“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? Seems like a tricky question, right?
You probably don’t even know what you are going to have for dinner. So, how are you supposed to know what you will be doing in five years?
Well, don’t worry. This article will tell you
- What the interviewer wants to know by asking such a question
- How to answer – “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
- Some sample answers
Why Interviewers Ask – “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
Understanding why interviewers ask such a question will help you prepare better. Usually, the hiring managers want to know two things:
- What your goals are and whether they align with the position or not
- Whether you are planning to stay in the company after some years or leave the job
The interviewer wants to figure out your plans and goals that you wish to achieve in this position. Also, they want to understand if you like the job and are willing to work hard in this position.
How to Prepare the Best Answer for “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
Now let us look at some tips to prepare the best answer for this question.
- Stick to your goals that fit with the job description
Review the job description carefully to understand what the job position entails. Think of all your skills you want to improve and the fields you can gain experience in. Finally, craft your answer based on how this position will provide you the opportunities to advance your knowledge and gain more expertise in these domains.
- Include the career progressions for the role
Do some research to find out the available career paths for the position to include them in your answer. However, avoid mentioning a detailed career plan for getting promoted in the organization. Make sure to leave an impression that you have done your research and are satisfied with what the position has to offer.
- Outline the areas that you find interesting and would like to learn
You can also talk about your interest and how you plan to nurture them in this role. Remember, hiring managers are looking for individuals who want to grow. So, even though you have no current expertise in the domain, and it might take more than five years to reach a professional level, you are allowed to mention that in your answer.
Sample Answers to – Reasons for Leaving a Job
These are some sample answers to – “Why did you leave your previous job?”.
- In the first few years, I would like to improve my writing skills and gain a thorough understanding of your company protocols. Once I have established my credibility, in the next 4 to 5 years, I would like to see myself in an editorial position where I get the opportunity to build strategies and help fellow bloggers edit their work.
- I am really excited about this position because, in the next 5 years, I would like to learn how to prepare and present Chinese cuisine for a 5-star restaurant like yours. As a chef, I want to improve my skills under the mentorship of professionals, and I know this job will give me that opportunity.
- In the next five years, I would like to see myself having end-to-end expertise in the Cyber Security domain. I am also excited about developing my managerial skills, so that maybe in the next few years, I can even take the lead on some of the projects.
At the end of the day, hiring managers are not looking for talented people with amazing qualifications, they want employees who are willing to improve and stay loyal to the organization. So make sure you answer accordingly.
