.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? This is a tricky question frequently asked during a job interview. And that may not be a question you’re looking forward to answering. But if you know what recruiters expect of you when they ask this question, it’s not that hard anymore.
.
The first thing you need to know when you receive this question is that it will be an unclear answer and nobody knows you or anyone else who will be in the next five years, likewise, the interviewer will not be able to know the correct answer to this question. Instead, what your interviewer wishes to hear is your career goals and aspirations and reviews you are fit for the company. So, keep the answer simple.
.
A company never has too much time for hiring. Recruiters are looking for someone who can work with the company over the long term, regardless of the position you are applying for. Because let’s assume that after a few months you were already looking for another place, then the whole process starts from scratch. And it costs time and money. So they don’t want to spend time hiring or training new employees.
.
The length of time you have a job in any company varies with age and industry. They will be listening to see if you see yourself there for several years. The long-term attachment to the company is what they always need in each recruitment batch. An answer to your career goals in the next 5 years associated with the desire to work long-term in the company will always “conquer” employers.
.
You should also know that in your efforts to impress the employer by telling them what they want to hear, learn about the company’s history before entering the interview, to get useful information when answering interviews.
.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? By asking this question what does the company really want to know?
.
They are looking for some key information. Here are some expectations-
.
They want to verify that you have already asked yourself this question
.
And so evaluate your ability to project and organize. Not being able to answer is suggesting to the person you are talking to that your career doesn’t matter to you. Reassure him by showing him that you have already thought about your career path, that you are able to project yourself and structure your ambitions. However, justify your flexibility. Of course, you are also aware that things can change and you are prepared for it. It is not a question of giving him an overly clear and definitive answer.
.
They want to measure your ambition
.
You have ambition, yes, but realistic ambitions. Show that there is a progression between the position you are in today and the position you are projecting for in five years. Don’t hesitate to talk about management, responsibilities, skills, you aspire to develop professionally. But be realistic in finding the balance between the overly ambitious and the too modest. Even if in general, it will be more appreciated that you show too much ambition than the other way around. Recruiters want to feel in the candidate a desire to progress.
.
They want to test your desire to get involved in the business in the longer term
.
Companies invest time and money in recruiting and training their employees. So they don’t want to see their investment go off too quickly. Explain how your goals are achievable by staying within their structure i.e. you want to learn, and grow professionally.
.
Defend the idea that your career can be a real added value for the company in the years to come. On the other hand, refrain from pointing out that your wishes for the future are placed in another structure, another sector, where a completely different profession from the one you are aiming for. The right idea? Before you go to the interview, don’t hesitate to find out about the company’s objectives and possible paths within it.
.
They want to see how well the position is in line with your long-term goals
.
And make sure you fit the job. The mission coveted today must be a foundation relevant to the job hoped for tomorrow. Explain how you will achieve your long-term goal by performing well in the position. Recruiters want to understand the path you want to take to achieve your goals and whether you know how to use common sense to achieve it. On the other hand, it’s also a time for them to see if the company can help you achieve your goals or if you may get frustrated.
.
Are your ambitions achievable?
.
On the other hand, they also want to make sure that your ambitions are achievable. You may have a goal in mind that the company cannot offer you.
Let’s say that you, an accountant, have the ambition to one day get into IT so that you can automate financial tasks. But if the company outsources its entire computer network, it cannot offer you this possibility. The probability of you getting out of your position quickly is relatively high. And it would also mean that hiring a new employee would be needed sooner than expected.
.
They want to judge your perseverance and motivation
.
These qualities are sure to enhance your interlocutor. Highlight your desire to learn, progress and work on your development, without burning the steps. A recruiter doesn’t want to hear that you’re looking to move up the ladder too quickly. Worse still, you want to take the place of your leader. Don’t suggest that you could threaten someone’s career, but explain that you realize how much time and work it can take to reach to the next level.
.
Understanding your passions and interests can help employers see where you can fit into the team in the short and long term.
.
They want to understand your vision of success
.
Your answer to this question will be very revealing of your vision of professional success. And at the same time your personality. A backdoor way to reveal other character traits to the person you’re talking to.
.
To give you an even more precise idea of how to react to the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” we have developed some examples of answers. All of these responses were formulated from a realistic perspective with a healthy and measured agenda.
.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* I am very excited about the current position and my priority is to do my job as best I can. If I had the longer-term opportunity to evolve, I would certainly be interested, if I have the skills to do so.
.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* I like what I do and if there are opportunities in the future to accompany colleagues as a manager or team leader in order to make the most of this function, I would be very happy to do so.
.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* I would focus entirely on the current position first. But of course, I would like to evolve so that I can contribute to new and stimulating projects.
.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* Your company is known for helping its employees grow and provide them with growth opportunities. For me, a long-term relationship works both ways and I want to be fully involved in this company.
.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* My long-term goal is related to the development of my personal abilities; and dedication to one company where I can continue to learn; Be more responsible for the work; and contribute to creating more value for the company.
.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* I see myself as an employee in a leadership position in a firm that has a firm foundation as this company. I have plans to cultivate my skills and do a good job in my role.
.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* I am passionate about working and dedicating my strength in this field, so, I want to be a core employee of the company after 5 years.
.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* My goal is now to be an expert in anything that I take over. I want to find somewhere that can develop my skills, be involved in interesting projects and work with people that I can learn. Above all, there is a person who works here that I greatly admire in terms of development plan, that is the biggest reason I want to develop a career here.
.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
* I always intended to look for a company where I can develop myself and devote long-term. I am willing to overcome the challenges or difficulties that the company is likely to encounter in the future. I am always willing to learn and accumulate practical experience to be sure, work is done best. However, I would also be more than willing to receive higher responsibilities because leadership is one of the goals that I aim for.
.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” – Answer
The general answers are styled as: “I would like to become an expert in the Sales field (if you applied for sales),” an outstanding employee with a professional working style,… ” While not being highly appreciated for not being specific, but if you do not really understand the future career orientation, then the answers are also acceptable.
.
As you will have understood, don’t ignore this question when preparing an interview, just like the classics “tell me about yourself,” “3 strengths and 3 weaknesses,” or the list of questions to ask the recruiter. You need to structure a response consistent with the proposed mission, the company and the industry, but above all, be honest in answering this question. It’s not so much about getting this job, it’s about finding the right job, the one that’s right for you!
.
.