No interviewer anticipates that applicants will be able to precisely define their plans for the next 1,820 days. In fact, giving a sincere response to the question of what you hope to be doing can easily harm your chances of receiving a job offer.
Why do interviewers keep asking this question, you might be wondering. In this article, we’ll explain why employers inquire about your future and show you how to come up with a stellar response to the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
Why Interviewers Ask “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
Any job interview will include behavioral interview questions. They matter because the way you respond to behavioral inquiries reveals a lot about you as a person and employee. They help to hire managers to determine whether you would be a suitable match for the position. In order to craft a response that will impress your interviewer, it is crucial to comprehend why companies question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
The purpose of this inquiry is to learn more about your professional objectives and how this job might fit into your overall plan. Because they want to hire someone who is driven, proactive, likely to stick around, and a diligent worker, they are concerned about your career aspirations.
Recommended Read: Email Writing Format
How to Answer The “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” Question
Interviewers are searching for any red sign to use as a justification not to hire someone in today’s cutthroat job market. Therefore, if you answer this question in a way that even suggests that this is not the one and only job of your dreams, you risk being unfairly disqualified from consideration.
It makes sense that a hiring manager would want to work with someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the position, sees it as a fantastic career progression, and is willing to put in a lot of effort to perform a good job.
So, in five years, what should you say about your career?
But keep in mind that the company will devote a lot of time, effort, and resources to finding and training a candidate for this position. At the very least, you must demonstrate that you intend to remain long enough to be a wise investment. Making the case that you are now prepared for a long-term career is especially crucial if your resume reflects some “job hopping.”
Show that you are excited about the position as a potential next step for you. The most crucial thing is to demonstrate your motivation to seize this opportunity right away.
“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” Sample Answer
Sample 1
“Right now, I’m looking for a job at a company where I can advance and take on more responsibility over time. In the end, I’d like to take on additional management duties and participate in product strategy. But above all, I want to work for a company where I can advance my career.
Sample 2
“I want to work somewhere where I’ll have the opportunity to expand my talents, take on fascinating projects, and collaborate with individuals I can genuinely learn from since I’m driven to be the best at what I do. I would dearly love to pursue a career here because of some of the most creative thinkers in the fieldwork here.
How Not to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
Sample 1
That’s a rather tough question, I must say. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing in five years, which is difficult.
Sample 2
I want to be a vice president at a large corporation with at least seven direct reports, a corporate car, and a 150K salary (with options, of course).
Sample 3
“In five years, I’d love to be CEO. However, if that takes off, I’d also love to be on the road with my band.
Last Advice
Consider this for a moment, then write a comment outlining where you see yourself in 5 years. Instead of memorizing a script, practice how you’ll talk about your long-term professional goals in a way that will interest the interviewer and assist you to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
