In 5 years where do you see yourself in

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?’

Why Interviewers Ask This Question

Interviewers ask this question for a few different reasons.

For starters, 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.

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? Or are they trying to really just find a placeholder while they’re still searching for something else? We want serious candidates, we want to have some tenure from the candidate in the role they are in,” Phothirath-Burke told Built In. That’s why she asks the question.

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.”

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

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.

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.

“That’s a red flag,” he said.

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.

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.

“Focus on what you’re going to gain knowledge-wise and experientially,” Manoske said.

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.

Connect Short-Term Goals With Long-Term Ambitions

Malecha recently asked a candidate what his goals were. His answer impressed her.

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.”

Where do you see yourself in five years time? Sample interview answers

In my opinion, this is one of the dumbest interview questions you can get. Because nobody knows what will happen in five years time. Just take the recent virus pandemic as an example. We may have goals and dreams, ideals and illusions. But we will always have just a partial control over the things that happen in our life, and no control over the things that happen in the world, and have an impact on us in this age of global economy.

Nonetheless, this question belongs to most popular interview questions and you will often face it. Dumb or not, you should know what you want to say once the hiring managers inquire about your future plans. Let’s have a look at 7 sample answers to this question. Check also my notes below the answers, as they explain what you should focus on in your interview.

7 sample answers to “Where do you see yourself in five years time?” interview question

Connect your future with your prospective employer

Hiring new staff costs money. Once they have a great employee like you onboard, they do not want to see you leave, be in it six months or in five years.

Always when it makes sense and when it is possible, you should connect your future with their company. Pick a senior role, and say that you’d want to have it in five years time. And if you apply for a position that doesn’t offer any career growth opportunities, say that you’d be happy having the same role, doing a great job, perhaps improving on your weaknesses over time, becoming better in your profession.

As long as they see that there’s some loyalty to their organization, and that you do not think already about a job in another company while still applying for the job with them, they will be happy about your answer.

* Special Tip : This isn’t by far the most difficult question you will face while interviewing for any decent job. You will face questions about prioritization, dealing with pressure, solving problems, and other tricky scenarios that happen in the workplace. If you want to make sure that you stand out with your answers and outclass your competitors, have a look at our Interview Success Package. Up to 10 premium answers to 31 tricky scenario based questions (+ more) will make your life much easier in the interviews. Thank you for checking it out!

Having no vision is also fine

Life isn’t a computer game. There are endless variations, and many things can happen to us every day. The fact that you studied a certain subject or made certain decisions in the past, does not determine the job you will (or should) have in five years time.

It’s perfectly fine to say that you are still trying to find your calling, that you aren’t entirely sure about the direction you want to take in your life or professional career. This answer makes perfect sense in big corporations. You can have all kinds of roles with them, so if after three years you see that accounting isn’t for you and want to pursue career in marketing, it will be possible.

Do not talk about your travel around the world trip, or about a successful startup you hope to build one day

If you dream of a career of an entrepreneur, and a job is for you only a mean to an end–to save money and eventually start your own business, I suggest you to not talk about it in an interview.

The same is true when you dream about traveling the world (just like many young people do), and want to save money and hit the road, perhaps searching your true calling, or just to enjoy your time on Earth until we destroy it.

In such cases, you do not have to tell the truth in the interview. If you do not want to lie, you can always say that you aren’t sure. At the moment you are happy to interview for a job with them, and you will see what the future will bring.

Do not be afraid to philosophize a bit

At the end of the day, HR managers and recruiters are people, just like me or you. They can easily get bored in the interviews, especially if they hear the same answer from each job applicant.

That’s why it makes sense to, at least sometimes, come up with an unorthodox answer. Saying that you do not believe in planning and prefer to live in the present moment (see sample answer no. 6), you will surely tell them something they do not hear often from the job applicants. And that’s exactly what you should try to do, at least with some answers, because you want them to recognize you and remember you for something.

Do not be afraid to show creative thinking in an interview, or share some opinion that is far from mainstream. Most HR managers will be happy to finally hear a unique answer from someone :).

Ready to answer this one? Check also 7 sample answers to other tricky interview questions:

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? Sample Answers

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 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 that show employers you’re a good fit for their position and company.

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

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.

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!

Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? Sample Answers

Now that we’ve looked at why employers hiring managers ask where you see yourself in five years and how to answer, let’s finish with a couple of 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:

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….”

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.

Hold Up! Before you go on an interview.

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How to Best Answer «Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?»

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” That’s one’s tough. Getting take-out with my dog? Oh, wait—let’s go with “biggest pop star since Britney Spears.” How does that sound?

Sometimes you can’t see far enough into the future to know what’s for dinner tonight. How do hiring managers expect you to tell them where you’ll be in five years? You don’t own a crystal ball…

Don’t fret. There is a right way to answer, and you’re about to find out what it is!

This article will show you:

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Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? What Are Interviewers Asking?

So, what are interviewers getting at when they ask about your 5 year career goal plan?

