It trips up even the most confident of candidates, which means that, when handled well, your answer can help you stand out.
We might think that asking a question so prospective is a bit unrealistic. But the question “Where do you see yourself in five years?” should actually throw more light on why you’re applying for this job right now.
Here, we explore what makes a great answer to this question, and how you can make your response sound genuine, thoughtful, and aligned with your career goals.
Why interviewers ask “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Recruiters want to hear that you have really thought about why you want the job they are hiring for. It is a way for them to test your motivation for the role and whether you’ll fit in with the team; ideally, with a vision to expand your skills and grow within the company.
At the same time, this question can help recruiters identify candidates who may not be the right fit, especially if your future plans are completely different from the company’s mission or direction.
What do interviewers really want to know?
Of course, interviewers want to know that you understand what the company is about and how it fits into your career plans and vice versa.
But with this question, interviewers are also looking for a little more: enthusiasm! Have you put thought and time into planning ahead, and will you bring both short- and long-term ambitions to the role?
Don’t worry about seeming overambitious; interviewers know that new hires want to grow. Of course, if you’re applying for a role in investment banking, this is not the right moment to admit that you’ve always wanted to be a film director. But if you have hopes and goals that align with what the company does, now is the time to share them.
How to prepare for this question
As always, start with research. Understand what the company does beyond what is listed on the job ad. This means checking their website and social media accounts, and any news articles about them. Have they gained new clients or funding? On LinkedIn, look for people who have previously held the role you’re applying for. How long did they stay, and what positions did they move into afterwards? These career paths can help guide your own response if you’re unsure.
While researching, think about what appeals to you about their approach, communication style, services, projects, or culture. What does this tell you about your own plans for growth and development? For guidance, you may like to consult Harvey Mehmi’s excellent template in their article, “Mastering the ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ question”.
And remember: avoid sounding rehearsed. Nothing kills the sound of enthusiasm faster than a response that has been memorised word for word!
What answers would concern an interviewer?
Naturally, anything that doesn’t get across your passion for the role or your career will raise a red flag. Avoid vague or generic statements like “I like your company’s reputation.” If you have done your research, you should be able to explain exactly what motivates you about the company and how that ties into your career direction.
Not putting enough thought into this question can also make you seem uncertain, unmotivated, or like you’re just looking for any job. Interviewers notice when someone hasn’t thought things through, and this can lead to doubts about their commitment to the company and long-term fit.
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What interview questions leave you feeling stumped? We are going through all of the most popular interview questions in our long-running series: