one’s professional success.

“We have found from research that goal setting does help predict career success,” said Maria Kraimer, a professor in human resource management at Rutgers University. “People who set career goals tend to have higher salaries and more promotions, and are more satisfied with their careers.”

You’ll Make More Intentional and Informed Decisions

Setting a career goal encourages you to take control of your career , rather than letting your manager make decisions for you. Goal setting also requires you to think about what you like and don’t like doing, what skills you need to acquire and how to develop those skills. In this way, it can help with not just advancing your career but also combating burnout , said Wendy Saccuzzo, head of hiring services for Tech Ladies, a company that helps women in tech find jobs and advance their careers.

“If you’re stuck doing things all day long that aren’t energizing to you, it’s hard to feel good about the work you’re doing,” Saccuzzo said. “We’re motivated to do a good job most of the time, but once we lose that motivation because we’re doing work we don’t like, nothing is going to change unless we take control of it ourselves.”

You’ll Build Resilience

Having a clear and actionable goal also makes you more resilient when things don’t go your way . When Meade’s manager told her she’d never make it as an account executive, she relied on her goal plan to keep her focused on her first step of finding a mentor.

“Some people could take that as discouragement and make them go into their shell and not push forward,” Meade said. “For me, I’m the opposite. That’s where I really amped up my goal of finding a mentor.”

More on Career Development Working Remotely? Here’s How to Keep Growing Your Career.

15 Career Goal Examples

While choosing a career goal is a personal exercise in deciphering what’s most important to you and your life, it can still be difficult to know what to aim for.

To help you get started, we rounded up a few common career goal examples below.

Career Goal Examples

Securing a job title
Working for a prestigious company
Earning a specific salary
Making an impact
Gaining career satisfaction

1. Secure a Job Title

This goal focuses on climbing up the career ladder to a more senior position. Before setting this goal, research the target role’s day-to-day responsibilities and make sure it resonates with you. From there, reach out to a mentor or people in those positions. What skills, certifications and experiences did they need to reach that position? These questions will help you chart specific steps to make this goal attainable.

2. Work for a Prestigious Company

If working at a big-name company is meaningful to you, it’s important to research different companies and industries. Identify what you’re passionate about , what you like about those companies and where you might best fit in. Then reach out to people who work there or review their LinkedIn profiles to see what paths they took to reach that job.

3. Earn a Specific Salary

This objective is most effective when paired with other goals. Whether it’s more freedom to travel or an early retirement, having another objective in mind will make the money you earn more meaningful. To set an effective financial target, review the salaries of people in your field and the experience level required to earn that amount. It may also help to hone your negotiation skills so you can push for higher salaries as you navigate the job market.

4. Make an Impact

Identify what impact you want to make. Do you want to influence other people’s career paths ? Play a crucial role in the development of a game-changing technology? Give back to the community? From there, list how you plan to measure your impact. This could be volunteering once a week or feeling a sense of satisfaction in your company’s product.

5. Gain Career Satisfaction

This type of goal can be nebulous, but it’s still possible to make it specific and measurable. Start with reflecting on your current situation. Are you happy? What aspects of your job do you find satisfying? What tasks can you do to make yourself happier ? Every six months, hold yourself accountable to those tasks and assess your situation.

6. Master a Technology

As workplaces adapt to the digital age, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies . If there’s a tool or platform you’re struggling with, you can sign up for workshops and online courses to sharpen your abilities. Be sure to take advantage of any resources at your disposal, including company learning stipends .

7. Improve Your Communication Skills

Giving a speech can be one of the most difficult tasks many professionals face. To strengthen your communication skills , volunteer in your workplace to lead team meetings or presentations. Once you feel confident, you can offer to give talks at conferences, informational sessions and other events that place you and your company in the spotlight.

8. Expand Your Network

It helps to start out networking with people you already know, like your coworkers. However, you can also reach out to industry leaders and other professionals through LinkedIn or another online format. In your message, explain why you want to connect with someone and why their background caught your attention.

9. Find a Mentor

If you’re looking to take the next step in your career, a mentor can be a major difference-maker. Define why you want a mentor and what you need help accomplishing. Then, find someone who specializes in your area of interest. While professionals often find mentors in their workplaces, you may also meet a potential mentor at a networking event, workshop or fun activity related to your passions and career goals.

10. Become a Mentor

Perhaps you’ve mastered your field and are ready to pass on your knowledge to a younger professional. Letting your company leadership know is the easiest way to get connected with newer employees eager to learn. You can also become a mentor by taking on a teacher role or volunteering at a non-profit in your spare time.

11. Earn a Degree

Those wanting to pursue their master’s , Ph.D. or another degree must make sure they’re in a solid position to do so. Assess whether a degree can further your career advancement or open more career opportunities. Check to see if your company covers the cost of tuition or if a university has any scholarships available.

12. Enter a New Industry

Breaking into a new industry can be a lengthy process, especially if you’re making a career change later in life. If you don’t know anyone in the field, reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and request informational interviews . Make sure you understand what skills and experience are needed to be successful in a specific sector. Then, research internship, freelance or entry-level opportunities to kickstart your new career.

