where do you see yourself in 5 years essay interview

20 Smart Answers: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 10, 2023 — 10 minutes to read

Why Do They Ask This Question?

When you’re asked “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?,” the interviewer wants to gain insight into your career aspirations, personal goals, and how you envision growing within the company or industry. This question also helps interviewers understand whether your long-term goals align with the opportunities that the company or job may provide.

Before you go into the interview, take some time to reflect on what you genuinely want to achieve in the next five years. Consider the following aspects:

• Areas you wish to specialize in or skills you want to refine
• Leadership opportunities you’d like to explore
• Professional certifications or training programs you plan to complete
• Any goals related to the company’s values or industry trends

Understanding your own goals will help you create a truthful and thoughtful response that showcases your ambition and commitment to personal growth. Moreover, demonstrating how you plan to utilize and develop the skills gained in this role will show the interviewer that you’re a good fit for the company.

It’s important to remember that your answer should be tailored to the specific position or industry you’re interviewing for. You want to show the interviewer that your long-term goals are a natural progression from the job you’re applying for. Feel free to express enthusiasm for the company, industry, or role, but avoid making unrealistic claims or commitments.

Tips for Structuring Your Answer

Being honest in your response means sharing your true career aspirations, while still trying to keep your goals realistic and attainable within the company. Your response might include the following aspects:

• Specific job titles or roles you aspire to reach
• Skills you plan to develop or improve
• Any certifications, trainings, or educational goals you intend to achieve

Be Adaptable

Show flexibility in your answer by acknowledging that change is inevitable and that you’re willing to adapt to the company’s needs as well as your own professional growth. You can tell your interviewer that you’re open to new opportunities within the organization.

• Highlight your ability to learn new skills and take on new challenges
• Discuss how you can grow within the company and contribute to its success
• Emphasize your willingness to embrace change and adapt as needed

Show Your Commitment

• Express how you see your professional growth aligned with the company’s goals
• Discuss the ways you intend to contribute meaningfully to the organization
• Reiterate your excitement to be part of the company’s future

Addressing Uncertainty

It’s natural to feel uncertain about your future, especially when asked to predict where you will be in five years. However, using some strategies, you can form a thoughtful response that communicates your aspirations and adaptability.

Firstly, consider discussing your long-term goals in broad terms. Even if you’re unsure about the specifics, try to focus on the direction you’d like your career to move. For example, mention professional growth opportunities or attribute you’d like to develop. This approach demonstrates ambition without being too rigid.

Example: “In five years, I hope to have built on my skills and gained more responsibility within this company. I’m eager to learn from experienced team members and eventually take on leadership roles.”

Secondly, when you are not entirely sure about the exact positions or steps, you can emphasize a growth mindset. Talk about continuously improving and adapting to changing situations, which would show that you’re flexible and resilient.

• Constant learning
• Embrace challenges
• Adapt to change

Example: “I’m committed to continually expanding my knowledge and improving, which is why I’m enthusiastic about your company’s focus on innovation. Wherever I see myself in five years, I’ll be ready to adapt and grow.”

If future possibilities are vague, mention that you’re open to exploring various paths or contributing to different projects. Clarify that you’re excited to work with the company and discover opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Example: “I’m excited about the wide range of projects your company is involved in. While I may not know the precise role I’ll fill in five years, I’m eager to contribute to a company like yours and find my unique path.”

Setting Realistic Goals

When crafting your answer to the oft-dreaded question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, it’s crucial to set realistic goals. Establishing achievable objectives demonstrates not only your ambition but also your clarity about what it takes to advance your career and thrive in the company.

One way to set realistic goals is to consider the job role and how it aligns with your long-term aspirations. Analyze the job description and requirements, and think about how they fit with your personal growth plans. Start by identifying the necessary steps to progress in the company or your field, and incorporate them into your answer. Here are some tips to help you:

• Reflect on the skills or experience you need to acquire in the next five years. For example, perhaps you’ll need to complete a specific certification or training to advance in your industry. Mention this in your response, acknowledging the importance of self-development and continuous learning.
• Consider potential career paths within the company. Research and identify possible roles you might transition into, ensuring your answer aligns with the organization’s structure and growth opportunities. This demonstrates a commitment to the company and its future.
• Think about your personal life and how it may impact your career trajectory. It’s essential to recognize that your personal circumstances could play a role in determining your career path over the next five years. By balancing work and personal life, you can set realistic expectations for yourself and your employer.

As you formulate your response, keep in mind that it’s perfectly normal to not have an exact plan for the next five years. However, it’s crucial to demonstrate a strong work ethic, flexibility, and willingness to learn and grow within your role and the company.

Aligning with Company Vision

It’s also useful to consider the company’s vision and values. Doing so shows interviewers that you have done your research and genuinely care about the potential role you might play in the organization’s future.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the company’s mission statement and objectives. Visit their website, read up on any press releases, and research the history and recent accomplishments. This information will give you a solid foundation to align your long-term career goals with the organization’s vision.

Next, reflect on your personal values and career aspirations to find a meaningful connection with the company’s ethos. Use your research to identify opportunities for growth within the organization and emphasize how your contribution can serve as a catalyst for furthering their mission.

• Review the job description thoroughly and understand the key responsibilities and required skills.
• Reflect on your unique strengths and how they can contribute to the role and the company’s success.
• Think about possible career milestones within the role and how they align with your long-term goals.
• Consider the company’s projects or initiatives you would like to be involved in or lead, helping the organization grow and evolve in the future.
• Prepare to communicate these points with confidence and enthusiasm during the interview.

An example of a well-aligned response could be:

“In five years, I see myself holding a leadership role within your company’s marketing department, where I can contribute to the development and execution of successful marketing strategies. I’m especially excited about the potential opportunity to work on your company’s sustainability initiatives, as I believe strongly in environmentally-conscious business practices.”

Focusing on Skills and Growth

When answering the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, focusing on skills and growth is an excellent approach. This shows employers that you’re dedicated to improving yourself professionally and highlights your commitment to the role you’re applying for.

Improving Current Skillset

Identify the key skills relevant to the job you’re seeking, and consider how you can enhance these skills over time: this can include further training, mentorship, or hands-on experience.

For example, you might say something like:

“In the next five years, I plan to hone my expertise in project management. I would like to collaborate on more complex projects and learn from experienced professionals in the field. I also plan to pursue a certification in Agile methodologies to streamline processes and deliver higher-quality results.”

This answer demonstrates your ambition, as well as a desire to contribute positively to the organization.

Acquiring New Skills

Besides improving your current skillset, it’s important to consider acquiring new skills. Employers appreciate candidates who are adaptable and committed to their professional development. Think about which additional skills could help you be more effective in your role or support the company’s goals.

“I am eager to learn more about data analysis tools like SQL and Python to inform and optimize our marketing strategies. I believe this will allow me to contribute more effectively to data-driven decision-making within the team and help the company achieve its larger objectives.”

“In the next five years, I plan to become an expert in Python programming and machine learning. I’m committed to taking courses and attending workshops to expand my skillset, which I believe will be an asset to your company’s tech team.”

“My goal is to develop my skills and expertise in this field, and in five years, I hope to have become an expert in my area of work and be recognized as a thought leader in the industry.”

Leadership-Focused Examples

Discussing your aspirations for a leadership role demonstrates your interest in taking on responsibility and driving teams to succeed. Emphasize your ability to guide others and create a positive work environment:

“As someone with a passion for teamwork and collaboration, I see myself in a leadership position in the next five years. I’m eager to mentor junior colleagues and help foster their professional growth, while also contributing to the overall success of the company.”

“In five years, I see myself as a senior member of this organization, having taken on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to the growth of the company.”

Career-Focused Examples

“In five years, I see myself in a mid-level management position within the marketing department. I plan on using the next few years to further develop my skills in marketing strategy and data analysis, and I truly believe this company is the perfect place to grow and achieve those goals.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in this role, and in five years, I hope to have taken on new challenges and responsibilities within the company.”

“I am passionate about making a positive impact in the world, and in five years, I see myself working on projects that have a tangible impact on people’s lives and the environment.”

“In five years, I hope to have built strong relationships with my colleagues and clients, and have a reputation for being a reliable and trustworthy partner in business.”

“I am committed to continuous learning and personal growth, and in five years, I hope to have completed additional training and certifications that will help me progress in my career.”

“I am excited about the potential for innovation and new technologies in this field, and in five years, I hope to have contributed to the development of new products or services that can benefit our customers.”

“In five years, I see myself in a leadership role within the company, mentoring and coaching others to help them achieve their full potential.”

“In five years, I hope to have made a significant impact in this company and have grown both professionally and personally. I see myself taking on more responsibility and leadership roles, while continuing to develop my skills and expertise in my field. Ultimately, I would like to be seen as a valuable asset to the company and contribute to its continued success.”

“In five years, I see myself having made a meaningful impact in this industry and having established myself as a thought leader and expert in my field. I am someone who is constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve, and I hope to have brought new ideas and approaches to the table that have helped move the industry forward. I also hope to have built a strong network of contacts and collaborators who share my passion for this work.”

“In five years, I see myself having built a successful and fulfilling career in this industry, while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I believe that it’s important to have a sense of purpose and meaning in one’s work, but also to prioritize personal relationships and hobbies outside of work. I hope to have found that balance and to be living a life that feels both rewarding and fulfilling.”

Your answer doesn’t need to be set in stone or overly specific; instead, focus on showcasing your skills, growth potential, and flexibility in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

To summarize:

• Align your goals with the company’s objectives
• Emphasize your desire for growth and development

Crafting the perfect response takes time, so give yourself an opportunity to reflect and practice before your interview.

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Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years? (Sample Answers Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 4/30/2022

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? It’s one of those interview questions that seems so simple, but it’s surprisingly tricky to answer. Doesn’t the hiring manager know you can’t predict the future? Yes, they do. But that doesn’t mean they won’t ask you to try.

So, how do you answer a question well if it’s based mainly on guesswork? We’re about to tell you. 

Here’s what you can expect from us in this article:

• Why do Hiring Managers ask this question?

Communicating Your 5 Year Goals

• Mistakes to Avoid When Answering This Question
• How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”
• 3 Great “Where Do you see Yourself in 5 Years” Examples

Why Do Hiring Managers Ask This Question

Alright, before we hop into any “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” sample answers, let’s talk about why Hiring Managers ask this question.

Do hiring managers think you can tell them with 100 percent certainty where you’ll be five years down the road? No, they don’t. Instead, this question is sort of a test (and not necessarily a great one).

There’s a lot of debate regarding whether hiring managers should ask this question. Some people consider it one of the most ineffective interview questions around because it’s asking you to provide an answer based on a theoretical future no one can actually predict. Others dislike it because it’s essentially requiring candidates to provide lip service to the company.

Still, whether it’s a great way to just a candidate’s chances of success, you may need to answer it. So, it’s vital to know what the hiring manager is actually trying to find out.

Essentially, the hiring manager wants to see whether your answers line up with the company’s goals and the hiring manager’s vision for the position. In the end, hiring a new employee costs around $4,000 to hire, but that’s just part of the equation. Companies also invest in onboarding and training.

Since that’s the case, they want to make sure the incoming hire stays put long enough for them to get a sufficient amount of value out of them. If this job is a fit for your long-term plan, that increases the likelihood that you’ll stay in the role long enough to make hiring you worthwhile. If it isn’t a match for your goals, they may assume that investing in you isn’t a wise choice. Yes, it’s that simple.

