Job Interview Question and Answer: What Are Your New Year’s Resolutions?

It’s not every day that a job interview question sounds like something you’d hear at a New Year’s Eve party—but don’t be fooled. When an interviewer asks about your resolutions, they’re not just making small talk. They’re looking for insight into how you set goals, your willingness to grow, and whether your mindset aligns with the company’s culture and values.

This question is your opportunity to show self-awareness, ambition, and a proactive attitude toward both personal and professional development.

Why Employers Ask This Question

Hiring managers want to know more than just your technical skills—they’re also interested in your potential for growth. When they ask about New Year’s resolutions (or personal goals), they’re likely assessing:

• Your ability to set and follow through on goals
• Your level of self-motivation and initiative
• How you reflect on past performance and seek improvement
• Your alignment with the company’s values and long-term vision

Framing your response around these themes can help you stand out for all the right reasons.

Focus on Career-Oriented Resolutions

While it’s fine to mention personal goals in passing, your main focus should be professional growth. Consider highlighting one or two of the following types of goals, tailored to your career stage and the job you’re applying for:

✔️ Upskilling or Education

“One of my goals this year is to complete a short course in project management to build on my coordination experience and take on more complex responsibilities.”

Tip: Mentioning a commitment to continuous learning shows drive. Explore relevant online courses to support your upskilling journey.

✔️ Gaining Hands-On Experience

“As someone early in my career, I’ve made it a goal to seek out hands-on opportunities where I can shadow experienced team members and learn by doing.”

This kind of goal signals eagerness to learn and humility—qualities that are highly valued in junior roles.

✔️ Taking on Leadership Opportunities

“This year, I’m focused on building leadership skills by volunteering for more team projects and mentoring junior colleagues where I can add value.”

If the company promotes internal growth, this approach shows long-term potential.

Align With Company Values

Want to make your answer even more compelling? Align your resolution with the company’s mission or culture. If the organisation is passionate about sustainability, innovation, or community engagement, share a related goal—authentically.

For example:

“I’ve been working toward reducing my environmental footprint both personally and professionally, and I’m excited by your organisation’s focus on sustainable practices. One of my goals this year is to get involved in workplace initiatives that promote green operations.”

This not only shows shared values but also suggests you’ll be a great cultural fit.

Use Positive, Proactive Language

This question can tempt people to list their shortcomings, but avoid that trap. Instead, frame your goals around growth, not deficiencies. Use phrases like:

• “I’m working on strengthening…”
• “I’ve set a goal to improve…”
• “This year, I’m focusing on developing…”

Leave out language that sounds overly critical or negative. Interviews aren’t the time for self-deprecation—they’re your moment to show you’re aware of areas for growth and excited to evolve.

When Personal Goals Are Okay to Mention

If you want to share a personal resolution, make sure it supports the bigger picture of your professional character. Examples that work well include:

• Running a marathon—shows discipline and commitment
• Volunteering—highlights compassion, initiative, and community involvement
• Reading more books—supports personal development and curiosity

Just steer clear of overly sensitive or irrelevant content. You don’t need to get deeply personal—focus on what reinforces your work ethic, values, or mindset.

Example Answers

Early-Career Example

“This year, I’ve committed to developing my technical skills by completing a course in Excel and project coordination. I want to contribute more meaningfully to team operations and gain confidence in managing smaller projects independently.”

Mid-Career Example

“I’ve set a resolution to improve my public speaking skills by presenting in monthly team meetings and attending a communication workshop. I’d like to be more effective in leading presentations and stakeholder engagement.”

Preparation Tip

Be ready for this type of behavioural or values-based question by identifying one or two goals before your interview. Tie them to the role or company, and back them up with a short example or action plan. This preparation shows foresight and self-awareness—two top traits employers look for.

Need help refining your responses? Our interview tips library can help you prepare like a pro.

Set Goals That Show Who You Are

When you answer questions about your New Year’s resolutions, you’re revealing more than a to-do list—you’re showing who you are as a person and professional. The best responses reflect motivation, alignment with the company, and a commitment to growth.

Whether you’re aiming to learn something new, lead a team, or simply level up your career confidence, make sure your resolution sends a clear message: you’re here to grow, and you’re ready for the challenge.