13. Achieve Better Work-Life Balance

To aim for better work-life balance , take a moment to identify what you want to prioritize and what you’ve actually been prioritizing. Are you working long hours and sacrificing sleep? Do you feel isolated from your friends outside of work? Talk with your manager, set work boundaries and take other steps to adjust your work situation and make sure you have time for the things that matter most to you.

14. Retire by Age 55

Retiring in your 50s might sound ambitious, but the goal feels more doable when you break it down. Plan to set aside a percentage of your paycheck for your 401K or savings account . You can also set a goal of saving a certain amount each month and year, allowing your savings to accumulate over time.

How to Set Career Goals

Setting a career goal is a personal process that requires self-awareness , research and careful planning . While each person’s goal will look different, there are some common steps you can follow to set yourself up for success.

6 Steps to Setting Career Goals

Shape your goals around your own definition of success.
Choose the right method for you to create your goal plan.
Break down your long-term goal into manageable steps.
Track your progress as you work toward your career goal.
Enlist the help of a mentor to inform your career goals.
Keep your career goals flexible.

1. Shape Your Goals Around Your Own Definition of Success

Whatever your definition of success is, it’s important to make sure your goals are clear, specific and measurable, said Lindsay Greco, an Oklahoma State University management professor. If success is being in a role you can give back, define what that means. If it’s to do a job you love , define the qualities in a job that make you feel happy and then take the time to reflect on your enjoyment each year.

Don’t be afraid to set your sights high , either. As cited in the book Motivation: Theory and Research , psychologists Edwin Locke and Gary Latham discovered that the most impactful goals are ones that are both specific and challenging. When a person sets an easy or vague goal like “do my best,” there isn’t a tangible benchmark to reach. It can mean anything, and people give themselves the benefit of the doubt when evaluating their performance . This leads to less motivation and lower levels of achievement.

You’re more likely to raise your level of performance to the difficulty of the goal. Just make sure it’s realistic. While falling short may sting, don’t let it override your other accomplishments.

“You might set a really lofty goal for yourself and if you’re not making progress or didn’t get the promotion, it can lead to depression or affect your well-being,” Greco said. “One reason you might not have reached a goal is because it was too lofty, but you worked really hard and you actually accomplished a lot. And that’s OK.”

2. Choose the Right Method for You to Create Your Goal Plan

Once you identify your overarching career goal, it’s important to write it down and map out the steps you need to take to achieve it. To make your goal effective, be sure it includes the five elements outlined by Locke and Latham in Motivation: Theory and Research :

Clarity: The objective should be specific and easy to understand.
Challenge: It needs to be difficult to achieve while still remaining attainable.
Commitment: It needs to be meaningful to the individual.
Feedback: It needs to include some form of measurement that can give the person feedback on their goal progress.
Task complexity: The tasks to achieve the goal should not be overwhelming.

With those characteristics in mind, there are a number of methodologies you can use as a blueprint for achieving your goal .

SMART Goals: This stands for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. This strategy requires breaking down your long-term goal into smaller short-term goals with specific actions you can take to achieve them.
OKR Goals: This stands for objectives and key results . Start by breaking down your overarching goal into specific objectives. Then, list the actions you can take to get there and the key results or metrics you’ll be tracking to evaluate your progress.
Career Roadmapping: This process, developed by Saccuzzo, starts with identifying what you find empowering or enjoyable at work and making that your goal. Write three tasks that are energizing and three that are depleting, along with steps you can take to do more energizing work, all on a single page. You can refer to this page to reflect on your current position and identify actions you can take to keep working toward your goal.

However you plan, make sure you take the time to write the goal down on paper. People who write out their goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to achieve it than those who let it sit in their head, according to a study from Mark Murphy, founder of the leadership training company Leadership IQ.

3. Break Down Your Long-term Goal Into Manageable Steps

Start with your long-term goal and work backward. If you set a target to become a CTO in 10 years, think about what hard and soft skills you need to succeed in that role, what experience you must have and what kind of company you want to lead. Then identify where you need to be in five years to reach your goal. From there, think through what you need to accomplish in three years. Each long-term goal is made up of smaller tasks that help you reach the larger target.

Since careers can take winding paths, though, don’t lock yourself into one specific job or target. Instead, give yourself options for success.

“Set out four or five different roles or companies that you think would be great for yourself to be in, and recognize that you could get to one of those or you might not get into any of them and that’s OK,” said Stephanie Lovell, head of marketing for job recruiting website Hirect. “It’s about being really flexible.”

4. Track Your Progress as You Work Toward Your Career Goal

It’s not enough to always be thinking about your goal. You also need to take the time to track your progress and hold yourself accountable. For short-term goals, tracking progress can be as simple as checking boxes when you complete the tasks you laid out in your plan. For your long-term career goal, Lovell recommends reviewing it every six months.

During that time, reflect on where you’re progressing toward your long-term goal and where you’re falling short. If you’re missing deadlines for your micro-goals, ask yourself why. Is it because you’re missing an important skill? Is the job no longer the right fit for you? It may be that the goal you set out isn’t realistic or perhaps your perspective has changed .

“It’s in those six-month check-ins — being really open and flexible to making updates, making changes and checking in to see where you’re at,” Lovell said. “Don’t allow yourself to slide on things. Make sure you are progressing and you are learning but allowing yourself the room to be flexible.”

5. Enlist the Help of a Mentor to Inform Your Career Goals

Goal-setting doesn’t have to be done on your own. Sometimes it helps to get guidance from a mentor figure, especially if you’re just starting out.