Interviewers ask about your future career goals and objectives for two reasons:

Here’s what they don’t want to hear:

So what are interviewers asking?

Well, when interviewers ask, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” They’re really asking, “What are your career goals within this position?”

They want to know that the position will satisfy you and that you’ll work hard and stay with the company for a long time.

Remember, a hiring manager’s success doesn’t depend on how many empty chairs she can fill with warm bodies.

Her success depends on keeping talented employees happy and at work. If you leave, it’s going to cost her company time and money.

So, the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” interview question is how interviewers ask if you’re going to stay in the job.

You’re excited about the position and what you’ll learn in the coming years. You’re eager to become the best at what you do and progress to the next level when appropriate.

In five years, I want to complete the internal training program for my position. I’ve read about it on your website, and I think it’s a fabulous program. Not only would I get all the training for my role, but I would be on the fast track to becoming a project manager. That’s my top career goal. Plus, my ideal path would include working abroad for a couple of years. I understand that it’s of value to you to find people prepared to do so.

Wrong: You’re excited about using the position to move your career forward as soon as possible. You want to be CEO of the company if five years. Nothing less.

My long-term career goal is to become CEO of the company. My mother always told me, “Never settle for less than your best.” So, I plan to claw my way to the top!

Regardless, you want to be careful when answering this question. Because it’s tricky.

Let’s say there’s no clear career path for your position, or you don’t know what you want to do in the long run.

You’ll want to remain vague but realistic.

It’s like when you’re on a date, and the guy asks if you’ll ever want kids or a wedding. He wants to know if you’re on the same page.

His ideal future might include Ikea furniture, dogs, and conversations about preschools. You just want to make it to Burning Man at some point.

You’ll want to follow the same rules when discussing your future during a job interview.

Here are some variations of “where do you see yourself in 5 years:”

Pro Tip: Let’s say the interviewer asks, “Where do you want to be in five years?” And your knee-jerk reaction is to blurt out, “Maui! Tan, retired, and drinking coconut cocktails that come with those tiny umbrellas.”

Depending on where you interview, the hiring manager may or may not find such a response amusing. Remember to gauge your audience.

Want to see how to answer the most common interview questions? Read our guide: “Most Common Job Interview Questions and Best Answers (+20 Examples)”

How to Prepare for the “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years” Interview Question

Start by asking yourself:

“What are my career goals?”

Are they related to the open position? No? That’s okay. Write down a few sample career goals and aspirations. Set them aside.

Now, write down a few long-term career goals and aspirations that could flow from the position. They may not match your 5 year career goal plan, but that’s okay.

Next, you’re going to need to do some research on the company and the open position.

Here’s what you’re looking for:

Let’s use Procter and Gamble as an example.

P&G is your typical big corporation. As such, they have a dedicated career website that allows you to check out career paths.

Let’s say your dream job is to work in Sales at P&G. You do want to stay there for a long time.

The company boasts that they have “one of the world’s best sales training programs.”

So, you read more about the way P&G trains employees.

You find out that P&G personalizes training for each employee.

They also provide mentoring and networking opportunities.

Plus, you notice that the training equals real projects and assignments at an early stage. Make a list of all the things you find attractive.

For example:

When you notice such a wealth of information, stick with what you find. Refer to one of the things you admire in your “where do you see yourself in 5 years” answer.

Now, sales qualifies as a job that might not lead to a higher position. That’s true for a lot of professionals. Other examples include teachers and therapists.

These are jobs where you work with clients and get better at what you do. In that case, your long-term career goal examples should detail improvement in your role.

Use the information provided by the company.

One of the reasons I want to work for P&G is because I find your personalized approach to training attractive. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a mentor and immerse myself in learning new skills. I’m also the type of employee that likes to hit the ground running and jump into projects as soon as possible. So, over the next five years, I see myself taking on as many complex assignments as the position would allow.By the end of that period, I want to say that I’ve built lasting client relationships. I want to say that I’m one of the best Salespeople on the team. I wouldn’t mind becoming someone who could train and mentor others when the time comes as well.

Without doing research, you describe a specific career path that isn’t available.

I see myself becoming an established Sales Associate within a few months. I’m a fast learner and don’t need much training. After that, I would look at becoming a manager. At the end of five years, I want to be the Sales Team Leader or Managing Director.

Let’s say your research doesn’t turn up much. You can’t find any decent information about the company’s career paths. And you’re not sure what sort of opportunities you’ll have to grow inside the business.

Do any of the personal career goals you listed align with the position?

Let’s say they don’t. Let’s say you know this job is a stepping stone. Or maybe you just need something to make ends meet until you finish grad school.

Ask yourself:

Be sure to keep your answer for the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” interview question brief and general.

Talk about how you want to develop yourself as a professional in the context of the position.

For example, you want to learn an extra, relevant skill that will compliment your role. Or you’re interested in taking some general leadership or writing classes.

You can always mention that you want to develop your skill set.

At the same time, avoid implying that you’re preparing for something bigger and better in the future.

Discuss long-term goals related to the company and the position.

