When interviewing for a position, you\u2019ll likely be asked, \u201cWhere do you see yourself in five years?\u201d. You may be wondering what information this gives employers and what they\u2019re hoping to gain from your response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s simple. Letting them know your five-year plan will provide them with insight into what your goals are – both short-term and long-term. It tells them if you\u2019ll be around for the long haul, if the company can provide you with what you\u2019re looking for, and if your values align with each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can be difficult to answer a question like this, but since you can expect it to be asked, you can prepare your response.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, make sure your answer aligns with the description of the position you\u2019re interviewing for. It\u2019s possible you\u2019re applying to jobs out of necessity, and your long-term goals don\u2019t align with the position itself. This can disqualify you from future interviews. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do your research into the position and the company. In five years, what is someone in this position likely to be doing? In what ways can you benefit the company that far down the road if you get this position now? <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re applying for a management position, it can be advantageous to speak on leading a large, collaborative team, establishing clear lines of communication, or expanding the workload of the team. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you\u2019re applying for an IT position, where you may be working more independently, talk about what you know you can do as a one-person powerhouse. Streamlining processes, increasing security, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When speaking about the position and what you hope to bring to it, show that your goals are achievable with the help of your past experiences. Your achievements prove that you don\u2019t just hope<\/em> to accomplish something, but you also have the knowledge too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, if you\u2019ve received any past awards, proving you go above and beyond, shout them out! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Predicting exactly where you\u2019ll be five years can be difficult. You may have a general sense of where you want to be (e.g. I want to be in a management position, I want to spearhead the company\u2019s future mergers\/expansions, etc.), but to help the interviewer get a better idea of what they can expect to see from you over the next half-decade, it helps to share your short-term goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Short-term goals<\/a> may include hitting certain sales numbers, streamlining processes, or getting a promotion between years one and five. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Noting this gives the interviewer a proper vision of the difference you\u2019ll make at the company. It proves you not only have a big-picture idea of where you want to be, but you have the puzzle pieces to bring that image to life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring managers are likely to interview multiple people for the same role. If you try and reply to this question like you think they\u2019d<\/em> want you to, odds are, others are doing the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Be unique in your reply – but keep it honest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t shoot for the stars and say you want to be the CEO when you\u2019re starting at a company in an entry level position. Ask yourself, do you want to be promoted? Do you want to collaborate with more teams? Do you want to lead big projects that will make a large impact on the organization? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving specific goals that are unique to you will show that you have put thought into this position, looked into the company, and believe you can make the differences you want to achieve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although listing specific past achievements and awards is good, it\u2019s better to keep your long-term goals broader. Don\u2019t get too focused on details to avoid seeming inflexible. Approach your goals as what you truly wish to see for yourself and your company in terms of growth, making an impact, and taking on more responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If appropriate, at the end of the question, ask the interviewer a question of your own that aligns with your goals \u2013 showing you\u2019re serious about wanting to achieve them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you wish to be managing people in five years, you can ask, \u201cWhat opportunities for professional growth does this company provide?\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only will this show the interviewer you\u2019re serious about achieving your goals and getting to where you want, but it will give insight into whether the company can provide you what you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you looking for your next position? Addison Group<\/a> has more than 20 years of experience connecting top candidates with top companies. Contact us today!<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Why employers ask this in an interview When interviewing for a position, you\u2019ll likely be asked, \u201cWhere do you see<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":4224,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,117],"tags":[],"post_function":[124,125,127,123,128,129],"post_audience":[115],"class_list":{"0":"post-4223","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-article","8":"category-job-seekers-resources","9":"post_function-administrative","10":"post_function-digital-marketing","11":"post_function-finance-accounting","12":"post_function-healthcare","13":"post_function-human-resources","14":"post_function-it","15":"post_audience-candidate"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhen answering the question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Tailor your answer to the job description<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Highlight your skills and achievements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. List short-term goals as well<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Be authentic and honest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Keep things general<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. End with a question when appropriate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example answers to “Where do you see yourself in five years?” <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n