In a study on goal setting in the career management process , Greco and Kraimer discovered that a person who has a psychosocial mentor — meaning someone they can go to for emotional support as they embark on their career — feels a greater sense of belonging in their profession. When that happens, people become more familiar with success indicators within their profession, which helps them set more meaningful goals .

“By having a mentor where you become friends with them, the student starts to identify with the profession that they’re studying,” Kraimer said. “Through that development of professional identification, you start to hold the same values of that professional group. And you’ll start to develop goals that fit with that professional group.”

6. Keep Your Career Goals Flexible

Career goals are rarely straightforward. It’s impossible to predict every step needed to reach your end target. You may not reach the goal you set in the timeline you established. While that can be frustrating, don’t let it discourage you.

Think about why that goal didn’t work out. It could be that you were too ambitious, and you need to readjust the timeline. It could be a sign that you’re not getting the skills and development you need in your current role, and it’s time to set a goal to look for a new job . Or, it could be a sign that a goal is no longer of interest to you.

Give yourself the freedom to explore opportunities outside of your plan. There are a lot of different paths to a happy and successful career. Your career goal is simply meant to help get you there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are career goals.

Career goals are long-term targets that clarify what you want to achieve in your professional career, often five to 10 years down the road. These goals can involve external achievements like earning a job title or more internal accomplishments like finding meaning in one’s work.

What are examples of career goals?

Examples of career goals include landing a job at an industry-leading company, enjoying satisfaction in one’s career, becoming a mentor to a coworker and retiring by age 55.

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How to Formulate Your Career Goals and Objectives (+Examples)

Progress results from targeted action. When you are not quite sure where you want to be career-wise, you won’t accomplish much. You need a strong sense of direction to push your career forward and that’s where precise career goals come into play.

By knowing where you want to be in 3-, 5-years, and, more importantly, understanding how you’ll get to that point can help you massively improve your career progression and accelerate job search. So let’s dive in and take a look at why having goals is important and how you can get better at meeting them!

Why You Need to Have Clear Career Goals

Job searching without career goals is like driving without a rearview mirror — you can easily miss some big opportunity heading your way. Setting clear professional goals and objectives can help you stay on track towards your success.

In fact, precise goal setting is one of the four techniques the US military used to increase NAVY SEAL passing rates from 25% to 33%. And their framework also delivers great results in the “civilian” fields.

Goal-setting teaches you to break lofty, intangible dreams into smaller, daily steps that are much easier to accomplish. For instance, rather than stating that you want to get a high-paid IT job, drill down to the specific goals such as a) write or update your resume b) craft a compelling cover letter c) find and review at least 5 job posts this week and so on.
Mental rehearsals help you visualize yourself in succeeding with your stated course of action.
Self-talk. Talk positively to yourself. The military found that doing so helped recruits “override fears” that are generated by the amygdala — a useful part of our brain that helps us deal with anxiety. So pep talk yourself into the right mood whenever you feel like the job blues are about to hit you.
Practice arousal control — getting your excitement or anxiety levels in check with the right breathing and emotional control techniques is key to helping you mitigate the crippling emotions and fears.

This framework is an excellent tool for helping you formalize and push through your day-to-day job search and short-term career goals.

When it comes to long term career goals, you’ll need some extra time to think and strategize about what you want to achieve in life.

Do you want an increase in your earnings, move up the career ladder, or change your occupation entirely ? Asking yourself where you would like to be in five or ten years is a good starting point.

Doing so helps you work backward and plan for more short-term, smaller, and more achievable goals with an objective (as per technique above) and slaying them effectively so that you can hit your five or ten-year target.

Also, by having a formalized list of both short-term and long-term career goals, you’ll be able to easily answer the “what are your career goals?” interview question!

So let’s get started with the goal-setting part!

How to Set Your Career Goals

The benefits of setting a career goal give you something to work towards achieving, but it spurs you on to take the necessary steps needed to fulfill your long-term ambitions.

So how do you identify those steps? Here are some pointers, plus career goals examples.

Aim for Smaller Byte-Sized Career Goals

When setting up your career goals, be careful not to bite off more than you can chew. Set yourself smaller goals that can be spread out daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. This way you will not become overwhelmed by trying to achieve too much at once and potentially suffering a career set-back should you fail to meet your goals.

It is very easy to say ‘I want to double my salary in five years’, but achieving that goal can be made much more difficult if you try to take on too much too soon. So rather than writing down that broad idea, consider the following wording instead:

“In five years, I want to break into a management position in my industry that pays $80,000-$100,000 on average. To accomplish that I will need to a) improve my leadership skills by completing an online training course (by December 2020) b)negotiate more supervisory responsibilities at my current job (starting from Jan 2021) c)get more proactive during group work (whenever the opportunity comes up).”

Having such a detailed formula planned out with achievable goals set at regular intervals is much more effective than merely stating some ‘dreamy’ objective without thinking much about how you’ll accomplish it.

Get Your Priorities Straight

Also, as studies show people who can precisely picture or describe their set goals are 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to achieve them eventually.

So get that pen and paper, jot down your big long-term goal. Then pounder over and add short-term sub-goals that stand for steps you’ll be taking to get there. Here’s an example:

“In 3 years, I’d like to work as a Customer Success Manager for a SaaS startup with 1+ million active monthly users. I’d like to have a salary of $95,000 to $120,000.

