How to Answer – Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

Facing interviews is a challenge. If you can win that challenge, you win the job. Interviewers ask too many questions during an interview. And most of the time, few, very common questions can fall you into trouble because they can be challenging to answer, especially when you are being asked a subject like this.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” It is the toughest question. You do not have a crystal ball, so you cannot be a fortune teller. But, you must know how to answer this question in an interview because it can decide whether you get the job or not.

Even if you do not have a clear idea of where you would be in 5 years, you still have to tailor your answer to the company and the job position you have applied for. 

Also Read: How to Answer in Job Interview Why You Are the Best Candidate?

Here are a few tips about how you should answer “where do you see yourself in 5 years” to impress your recruiter at the interview. 

1. Why Such a Question?

This common interview question enables interviewees and managers recruiting to get a feeling of how your career aspirations comport with the goals of the organization.

This also allows them gage if you are probable to get a long career at their organization or if you are likely to move on the job after only a few months or a year.

Briefly,

• They want to know if you’re going to stay put in the new position. 
• They want to know if your long-term career goals align with the company.

2. Understand What They Do Not Expect

• They do not expect you to get stuck with your answers. Saying “Ummm,” “I don’t know”, or “That is hard to say” etc.
• Stories about how you be one of the people on the other side of the table after five years.
• Dreams about getting famous or owning your own business etc.
• Your expectations about getting promoted in the company

Also Read: How to Answer-What is your Greatest Weakness in an Interview?

3. What Is the Question?

If the recruiter is not expecting any of the answers mentioned above, what they expect from you? It is essential to understand that they expect you to explain your future career goals.

More importantly, what is your future career goals in this company if you would be hired? They want to know that the position will satisfy you and that you’ll work hard and stay with the company for a long time.

4. How to Answer?

You have to create an impression on a recruiter that you would be satisfied with the role as it will be. This can be a perfect answer to the question “where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

“Well, I’m excited by this position at Midnight Consulting because, in five years, I’d like to be seen as someone with deep expertise in the energy sector, and I know that’s something that I will have an opportunity to do here.

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I’m also really excited to take on more managerial responsibilities in the next few years and potentially even take the lead on some projects. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing managers, and so developing into a great manager me is something I’m excited about.”

NEVER say that you would become the CEO of the company or be in the role of the recruiter in five years. Instead, be thoughtful and align your answer with the company.

5. Be Prepared

As already mentioned, this is a common question that recruiters ask during the interviews. Every interviewee would be asked with this question. You do not know how well others would answer the question.

Also Read: Top Questions in an Overseas Job Interview

Therefore, you should prepare your answer before you are attending the interview. Prepare your solution at least a day before the interview date.

6. Do Your Research

It is an excellent habit to always search for details of the company you have been called for the interview. You should find every aspect you think is essential before going to a meeting because you have to tailor your answers according to the company ethics and the process. If you find out that your job role might require working in abroad, you can organize your answer as below.

“In five years, I want to complete the internal training program for my position. I’ve read about it on your website, and I think it’s a fabulous program. Not only would I get all the training for my role, but I would be on the fast track to becoming a project manager.

That’s my top career goal. Plus, my ideal path would include working abroad for a couple of years. I understand that it’s of value to you to find people prepared to do so.

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If the company is seeking an individual who is also willing to work abroad, and you tell them you would like to work overseas, then that would be a point for them to offer you the job.”

No, interviewees are not asking you to know where you’ll be in the next 5 to 10 years.

• What they would hope is you are taking it seriously the job for which you are applying.
• They want you to hang around and do some good work for a while.
• What do interviewers want to know as they inquire “where do you see yourself in five years” is-HERE?

Although it seems like a simple question, it is one of the most challenging problems to answer in an interview. It can determine your future and your career, so be sure to use your brain to give an impressive answer.