In some cases, hiring managers can learn a bit more, too. Depending on how you answer, they can assess aspects of your personality. Are you methodical or free-spirited? Ambitious or cautious? Metered or bold? How you answer may tell them.

By knowing what hiring managers are trying to find out, you can create an answer that speaks to those points. That way, you can increase your chances of standing out for the right reasons.

FREE BONUS PDF "CHEAT SHEET" Get our Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years cheat sheet that gives you   3 more word-for-word example answers to this interview question and more. 

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Regardless of the reasons for the Hiring Manager to ask this question, the fact of the matter is, there is a good chance you’re going to be asked it. And this has been made more relevant during the post-Covid world, as the Great Resignation continues and companies become more and more paranoid about losing workers. They want to know if you’re going to stick with them after they’ve invested in you.

So how do you communicate your 5 year plan? How do you let them know that you’ve walked into the interview with a firm grasp of your short term, medium term and long term career goals?

For starters, you need to have put some thought into this before your interview. According to the Wall Street Journal , “Don’t wait for a manager or mentor to ask you what your goals are. Get ahead by brainstorming and crafting your professional goals independently.”

There are many goal-setting resources out there that can assist you with building a goal profile that you can feel confident about heading into your interview.

Once you’ve flushed out your goal profile, get comfortable with it. Read it over several times. Ask a friend to sit down with you and ask you questions about your goals; anything from short- to long-term, financial or growth related or anything else that an interviewer might ask you.

And finally, study how your goals might align with what the company is expecting from the person they hire for the job:

Common Mistakes People Make When Answering the Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Interview Question

So, can you make mistakes when answering the “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” interview question? Yes, you can.

Usually, the biggest misstep is discussing a goal that has nothing to do with the job or company. If you don’t line up your career path with the opportunity, you’ll seem like a poor fit, even if you could thrive in the role.

Outlining an unrealistic target is also a big mistake. While saying you’ll be CEO in 5 years might seem daring and passionate, if getting into that role in the next half-decade isn’t actually plausible, it’s a bad answer.

Undershooting works against you, too. If you don’t discuss any kind of growth or advancement, it makes you seem complacent about your career. The hiring manager may also worry that you lack confidence or that your abilities don’t actually line up with what they need. In any of those cases, that works against you.

Saying you want to end up in the hiring manager’s job is also a terrible choice. It doesn’t seem ambitious. Instead, it comes across as a threat.

How To Answer Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years

Creating a fantastic answer for this interview question usually seems tricky. However, with the right strategy, you can get the ball rolling. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are three tips that can get you moving in the proper direction.

1) Research the Role and Company

Since your answer needs to show that the position you want to land fits into your 5-year plan, it’s time for some research. Learn as much as you can about the job and the company, especially when it comes to missions, values, and goals. That way, you can fit the right details into the answer, making you seem like a strong fit.

Additionally, spend time researching the next job in the career path. That could give you a reasonable 5-year target, giving you a reference point to discuss how you see that time potentially unfolding.

2) Let Your Enthusiasm Shine Through

Talking about the future should be fun and exciting. If you deliver an answer to the “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” interview question that seems hesitant or uninspired, the hiring manager might assume that you don’t have much passion for the field or the opportunity.

Instead, you need to ensure that your enthusiasm shines through. Show that the path ahead is genuinely motivating to you. That way, you increase your odds of impressing.

3) Embrace Genericness (To a Degree)

Generally speaking, being generic when you answer a job interview question is a poor choice; this is the exception. Since you’re talking about a moment far in the future and there’s no way to know exactly what’ll end up on the horizon, it’s okay to be a little vague. Embrace that idea.

By being a bit generic, you can tailor your answer to the job without making your plan seem too rigid. Additionally, with a broad answer, the hiring manager may fill in some of the gaps themselves. They might figure out how the role could potentially work for you in ways you wouldn’t think of, causing them to relate their ideas to you in their minds. In some cases, that can work in your favor.

Step-By-Step Guide for Answering This Question

As with most interview questions, a strategic approach is your ally. Here’s how to answer “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

1. Do Your Research

As mentioned above, you need to spend time learning about the job and company. That way, you’ll have an easier time designing a response that’s relevant in the eyes of the hiring manager.

2. Check Out the Career Path

After you dig into the role and employer, spend a little time reviewing your potential career path. Determine what jobs come next and how long it usually takes to land them. That way, you can find a solid target for your answer.

3. Have a Compelling Value Proposition

In the end, you should always strive to showcase your value during your interview. Consider how any goals you outline can benefit the company, allowing you to show why your growth and advancement is ultimately a win-win.

4. Embrace Brevity and Be Generic

Generally, this is an interview question where the answer should be short, sweet, and free of any overly limiting detail. Provide a quick overview with somewhat generic targets, ensuring it’s easy for the hiring manager to see how the job can fit into your 5-year plan.

But what if they ask you where you see yourself in 10 years? Don’t worry, we’ve written a separate article for that which you can read here .

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Examples

How you answer “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” largely depends on where you are in your career. Since that’s the case, it’s helpful to see a couple of examples. Fortunately, we have your back.

Here are three “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” sample answers, with each one targeting a different moment in a person’s career.

Entry-Level Recent Graduate

As a recent graduate, I’m excited to take my first steps into my chosen field. Over the next five years, my main goal is to continue learning and growing. That’s what initially attracted me to the position and your company, as you have a reputation for supporting your employee’s development.

Ideally, I’d also like to take move from an entry-level role into one that’s a bit more advanced within the next five years if the opportunity arises. Along the way, I also want to explore emerging trends in the field, including on my own time. That way, I can provide an employer with value beyond my current role, hopefully putting me on the track to a rewarding career.

Mid-Career Individual Contributor

During my career, I’ve mainly focused on honing my capabilities, ensuring I can exceed expectations in every role I’ve held. One of those opportunities involved overseeing a critical project. It was my first chance to lead a team, and it ignited my passion for coaching others toward success. Due to that, my main goal for the next five years is to work toward a management role.

To make that a possibility, I’m already taking extra steps. For instance, I’m signing up for project management and leadership courses, allowing me to boost those capabilities. I also feel this role helps me continue down this path, as overseeing projects is a major component of the position.

Manager, Leader, or Executive

During the next five years, my top priority is to support the growth and development of a team while supporting my employer’s overall mission and vision. I’d also like to keep my career moving forward.

In my current position, I’ve had the opportunity to guide and coach an outstanding team, leading to a variety of individual and team successes. For my next step, I’m seeking out opportunities to expand my responsibilities.

That’s why I feel like this role is an exceptional fit for my goals, as it allows me to oversee a department. Ultimately, I’d like to take my knowledge of leadership and coaching and apply it at that level. That way, I can provide exceptional value, all while expanding into new strategic areas that allow me to give even more.

Putting It All Together

By now, you like have a good idea of how to answer, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” Use all of the tips above to your advantage. That way, when it’s time to speak with a hiring manager, you’ll have a plan in place, making it easier to impress.

FREE : Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years PDF "Cheat Sheet"

Ok the next thing you should do is Download our PDF Answer "Cheat Sheet" that gives you "word for word" example answers to this dreaded question.

In it you'll find answers to fit a variety of scenarios including: if you are applying for an entry level position , mid management and more!

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? Sample Answers

By Biron Clark

Published: November 19, 2023

One of the most common interview questions you’ll hear is: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (or 2 years, 3 years, etc.) The problem: Who honestly knows where they’ll be in that amount of time?  The trick is: Hiring managers don’t actually expect you to know when answering this question. They’re just looking to hear a few key things in your response.

So in this article, I’m going to share:

• Why hiring managers ask this interview question and what they’re really looking for
• How to answer the question in 3 steps to show employers you’re a good fit for their job
• The mistakes to avoid when answering where you see yourself in 5 years
• Word-for-word sample answers

Why Employers Ask Where You See Yourself in 5 Years

When the interviewer asks you this question, they aren’t expecting you to really know where your career or life will be in five years. Nobody’s going to check on you. In fact, you might not even be with the same employer. So it doesn’t matter if your prediction of your long term goals is accurate.

All that matters is you give a good answer that gets you the job offer , and you can do that by highlighting certain traits that the interviewer wants to see, and traits that show the employer you’re a good fit for their position and company.

What hiring managers want to hear when they ask this question:

• They want to hear that you’ve thought about your long term goals and future, and that you care about your career path and growth (because this means you’ll work harder, have a better attitude, and be more motivated in their company).
• They want to make sure you’re ambitious and goal-oriented in general.
• They want to know that you’re interested in the specific type of job they’re hiring for, and that you aren’t just applying because you’re desperate to find any position you can land (this is also why they ask, “Why are you applying for this position?” )

If you don’t show employers that you’ve put thought into what direction your career is going and/or if you can’t show that your goals align with the job you’ve applied for, it’s going to cost you job offers . And if you seem like you don’t really  want their specific position , they won’t hire you either. Employers have a LOT of applicants to choose from and almost always pick a candidate who has specific reasons for wanting  their  job.

This means  researching the company before your interview  and being ready to name a few things that excite you about their job description, their company’s overall mission, their industry, etc.

Watch: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

How to give the perfect answer to where you see yourself in 5 years.

First, here’s the WORST thing you can do: Respond in a way that makes you sound like you haven’t put any thought into it this all, or that you don’t have career goals or long-term aspirations. Remember – employers want to know that they’re hiring someone who is goal-oriented, motivated, and cares about their long term career and future.

So that’s step one…

1. Think about where you’d actually like to be in 5 years in your career

Nothing sounds worse than saying, “Wow, I haven’t thought about that. I have no idea.” And you also don’t want to draw a blank and say “Um, let me think.” So thinking about this ahead of time will prepare you to talk confidently about the topic.

2. Make sure you sound slightly ambitious

You don’t want to say, “I see myself in the same position doing the same work five years from now.” Remember – nobody’s going to tap you on the shoulder in 5 years and check on you! If you do want to stay in your next job for five years without trying to get any promotions, that’s your choice. But saying that won’t help you get hired for most of the high-quality jobs out there.

So for the interview, you just need to say something that’s a bit challenging but still reasonable.

3. Tailor your answer to the company & job

As a final step, make sure that with whatever five-year goal you share, you can explain how the job you’re interviewing for fits into that goal. Otherwise, they’re going to be wondering whether you really want their job and whether you’ll stay long-term. For example, if you’re applying for your first Supervisor position, and you want to be a Manager in the next five years, you could explain that you think you’d really enjoy leading people and your big career goal is to break into management. Then you could easily explain how this Supervisor role is a great first step to get into leadership, and how you would excel in this job and enjoy the opportunity.

This is also true when answering, “ what’s your dream job? ” – you don’t need to say this is your exact dream position, but it should have some similarities to what you want to be doing long-term!

Now that we’ve looked at why employers hiring managers ask where you see yourself in five years and how to answer,  let’s take a look at word-for-word example answers.

Example answer #1

“It’s only been two years since I graduated and began working, but I’d say that my goal in five years is to see significant growth in my sales skills. One of my longer-term career goals is to be involved in sales training and mentoring, maybe as a Manager or corporate trainer, but I know the first step is to master the day-to-day work. So in the next five years, I look forward to continuing to build my sales skills, both in-person and over the phone, and continuing on my current career path as a salesperson. I reviewed your job posting and it seems like this position would offer some great challenges and learning opportunities for someone relatively new in their sales career like myself.”

Example answer #2

“In the next 5-10 years, I hope to be leading a team or department. I’ve always enjoyed leadership in my career, so growing as a leader is one of my core career goals right now. Your job posting looked exciting and mentions some great leadership opportunities, so I was eager to have a job interview and learn more about this opportunity.”