This year, I will maximize my issue resolution rate to 90% and try to raise the Customer Satisfaction Score to 85%.
By May 2021, I will complete a course in product management and apply for a certification from Boston University via edX
During the next year, I will attend at least 5 SaaS startup/Product Management meetups to network.
Also, by February 2022, I will negotiate a promotion at my current job (from Customer Support Specialist to Customer Support Supervisor).”

Set H.A.R.D Goals

You’ve probably heard about SMART goals a dozen of times already. But the truth is…SMART goals don’t really work for most people. As one study suggests: only 15% of survey respondents agreed that their set SMART goals will help them accomplish something this year.

HARD goal-setting isn’t a new concept either. But it’s a big boon is that it helps you set more ruthless and refined goals — ones that are both challenging and delightful to achieve.

HARD stands for:

H — Heartfelt: Can you create an emotional attachment to the set goal? In three adjectives, describe what makes you want this. Your motivation can be intrinsic, extrinsic, or personal.
A — Animated : Can you visualize your goal? In great detail, describe exactly where you want to be and what do you want to do in 3-,5-,10-years. Try to paint the best picture you can.
R — Required: What’s required of you to get to where you want to be? Set deadlines for yourself. What do you want to get done in 90 days? In the next 30 days? What can you accomplish today?
D — Difficult. What are the possible stumbling blocks on your way to the top? Do you need extra skills, training, credential, confidence? What difficulties will you need to overcome to achieve your outcome?

Research shows that people who use the HARD goal-setting technique end up feeling up to 75% more fulfilled than people using weaker frameworks. So give yourself a challenge, OK?

Several More Career Goals Statement Examples To Swipe

If you need some more inspiration, think about your career goals from either of the following perspectives:

Level up your skills
Improve your in-person networking skills
Get better at networking on LinkedIn
Boost your performance metrics
Get a new degree or extra certifications
Obtain a new license
Speak at an industry event
Change jobs or career fields
Negotiate a promotion
Break into management/executive roles
Improve your personal brand
Find a new weekend job
Launch a side-hustle
Start a business

By knowing what direction and steps you need to take in life over the foreseeable future will keep you ahead of the curve. Setting career goals will prevent you from going forward in an aimless direction and will make you stop and think carefully before taking up opportunities that are not quite right for your long-term goals.

How to Create Winning Career Objectives

While career goals are rather ‘personal’, a career objective ( also known as resume objective) is a succinct statement atop of your resume explaining what you want to get from the job and what you are bringing to the table.

A career objective should align with your career goals. When these two don’t match, you can easily get derailed from your selected career pass and settle for opportunities that don’t quite tick all the boxes.

We wrote a separate big guide on writing great resume objectives with some snappy examples, so be sure to check it out. Here’s we’ll just recap some key best practices:

Maintain a positive, confident tone. Speak about what you want to achieve, rather than what you’d want to avoid.
Customize your career objectives to each role to make a positive impression with a potential employer.
Keep it short. A good career objective does not need to incorporate all your goals. It should not be more than 2-3 short sentences long.
It should be about “them”, not “you”. Don’t just say what you want from this job. Indicate how you can help the company.

Here’s a quick career objective statement for a recent graduate, looking for an internship position:

“BA of Management Sunnydale College graduate with strong marketing analysis, social media marketing, and writing skills seeks a full-time internship at Communications/Marketing Department at a SaaS startup”.

Don’t Forget to Create Accountability

Having career goals is one thing, but taking the necessary steps to reach them is another. You may sit and imagine yourself working in your dream job, but unless you actually take those physical steps to reach your goal, a dream is all it will ever be.

That’s why you need to build a strong accountability system to support your goals.

One study suggests that you have a 65% higher chance of completing a goal if you commit to someone . And your success rate rises to 95% if you have regular meetings with the person you’ve committed. While building an accountability tandem with a professional career advisor or mentor can give you the most acceleration, committing to your friend, spouse, or family member can be very beneficial too. They’ll act as your support system and will help you to get going despite possible setbacks.

Further, by becoming accountable for what you do, and remembering to praise yourself once you have finished a set of tasks, you can get great satisfaction from being another step closer to your dream job . This in itself can be extremely motivating and will encourage you to take the next step, then the next step, and so on.

You can also try to use various habit trackers and planning tools to personally track your progress on your small day-to-day goals. Doing so also helps you visualize your progress over time — a helpful and satisfying thing to do!

Your career goals will remain ephemeral unless you break them down into management chunks, write down the outcomes, and place them on a timeline. By creating and accomplishing small steps one at a time, you will be consistently working towards your end goal, but you will also be more productive and motivated along this path to complete these tasks because you have a firm career goal in mind!

This post has been originally published on September 4, 2017 and has been extensively revised and updated on July 21, 2020.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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4 Cover Letter Examples (Plus Tips on How to Write Yours)

We love having examples. It’s so much easier to decorate a cake, build a model, or yes, even write a cover letter when you know what the end product could look like. So that’s what we’re going to give you—all the cover letter examples and tips you need to make yours shine (unfortunately we’re not experts in cake decorating or model building).

