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    You are at:Home»Job Searching»Best Interview Tips»Answering Interview Questions: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
    where do you see yourself in 5 years

    Answering Interview Questions: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?

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    By CareerExperts on 26th October 2017 Best Interview Tips, Job Searching

    Not everyone is the best planner. There are those who have a perfectly scheduled diary, months in advance, and there are those that don’t even think as far ahead as lunch (You know who you are!).

    However, when it comes to interviews, you need to be able to demonstrate that you’re able to see the bigger picture. One popular interview question hiring managers love to ask is Where do you see yourself in 5 years? That means you’d better have a good answer up your sleeve.

    If you want to know how to answer this question like a seasoned interview professional, keep reading.

    Why interviewers ask this question

    No, when your interviewer asks this question they’re not just being nosey. What the interviewer is trying to find out here runs a little bit deeper than that. Your answer to this good question dictates the following to your potential employer:

    • Whether you’re serious about the opportunity or not
    • How likely you are to stick around
    • If the role is a good fit with your long-term career plans
    • Your level of ambition
    • If what you’re looking for is align with the company

    So, like with most interview questions, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot riding on your answer.

    How to approach the question

    They say honesty is the best policy. In interviews, and life, this is generally true. However, when it comes to answering Where do you see yourself in 5 years? you need to weigh up the pros and cons of being perfectly candid.

    Let’s say, for instance, you’re applying for a digital marketing job in Birmingham. However, your life-long ambition may be to move to Spain and open a bar. Do you think that the interviewer needs to know that, in 5 years, you see yourself running ‘Wish You Were Beer’ in Benalmadena? No, they most certainly do not.

    Your plans need to involve the role you’re applying for as part of a wider vision. Therefore, the best way to approach this question is by putting yourself in the interviewer’s shoes. What do they want to hear? How can you answer in a way that is truthful but will also impress them?

    TOP TIP: If you’re unsure about what the interviewer is looking for, revisit the job description.

    What you need to say

    This isn’t an easy interview question to answer on the spot. That’s why it’s essential to plan what you want to get across in advance. Go into your interview already knowing how you want to answer the question. It may be worth preparing a 10 year plan answer, too.

    Here’s what you need to cover when tackling this question.

    • Your general career goals, in relation to the job you have applied for
    • Make sure any personal goals you discuss are relevant and aren’t disruptive to the business (i.e. only mention travel if the role will require it.)
    • Express your interest in a long-term career with a reputable company
    • Show that you have drive and ambition

    What to avoid

    Don’t be unrealistic

    If you’re applying for an entry-level role and say that in 5 years’ time, you want to be the CEO, earning £500,000 a year, the interviewers will think you’re mad. Your vision for the future needs to be ambitious, yes, but also achievable.

    “In 5 years’ time, I want to have your job.”

    Just… no. No! You don’t want to do anything to rub the interviewer up the wrong way. Interviews are all about rapport. If you come across as arrogant rather than ambitious, you’re likely to be shown the door.

    Don’t stumble

    If you hesitate or struggle to answer this question, it may raise suspicion. In the interviewer’s mind, if a candidate can’t answer Where do you see yourself in 5 years? then maybe they have no plan or ambition. Maybe they can’t make decisions. Maybe they didn’t prepare for this interview.

    Don’t try to cover all bases

    Sometimes, job hunters try a little too hard to provide the ‘perfect’ answer to this question. As a result, they end up tripping over themselves. They don’t stick to one set path. “I’d like to be a Manager in 5 years, but I’d also be OK with being an Administrator, too.” This makes you appear flighty and will definitely raise a red flag!

    In summary

    It’s crucial that you prepare your answer to Where do you see yourself in 5 years? before an interview. That being said, don’t reel off the same old prepared speech at every interview. Tailor your response to each job and business, and talk naturally about your future. Ensure that your plans fit in with what the employer would want you to say, but keep it truthful!

    More common job interview questions to consider

    Answering Interview Questions: What Are Your Strengths?

    Answering Interview Questions: “ Why Should We Hire You? ”

    Answering Interview Questions: Why Did You Leave your Last Job?

    How to Answer “What is Your Greatest Weakness” in an Interview

    How to Answer ‘Why Do You Want This Job?’ in an Interview

    Tell Me About Yourself: How to Approach This Interview Question

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    Answering Interview Questions: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
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    Answering Interview Questions: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
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    It’s crucial that you prepare your answer to Where do you see yourself in 5 years? before an interview.
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