Example answer #3

“Since becoming a Project Lead in my last job, I’ve found I really like project management. In five years, I hope to be leading larger projects, or maybe managing multiple project teams. I thought your Senior Project Manager position was a great step in that direction and would provide a nice challenge, while also making use of my 2+ years of prior project leadership experience in this same industry.”

Example answer #4:

“I’ve actually been developing my five year plan recently. Since I’m looking for an entry level position in social media and content marketing right now, in five years I would like to be a manager or supervisor in this area, or possibly a project manager. So that means that in the next few years, I need to master the fundamentals and hands-on aspects of the role to advance in the future. And then in the very long term outlook for my career, I’d love to branch out into other areas of digital marketing and lead an entire marketing department for my company. This position seems like a great fit for my five-year goal, based on what I saw on the job description, so I was eager to come have an interview to learn more.”

The example answers above are effective for a few reasons. They’re doing the following:

• Showing the hiring manager that you’ve clearly thought about this topic
• Making sure to sound slightly ambitious
• Explaining not only where you want to be in 5 years, but also how their specific job fits into your longer-term goals, and why you applied for their position!

If you do these three things and keep your answer concise and direct, you’ll put a smile on the interviewer’s face and move one step closer to getting the job offer. These are the types of responses that the interviewer wants to hear when deciding whether job seekers are a fit for the company. You can use this same style of answer if a hiring manager asks about your career goals for 2 years, 10 years, or any other time period. And you can also use this if they ask a similar interview question like, “What are your career goals?” Just adjust the beginning of your answer and say, “In 5 years, I hope to be doing….”

Tailoring Your Answer for Different Job Levels and Industries

When responding to the question, you’ll want to consider the status of the role in the department’s hierarchy. 

If you’re applying for an entry-level role, it’s okay to express your ambition to graduate to the organization’s next level within five years. For instance, if the position is for a bookkeeper but you’re working on a bachelor’s degree in accounting , it’s reasonable to expect to move up to a staff accountant position after graduation. 

Be careful in your response if you’re applying for a mid-level position. Employees in these roles often spend some time there until senior-level executives retire or move into other roles. Consider who is holding the position you’re hoping for in the next five years and whether they are following a career trajectory. 

Rather than telling the hiring manager you’re hoping for the top-dog role, express an interest in learning new skills that will benefit you in the job you’re applying for. You could also mention lateral movements within the department to expand your skill set.

Individuals applying for a senior-level position should talk about goals they hope to achieve for the company, such as growing sales or introducing a new product. If they’re successful, they’ll bring additional value to the organization.

Industry-Specific Example Answers

Healthcare:.

“I envision myself as an experienced nurse practitioner , having gained extensive knowledge in patient care and cutting-edge treatments. I hope to lead a team of dedicated healthcare professionals as a charge nurse, where we work together to provide exceptional care while implementing innovative solutions that improve health outcomes. Additionally, I aim to actively participate in research and continuous learning to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.”

“Five years from now, I see myself as a senior software engineer, leading a talented team of developers and contributing to high-impact projects that solve complex problems. I aim to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within my team, where we constantly challenge ourselves to learn and grow. I also hope to mentor junior developers, sharing my knowledge and passion for technology to help them thrive in their careers. By staying updated with the latest industry trends, I plan to develop cutting-edge solutions that drive growth for the company.”

“In five years, I aim to become a financial analyst , leveraging my expertise to optimize investment portfolios and help clients achieve their financial goals. I hope to have developed a strong understanding of market trends and financial models, enabling me to provide insightful recommendations that contribute to the firm’s overall success in the industry. By staying ahead of emerging investment opportunities and engaging in continuous learning, I plan to become a trusted advisor to clients, colleagues, and the company.”

What to Avoid When Answering

If a hiring manager asks where you see yourself in five years, avoid the following mistakes in your answer:

Not Expressing Yourself Clearly

Sometimes, job candidates simply don’t know how to answer this question. They don’t want the hiring manager to think they’ll leave the job as soon as they find something better, so to avoid appearing overly ambitious, they’ll give a generic answer that doesn’t give the interviewer any sense of their aspirations.

Interviewers want to know that you’re goal-oriented. Be prepared with a specific answer that shows you have given real thought to your future and your desired career trajectory.

Expressing a Desire to Leave the Company or Industry

Here’s a secret: telling the interviewer what you plan to accomplish in the next five years is okay. Just ensure it’s not wildly different from the role you’re interviewing for. 

For instance, if you’re applying for a job as a financial reporting manager and you tell the hiring manager you plan to open an accounting business in the next five years, they may decide on another candidate. They know you’re not thinking long-term about their organization.

Make sure your answer relates to the company and your profession. You can also include personal goals. Just ensure those objectives don’t require you to leave the company or enter a new field of work. Otherwise, the hiring manager will choose a different applicant who genuinely aspires to stay with the organization long-term.

Only Focusing on Personal Ambition

We all have personal goals we’re working toward. Perhaps you’re writing a book you hope to publish soon or waking up at the break of dawn to exercise and lose weight. Those are great goals to have, and you should continue progressing.

While you can convey personal goals in your response, you should also find a way to incorporate career goals that apply to the position. 

For instance, if you’re working on an advanced degree or certification that applies to the role or your profession, that’s something you’ll want to share with the hiring manager. They’ll see that you’re taking the initiative to improve yourself, which will benefit you and them.

Conclusion: How to Determine Where You See Yourself in 5 Years, and How to Answer

If you read everything above, you know know what employers look for when asking this interview question, and how to explain where you see yourself in five years to impress them.

The first step to take is to think about a general idea of where you’d hope to be in five years. Remember: Nobody’s going to be following up and checking on you! Just take a rough guess at what direction you’d like to go in with your career, and pick something that sounds ambitious… (something that’s 1-2 steps ahead of where you’re currently at in your career). If you do this, you’ll show the interviewer that you’re goal-oriented in your career and have taken the time to think about where you see yourself in five years or more.

And if you can explain how their job fits in with your long-term goals (Step 3/3 in the instructions earlier in the article), then they’ll be even more impressed with your response to this interview question.

That’s how to answer where you see yourself in five years in a job interview.

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This was extremely helpful. now I have more confidence in answering the question like this

Can you please provide an example answer to this question say for a project manager position.

Great potential, career experience, and strong academic qualifications, but no job interviews.

Hi Victor, then it’s definitely your resume that needs work.

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• Interview Question

How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years”

Introduction, why do interviewers ask “where do you see yourself in 5 years”, how to give the perfect answer to “where do you see yourself in 5 years”, 1. setting the career goals: , 2. interconnect job description and job role: , 3. organizational support: , where do you see yourself in 5 years sample answer, answers to “where do you see yourself in 5 years” that you should avoid , 1. answers that show you haven’t thought about your future yet:, 2. answers that show you’ll be leaving the company soon for a better opportunity: , 3. answers that are too generic:, important resources.

Human aspirations are a direct result of growing needs and the ability to sustain themselves in the changing world. Technology has emerged as a prime employer for new generation employees. The motivation for the job change is driven by the long-term goals of stability and higher profitability. Employees often were faced with the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” whenever they try shifting jobs. 

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being asked this question, then you know how difficult it can be to answer this. You’re expected to envision your future in a single sentence without making it sound totally false, right? Well, don’t worry. This post will walk you through a method for answering this question, complete with an example answer.

Interviews are often conducted in a group setting wherein more than one interviewer was involved. The interview panel depicts the organizational strength by placing experts in the position of the job vacancies. When an interviewer asks “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” from the applicant, it signifies the aspiration of the interviewer to know about the dedication of the employee to the new organization. 

Confused about your next job?

The interviewer gauges the applicability, versatility, and relevancy of the new applicant for the desired role. Based on the answer given, the interviewer can gauge the dedication of the applicant regarding the career goals by giving a specific period of 5 years to help the interviewer understand the immediate priorities of the applicant. Applicants’ answer to the question reveals the satisfaction level of the applicant for the job role and helps the interviewer inspect the level of hard work the applicant will be able to put in to stay as long as possible with the new organization. 

The aim of the interviewer here is to seek the acceptability of the applicant for the job role resulting in the maximum benefit from the work the employee will put in for the organization. The interviewer’s aim to ask the question of the applicant is to fill the job role with the most dedicated and mentally stable employee that would result in the long-term benefit of the organization. An applicant failing to answer would simply show that the applicant is not the best fit for the job role and the interviewer shall be searching for the ideal candidate again. 

The answer to the question raised is about seeking to visualize them in an organization that not only empowers the employees but also looks for their health and wellbeing, social growth, and family support. The growth in software development is increasing by leaps and bounds and thereby providing varied opportunities to trained professionals. Employees ponder over the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” beforehand to show preparedness for the interview and portray that software engineers are ready to move on to the next organization with a clear focus and planning. 

Preparation for “ Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years ” in a perfect manner is not an easy task. On the part of the applicant, it requires a focused approach and a thorough understanding of how life will change in the next five years. Sometimes, an applicant is struggling with the existing job responsibilities or in pressure from family responsibilities. The peer pressure of securing a dream job also drives the applicant’s motivation to think about the answer to the question. Software and technology development jobs are lucrative outside the country as well, hence, an applicant who wants to secure a job in Silicon Valley in the coming years must consider that goal in hindsight while preparing for the perfect answer that he/she wants to secure a foreign-based opportunity. 

Answering the question is linked with the human willingness and approach towards the work wherein the long-term goal-setting process is utilized by the employees and through effective communication, employees convince the hiring managers with a clear explanation of where they would be after five years from now. 

The applicant needs to answer perfectly about the motivation for the next five years. To answer “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” an applicant must prepare in a stepwise manner to answer and express the will concerning the organizational requirements as well as personal competencies. The preparation to answer perfectly can be elaborated on below given points: 

The applicant should understand the job profile and organizational structure before applying and following that, he/she must set career goals for at least five years in the future. The applicant also needs to enhance their skills and knowledge as per the new job responsibility. 

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being asked, “Where do see yourself in 5 years?” then you know how difficult it can be to answer this question. You’re expected to envision your future in a single sentence without making it sound false, right? Well, don’t worry. This post will walk you through a method for answering this question, complete with an example answer.

it is a must to understand the exact job responsibilities and work profile within which the organization is working. Organizational growth charts will be integral to preparing for the interview. The existing skill set of the applicant must be reflected when answering the “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” 

Applicants must review the type of organization and ask if the organization will be able to support and nurture the applicant’s growth in the next five years as it would eventually help the applicant to set the answers and career goals in the right direction. 

An applicant must prepare in advance the answer using the above-given points. Right identification of existing skills and work experience is critical to demarcate the suitability of the new job requirement and the applicant’s future work aspirations. 

There can be multiple ways to answer this question. To help you figure out how to answer where you see yourself in 5 years, the best answer examples are given below.

“In the next 5 years, I aspire to be leading a team or department. In my experience, individual employees need to grow as leaders and managers, too. Your job posting looks exciting and mentions some great leadership opportunities, so I wanted to learn more about the position and interview for it.” 

Explanation:

This answer typically shows that you are looking for success but in the same company. HR loves when you have goals for organizational growth. 

“Since taking on the role of team leader in my previous job, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy team and project management. In five years’ time, I hope to be managing larger projects, or perhaps multiple project teams. The Senior Project Manager role you advertised seemed like a great next step in that direction and would provide a nice challenge.”

