"Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?"


"Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?"

Your getting a foothold into the company depends on some annoying questions, which have no fixed right answer. So how do you go about answering them? Here are some tips to frame your answer.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 3:51:32 PM
"Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?"
Well! How you perform in an interview depends on how you answer some of the most popular annoying questions asked during the interview. The problem is, there’s no one right answer and most can land you in troubled water and rob you of the job-opportunity. Projecting yourself too high might make you sound over-ambitious, but talking very down to earth would project you as an individual lacking initiative to contribute to the company’s growth. So, what do you do?  There’s no one right answer for these; only the one that works better than others. How do you then figure out, which will work and which won’t?

Ideally find out first if you’re a good fit for the job and the company. Analyse your plans before as the interviewer with this question figures out the kind of person you’re, whether you plan ahead and set goals which match with the company’s and lastly, whether you want to move out soon or not. The interviewer also tries to gauge how well you understand what they want, whether your growth idea is compatible with the company's goals, etc. Therefore, be cautious and use some of these tips to tackle such questions:

  • Think of the things you as an employer will do for an employee: These include offering trainings and greater responsibilities, shuffling assignments, helping to focus in the individual development plan which includes goals and also putting you in an effective mentor-mentee relationship. Fame your answer keeping these things in mind.
  • From this question, your potential employer wants to know your long-term professional plans and whether hiring you will suit them or not.Talk about your career ambitions and discipline and how well you’re prepared to take up the responsibility. Also, how working with this particular company fits into your professional development. Keep in mind that this question asks you how well you know yourself and the answer justifies whether you are just floating along or have a serious career plan.
  • Where you see yourself in the company? Remember this, as the interviewer will not accept “In the next five years, I will be off to the US, patenting a product” Rather, they would prefer, “Depending on my performance and the opportunities provided, I’ll carry on the duties responsibly.” Even if you know, you wouldn’t be there, stress that you’ll stick around as no employer wants to hear that. Use the interviewer to get where you want.
  • If you’re a nerve wreck, settle for a quasi-pat answer. Say, “I want to see myself advancing in my career goal, learn new things and take on new responsibilities.” Or maybe, “I will take advantage of the available opportunities and contribute handsomely”
  • Injecting a little humour works at times depending on the interviewer’s mood. Judge that first. An answer like, "I want to be in your position"might stump the interviewer and make him/her speechless. But follow up with the explanation that with everyone doing a good job, it’s just logical that everyone moves up in the corporate ladder. The optimism and confidence might work. (Also read: How to successfully prepare for interviews)
  • Sometimes being honest helps as truth has its own advantage. Honesty works better than the best prepared scripts with its element of uncertainty. If you are a fresher, you can say, “I’ve no specific plans except that I want to work sincerely in the current profile but be open to opportunities within the organization to advance even if I’ve to switch roles. At this age, I can learn fast and adapt, which are my strengths. I am flexible and will acquire new skills to contribute to the organisation’s success.” Or as a pro you can say,“I’ll strive to refine my skills and be an expert. After proving myself in all the roles, I adorn, I would like to continue contributing in a challenging environment.”

Facing the interview isn't about what you say, but about saying what the interviewer wants to hear. (Also read: What the interviewer wants to know) Remember, honest and natural candidates are always preferred though honesty and personal ambition have no place in the corporate world. And, this dichotomy is the key to the answer. So, just be yourself, look the interviewer in the eyes, connect with him/her and answer with conviction. Give the cue that you’re ambitious but not over- ambitious and know the company's goals. The best answer can be framed taking the company's mission statement, with add-ons like you’re intelligent, hard-working, resourceful and highly motivated.

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