How To Answer The “Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years” Question

Have you been to an interview before? Did you find most questions appropriate? You will find that most hiring mangers ask a number of questions to ensure that you are the perfect fit for the position. Some people find some of the questions asked quit intimidating. You might lack what to say during an interview. It’s however advisable that you be prepared for every question. The most common question asked by most recruiters is “Where do you see yourself in 5 years”? How do you answer this question when presented with one?

The first thing you should understand is that this question is not supposed to make you mad or feel like you are being tested. It is meant to help hiring managers understand how focused you are and what you’re willing to add in the company. The right answer will determine if you’ll get hired or not. Furthermore, you get to secure a long-term position in the company. There is no perfect answer to this question. This however is how to answer the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” question;

Understand the Question and Answer Consequently

Avoid focusing on specific dates and years. Avoid mentioning who you want to be and focus mainly on what you want to acquire during that time frame. Make sure your answer contemplates on your ambitions and skills. You should also let them know that you will have added great value to the company by that time. This makes you look trustworthy and more determined to reach your goals. Hiring managers like hiring people who might add great value to their companies.

Be Careful and Don’t Just Say What You Think They Want To Hear

Most individuals looking to get hired fall victim of this. They try so hard to please their recruiters. They end up contradicting themselves. What they say does not really correspond to the position they’re looking for. Think about positive goals that you think might help you five years to come. Avoid showing how much of a perfectionist you are. This only lowers your chances of getting the position you are applying for.

Don’t Waste Their Time

Avoid showing them that you are over ambitious. As much as you want to secure the position, make sure you do it the correct way. This makes them think that you want to steal their job and get promotions too soon. Show them that you are willing to take the position and provide positive results and not to jump ship to a higher sector.

Be Very Realistic

Let’s face it, five years is not such a long time. Most people are tempted to say that they see themselves being the CEO of a certain company. This makes you look sloppy and unrealistic. Research and find out the time frame that other people in the same field took to progress. You should instead master the skills and climb up the ladder way higher than where you are now.

It’s Important That You Have a Goal than Just General Growth in Mind

You can use this time to hit certain targets that you wish to accomplish. Instead of thinking about how much money you want to earn by then, you should think of how you want to increase your sales by a certain percent. You can also complete other projects you have in mind to help you think clearly and establish an empire of your own.

You Can Lie If Need Be

Most people look for jobs to make money. Of course that’s the major reason. You might not even expect to be asked this kind of question in the first place. Your interviewer doesn’t need to know all that. You can come up with a positive lie that will help you get out of the situation. Be very careful while doing so because there are certain recruiters who are very smart and might realize you are lying. Come up with a professional and productive lie to help you answer it the right way.

You Have No Clue Where You Will Be In Five Years and the Recruiter Knows This

This is true. No one knows where they will be in the future. You should however avoid telling this to the recruiter. You don’t want them to see you as a lazy and non-, motivated person. Focus majorly on what your dreams are and lay a specific plan. Focus on where you want to take your career and how you plan on doing so. Be careful not to come up with far-fetched ideas which might lead to your rejection.

Avoid Letting Them Know That You Don’t Plan On Staying For Long

In whatever happens, never let your recruiters learn that you don’t plan on staying in their company for long. If this answer comes along, take time and think clearly how much you have progressed over the last five years. You will find the natural stream of progress you have made and there! You will develop an answer. Avoid giving a fluffy answer. Even though you are considering other potential career paths, do not let your recruiters find out. As much as you don’t want to lie, never show all your cards at once.

Remember These Takeaways

Hiring managers will always want to surprise their candidates. You should also surprise them with your answers. Make sure to give them golden answers. Always ensure your answers are general. You should also remember to emphasize your interest in a long-run occupation at the company. Furthermore, you should exhibit your enthusiasm for the position you’re applying for.

Keep all these in mind and you’ll surely have an easy time when answering the question “where do you see yourself in five years”?