This answer emphasizes your past roles and how you handled them. Moreover, you are showing that you want to attain success in the same role they are offering you. 

“I really see myself developing my project management skills in the next five years. Moreover, I also see myself with significant experience in managing major projects. I aspire to achieve all this success with this job opportunity.” 

Such an answer shows that you have outlined a success path and are willing to work hard. Moreover, it also specifies a career goal, which is attaining experience in project management. 

“In the next five years, I would like to see myself in a software team lead position with your organization. To be there, I have planned my growth along with the organizational support using the following three-pronged approach that intermixes capacity building, professional networking, and Leadership Responsibility.”

This answer significantly shows that you are seeing your growth within the organization. Moreover, it also emphasizes that you are focused on professional development in terms of leadership, networking, and capacity building. 

Read all the answers you can say to “Where do you see yourself in 5 years”? Now, let’s move on to the things you should avoid saying:

Avoid answers such as “retired with a lot of money” or “as a rich old guy”! Such questions depict that you don’t have a plan for the future! Thinking about the future is either an exciting or scary prospect. By developing a career plan, you can create a roadmap for your path to success and feel more confident in your career choices.

“I see myself working at Facebook in the next 5 years”

Make sure you are not seeing yourself in some other bigger organization in your answer to the question. Even though HR doesn’t want everyone to stay for 5+ years, it’s still not appropriate to give signs of leaving in your interview. 

“I see myself working hard for this company’s success” 

Such questions are asked only to see your creative and ambitious plans. Being too generic won’t work.

The answer to the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” is an individual perception and therefore should connect an individual knowledge, skills, and experiences gained through professional life. An applicant must prepare in advance for the job role and understand the organizational background and its growth trajectory to answer. 

This is an extremely common question, and the answer is often simple, so feel free to think about it before your interview. We recommend that you stick to the “one-word” answer. It will be easier for them to ask follow-up questions and you won’t feel pigeonholed into giving a one-dimensional answer.

Quick tip — If you want to go into more detail, do your research on the company prior to your interview.

It is beneficial to prepare the answer as it reflects the employee’s commitment and dedication to work and satisfies the interviewer regarding the suitability of the applicant for the organizational benefit.     

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How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

7 min read · Updated on March 25, 2021

Even if you don't know where you see yourself in five years, there's a right way to answer this question during an interview.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?”

There is perhaps no interview question as daunting or mind-numbing. No worries, though — hiring managers and employers aren't concerned with your actual plans. When asking this question, an interviewer isn't expecting you to know 100 percent where you see yourself in the future, but they do want to know if you have ambition, goals, focus, and drive. They want to know you've at least considered your future and what you'd like to accomplish.

Why hiring managers ask these types of interview questions

So, if hiring managers don't actually care about your path in 1,820 days, why do they ask this silly question? Well, asking "Where do you see yourself in five years?" is more about getting insight into your hopes, aspirations and goals for the next few years. Interviewers ask about objectives you have set to give them an inside look into how you operate and structure your thoughts. The interviewer wants to understand more about your career goals and how their position would fit into your grand plan. Companies want trustworthy, detail-oriented, and dedicated team members who are willing to take a leap — not a noncommittal employee who is only sticking around until a better opportunity arises elsewhere.

Hiring managers may pose this common interview question in different ways.Below are a few examples of similar job interview questions that aim to uncover the same information:

What are your long-term career goals?

What is your ideal dream job at this stage in your career?

What are you looking for?

How do you define success?

What is most important to you in your career?

What is your five-year plan?

What is your goal in the next five years?

Where will you be in five years?

Before the interview

Preparing for "where do you see yourself in five years".

No one has a crystal ball and knows where they will be in five years, and the hiring manager is aware of this. They are not looking for you to lay out a specific plan, detailing everything you are going to do. Instead, focus on what your dreams are, where you would like to take your career path next, and how you plan to do this. Also, be sure to focus on how you plan to help the company. Hiring managers want candidates who will add value to the team and help advance the company. And don't forget to be realistic — hiring managers are as likely to reject a far-fetched idea just as quickly as no idea at all.

Think about the answer to this question ahead of time. Consider practicing your response out loud with a trusted friend so you can hear yourself speak and make tweaks if needed. While developing your answer, keep in mind what the hiring manager or interviewer wants to know when they ask you this question: your work-related goals, ambitions, desired training, and so on. What type of positions do you see yourself occupying? What type of training? Are you interested in leadership positions, or would you like to keep your focus on the technical aspects of your work? Provide quantifiable answers when possible.

Write out your five-year plan. While it's hard to know exactly what you'll be doing or where you'll be in five years, try visualizing and imagining where you would love to be, the type of culture you'd like to be in, the types of positions you'd like to maintain, the type of experience and accomplishments you'd like to have had, and so on. Take these items into consideration and then make a list of them with a roadmap as to how you'll achieve them. This will help you share where you see yourself in five years from an honest and thoughtful perspective.

During the interview

Answering "where do you see yourself in five years".

When answering this question, be honest and be yourself. Sharing what you think the interviewer wants to hear may seem like a good idea, but if it's out of alignment with your truth, you can get in trouble down the road if you do get hired. Plus, it's much easier to be yourself than to try to be someone you're not.

Also, keep your answer specific and work-related. The interviewer doesn't need to know that you plan on having two kids and a white picket fence in five years. In fact, if you do share this, they might hear, "I'm going to be taking a lot of time off from work to take care of my kids after they're born. Work is not my priority." It might seem unfair, but it's true. Keep your answers to-the-point and about your work goals and visions.

An example response:

Let's say you're interviewing for an HR position at an organization and are asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" You might answer as follows:

"In five years I would like to expand my horizons by jumping in feet first and learning as much as I can, as quickly as I can, with the organization. From there, I'd seek out opportunities — at least one to two a year — to expand my knowledge through training and educational opportunities to support my job. I'd love to participate in at least one project geared toward leadership training, if the opportunity arises. I also understand that the organization has a strong volunteer team, and I'd like to be an active participant of that team, as well. At some point, I'd also like to be considered for a supervisory or management level role."

Keep it primarily work-related, show ambition, show that you've done your homework, and provide quantifiable long term goals. The key is to be confident, honest, clear, and succinct, and, of course, to answer the question.

What not to say when answering "Where do you see yourself in five years?"

While it's important to understand the right way to answer, it's also good to keep in mind what an interviewer does not want to hear when they ask you, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" In short, be careful how you answer this popular interview question, and try to avoid answers like this: 

That you plan on a short-term tenure with the company. If an organization is going to invest time and resources in you, they want to believe you'll be with them for the long haul or at least five years. Employees may now be spending less time in a role before moving on, but you definitely don't want to let the cat out of the bag that you don't plan on being with the organization for very long (unless you're interviewing for a temporary position).

That you haven't given any thought to your future with the company or life in general. Whatever you do, do not respond, “I don't know.” If the answer doesn't come to you at first, take a few seconds to think about how you have grown over the last five years. Consider the natural flow of progression and formulate an answer. Again, one of the main reasons this question is asked is to find out if you have goals and are excited about your prospective future with the company. They also want to know that you have ambition and a good work ethic and that you've considered how you might handle your work if you were to be hired.

That you want their position. Yes, the interviewer wants to know you're ambitious, but you don't want to let it be known that you're very eager to move up and see yourself in their position, especially if it's a small company where such opportunities are few and far between.

The chances are good that you'll be asked this question at some point during your career. Luckily, now you know you've got the skills to answer with a slam dunk. 

Before you can answer this question, make sure your resume is getting you the interviews. Check your resume with a free review today by one of our career experts. 

Recommended Reading:

How Should I Answer "Tell Me About Yourself" During the Job Interview?

Talking About Your Short and Long-Term Goals During The Interview

How to Answer “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?” — Even if You Got Fired

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How to Answer the “Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?” Interview Question

Published: Mar 26, 2019

The theory of relativity: Five years to a whippersnapper like me is a different length of time to someone, say, my mom’s age. To me, five years is basically a lifetime, while to my mom, it goes by in the blink of an eye since she’s done more five-year cycles than I have (though she’ll yell at me if I tell you how many).

This isn’t how the theory of relativity goes at all, so please don’t use it as an example on a physics exam. But what “five years” means to individuals varies wildly, which is part of the reason why the question, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” seem like such an enormous, impossible thing to answer. Anything can happen in five years! No one can predict the future!

Relax. No one needs a crystal ball to answer this question effectively, regardless of how huge and scary it may seem come interview time.

Think About It Ahead of Time.

Self-reflection questions are definitely ones that you should put some thought into before heading to the interview. Otherwise, it’ll feel like you’ve been put on the spot, and you might say something not that smart. (Hint: Pointing at your interviewer and saying, “your chair” is a not-that-smart answer.) So take some time to think about your ideal career trajectory. What is it that you want to do? What are your goals? Is there a specific position you’re working towards, are you seeking to grow your knowledge in a certain industry, or do you have something broader in mind? Taking stock of your longer-term goals is a useful thing to do, and not just to prepare for this interview question.

I was asked twice in the process of interviewing for my current job where I saw myself in the future. This was the answer I gave:

“I’ve been really mobile for a long time—I’ve moved every year for the past eight years and gone through a lot of internships and stop-gap jobs to get through college and grad school. That constant motion can leave a person feeling untethered. My goal in the next few years is to get settled in a position where I can put down some roots, utilize the skills I went to school for, and grow as a writer and editor, rather than continue at the frenetic pace I’ve been running at.”

That’s honest with a capital-H. A lot of people told me that I should be saying that this is my dream job, that I’ve always wanted to work at Vault, and now I’ve got the chance. I disagreed—in reality, I didn’t know much about Vault before seeing the job listing and felt very uncomfortable with lying to sound like the ideal candidate. People can read honesty, and I think being candid let my interviewers know that I was someone who was consistently going to be straight with them, as well as informing them that I plan to stick around. Whatever you say in a job interview, you should always be truthful. You don’t have to tell everybody every detail, but you should never, ever say anything false.

Be Precise When You Can…

In some interviews, you can point to something very concrete as what you’d like for yourself in five years. Imagine you’re interviewing with your dream company—what would you tell them? Easy, right? “In five years, I’d like to be an integral part of X’s management team,” or whatever it is you’re looking for. Tell them it’s your dream job, if they’re offering it. Enthusiasm is so important in an interview, so long as it’s professional. You can also be specific if your chosen career has a relatively straightforward path—I always think of a lawyer in this regard (occupational hazard). Someone interviewing for a first-year associate position could say, with confidence, that they’d like to be a fifth-year associate…with such and such responsibilities and knowledge and, of course, with the firm their interviewing for.

…And Vague When You Can’t.

Not all career trajectories are so straightforward, however. Or perhaps the job you’re interviewing for isn’t really what you’d like to be doing five years from now. Millennials are especially on the move —although studies suggest that this is typical more of young people across generations , and that my generation is just the latest iteration of the trend. Regardless, there are plenty of people out there that don’t plan to stick with a job for five full years. So what are you supposed to say? Should you just say you’ll be around for five years? No. (See my point above. Don’t lie in interviews.) But you can still focus on how the position you’re interviewing for will play into larger career goals.

An example of something you might say is, “In five years I’d like to be an expert on SEO and social media marketing. This position is really exciting for me because of the opportunities it affords for growth in that area.” That’s an answer that demonstrates enthusiasm but doesn’t create false expectations. There’s a difference between being honest and telling everybody everything.

Get Excited!

