What's the best way to answer, 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years?' during a job interview?

Question

I've got a job interview coming up, and I have a terrible time with this question because my instinct is to tell them that in 5 years I would have hoped that I had impressed them to the point that I would have been promoted, and possibly even training someone for the position I'm currently applying for.

Answer 1

Hello!

Congrats on the interview and best wishes impressing their socks off! This question is a common one, and often a 'trick question' to test your ambitions.

The best way to answer this question is to be honest and neutral...

"In 5 years I envision myself establishing firm roots within a strong company and moving up within. I will do my best to shine as a star employee and give the best I can. My goal is always to improve upon myself and go up as I reach for the stars!"

This way you have kept it neutral and showed your ambition for moving up within a strong company!

Good luck with the interview!
~Alethea Anderson

Answer 2

There ought to be a website with answers to that question, and the interviewers responses to those answers. Because I detest that question. No one can predict the future. How would Steve Jobs have answered that question on January 9, 2007 when he announced the iPhone - only five years ago ? No one knew it would be so popular and cause Apple to become such a huge company ! And Steve knew he was sick but that did not stop him. Helps to be a billionaire already and not needing a job. Nokia was once the world's largest and most successful cell phone manufacturer. A lot of Nokia engineers have lost their jobs - especially those involved in software. But I digress - I suspect the question is to get people to talk about their non-job interests, things like community involvement, volunteer work, and so on, because companies don't like to have workaholics. New ideas come from people interacting with the rest of the world, not those burrowing deep into the company's own work. So I suggest you give an answer that shows both your career ambition and your ambitions in the local world the business is located in.

Answer 3

Well, you need to give a vague answer. (I hate this, but if you say something specific, it can be used as an excuse to not give you the job)

Say something general, I see myself learning new skills, improving my current skills, and moving up to a position of more responsibility.

If you give them a specific career path, they can turn around and say that they don't think you are a "good fit" for that company or that you are "over qualified".

Yes, I know it sucks, but you really do have to act like a politician during job interviews, I have actually been told that I am "over qualified" or that they think I will "get bored" with the job, or they are looking for someone who will stay in that particular position "for awhile" before looking to advance.

Answer 4

There couldn't be a READY MADE answer for this questions.
The answer should be based on your short term and long term goals. As a HR Executive, I ask such questions to find out how the candidate is goal oriented and ambitious to grow in his/her professional career.

Answer 5

Tell the guy who asks you this question that in 5 years you expect to sitting in his boss's chair.

Answer 6

Your response is a bit emo and too limited (promoted?) .
They are looking for those people that have more defined goals and a clearer vision for themselves .

Since you gave us NO clues about what the job actually is , we can't be any more specific either .

Although , if it is entry level , & there are not many other applicants , the question may not have significant impact .

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