You'll see that writing a cover letter is all about highlighting your relevant skills, professional experience, and accomplishments, while emphasizing your interest for the role in an engaging manner.

Want to get right down to business? Skip ahead to:

Why bother with a cover letter at all?

We bet when you see a job listing that says “ cover letter optional ,” you breathe a sigh of relief, gleefully submit your resume, and move on. But you’re truly doing yourself a disservice by not including a cover letter (or by writing one that’s super generic or formulaic).

“When you’re writing a resume you’re oftentimes confined by space, by resume speak, by keywords—you’re up against a lot of technical requirements,” says Melody Godfred, a career coach and the founder of Write in Color who’s read thousands of cover letters over the course of her career. “In a cover letter you have an opportunity to craft a narrative that aligns you not only with the position you’re applying to but also the company you’re applying to.”

Whether you’re writing a cover letter for a data scientist or marketing manager position, an internship or a senior-level role, a startup or a Fortune 500 company, you’re going to want to tailor it to the role, company, and culture. A strong, customized cover letter will help you explain your value proposition and stand out from the stack of applicants.

If there’s a gap in your resume , you have the opportunity to explain why it’s there. If you’re changing careers, you have the chance to describe why you’re making the switch. If your resume is pretty dull, a cover letter helps you show some personality . And yes, cover letters still get read.

Deep in the job search, or just browsing? These open jobs on The Muse could be your ideal next step »

What do I write in a cover letter? The 3 basic elements

You'll notice from our cover letter examples that the body of your text can vary a lot depending on factors like the position you're applying for, your career stage, and the type of cover letter requested by the hiring manager. For instance, a writing sample cover letter is different from a traditional professional cover letter (we'll get there soon.)

However, there is some information that you can't leave out. It's important to highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and qualifications for the role in any type of cover letter. Plus, make sure to write an engaging first paragraph to grab the reader's attention, and an effective final paragraph, ideally followed by a call to action, in order to leave a lasting positive impression.

You could say that cover letters are a little like puzzles. When you put each component in its proper place (and remove any parts that don’t fit), you create a complete picture. Even though that picture is always different, the types of pieces are basically the same. We've broken down these three key elements for you:

1. An engaging opener

How you start a cover letter is everything. Your opening lines influence whether someone keeps reading—and you want them to, right? “Starting with something that immediately connects you to the company is essential—something that tells the company that this is not a generic cover letter,” Godfred says. “You have to say something that tells the employer, ‘I wrote this just for you.’”

It can be a childhood memory tying you back to the company’s mission. It can be a story about the time you fell in love with the company’s product. It can be an anecdote from another job or experience showing how hard of a worker you are. Whatever you decide to open with, make it memorable.

2. A clear pitch

Use the next few paragraphs of your cover letter to “hit them with the strongest results you have that are aligned with the opportunity,” Godfred says. Ryan Kahn , Muse career coach and founder of The Hired Group , calls this your pitch. In other words, the part where you’re “selling yourself for the position and why you’re qualified for it.”

Additionally, Godfred says, “If you’re someone who’s transitioning careers, and you need to explain that transition, you do it there.”

This section should have a balance of soft and hard skills . Talk about your experience using Salesforce or doing SEO work, but also highlight your ability to lead teams and communicate effectively.

“Companies are embracing authenticity, they’re embracing humanity, they’re looking for people who are going to fit their culture,” says Godfred. “So what are your values? What do you stand for? These values should be as much a part of your cover letter as the super specialized hard skills.

3. A great closing line

Your closing line could include your next steps or a call to action, Kahn says, such as “ I welcome the opportunity to speak with you more about how I can contribute to the team ,” or, “ I would love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience. ” But more importantly, “You want to make sure that you’re gracious and thanking them,” he says. While seemingly cliché , it never hurts to end on a simple, “ Thank you for your consideration. ”

Does that sound a bit overwhelming? Don’t panic! We’ve got examples of four types of cover letters below: a traditional cover letter , an impact cover letter , a writing sample cover letter , and a career change cover letter . So let’s take a look at these examples, why they work, and how you can use them to craft your own.

1. The traditional cover letter example

A traditional cover letter is similar to what you’d come up with using position-based cover letter templates . It moves in reverse chronological order through your career history, highlighting parts of your past jobs that make you well suited for this position.

You might want to use this type of cover letter if:

You’re applying to a more formal company (like a law firm or major healthcare company ) or a more conventional role (like a lawyer or accountant).
You want to play it safe and conservative with your application materials.

What does the job description say?

Imagine you’re applying to a paralegal job opening at a law firm. The job description might include:

Responsibilities

Draft routine legal documents for review and use by attorneys
Coordinate and organize materials and presentations for legal proceedings
Research legal and related issues and report findings and conclusions to team
Provide overall legal administrative support to the legal team
Maintain calendars and ensure timely filings

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of relevant education and work experience
Strong communication skills (oral and written)
Strong organizational , multitasking, and prioritization skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and LexisNexis
Trustworthy, positive, energetic, and optimistic attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves

The cover letter example

Here’s an example of a traditional cover letter you could write for this role—keeping things strictly professional but without sounding too boring or jargon-y:

Dear Ms. Jessica Sanchez,

In my five-year career as a paralegal, I have honed my legal research and writing skills, and the attorneys I’ve worked with have complimented me on my command of case law and litigation support. Spiegel Law Firm’s 20 years in practice proves that the firm has strong values and excellent attorneys, and I’d be eager to join such a talented team.