Wherever you see yourself in five years, I hope it’s someplace amazing! Set your goals high—maybe not doctor-on-Mars high, but get a little ambitious and a lot passionate. Being excited for the future and its possibilities is a wonderful quality, and you should let it be palpable to your interviewer. You know how it says “go-getter” on your resume? (I’m still not psychic, it’s just on everybody’s .) Being a go-getter really means being excited about the future, and rushing forward to seize your opportunity—so show off that soft skill and, rather than hemming and hawing your way through a modest next few steps, show them that you’re ready for whatever comes next and then some.

The Best Way to Answer ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?’

Items you should bring to a job interview : notepad, copy of your resume, crystal ball.

Joking aside, that last one might come in handy, thanks to a particular question that’s loved by  hiring managers :  “Where do you see yourself in five years?” (They may also ask it in another form: “What are your short- and long-term goals ?”)

It’s a tricky question, and if you don’t start thinking about it ahead of time, the answer is easy to flub.

Tips for Answering ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?’

• Show how your professional goals and the job you’re applying for align.
• Focus on the skills you want to learn and get better at.
• Don’t get too specific with job titles or time frames.
• Never say “I want your job,” “I don’t know” or “Not here!”

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

1. to ensure a candidate is a good fit for a role.

Interviewers ask this question because they want to see if your professional goals align with the job for which you’re interviewing. If the two don’t match, the hiring manager might doubt that you’ll be motivated to develop in your role or stick around long enough to make a difference — which makes you a risky investment, from their point of view.

“A lot of managers ask that question to feel safe,” Mike Manoske, career coach and co-author of the book  The Job Search Manifesto , told Built In. “Typically, what they’re looking for is stability.”

Such caution is warranted. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that people usually stay at their jobs for  around four years . When it comes to tech startups, employee tenure is often  shorter than that .

2. To Avoid a Flight-Risk Candidate

Considering how expensive it is to hire and onboard new employees, interviewers want to feel confident that people they hire have ambition to excel and potential for growth but who aren’t already plotting for how to land their next jobs.

Hiring managers want to know that the candidate will be a fit for the company in both the short and long term, according to Roxy Phothirath-Burke, director of customer success at Resident .

“Are they looking for this role to be long term for them?” Phothirath-Burke told Built In, describing her thought process. “Or are they trying to really just find a placeholder while they’re still searching for something else?”

3. To See If Candidates Have a Growth Mindset

Hiring managers also ask this question because they’re trying to uncover how the candidates see themselves growing , Phothirath-Burke added, and how that growth may or may not align with the vision of the company.

Things change fast in the startup world. You never really know what that next role is going to be for somebody — but hiring managers “still want them to be able to work the hardest in the role that you’re trying to hire them for in the current moment,” Phothirath-Burke said.

More on Job Interview Questions How to Answer ‘Why Should We Hire You?’

1. Answer This Question for Yourself First

Even before candidates field this question from hiring managers, they’ll want to prepare by thinking through what their short- and long-term career goals are.

Hilary Malecha, director of business development at Cogo Labs , said it might help to think of one’s career as a narrative. She recommends that job seekers ask themselves: What is the climax of my plot ? Where do I want to end up? What skills do I need to get there?

If people need help figuring this out, Malecha recommends finding someone, like a mentor , who’s more experienced and doing the sort of job they want to be doing one day. Ask them what their various roles were that gave them the skills they needed to land that job. After doing this, job seekers should have a better understanding of how to prepare their answers.

2. Show You’re Interested in This Job

When Rick Wolf interviews candidates for a job, he looks for intentionality.

“If you’re kind of just drifting along, or you’re here because I asked you to be, I don’t think you’re going to be particularly happy in a role I have to offer,” Wolf, a data science manager at Grand Rounds , told Built In. “And moreover, I won’t be a good manager for you, because I won’t be able to figure out what to offer to help you grow.”

Hiring managers want to know that candidates are looking for something more than “just a job,” that the role for which they are applying fits in with their larger professional goals. This question helps uncover that.

For example, if you’re interviewing for a social media marketing position, and you say, “I want to eventually be a UX designer,” that signals you might not be excited about the idea of this particular job. 

Same goes if you’re applying for a customer success role with a fintech company but you say you’re not really interested in the financial services industry.

Stephen Jensen, former director of mid market at  Motive , put it this way: If he’s interviewing a candidate for a sales position, and they say they want to be a fisherman in five years, he’d think, “You might be able to do the sales job, but how motivated are you going to be ... to really understand and grow within this company and be successful at your job if you have no interest at building a career within our industry, or within this specific skill set?” 

3. Keep It General

Kirsten Nelson, a career coach , typically encourages job seekers to be very specific when answering interview questions. Not with this one.

“I think with this question it’s actually OK to be a little bit more general in your response,” Nelson said. She suggests candidates avoid sharing too much detail when it comes to timelines and job titles.

Instead of saying, “I want to be a senior marketing director within three years,” discuss more generally the  skills you hope to accrue , the experiences you hope to have and the impact you hope to make. For example, say, “I plan on expanding my knowledge about different marketing channels, especially around experimenting with paid search and social ads, and finding ways to get more involved in campaign strategy.”

Catalina Peña, a career coach and founder of  Catalyst Creation , offers similar advice: “A bad way to answer is saying, ‘I want to be a manager of this team, and have this many people, and I want to work on this particular project — and I want to do it all from my house,’” Peña said.

The more specific a candidate’s answer, the more they box themselves in, she added. The more detailed a five-year plan, the less likely it is the job will be able to accommodate it.

Hiring managers aren’t looking for candidates who want something from a job that the job doesn’t provide. The best way to respond is to show intentionality with direction , but flexibility on the details.

4. Focus on Skills

When an interviewer asks, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” emphasize the competencies you hope to learn and improve upon.

For example, you might say something like, “In the next few years I want to get better at designing, running and optimizing marketing campaigns. I look forward to deepening those skills and taking my knowledge base to the next level so I can contribute even more.”

Or you could offer a response that runs along these lines: “I’ve enjoyed managing a direct report in my current role. So in the next few years, I see myself enhancing my leadership and management skills, developing as a mentor and supervisor, and putting myself in a position where I can lead a growing team.”

Another answer might begin like this: “In my current role, I’ve been able to progressively get more involved in driving the strategy behind our product roadmap. And that’s something I want to continue to do. I see myself making an impact in that way.”

Shwetha Shankar, vice president of customer success at Tray.io , also thinks job seekers ought to center their responses on the skills they hope to learn .

If a candidate doesn’t know what skills to discuss, Shankar recommends they start by taking their long-term vision and breaking it down into the skills required to get there.

Additionally, candidates may want to incorporate some language from the actual job description into their answers.

As for particular phrasing, Shankar recommends a few jumping-off points: “I’m looking to become an expert in XYZ,” or “I’m looking to deepen my skills in such and such area,” maybe even, “I see myself in a leadership role in this particular space, and for me to get there, I’m hoping to learn A, B and C skills along the way.”

“It’s a mix of humility combined with ambition that makes for an excellent answer to that question,” Shankar added.

5. Connect Short-Term Goals With Long-Term Ambitions

Malecha recalls asking a candidate what his goals were and being impressed by his answer.

The candidate said in the next five to 10 years he hoped to work in venture capital directly. But in order to get there, he first needed to better understand the inner workings of successful companies — how they acquire customers, monetize, things like that — so he could best advise them.

“That was sort of an amazing answer and culture fit for Cogo [Labs] because we are building companies [and going] in the weeds. But we also have a venture capital company that invests in them,” Malecha said.

She said a colleague of hers, a senior analytics manager, also handled this question well when it was posed to her in an interview.

The candidate basically said that, long term, she saw herself bringing a woman’s view to leadership , whether that would be with Cogo Labs or at another company. But first she wanted to learn all of the skills she needed to get there — by coming into this role and driving impact and growth for the companies it’s currently incubating.

Malecha liked this answer because it struck the right balance “between realism and tactical versus [an] optimistic, long term approach.”

Example Answers for ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?’

Answering the five-year-plan question is a balancing act. A good answer demonstrates that you are motivated and driven while still making it clear you are excited about the job for which you’re interviewing. For help formulating an answer, here are a few starting points:

• “I see myself eventually developing into a leader in the [industry vertical] space. To get there, I hope to learn even more about [skills and experiences] along the way.”  
• “I want to continue to deepen my [example] skills.”  
• “I want to learn how to [skills] even better, so that I can make even more of an impact, including [impacts you wish to make] .”  
• “My favorite part of my job right now is [ways you’re contributing] . I hope to continue to do that, but I also hope to challenge myself to grow in new ways, including [examples] .”  
• “I’m interested in applying my love of [broader themes of your skills] to help make a difference, especially with organizations that value [company’s value you align most with] .”  
• “I’m really excited about the [industry vertical] space right now. I hope that in five years, I’m continuing to get better at [skills] and learning more about how to become an expert in [skills] so that I can ultimately [goal that aligns with job description] .”

Things You Should Never Say When Asked ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?’

‘i don’t know.’.

Malecha doesn’t really like it when candidates answer the question by saying “I don’t know.”

To her, it indicates they haven’t given much thought to their long-term career goals , if any at all. (With one exception — she thinks it’s just fine when recent grads say “I don’t know.” But even then, she’ll rephrase the question to try to get a sense of what general direction the candidate hopes to go in.)

For someone who’s already a few years into their career , though, not having any idea of what they want their future to look like is in “a little bit of the red flag category,” Malecha said. It might indicate a lack of vision or ambition .

‘In a more-senior role than the one I’m applying for.’

It may raise concerns from hiring managers when a candidate answers the question by saying they want to quickly get promoted into a senior role. It shows focus is a bit too far down the road, rather than the job right in front of them.

“That’s something that tells me they’re already, potentially, not going to be [around] long term in the role we’re looking for,” Phothirath-Burke said.

‘In a different department.’

A candidate whom Phothirath-Burke recently interviewed said their five-year goal was to work their way up to a leadership role — in a different department.

“That to me is a red flag,” Phothirath-Burke said. “I’m not going to be able to meet this person’s expectations for what they’re looking for — either I’m not going to be able to give them the resources, or they’re going to get bored and uninterested because this isn’t in their goal for the future.”

‘I’m coming for your job.’

Pro of answering this way: it exudes confidence .

Con: “It makes me a little nervous,” Phothirath-Burke said. “But I am more than happy to hear their thought process behind it.” 

Part of the reason this brash response puts Phothirath-Burke off is that the candidate doesn’t know enough about her job to make such a statement.

“I think that shows somebody wanting to run before they’ve learned to walk,” she said.      

Frequently Asked Questions

How to answer, "where do you see yourself in five years".

Discuss how you want to learn new skills and grow professionally, especially in ways that align with the job description and the company’s goals. Don’t mention specific job titles you want or timelines for promotions.

Why is 'where do you see yourself in five years' a popular question?

Employers want to know what candidates’ goals are and whether those goals align with the position and the company’s goals. This way, employers can reduce employee turnover and ensure new hires have opportunities to grow and develop at their company.

Great Companies Need Great People. That's Where We Come In.

Why Interviewers Ask This Question?

Final thoughts, how to answer "where do you see yourself in 5 years".

Updated September 29, 2023

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The much-used interview question " where do you see yourself in 5 years? " is often dismissed as a waste of time. No one can see that far into the future; particularly graduates who may not have a set career path in mind and are still exploring their career options.

In fact, your interviewer is asking this question for an important reason. And it’s not because they are trying to test your psychic abilities.

Your interviewer doesn’t expect you to wield a crystal ball and tell them exactly where you will be in five years from now. The question is used to weed out weak and unsuitable candidates.