As a marketing professional, I want to develop my skill set. At the end of the next five years, I want to know how to use software like Photoshop or InDesign. I want to have a better understanding of social media and video marketing. Plus I’d like to get into project management. I would like to learn on the job. Regardless, I want to look into online or evening courses. My hope is that I can apply my new skills to my job with you.

Discuss long-term goals that have you moving on to bigger and better opportunities.

In five years, I hope to have moved on to a much larger company where I can apply the skills I’ve learned here. I need six years of experience and a developed skill set. I want to use this position as a stepping stone to prepare for a career with the big boys.

One more thing to keep in mind is that you may be the type of job seeker that raises red flags. For example, you’ve only spent six months at your last three jobs, or you have gaps in your career progress.

It’s more likely that you’ll get the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” interview question or a variation of it.

Pro Tip: Some interviewers will even go for the 10 year career goal plan. So, make sure your answers are general enough to accommodate a longer period if necessary.

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How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years” + Examples of Best Answers

In your job hunt you might face different scenarios—be prepared for all of them:

The company doesn’t have a clear path forward for employees in my position.

Here’s how to answer the “where do you see yourself in 5 years” interview question when you don’t know much about the company.

Stick to a response that focuses on how you want to develop a relevant skill set.

As a Chef, I want to develop my skill set. At the end of the next five years, I want to know how to prepare and present dishes for a 5-star restaurant like yours. I also want to finish some specialized managerial training if possible. To achieve this, I’ve decided to do some workshops and online training in my free time. My hope is that my new skills would help me say that I am the best at my job here at Le Bone A Petit.

Talk about side projects that might result in you moving to your dream job.

In the next five years, I want to finish my side project. My hobby is developing games for apps. I have one in the works now that I should have done in the next year or two. That’s my real passion.

Let’s say you do know something about the company’s career paths. But you’re using the position as a stepping stone or a temporary fix.

Perhaps you just need something to get you through grad school.

So, the best answer for “where do you see yourself in 5 years” should include pledges of long-term commitment.

But wait, that sounds like a lie. Now, you should never lie during an interview.

See, the goal is to find something that you can get behind even if you do end up quitting within the next five years.

Imagine that you would stay in the position for five years. Tailor your answer to reflect what you’d do if that were the case.

I saw that you have an employee training program for young accountants. I would love to complete such a program within my first or second year working with you. Plus, one of my professional career goals is to work on a project for a non-profit. So, I would hope that at the end of five years, I would have at least a couple of such projects under my belt.

Well, I was laid off from my last job as an Admin Assistant, so I’ve decided to try out the corporate world. I’ve always been more attracted to startup culture. But when I saw the offer for a position at a Fortune 500 company, I thought why not? Worst case scenario I can always cross working for a corpo off my bucket list.

Let’s say you’re in the middle of switching your career. You don’t know where you’ll be in 5 years because you’re right in the middle of trying to figure that out.

The one advantage you have is that you know that you want to do the job you’re interviewing for right now. So, in your “where do you see yourself in 5 years” answer, you might mention you want to be fully situated in your new career.

I’m applying for a marketing position because I want to put myself on a more creative career path. I have a background in law, so I know that I would be most effective in a law firm. I can apply my legal knowledge to inform my work. That should give me an edge that I wouldn’t have if I started over in a different industry. At the same time, I still need to transition. So, over the next five years, I want to develop my creative skill set in this entry-level position. So, my long-term goal is to become a skillful marketing professional within your company.

My biggest dream is to have opened my restaurant by that time. I’m also still trying to pass the bar exam, which I hope to pass within the next year. We’ll see. That’s why I think that taking a marketing position in a law firm is a good career goal right now. I want law to be my safety job. Just in case nothing else I want to do works out.

In five years? Well, I don’t know. I’m not the forward thinking type. I prefer to be in the moment, and that’s why I’m switching careers and trying new things. I will be 30 in five years. I could be a different person. To be honest, I have no idea where I will be in five years. I just hope that wherever I am, it’s warm!

My five year plan is to be CFO of a major corporation. And with the giant salary I will be given for my services, I will buy a summer home in South Carolina. After which, I will buy whatever the latest model of Mercedes-Benz is at the time. And if you think that’s impressive, you should ask about the ten-year plan.

Pro Tip: Let’s say you’re close to retirement. The “where do you see yourself in 5 years” interview question may seem like an ageist tripwire. And no, it’s not a fair question.

So if you plan to retire in five years, give a response that focusses on how you’ll develop your skill set within the position.

Struggling to answer those tough behavioral interview questions? Check out our guide on the STAR interview method or view all our helpful interviewing tips.

You’ve aced your interview. Now, what? Time to send a thank you email to your interviewer. Here’s how: “How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview (+10 Examples)”

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

Key Takeaway

Keep these points in mind:

Still not sure how to answer the «where do you see yourself in 5 years» question? We can help! Leave us a comment, and we will help you select a few safe career plans before the big day.

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

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

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.

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.

Communicating Your 5 Year Goals

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!

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.