How to Answer - Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

We all agree that one of today’s cringeworthy interview question all over the world is "where do you see yourself in 5 years time". It can even be paraphrased in several other ways such as:

● How do you measure or rate success in life?

● What are your long-term career objectives?

● What do you expect from this job?

● What specific steps will you take/are you taking to achieve your vision of yourself in the next 5 years?

And many other formats which could really get the unprepared worst side of us irrespective of the preparation already made.

As an applicant attending interviews, it is important to know that it is proper for you to have to answer this question whenever you are being subjected to or confronted with any form of this question.

And to answer this question, we must know why the question is being asked.

Reasons for the Question?

Basically, interviewers are not fascinated by your psychic or special powers or even clairvoyance so if you possess any, do not even attempt to use them. Do not try and attempt to predict your own future.

As vague as this question sounds, it is a necessary for a recruiter to gauge how you align yourself with your career objectives. It gives the opportunity to see through your mind and understand if you can fit the task you intend to hold. Remain as composed as you can be on any occasion - this question will always pop up in some way or other.

Most companies are always on the lookout for new and potentially steady employees who are willing to help them actualize their goals through a workable plan on a long term basis with commitment and not someone who is only looking to fill a space in their life just until they get better offers.

With this knowledge about the reasons for the question, answering it would pose no problem

The Mighty Question

Now let’s pay attention to the best approach to answering the question in whatever form it comes at you.

Firstly, when confronted with such question, you need to understand that it has no specific approach to answering this because it is practically impossible to know the perfect description of what or how you will be in five years to come. This is well known to the interviewer but he/she would still want to test your cognitive ability.

Hence, you don't have to be stereotyped to a particular script or text in answering this question.

You should rather share your career hopes and aspirations and how they can best affect the company positively. In doing so, be simple and straightforward. And of course, speak humbly and with confidence- no braggadocio about some lofty plans for the future since we all know nothing is certain.

In some cases, honesty is required because it eases tension on you and you don't have to worry about covering your previous untrue words with another with series of brainstomings. But sometimes, being honest about your career goals could show incompatibility with company’s goals. Therefore, tell the interviewer what he wants to hear except you stand to have a better offer somewhere. And trust me, he doesn't have to be lies, you can just logically maneuver the question.

In order to win the interviewer over to your side, you would have to say what they want, conduct a proper research before telling them what uniquely qualifies you for that specific role. This would mean that before you go for an interview, you need to make a thorough research about the company and what the position you intend to occupy entails and also the span of control.

This will help you to project into any angle when posed with this question because you would have understood the system of operations and hierarchy of the organization as seen in the prototypes below.

The anxiety accompanying many applicants makes them fail their interviews due to that ambitious nature of their tone. That may be seen as trying to overthrow the company's boss who may infact be the interviewer by chance.

Make excellent guess attempts at what position you may be offered and how far you can rise through that using your skills to move the company forward through professional projections. This will proof you are loaded with good stuffs.

This proves to your interviewer that you do not just have plans for yourself only but also for the progress of the company through your meaningful contribution.

You should only create the impression that the company, if employed will be the best thing in your life even if you stand the possibility for a better appointment elsewhere. Revealing the chance of going for other appointments would appear that they are merely a second choice for you. No company likes that.

Also, you should keep in mind that an interviewer’s job of screening applicants may be monotonous and boring especially when they have a lot of people to interview. You can be sure he doesn't want his time wasted.

A good first impression should be established by being exceptional and creative in your answers to questions. Try not to be too jumpy-you could make mistakes while trying to think out of the box on the spot. And as earlier stated, don’t give any form of inkling as to whether you intend to get a job elsewhere.

Answering questions in the areas you have passion for is much easier than in areas you are unfamiliar with. Trust me, this question gives you off easily and makes you appear like a confused person.

Be diplomatic and friendly, smart and intelligent. Give answers that exude that of a lively personality but don’t ignore the place of remaining official.

For example, as an applicant, if in five years, you see yourself as one of the best Data Analyst; it might be difficult to convince a recruiter how good you are for the position of a human resource manager.

Do not lie to your recruiter, although we totally agree that you should not reveal all your plans especially if they are not plans that are directly related to the company goals. Remember, the company's interest comes before your personal interest.

Lying to a recruiter might get you into a job but things might escalate and eventually turn bad for you if that lie is discovered.

Finally, while answering this question, flexibility is a very intriguing aspect any recruiter would want to hear and trust me, this avails you the chance to other positions within the company just in case you are not the best fit for the position you intended.

This is where a good starting impression works maximally. They just don't want to do away with you. Versatility and flexibility of workers gives companies the right energy to keep up with tasks despite doing the same monotonous job. You just made them realize they needed you so they look for a position for you to exhibit your skills knowing fully well that you are a good asset to them. And never forget to show an urge to commence work as soon as possible.

THIS IS A PROTOTYPE FOR THE QUESTION: Where do you See Yourself in 5 Years?

Firstly, your company offers training for staffs and opportunities to improve one's skills which I find very attractive which gives me the opportunity to learn while on the job. Then the meeting sessions where staffs get to interact with the top managers presents a sense of belonging. The system of operation here is so structured and organized that I can confidently say that within the next five years, my acquired competence should afford me to take as many complex assignments as the position would allow while building a lasting relationship with clients as well.

OR

As a professional marketer, I would generally invest on my skill set to remain being relevant at all times. In five years time, I should have mastered the use of innovative software technologies such as photoshop or illustrator perfectly. I also would love to harness the power of the digital world in the form of social media and video marketing to make remarkable impact on the company. My passion for learning to improve everyday will put me on top of my game with the hope that my new skills will be applied to my job with you.

Remember, you miss a hundred percent of the shots you don’t take. So get up and go for that interview. This might just be your luck charm. Happy hunting!