Employers want to recruit people who are motivated, self-aware, engaged in their job and who share similar goals and values. Recruitment is expensive and time-consuming, and potential employers want to be sure that you intend to stay.

Your interviewer will ask "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" to understand:

• Your long-term career objectives
• How you are striving towards your goals
• How this particular role will contribute towards your success.

Other Versions of the "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Interview Question"

Other variations of the "where do you see yourself in 5 years?" career objectives question may also crop up in your interview. At first glance, these questions might appear to be asking the same thing. Sometimes they are – but sometimes they can be subtly different, and it's important to know how.

Variations of this question which ask the same thing include:

• What are your long-term career goals?
• Where do you want to be in five/ten years’ time?
• Do you have a long-term career goal?
• How will this job help you achieve your long-term career goals?

Similar variations of the ‘five years’ time’ question which are subtly different include:

“How Will You Achieve Your Career Goals?”

This is often a supplemental question to the 'five years from now' question. However, it focuses more on how you will achieve your goals. You should mention your past achievements , those you are close to obtaining, and any relevant skills.

My goal is to achieve chartered tax adviser status. I have the required qualifications and am seeking to obtain the practical experience necessary to apply my skills.

“What Does Success Mean to You?”

In contrast to the where do you see yourself in five years' question, this one scrutinizes both your long- and short-term career goals , plus your overall work ethic. Make sure you give specific examples to help your answer stand out.

To me, success is going above and beyond what is expected. For example, last summer I interned at a commercial law firm. My main responsibility was to carry an independent caseload. However, I also volunteered to compile a client report detailing our work on 150 cases. I delivered the report before the deadline and received positive client feedback.

“What Do You Want for Your Next Job?”

The interviewer is trying to gauge whether your personal goals and values align with those of the company. Focus less on your long-term development and more on how you can apply your skills to further the company’s objectives.

My previous experience in a customer-facing capacity means I am confident and proficient at sales. I am looking for a position at a larger company where I can apply my customer service skills and boost sales.

Things You Should Never Say When Asked ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?’

1. trying to be humorous.

Some employers might appreciate humour, but many will not. The best option is to avoid it altogether. Humorous answers run the risk of making you sound insincere or that you are avoiding the question.

An example of a bad answer:

I’ll be running this company in five years’ time_” or “_I’ll be sitting in your seat.

2. Being Too Honest if You Don’t Know Where Your Career Is Going Yet

Vague answers are OK. However, your interviewer wants to know whether you are serious about the job concerned. If you tell the interviewer that you don’t intend to stay in the position, then it is unlikely they will want to invest in hiring you.

I don’t know if I’ll still be working in marketing in five years’ time. I might return to university and retrain as a nurse.

3. Being Too Specific

Unless you are familiar with the exact responsibilities of the job, there is a risk you will talk yourself out of it.

The interviewer only wants to assess whether you will be a good fit for this particular role. Your answer of “In five years I will be head of the customer services co-ordination team” is all fine and dandy until you realise the company you are applying for does not have a customer services coordination team and the role you are applying for is a data analyst position.

Keep your answers fairly general and always link the job at hand to the furthering of your career goals.

4. Being Too General or Mentioning Pipe Dreams

Although you should not be too specific, you should also avoid giving a non-answer. The example below tells the interviewer nothing about whether you will be suitable for the job.

I will probably be CEO of some company, or maybe I’ll finally write that book.

5. Getting Too Personal

Put simply, answering too emotionally is unprofessional. Keep your answer focused on career goals and do not mention any fear of failure.

If I turn 30 without achieving [this] and [this], I’ll have failed at life.

6. ‘Um-ing and Ah-ing’ Your Way Through a Question or Saying You Do Not Know

This shows a lack of introspection and engagement and will not impress your interviewer.

‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years – Sample Answers and Tips

The best answers to ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ fall within that narrow range of ‘generally specific’. To respond well, you need to structure your answer in two parts:

• Outline your long-term goals.
• Demonstrate why the job you are applying for will help you achieve those goals.

Bearing this in mind, here are some tips and sample answers to help you:

Consider Why the Job Interests You

Before your interview, take some time to note down what intrigues you about the vacancy. This lays the foundation for explaining how the job will help you get to where you want to be in five years' time.

Potential points of interest:

• Passion for the sector concerned
• Opportunities for advancement within the company (e.g. internal qualifications, support for external qualifications, networking opportunities or management training schemes)
• Specific responsibilities of the job (e.g. using particular software, engaging with clients or organising marketing events)

Example answer:

Through my degree in computer science and personal research, I have discovered a passion for testing and finding practical solutions to technical problems. I was therefore drawn to this position of Software Test Analyst, due to its focus on quality assurance and dedication to producing faultless systems and applications. Your internal training and mentoring scheme is something I am interested in pursuing to develop my skills.

Why this answer is good to the where do you see yourself in 5 years interview question

You have outlined why the position is of interest, and your reference to developing your skills within the role leads to a discussion about your long-term career goals.

Research the Business

Never go into an interview unprepared. Always take time to research the organisation’s values and its long-term objectives. Then think about how your personal career goals coincide. If you share the same goals, it is more likely you will be suitable for the job.

I am passionate about research and development within the cybersecurity sector. I admire the business’s significant role in creating robust security systems for the prevention of cyber-crime. In five years' time, I want to have made my own contributions to the development of security technologies. I am therefore excited about the opportunity this position presents for developing my expertise.

You have researched the business's role within its sector of expertise, acknowledged the importance of the work it does and demonstrated how your long-term goals coincide.

Don't Worry If You Don't Know What Kind of Career You Want to Pursue

Just emphasise your drive to succeed and dedication to self-development. The best employees are driven, confident and self-motivated. Even if you don’t know exactly where you will be in five years’ time, say to your interviewer that you are dedicated to furthering your career. Keep your answer focused on progression.

Over the next few years, I want to explore and develop skills in project management. In five years, I want to have gained experience in leading projects for major clients. I will be looking for opportunities to expand my responsibilities within this role to work towards my goal.

Why this answer is good to the where do you see yourself in 5 years interview question.

It outlines a career path without being too specific. It indicates that you are motivated. It also describes a valid career goal – obtaining experience in project management.

Be Enthusiastic

This will indicate that you will engage with the job and are more likely to stay in the role for some time.

Be Realistic

Ultimately, whatever your answer to the question, you need to sound realistic and believable. For example:

• Only outline goals which can be achieved within five years
• Ensure your goals are related to the job description
• Emphasise that you will achieve your goals through hard work, not luck

Therefore, don't tell the interviewer that you want to be a billionaire in five years' time and that this position as Business Sales Associate will help you achieve that.

Keep your answers focused on achievable goals.

Some ‘What If’ Scenarios

What if i don’t envisage myself at this company in 5 years from now.

Under no circumstances should you tell the interviewer that you won’t be working for them in five years’ time (even if you know it is likely true). Ensure you present yourself as:

• Interested in the job
• Driven and motivated
• Dedicated to success.

These are all indicators that you may stay with the company for a long time, without you having to lie.

What If This Job Is Just a Temporary Stopgap?

For example, if you intend on returning to university in the near future.

If this is the case, sidestep the issue by outlining career goals which do not depend on you remaining at the company for five years. For example:

• “One of my goals is to develop leadership skills and take on a managerial role.”
• “I want to build strong, reliable relationships with high-profile clients.”
• “I want to learn [skill or technology] to a high level of expertise.”

Remember, you need to link your goals to the job for which you are applying. For example, only say you want to develop a skill if it is something you can learn within the role.

What If I Am Planning a Career Switch?

You might have no idea whatsoever where you will be in five years’ time, since you are in the process of switching career.

As with point two above, be general in your answer but remember to link your goals to the job for which you are applying.

What If the Business Is Small?

The question "Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?" can be particularly relevant to small organisations and start-ups because the impact of each employee tends to be bigger than at a larger company.

However, the size of the company can also make it harder to answer the question for the following reasons:

• A start-up may have fast-evolving company objectives.
• The job role may be new and the responsibilities not yet fully defined.
• There may not be any guaranteed internal progression.

As above, you can avoid any pitfalls by keeping your answer vague. Research the business thoroughly and pinpoint its strategies and objectives.

If the business’s goal is growth, then use this to your advantage:

Over the next five years I would love to help further your objective of bringing on board more non-profits and building close client relationships.

As you can see, what appears to be a simple question can tell an interviewer a lot about you as a potential employee.

So do not underestimate the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" question; instead, make sure you prepare for it appropriately.

Here are some final tips to round off:

Remember to structure your answer – Outline why the job interests you, what your long-term career goals are and how this job will help you achieve them.

Demonstrate a commitment to the business – Show that you are motivated and enthusiastic.

Research the company – Learn its objectives and how your long-term goals coincide.

And finally, be confident – The interviewer knows you cannot see the future. However, confidence in your chosen career path will make your narrative more believable.

You might also be interested in these other Wikijob articles:

Or explore the Interview Advice / Interview Questions sections.

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Best Answers: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years (Job Interview)

• Noel Rojo , 
• Updated November 13, 2023 8 min read

“ Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”  is a much hated question at job interviews. And I’m not surprised.

It can be hard to articulate your future goals when you don’t even know what you’ll have for dinner tomorrow.

But don’t worry. The interviewers don’t expect you to tell them exactly where you’ll be in five year’s time. They only want to hear about your motivations and career goals and see if they match with theirs.

Something relatively general like “ I see myself in a position where I have progressed up the career ladder, feel fulfilled, and am making a meaningful contribution to the company” usually does the trick.

But if you want to make sure you have prepared a good answer for all kinds of different interview situations or specifically for your position, keep on reading!

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

• What do employers look for in your answer?

How to answer “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” 

• Best answer examples for "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Career Goal Examples

Other similar questions to “where do you see yourself in 5 years”, other common job interview questions, what do employers look for in your answer .

This seemingly simple question is actually loaded. Your answer will provide the hiring manager with the information (good or bad) he needs to decide if you’re the right person for the job. 

Hence, why it’s so important to truly understand this question.

Why do they ask?

In short, when asked “Where do you see yourself in years?”  your hiring manager wants to know if you’re someone who can commit long-term to the company . It's asked to weed out those who can’t, which lowers their company’s turnover rate. That in turn saves them time and money that would be spent in retraining. 

What do they want to know? 

Your interviewer is able to know if you're capable of long-term commitment once he evaluates several layers of your answer. He wants to know if:

• You’re someone with self-knowledge : If you have dedicated the time to know who you are, chances are you know what you want. Such a quality can be very valuable to the company because you won’t just up and leave one day because you suddenly found a new calling. 
• You’re ambitious:  Hiring managers look for individuals with this trait because they’re usually enthusiastic and driven, constantly reaching for the next goal. 
• You sincerely want the job: Having passion for the tasks that come with the job increases the probability that the job you're applying for will fulfil your needs. This will also increase your productivity as it’s easier to get in a state of flow when doing something you enjoy.
• Y our goals align with the company’s goals:  Aligning goals gets you and the company pushing in the same direction. This benefits both sides as you will feel you’re doing something meaningful, which means you will work with intention and thus provide better work.

Since you now know why the question is asked, you can put away your “I see myself with a spouse, a kid and a house” response. 

Instead, we have the kind of answers that will get you the job.  

We can help!

Get a new job fast with a stunning resume.

This question is a good reason why you should always say yes when they offer you water. 

Take a sip, soak in the question, and respond once your mind is collected.  