I currently serve as a paralegal for Chandler, Chandler, and Greene, where I work closely with the partners on a number of high-priority cases. During my time here, I implemented a new calendar system that ensures timely filing of court papers. This system has prevented missed deadlines and allowed for better organization of internal and client meetings.

Previously, as a paralegal for the Neuerburg Law Firm, I received praise for my overall support of the legal team and my positive attitude. While working there, I came up with and implemented a plan for digitizing their old files while still ensuring security and privacy. This led to more efficiency when preparing for client meetings and legal proceedings.

My further qualifications include a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a paralegal certificate, and training in LexisNexis, Westlaw, and Microsoft Office Suite.

I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your legal team. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Chase Broadstein [email protected] (222) 222-2222

Download this example

Why this works

This cover letter example is short, sweet, and to the point. It shows the candidate has a knack for getting things done in a thorough and timely manner and a track record for helping out wherever needed. The opening lines also express a genuine interest in this specific firm. Plus, there are some important keywords in there like “calendar system,” “bachelor’s degree,” “paralegal certificate,” and “LexisNexis.”

2. The impact cover letter example

The impact cover letter puts your accomplishments front and center rather than organizing your paragraphs by past roles. You might use a cover letter like this if:

You’re applying for roles where you’re expected to deliver on certain goals or results (for example, if the jobs involve sales quotas or marketing metrics).
You haven’t followed a straightforward career path and your past job titles don’t show the extent of your qualifications.
You want your personality to stand out a bit more than it might in a traditional cover letter.

What does the job description say

Imagine you’ve come across an opening for an email marketing manager . Part of the job description states:

Manage email marketing strategy and calendar, including copywriting, optimization, monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on campaigns
Improve campaign success through conversion optimization, A/B testing, and other experiments
Collaborate with the design team to ensure brand guidelines are followed in emails
Partner and collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product, product marketing, and data teams
3+ years in email marketing
Experience with Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, and Microsoft Excel, a plus
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and an eye for copyediting
Strong interpersonal , relationship-building, and stakeholder management skills
Excellent project management, problem-solving , and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively

Here’s an example of an impact cover letter where the writer’s hard skills and successes stand out:

Dear Russ Roman,

I have a problem. See, my inbox currently (and embarrassingly) hosts 1,500 unread emails—including newsletters from at least 50 different brands.

But this problem only fuels my passion for creating emails that are worth opening. Because from my perspective, as someone who can barely get through their own stack of mail, that’s a true win.

I’ve been following Vitabe for years, and can proudly say that I open every single email you send to me. I’m a sucker for a good subject line—“Take a Vitamin-ute—We’ll A-B-C You Soon” being my favorite—and the way your email content feels both fun and expert-backed really speaks to me. This is why I’m thrilled to submit my application for a role as email marketing manager at your company.

I have over four years of experience working in the email marketing space. In my current role at Westside Bank, I was able to implement new email campaigns centered around reengaging churned clients. By analyzing data around the types of clients who churn and the engagement of our current email subscribers, as well as A/B testing headlines and newsletter layouts, we were able to increase email subscribers by 15% and convert 30% of those subscribers to purchase our product, a significant increase from the previous year.

I also launched a “Your Credit Matters” newsletter focused on educating our clients on how they spend and manage their credit—which became our highest performing campaign in terms of open-rates and click-through to date.

Previously, as a member of the marketing team at Dream Diary Mattresses, I collaborated with the sales and product team to understand how I could best support them in hitting their quarterly goals. One specific project involving creating personalized emails for customers drew more people to come back to our site after 30 days than direct paid ad campaigns, leading to a 112% increase in revenue from the last quarter.

I take the content I write and the calendars I manage seriously, editing and refining beyond detail-oriented and into meticulous territory, and I feel my experience and drive would greatly help Vitabe further develop their email program for success.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lad Miller [email protected] (987) 654-3210

This sample cover letter concisely highlights the applicant’s most significant, relevant achievements. By adding context to how their projects were created, monitored, and completed, they’re able to show just how results-driven they are and how they’ve successfully leveraged some of the skills the company is looking for.

One thing worth noting: This person didn’t include keywords such as Constant Contact, Google Analytics, HTML, CSS, Photoshop, or Microsoft Excel—all of which are listed in the job description. But those skills are most likely in their resume already, and leaving them out gives them the space to discuss specific projects and tell a story not visible on other parts of their job application.

3. The writing sample cover letter example

For roles where written communication is key, such as PR, copywriting , or journalism jobs, your cover letter will likely be the first writing sample your future employer sees. So it’s just as important to show your skill set in action through eloquent writing.

Writing or editing is a key component of the role you’re applying to.
You want to show off your creativity.

