The Ultimate Guide to Answering “How Do You See Yourself Five Years From Now?”

By Moon Harper

Mar 04, 2024 05:44 AM EST

You may encounter questions about your future career plans if you are a recent graduate or transitioning to a new career path. It is common to feel uneasy about how to respond.

While some individuals have known their career aspirations since childhood and are motivated by a clear goal, not everyone has such clarity. Below are career experts' guides on approaching this question, both for yourself and when asked by others.

Let the Interviewer Know of Your Steadfast Commitment

When posed with a "Where do you see yourself in the next five years?" question during a job interview, know that the interviewer is interested in determining your potential longevity with the company if you are hired. According to Harleny Vasquez, a career coach for social workers based in New Jersey, interviewers often ask this question to assess your commitment to advancing your career within the organization, adding that it can reveal misalignment for the role if you talk about wanting to one day work in a different role or industry, rather than the one you are interviewing for.

For instance, Vasquez mentioned a job candidate aiming for a marketing position and applying for an associate role. In such cases, the candidate can desire a leadership role within the marketing department in the next five years, focusing on improving the company's objectives and employer branding and demonstrating forward-thinking goals aligned with the company's mission and values.

Ideally, conducting research in advance to understand the skills and career paths you aim to join is appreciated by the company you desire to join. This preparation is beneficial for addressing open-ended questions such as "Tell me about yourself." Thoroughly examining the job description for important terms to reference the team you are seeking to join will enable you to customize your response to align with the team's objectives.

Resort to A Safe, Open-ended Response

If caught off guard by the question, individuals can opt for a safe response by expressing a desire to become a subject matter expert, according to insights shared by Sweta Regmi, a career coach located in Canada. They can articulate aspirations such as mentoring others, providing training, and taking on additional responsibilities to make a meaningful impact in their work. Regmi suggests that these types of answers are considered safe options.

Answer Concisely and Honestly

Regarding response duration, Vasquez recommended individuals time themselves to ensure their answer to the "Where do you see yourself?" question remains concise, avoiding lengthy replies lasting more than two minutes. It is essential to recognize that job interviews involve mutual evaluation, as individuals assess whether the role aligns with their long-term goals. In this regard, Regmi emphasized the importance of seeking clarity beforehand. Instead of waiting for the question, individuals can proactively inquire about the role's potential for personal development or inquire about key performance indicators for high performers.

While some individuals have a clear career goal from a young age and are strongly motivated by it, it is also perfectly acceptable if you lack a clear vision for your future. According to Vasquez, if you are uncertain, you can start by exploring your "why" to identify what energizes and motivates you, then gather more information. For recent graduates, this might involve questioning why they chose a specific concentration or degree or reflecting on activities that bring them joy or boost their confidence.