This interview question, Where do you see yourself in 5 years? is one of the major common interview questions that tests the candidate’s understanding of his career progress in the years to come. As an aspiring candidate, it is very essential that you must have the best response for this question. Though you will be able to find tons of answers in the web, I would really appreciate you if you can come up with your answer based on the understanding of who you are and taking into account the kind of position that you are applying for, the field or technology that you are in and the last but not the least the organisation that you are pitching for.
Having good clarity on the above mentioned points will help you frame the perfect answer that will definitely convince the interviewers. In my experience as a senior verbal trainer for ten years, I have noted that the quality of consistency among the students is comparatively diminishing year after year. In fact, employers are struggling to retain their workforce because within a year or so, employees tend to lose their interest or get distracted because of the disruptive nature of technologies, better opportunities etc. This is one major reason why companies are seeking to invest in candidates who could stay with the organisation for a minimum of 3 or 5 years.
This is indeed a reason why certain organisations have bond requirement so that they can ensure stability to a certain extent. Several companies are criticised for lay-offs and such organisations have their own reasons to take that action. The problem can be at both the sides. One thing that you need to understand is that at a private sector nothing can be permanent and the only thing that you can do is to evolve and ensure your own job security. There are many qualities that define you as the right candidate for employment and I will come up with a post on this in future.
To understand how to answer when the employer asks “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” please read this carefully. From this question, the interviewer expects you to have a vivid plan about your period of stay in the organisation. The most important thing is that you define how you are going to begin in the new role and progress for the next five years. The interviewer does not expect you to come up with a perfect answer but, as a candidate you need to have clarity on your role, responsibility and organisational goals. Once you are able to express about your ideas on how you are going to progress, you can also mention about your career aspirations.
There can be variations in this question as well like for example, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years or say in 3 years?, Where do you see yourself in future?” So, it is important for you to understand a few things appropriately before you answer. To help you understand better let me provide a sample answer. Please note that the sample answers that I have provided in this website and also on my YouTube channel may not fit for every context. This must be seen only as a model to create your own version of the answer.
It is important to provide a clear and convincing answer. You can express in the following way:
Being part of this reputed company is an opportunity for me to learn, master and exhibit my skills. I understand the job description completely and I believe my knowledge and technical skills are aligned as per the expectations of this position. The company offers challenging projects in fields such as… (mention) and I believe I have the required potential and expertise to work in these domains… (mention). I look forward to advance my expertise as per the expectations of the firm in the first 2 years and gradually if allowed take up a managerial role to explore my leadership strength within a time frame of 3 to 5 years. I will throughout my journey evaluate my contribution for the growth of both the organisation and my career as well.
This answer will greatly differ based on the position, field, organisation, skill sets etc. There can be no default template for employability skills. As mentioned earlier, it is always wise to compose your own answer and that will help you immensely. Consider this post as a guide to this common interview question. If you like this article and appreciate our efforts, leave your comment and also share it with your friends. Please do not forget to check my YouTube channel The Dawn Publishers
Author | Dr Rajesh Bojan