Here’s part of a job description for a staff writer position:

Pitch and write articles, reporting on timely issues and trends
Collaborate with editorial and other teams to launch each digital issue and other special projects on schedule
Evaluate content performance and digital trends on a daily basis to constantly adjust pitches and packaging
Utilize CMS tools, strategically select photos and videos, and request original graphics to optimize all written content for maximum engagement
At least 2-3 years of experience creating content at a digital-first outlet
Strong writing and reporting skills, and the ability to write clearly and quickly
Familiarity working in a CMS and with analytics tools such as Google Analytics
Deadline-driven, strategic thinker with a knack for crafting click-y headlines
Strong collaborator who thrives in fast-paced environments

Have fun with this one, but triple-check for spelling and grammar mistakes, and make sure you’re showing off your best writing. Here's the cover letter sample:

Dear Tai Chen,

Since I could walk, I’ve been dancing. And since I could read, I’ve been glued to Arabesque Weekly. At one point, you featured one of my local heroes—a ballerina who struggled with an injury early in her career and went on to become a principal dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet—and I plastered the article above my childhood bed. It’s still there today.

That article—and so many others you’ve published—taught me that dancing was about more than just pirouettes and arabesques and that the right kind of writer can shed light on aspects of the art that make it surprising, impactful, and universal. I can be that writer.

As an editorial assistant at TheImprovGroup.com for the past two and a half years, my main responsibility was to get all of our content ready to go live on the site. This included fact-checking, proofreading, adding in HTML where necessary, and finding photos, videos, and GIFs that would complement the content and optimize audience engagement.

As I tinkered with each post, I became intimately familiar with our internal CMS. Reviewing every single article we published and following reactions and engagement helped me gain a deep understanding of what makes a piece really land with our audience.

But by far my favorite aspect of this role has been writing. Each week, I pitch and write at least one article, from 250-word news items to 900-word advice pieces to even longer profiles, features, and personal essays. I love the challenge of developing pitches that align with the trends we see in the data, reflect with the company’s brand and mission, and allow me to flex my creative muscles.

Collaborating with my team to form the best content library we can has been a dream come true. I would be so excited to use my experience to help Arabesque Weekly achieve its goals. And I hope to one day write a story that another little dance lover tapes to their wall forever.

It would be an honor to be a part of your editorial team, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing the opportunity with you.

Hoping to be your next staff writer,

Marlee Wood [email protected] (555) 666-4433

This candidate is clearly passionate about this specific publication and leads with a unique personal anecdote tied to the company’s mission that demonstrates their ability to tell stories in a compelling way. There are relevant keywords and phrases, sure, but they’re not just thrown in there. Their voice comes through in every sentence, proving this person knows how to communicate effectively and creatively.

4. The career change cover letter example

Cover letters can play a big part in helping career changers prove their qualifications—especially when it’s unclear how their skills transfer over to this new field.

You might write a career change cover letter if:

You want to highlight the transferable skills you have that relate to the job description.
You want to explain why you’re making the switch and what’s driving you toward this specific industry, company, or position.

Imagine you’re someone who has experience supporting a sales team as an administrative assistant , and you’re now looking to become a sales representative. You come across a job posting that includes:

Develop new sales techniques and strategies to build pipeline and hit team goals
Coordinate with other teams to increase lead-generation efforts
Assist in the processing of new business, including contacting customers to finalize sales and service transactions
1-3 years of successful sales experience
Strong communication skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
Ability to work independently to plan, set priorities, and effectively organize work
Proven ability to be persuasive, persistent, and confident in closing a sale

Typically, this type of cover letter should include a compelling narrative about your career change and how you can transfer your past experiences to this new role. Here’s how you might translate your past experience over to this new (and exciting) prospect:

Dear Maria Russo,

The head of sales at Sunshine Inc. was in a bind. She needed six client meetings scheduled, 18 service transactions processed, and a summary of the team’s new lead generation campaign drafted before getting on a flight to Austin—in three hours. So she turned to her cool-headed, sales-savvy administrative assistant for help. That assistant was me. Not only did I execute everything on her to-do list, I did it all before her plane left the ground.

For three years, I worked in lockstep with a busy, growth-oriented sales leader to support the business development team. As the sole administrative assistant in the department, I balanced a swath of competing priorities, ranging from coordinating meetings and inputting data to contacting customers, finalizing transactions, and creating promotional materials. This role helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of the sales cycle, sales strategy, and pipeline growth.

Like many others, my career path hasn’t been entirely straightforward. After leaving Crabapple Media, I enrolled in a local coding bootcamp. Six months later, I emerged with a certificate in computer programming and a certainty that I did not want to be a coder. But education is never wasted. I’m now an aspiring sales representative with experience supporting a thriving sales team and extensive knowledge of the tech space.

Here’s a little bit more about how my experience would translate into this role:

At Crabapple Media, I assisted in coordinating three annual sales strategy rollouts, yielding an average increase in pipeline of 26% YoY.
At Sunshine Inc., I supported 12 independent team members in their lead-generation efforts. I also assisted in processing an average of 300 sales transactions every quarter.
I thrive in busy, ever-changing environments that require me to communicate clearly and concisely. Supporting a high-volume team and a busy executive helped me to hone these skills—I typically sent more than 200 emails a day!

I would, of course, love to schedule a time for us to discuss this role and my experience, and I truly want to thank you for considering me.

All the best,

Olu Abiola [email protected] (123) 456-789

The opener draws you in and makes you want to learn more. It toots the person’s horn, but in a way that’s substantiated. Then, the next couple sections explain their experience in the sales space and other relevant qualifications, before eventually tying that back to why they’re applying to this specific job.