Here’s how to respond: 

Keep it broad . Although it’s often recommended to answer job interview questions as precisely as you can, this is one time you can bend that rule and keep the answer on the general side. Especially, if you’re still searching for your vocation. For example:

“In 5 years time, I see myself in a role that continues to challenge me and that provides me opportunities to grow my skill-set.”

Be enthusiastic by what the job could bring to you. Tell your interviewer how you want to expand your skill-set.  

“I saw on the company’s website you’re looking for someone good at social media. I actually have 80,000 followers on my instagram. I would love to continue learning about it and think I could help with growing your social media reach.”

Talk long-term , let them know you’re someone who is looking at the job as a long-term investment. 

“The truth is I’ve always wanted to be a communication’s manager and learning more about social media can help me get there.”

(You would only say something like this if there’s a possibility of becoming a communication manager in the company, otherwise it can be counterintuitive.)

Now, these were examples for a social media guru and we know not everyone is one. So, we prepared a few more answer examples for you.

Best answer examples for "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Apart from properly researching the company you’re being interviewed for or going through a job interview guide , learning from examples is one of the best ways to prepare an amazing response. 

Here are some short answer examples for different careers to “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” .

Best answer for the nurse (example):

Every position offers opportunities that can change your life trajectory. However, it’s important to be realistic in your expectations. If you attend an interview to become a nurse, don't expect to be a doctor in five years. Just because it's not possible without a further degree. Instead, as a future nurse, your answer could be:

“I would like to gain clinical skills and assume more responsibilities with time. I think I would enjoy being a team leader so becoming a supervisor or even a nurse manager later on would allow me to grow – professionally and personally, too.”

Best answer for the software developer (example):

If applying for a position as a software developer, stress your area of interest. Let’s say, you want to work for a company that leads in cyber security. Your response to “Where do you want to be in five years?” could be as follows: 

”One of my passions has been researching cyber security and looking for solutions in this field. Working for a company with such an outstanding record in this area, I see myself learning new approaches and applying them to the development of new technologies in the future.”

Best answer for the administrative assistant (example):

Do you want to get that administrative assistant job? Tell the interviewer about your determination this way:

”In five years, I see myself as an executive assistant. I believe I can gain enough experience to grow into such a position. I am planning to learn some more soft skills, such as, for example, delivering presentations or communication techniques, which could be valuable assets for myself as well as the company I will be working for.”

Best answer for the accountant (example):

Ready to get that accountant job of your dreams? This response will persuade your interviewer that you are the right person for it:

”There is always something new to learn and I am a passionate learner. Apart from getting better at working with various accounting softwares, I am planning to learn coding in Python, which could open up new possibilities for me at work. I want to keep on improving my communication skills to apply them in contact with clients.”

Best answer for the internship (example):

Dreaming of an internship at your favourite media organization? Apart from telling them why you admire their work, mention where you'd like to grow as a journalist and how this internship will help you do so:

”In today’s world, independent journalism is key in fighting desinformation. Therefore, I want to become a part of a media organization which produces high-quality journalism. I consider investigative journalism my main area of interest and I am planning on developing all skills necessary to become an investigative reporter that can disclose important cases to contribute to the change in our societies. For that I need to become an expert in research and analysing data.”

Or is your internship opportunity in an advertising company ? 

”My biggest strength is that I am an idea maker and can come up with effective campaigns on social media. In the future, I see myself as a leader of the marketing team of a company whose work contributes to solving societal issues and/or whose products are socially responsible. It is important to me to put my skills in use for the cause I believe in. For that, I need to keep up with all the changes that are happening in the marketing world and always find new ways to enforce my creativity.

If you still can’t find inspiration in the answers above or we didn’t cover your career, you can use these career goal examples to help you formulate a perfect response: 

As there are thousands of career goals out there, we’re going to break them down into 3 types.

1.) Leadership Goals:

One of the best ways to proceed in your career is to aim towards a leadership role. Here are some examples to shoot for: 

• Team leader
• Supervisor 
• Consultant 
• Coach 

2.) Education Goals :

Furthering your professional education shows you're willing to go above and beyond. By mentioning your education goals for the next five years you will let your employer know you're someone who will stay relevant within your field. Here are some examples of ways to educate yourself further:

• Getting a degree 
• Getting a certificate
• Getting an accreditation 
• Learning to use new software 
• Learning a new language 
• Learning to code

3.) Personal development goals:

Another way to advance in your career is by bettering yourself. Here’s a few ways you could do that:  

• Aiming for an award
• Becoming an expert in a topic or field 
• Expanding your network
• Working on your soft skills 

See! There’s many ways to show your interviewer you’re the right person for the job.

This question comes in many variations (though with the same intent):

• What are your long-term objectives? 
• What is most important in your career?
• What’s your definition of success? 
• What are your career goals in the next five years? 
• What are you looking for in a company?
• Describe your professional goals
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? 
• What are your career objectives? 
• Where do you want to be in 5 years? 
• What are your future goals? 

Christy's word of advice

This is a popular interview question, but it’s not a particularly imaginative or useful one. You could always jokingly reply  “At your desk!” , but unless your potential boss has a great sense of humour, a more diplomatic  “In a position where I have progressed up the career ladder, feel fulfilled, and am making a meaningful contribution to the company and its customers”  might be a better response!

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Do you have any questions for me?

The answer is always yes.

You could ask: “What problem has the company been trying to resolve or what issue do you need this position to tackle?"

You could use this opportunity to shine. Tell them how you would solve their problem. 

What are your strengths?  

Use the job description as your guide when you select your strengths. A good rule of thumb is to follow the formula of strength + context + story . When providing context for your strengths, address the specific qualities that qualify you for the job and distinguish you as a candidate . 

Can you tell me about one of your weaknesses? 

Like with the question about your strengths, you can use the formula of weakness + context + story . We advise talking about a real weakness, but that is not a big part of the job at hand. Talk about a weakness that you’ve overcome, that made you better or even an expert. 

Why does our company appeal to you?

A good way to answer this question is by adding the company’s values to your response (most companies have them listed in their websites). However, try not to force them into the conversation as you will not sound authentic. Instead, be subtle and use them in moderation.  

What’s a challenging situation you’ve faced? 

When answering this question is good to reflect the skills the employer is searching for. Try tailoring your examples to the job description.

Why should we hire you?

There's a simple three step formula you can use to answer the question " Why should we hire you ? ".

• Statement : Start by briefly stating you understand what they’re searching for in an employee (skills, experience, and character).
• Experience :  Pick 2 to 3 things that stand out to you from the job listing and restate how your experience can fulfil those requirements
• Benefit : Try not to only list the skills you possess (features). Instead, talk about how your these skills, experience and personality traits can bring improvements into the job, team, or company (benefits).

To sum it up

Keep your answer brief, work related, and a bit on the general side (especially if you still don’t know your vocation).

Let your hiring manager know that you’re someone who is able to commit to long- term goals.

Talk about your goals, skills, and values and have them align with what they're searching for.

Your future starts here.

With a stunning resume that gets you a job.

Prepared to tackle the "Where do you see yourself in 5 years" question with confidence? Let's take it up a notch. Have a look at our wealth of resume samples to ensure your resume also communicates your forward-thinking career vision.

A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California. He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he got a nice job working for Kickresume thanks to that, so he won't complain.

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How to Answer: "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?"

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

• Tips for Answering the Question

Examples of the Best Answers

Possible follow-up questions.

• More Common Interview Questions

What are your career plans? If you haven't thought much about the future, it's a good idea to consider it because you may be asked about it during job interviews. When you are interviewing for a new job, you may be asked a question such as, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” or "Where do you see yourself in ten years?"

it can be hard to articulate where you would like to be in your career next year, let alone five years (or longer) down the road. But even when you do know, it's important to be careful how you respond because you'll need to tailor your answer to the job for which you are interviewing.

This popular interview question helps interviewers and hiring managers get a sense of how your career goals align with the company's goals. It also helps them gauge whether you’re likely to have a long tenure at their company or if you’ll probably leave after just a few months or a year on the job.

Even if you plan on moving on relatively quickly, keep that information to yourself.

How to Answer "Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?"

Questions about your future plans can be tricky to answer—you need to be honest in your response, but also keep it relevant to the job and industry. For example, don't share your five-year goal to publish a novel if you're interviewing for an accountant position.

Don't say this: My long-term goal is to leave the ad agency world and concentrate on my writing. I’m working on a novel right now that’s generated interest among a few agents. Hopefully, I’ll sign with someone soon.

However, it is important have a solid answer. Responding poorly or being vague in your response could make interviewers believe that you're not invested in your career, aren't a good fit for the company, or are covering something up. Here are tips for responding to questions about the next stage of your career, while affirming your interest in the role you are being interviewed for.

Watch Now: How to Answer "Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?"

Review these options for giving the best answers for questions about the future, along with examples you can tailor to fit your own circumstances.

Outline a Career Path

In order to prepare well for this question, research a reasonable  career path  that will flow from the position for which you are applying. How long does one ordinarily spend in that job? What are the next steps within five years?

Some employers will clearly outline pathways in the career section of their website. However, you may need to approach professionals in the field through alumni, family, friends, or professional associations to gain an accurate picture.

For example, if you’re a registered nurse applying for a clinical nursing position at a hospital, and your goal is to someday move into management, you should research the organization to see whether nurses typically work their way into nurse manager roles.

Start by looking for nurse manager openings on the company’s careers site, to confirm that the company is actively hiring. Then look at LinkedIn profiles of nurse managers currently working at the hospital. If this is a likely career path, your research should show that employees typically make that move.

I’m eager to continue developing my clinical skills as a member of this unit. I’ve also noticed that many nurse managers at City Hospital move from staff nurse to nurse manager, and that’s something that interests me as part of my five-year plan. 

Discuss Your Interest in This Job

It’s often advantageous to emphasize your interest in thoroughly mastering the initial position before moving on. If it seems like you are rushing past that first job, employers might question how motivated you are to carry out those duties.

After all, the hiring manager will probably want someone who’ll be happy and competent in that role for at least a year or two.

Integrating a clear rationale into your answer about how your interests and skills equip you to do the role can help to alleviate any concerns about how long you’ll want to stay in the job.

One of the things that drew me to this job is the opportunity to wear many hats. As the real estate agency’s administrative assistant, I know I’d have plenty of scope to continue building my customer service skills as well as a chance to put my web design abilities to use in refining the company website. I’m also excited to learn more about the business from the most highly regarded agents in the industry.

When There is No Clear Career Path

Not all jobs are stepping stones to higher positions. For example, with positions such as counseling, sales, event planning, teaching, and computer programming, it’s perfectly appropriate to emphasize mastery of that job as your five-year goal.

Think about components of the job in which you can excel. For example, when interviewing for a sales job, you could say:

Within five years, I would like to be recognized as an expert in terms of product knowledge, have developed very close relationships with clients, have significantly expanded the client base in my region, and perhaps have been assigned some major national clients.

An answer like that shows that your desire for career growth doesn’t need to occur outside of job and the company.

State Your Goals as Results

Stating your goals in terms of results that you would like to produce is another angle for responding. For example, a prospective teacher for a district that is trying to upgrade performance on standardized tests might say:

I would like to significantly increase the percentage of students reading at or above grade level through creative instructional methods.

Of course, with an answer like this, you’ll need to be able to share some examples of how you would achieve this.

Moving Up the Career Ladder

There are a few jobs where you’re expected to move on after a couple of years, including some analyst positions in investment banking and consulting, and legal and scientific research assistant positions (for new college grads).

