After graduating from college, it’s time for interviews. Interviews will be crucial to your future professional path, regardless of your interest in continuing your education or accepting a position in the workforce. Your ability and performance may have previously been evaluated by written tests with a set curriculum and time allotted for completion. While some questions are nearly always asked during an interview, the way you talk and how confident you are also have an impact on the outcome.
Typical interview questions include “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses,” and, of course, “Where do you see yourself in five years.” It would probably be simple (though time-consuming) for you to practice describing yourself and pinpointing your strong and weak points.
It is more challenging to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?” for individuals who, like most people, haven’t fully planned out their careers. Today’s young adhere to the “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) concept. However, with the rise of alternative jobs and the allure of entrepreneurship, it is challenging to provide a specific answer when asked where one wants to be in five years.
It’s a fact that neither we nor the interviewers are able to forecast the future. What then is their true desire?
Expectation of Interviewers
Whether it’s for a job or a postgraduate study, the entire applicant selection procedure takes a lot of time and effort on the part of the selection team. The purpose of an interview is to choose a candidate who is qualified for the job and the course while also taking into account their level of industry commitment. Interviewers try to determine whether a candidate is serious about sticking in the same field by asking where they see themselves in five years. The question aids interviewers in gauging your level of ambition and realism.
This is the kind of question a postgraduate interviewer might ask to find out how you plan to use your degree. They would take into account your long-term interest in the subject of your studies as well as your likelihood of making a sudden career shift or quitting soon. In an ideal response, you would convey your enthusiasm for the subject and describe how it would benefit your career in five years.
Companies can choose whether to invest in your training by asking you where you see yourself in five years, which helps them gauge your commitment to the industry and the business. A sample response would include your interest in the position, the industry, and the firm, as well as a list of realistic objectives for when you work for the same organization in five years.
How to Answer ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?’
You may succeed in interviews by following the same strategy that makes anything better: preparation and practice. You may use the same responses to questions about your strengths, shortcomings, and general description of yourself in all the interviews you go on, but it’s best to tailor your response to the question of “where you see yourself in 5 years” to the particular interview.
For the most part, concrete answers are the best ones, but when it comes to answering the question about your position after five years, it’s best to leave it ambiguous. Never, ever respond in a way that suggests you would like to be perceived by the interviewer; this comes off as clumsy and unprofessional.
When preparing the best response to the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years,” have the following points in mind:
1. Research Thoroughly on the Role/Course
Make sure you study the position or program, as well as the organization or school, in great detail. You can provide specific insights into your potential role in the organization or firm using study.
Do some study on the subjects covered in the course and potential career paths you may pursue after graduation to help you prepare for the question during a postgraduate course interview. You might also discuss how you would benefit from any unique elements of the school, such as its renowned speakers or unique training programs. You might go into further detail about how the particular course will benefit your future professional endeavors.
Do extensive study on the business to prepare for the interview question. Analyze the position for which you are applying, as well as any training courses they may provide. To gain a sense of how long it takes to get promoted in your industry, you can also examine the typical career advancement in it. Look through LinkedIn and websites like PayScale. Look through LinkedIn at the company’s past and present workers. And make a general note of when and how people in comparable roles have developed over the last five years.
Make sure you can provide the interviewer with specific information. You might anticipate that you would like to be a senior sales associate or sales assistant manager. For instance, if you are applying for a sales position.
2. Limit Your Honesty
Perhaps the best policy is to be honest, but not when you’re going for an interview. Make sure to incorporate both the interviewer’s requested replies and a fair dose of honesty in your responses. Don’t bring up your desire to work for a large company, conduct research, or continue your education. Or start your own business in five years during the interview since it will reflect poorly on you.
Consider that a corporation is seeking long-term employees, so center your responses around it. Securing employment is the present objective. But, no organization may compel you to stay with them for an extended period of time. You can modify your plans at a later time.
Recommended Read: How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume: Tips for Job Seekers
3. Highlight Yourself
In essence, an interview is like a sales presentation. Where you try to sell yourself to the firm so they would “buy” your services and extend an employment offer. You should use your response to the question “Where do you see yourself in five years”. To emphasize your skills and provide some actual highlights of who you are.
You can talk about how your prior work helped you prepare for the position. And how it helped you grow at the rate you plan to over the following five years. Describe the actions you intend to do over the next five years. That is important to be successful in that particular company’s hiring process.
What Happens If You Can’t Answer the Question, “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
Don’t panic if you are asked “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. Out of the blue and haven’t had time to prepare. Firstly, even if it’s true that you haven’t planned that far ahead, don’t stop there.
Remember the reasons you chose this specific organization or institution as well as the reasons you selected your professional path. Since the response will be grounded in reality, even if it’s not perfect, you could still come out on top.
Recommended Read: Interview Tips First-Time Job Seekers Should Know to Stand Out
If seeing the future five years ahead of you leaves you blank, it might be time to take a closer look at the reasons behind it. Despite not having a clear idea of your future, you are pursuing this line of study or employment because it is your only choice? In a situation like this, you might want to speak with someone who can assist you. In gaining more clarity on your goals and career path.
Conclusion
The “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” inquiry is meant to test your sincerity for a certain position. Don’t forget to respond with assurance. In a way that advances your objectives and increases your chances of landing the relevant job. It might be beneficial to speak with a career counselor. Who can assist you in identifying your professional objectives if you are unsure about your career path? Feel free to connect for a free 15-minute call with us.
Visit EnrichMyCareer for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do you see yourself in five years best answer?
An example response to the question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”. “By utilizing the experience I’ve gained working in this industry for the past five years. I see myself continuing to grow in my career and taking on more responsibility within the company in five years.”
2. What is your future plan’s best answer?
My goals for the future include honing my craft and expanding my expertise in my line of work. I am open to taking on new tasks and responsibilities. I am constantly searching for new opportunities to learn and develop. Eventually, I anticipate myself assuming a leadership position and serving as an industry mentor to others.
3. Why do we hire you?
When responding, emphasize the accomplishments, experience, and pertinent abilities that make you the most qualified candidate for the position. I am a dedicated worker who wants to see your business grow. Thus, you should hire me. I am ready to learn and advance with your team. I possess the knowledge and expertise required for the position.
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