Similar to the impact cover letter, the author lists some of the more important qualities they bring to the table, doing a bit of keyword inclusion and resume gap explaining along the way.

Bonus cover letter examples

To further guide you, check out some more cover letter examples:

Pain point cover letter example
Internship cover letter example
Recent graduate cover letter example
(Another) career changer cover letter example
Stay-at-home parent returning to work cover letter example
Sales cover letter example
Email marketing manager cover letter example
No job description or position cover letter example (a.k.a., a letter of intent or interest)
Example cover letter with no experience

Let’s break down one of our example cover letters real quick

All three professional cover letter examples have some key elements that make them great and able to grab the hiring manager's attention. Check out this handy infographic that breaks down our impact cover letter:

A few more cover letter tips

Here are a few more tips to help the cover letter process:

Start with a “brain dump”

If you’re staring at a blank page, Godfred always recommends that her clients start by getting all their ideas on the page without paying attention to length. Then “ask yourself how you can cut half of it,” she says. You’ll likely find that repeated information and very generic phrases are the first to go. (If it’s still too long, here are some tips for getting your cover letter down to one page .)

Don’t just repeat your resume

You only have so much space to get your point across, so focus on the information that isn’t stated elsewhere rather than simply regurgitating your resume. A good cover letter should complement your resume, so use the opportunity to elaborate your skills and qualifications further, as well as your accomplishments and why you're a good fit for that position.

Focus on quality over quantity

Target the jobs you’re most closely drawn to and qualified for and give them all your energy, rather than trying to churn out hundreds of cover letters, Kahn says. You may not be able to apply to as many jobs, but you’ll have a better response rate.

Remember the ATS

Much like your resume, an applicant tracking systems, or ATS , will be sifting through your cover letter. So you’ll want to scatter relevant keywords from the job description throughout your pitch where it makes sense.

Don’t stress over formatting

You may see flashy cover letter examples across the internet, but for the most part, it just isn’t necessary. An ATS can’t read text that has been formatted beyond using bold, italics, underline, and color, so keep your font and layout simple—especially if you’re submitting your cover letter through an online portal.

Don't forget your contact information

Include your contact information on every page, including your name, phone number, and email. “Imagine you come across a cover letter and you print it out with a bunch of applications to review and it doesn’t have the person’s contact information on it,” Godfred says. “You never want to put yourself in a situation where you’re the right person and they can’t find you.”

Edit your cover letter before submitting

Never submit a cover letter right after you finish writing it—there could be critical errors that you didn't notice while typing. Take some time away from your text, then revisit it like you're reading someone else's letter. Be sure to double-check all the information you've included, paying special attention to:

The company's name
The hiring manager's name
The job title
Your contact information
Basic grammar and spelling

You're ready to go

If you've come this far, you're equipped with all the information you need to craft a great cover letter. Hopefully these cover letter examples help as you go to tackle your own. Remember: This is just one small step in the process! Take your time, but learn to move on when you’ve given it your all.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

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50 Inspiring Examples of Career Goal Statements
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50 Inspiring Examples of Career Goal Statements

Components of a Strong Career Goal Statement

Clarity and Specificity

Alignment with Career Objectives

Brevity and Conciseness

Personal Motivation

The Purpose of Career Goal Statements

Professional Development

Job Search Focus

Performance Management

Personal Reflection and Growth

Writing Your Career Goal Statement

Self-Assessment

Research and Exploration

Articulating Your Goals

Revising and Refining

Examples of Career Goal Statements

For Recent Graduates

For Mid-Career Professionals

For Career Changers

For Executive-Level Positions

50 Examples of Career Goal Statements

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of short-term career goals in professional development?

What should be included in a personal career goal statement?

Can you give examples of comprehensive goal statements for students?

How do you frame a career goal statement for entry into graduate school?

What elements make up a compelling and succinct one-sentence career goal?

What Are Your Career Goals - How to Answer w/ [Examples]

What is a Career Goal

Why Is It Important to Have a Career Goal (And Why Interviewers Care)

4 Most Common Career Goals

Goals focused on professional advancement

Goals focused on leadership advancement

Goals focused on educational advancement

Goals focused on personal development

How to Answer - “What Are Your Career Goals?”

Be relevant to the company.

Start with short-term goals and then move to long-term ones.

Back your goals with an action plan

Preparation and Practice.

3+ Sample Answers to “What Are Your Career Goals”

Student/Intern Example

Professional Example

Management Example

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “What Are Your Career Goals”

Answer with “I have no goals”

Talk about salary

Set unrealistic goals

Get into too many specifics

Key Takeaways

The Ultimate Guide to Creating Career Goals: Strategies (and Examples) for Success

Reflect on Your Passions and Strengths

Conduct Research and Gather Information

Set SMART Career Goals

Project Manager Goal

Graphic Designer Goal

Marketing Specialist Goal

Break down your goals into smaller steps

Create a Timeline

Examples of timelines for career goal setting

Case 2: Career Change to Web Developer

Monitor Your Progress and Adjust as Needed

Seek Support and Guidance

Key Takeaways for Professional Goal Setting

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Key takeaways

Career Goals: How to Set Them and 14 Examples for Professional Success

Career Goals Definition

What Are Career Goals?

Why Setting Career Goals Matters

You’ll Improve Your Chances of Success

You’ll Make More Intentional and Informed Decisions