In these cases, you’ll have more leeway in your answers, but you still want to establish how the job at hand makes sense given the skills and interests you can bring to the employer.

• How long do you plan on working here? - Best Answers
• What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you? -  Best Answers
• What are your goals for the next five years/ten years? -  Best Answers
• How do you plan to achieve those goals? -  Best Answers
• Questions about your career goals. -  Best Answers

More Job Interview Questions and Answers

Your interviewer will ask a number of questions, and you’ll have an easier time and be more comfortable and confident if you prepare and practice.

Take a look at these interview questions and answers and practice answering them. If you can, find a friend or family member who can pose as an interviewer and ask you these questions.

Your interviewer will expect you to ask questions about the company or the job. Review this guide on interview questions to ask , so you’ll be ready.

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Where Will You Be in Five Years?

Most people have been asked that perennial, and somewhat annoying, question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Of course it is asked most often in a job interview, but it may also come up in a conversation at a networking event or a cocktail party. Knowing and communicating your career goals is challenging […]

Most people have been asked that perennial, and somewhat annoying, question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Of course it is asked most often in a job interview, but it may also come up in a conversation at a networking event or a cocktail party. Knowing and communicating your career goals is challenging for even the most ambitious and focused person. Can you really know what job you’ll be doing, or even want to be doing, in five years?

• Amy Gallo is a contributing editor at Harvard Business Review, cohost of the Women at Work podcast , and the author of two books: Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict . She writes and speaks about workplace dynamics. Watch her TEDx talk on conflict and follow her on LinkedIn . amyegallo

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How to Answer ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years’ Interview Question

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Why employers ask, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’

Surprising ways employers ask, ‘where do you see yourself in five years’, how to answer, ‘where do you see yourself in five years’, example answers to use in an interview.

‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ is a common interview question you are likely to encounter during your job search. Employers often ask this question to gauge whether your professional goals align with those of the company and its mission. In this article, we will review how to answer this question in such a way that will help the hiring manager see you as a future employee and set you apart from a potentially long list of applicants.

Your response to the question, ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ will give the interviewer a better understanding of your overall career goals and motives for applying for the job. They want to hire someone who fits within the company’s culture and who can have a positive impact on their own business goals. If your professional goals seem to coincide with the job, the employer will be more likely to see you as a dependable employee they can rely on and invest in. 

Motivated and proactive employees tend to remain in a position for several years. Since companies spend a lot of time, effort and money training new employees, having an idea of your five-year plan can help the interviewer determine whether you will be a good investment for them. 

The interviewer might frame this type of question a different way to better understand how you can grow with the company and what you expect from them. You can prepare a relevant answer if your interviewer asks any of the following questions:

• What is your ideal position at this stage of your career?
• What is most important to you in your career?
• What are your long-term career goals?
• What is your dream career?
• What are you looking for in a career?

Related:  How to Answer ‘What is Your Greatest Weakness’ Interview Question

To position yourself as a candidate who will succeed in this role for the long-term, try to prepare your answer by focusing on stability and dedication. Even if you do not plan to remain at the company for more than a couple of years, you can still emphasize the skills and experience you hope to gain from this role. When preparing your answer, consider these steps to help you craft the perfect response:

1. Base your answer on the job.  

Companies want to hire people who are excited to work for them, so make sure you give specific details about why the job interests you. 

2. Research the industry.  

Consider how you think you could grow in this position and how your development might coincide with the company’s long-term needs and goals. Remember to read about the company before your interview and learn all you can about the department you are applying to.

3. Be enthusiastic.  

Hiring managers choose candidates who are excited about their job prospects. Show your enthusiasm for the job and the future you see yourself having with it. You may want to emphasize how the position can help you achieve certain professional aspirations. For instance, the job in question might help you gain more expertise in your field or lead to certification options.

4. Give a two-part answer.  

If you do have specific long-term career goals that are relevant to the position you are applying for, answer the question in two parts. The first part should focus on the immediate position and why you are excited by the opportunity. The second part can address your expectations and future plans.

Learn More:  How to Answer ‘What Makes You Unique’ Interview Question

Use the following examples as a guide to help you answer this question.

Example 1: Bank teller

‘Over the next few years, I hope to learn as much as possible about banking services. In the short-term, I want to become an excellent teller and then possibly move into a position with more responsibility. Within five years, my goal is to become a supervisor, preferably in loan processing or some other area of financial services.’

Example 2: Marketer

‘I come from a traditional marketing agency that focused on print material and websites. Within five years I see myself having gained a greater understanding of social media and digital marketing to the point where I can use it—along with my experience in traditional marketing methods—to start managing clients’ social media and digital campaigns.’

Example 3: Software test analyst

‘In earning my computer science degree, I discovered a passion for finding practical solutions to technical problems. I was drawn to this software test analyst position because of your company’s reputable mentoring program and internal training, which I strongly feel will help me further my skills over the next five years.’

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Teacher job interview: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Different roles offer different possibilities for career growth . People who strive for constant promotion and a new job every two years, with better salary and benefits each time, do not typically apply for teaching jobs . They study management or marketing or finance, and try their luck in multi-billion dollar corporations , starting with an entry level position and hoping to make it really big one day, leading a team of hundred people, or perhaps the entire company.

Things work differently in the world of teachers and education administrators , with limited career growth options. Sure enough, you can become a head of a department or even a school principal down the road. But each school needs just one principal and dozens of teachers, and this career path is rather an exception than a rule. In fact it is not uncommon to see someone teaching for thirty or forty years straight , sometimes at the same school. What should you say in an interview though?

Should you show ambition to grow and lead the entire school one day? Or should you perhaps focus on something else while responding to questions about your future? We will try to find out the answers in this article. And let me start directly with 7 sample answers to the question. Before we look at them, I just want to emphasize that the answers will work equally well for a typical alternative wording of this question “ How do you picture yourself as a teacher of the future? “, as well as on an essay you sometimes have to write as a part of your job application or study program application. Let’s move to the answers :).

7 sample answers to “Where do you see yourself in five years from now?” interview question for teachers

• I see myself teaching here . But I won’t be the same teacher in five years from now. I will get better with each year of experience , perfect my teaching methods, and achieve better results with my students. Or at least that’s what I aspire to do , if you give me a chance to teach here. Because I believe that good teachers never stop learning and trying new things. Education evolves and children change, and we have to adapt to the changes. And I must say I am looking forward to the process.
• Five years from now? Well, I’d love to work as a head of foreign language department here . I know it is an ambitious goal, and I have to prove my teaching and organizational skills to have a chance to get the position. But five years is a long time, and I believe it is good to have a goal , one which motivates us to continue working on our skills and strengths, and become the best teachers we can eventually become. What’s more, I have some interesting ideas when it comes to teaching foreign language , and it would be great to have a chance to apply them in practice, and achieve better results with the students. Working as a head of department will allow me to apply these ideas to the educational process in the classes.
• Speaking honestly, I do not have any plans . I prefer to live in a present moment , and focus on a task at hand. Right now my goal is to get a teaching job here, and try my best in every lesson . One of the most important things I’ve learned in life is that when you take care of the present, the future will take care of itself . And that’s exactly my attitude to teaching and future goals. I will try my best, and let’s see what doors will open to me in five years from now.
• I honestly believe that we live unpredictable times , and it is foolish to make plans for five years ahead. The pandemic isn’t over yet, and it is unclear how the education will look like in the future, and the impact it will have on teachers. So I do not really see any clear picture of my career in five years from now. One thing is clear though: I want to teach , because that’s what I love to do and consider my personal mission . Whether I will teach here, or somewhere else, or even distantly, is something nobody can predict now, with the uncertainty we face. But I do not see it as something utterly negative. I accept things as they are, and hope for the best.
• I am quite ambitious and I hope to work as a school principal in five years from now . And why not? I’ve been teaching for twenty years already , I’ve been working on my education in the last seven years, and I believe to have the capacity to lead the entire school , and achieve great results. Of course, it isn’t an only option, and I won’t be discouraged if my career takes a different course . At the end of the day we do not control everything, and a fitting position may not be available. In any case, I want to continue trying my best and proving my capabilities. If I succeed to do so, interesting things may happen five years down the road.
• In five years from now I see myself on a maternity leave . Of course it is a long time ahead, and I do not even have a partner today . But like most women I dream of having children, and in five years from now I will be glad to have my first child. And then the second one and then hopefully I will return to teaching . Having said that, anything can happen in five years. I may have a child and I may not, and I may still be teaching Math and Chemistry. In any case, I hope to become a better teacher and a better person over the years, which is my primary goal.
• I see myself as a positive role model for many children at this school. And I hope to be an integral part of an amazing team you have in place , having good relationship with my colleagues, and helping them with whatever they may need. I see myself satisfied with my work,  yet eager to keep improving and reinventing myself as a teacher. That’s where I see myself in five years from now, and I must tell you I love this vision, and will do whatever I can to attain it .

Special Tip : This isn’t the only tricky question you will face in your interview. Check out a great eBook, the Teacher Interview Guide , from Glen, one of the core authors on Interview Penguin. Brilliant sample answers to every possible teacher interview question will make your life easy on the big day…

Positive outlook on the future is pivotal

Regardless of whether you aim for promotion, or simply want to continue teaching and enjoying time with your students, regardless of whether you see yourself spearheading the entire school, or envision being on a maternity leave in five years as a future teacher, the key is to stay positive about the future .

Because the last thing schools want is to hire negative teachers who will only complain about everything and bring their negativity to both classroom and staff-room. Talk with enthusiasm about your future in teaching and what’s ahead. Because it is great to dream and a powerful vision can drive us forward even in the most difficult times.

Living in the present is another option

At the end of the day, everything happens in the present moment . Future is just an imagination, past a memory. When thinking about the future or the past, we also do it in the present… And unless you do a great job today , in this hour, this minute, this second, you will hardly achieve your lofty goals in five years from now.

Hence you can focus on the present in your answer, even though they are inquiring about the future. Check answer no. 3 on my list for inspiration. Trying your best in every classroom and taking care of the present, you do not have to be afraid of the future. Because law of action and reaction cannot be broken , and if you do a great job, you will be rewarded for it. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will become a principal or earn more money. But you will get your reward, in one form or another…

Outline your proposed roadmap for teaching and research for the next five years

Before ending this article, I want to touch on this specific alternative of the question. It is quite common in some countries in teaching interviews in higher education , especially when you want to teach at a university . Working at a university, you will always do some research. Hence it is important to have some plan, to know what you want to dedicate yourself to . I suggest you to think about the principal subject of your research, and prepare an explanation on how it aligns with your teaching and career goals .

You can also talk about some innovation you want to bring to the classroom, or about some specific goals you want to achieve with your students , based on the results (and struggles) you’ve had during your teaching career so far. At the end of the day, you do not have to stick to this plan later on. Once you try get a job, however, you should have some plan on your mind. No doubt the last thing you want to do is to answer their questions with silence .

Ready to answer the questions about your teaching future ? I hope so! do not forget to check also other tricky interview questions for teachers:

• Why do you want to be a teacher?
• Why do you want to work for our school district?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher?
• Please tell us more about your teaching experience .
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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

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By Stav Ziv

“Tell me about yourself” might seem like an easy win of an  interview question —after all, you know all about yourself! And good thing, too, because it’s often the very first thing an interviewer will ask you to do—whether you’re having a preliminary phone screen, speaking to your prospective boss, or sitting down with the CEO during the final round.”

Read the full article on The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/advice/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question-answer-examples