Interview Questions: ‘Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?’

By Ruoro Kairu 

When interviewing for your next job, the questions asked can be unexpected and tailored to your profession. However, there are some questions that cut across different professions. These questions can be anticipated in almost any interview you attend.

As a result, it is important to prepare for these questions. One of the questions you can expect is “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

It is important to mention that fewer interviewers are asking this question. According to Ms. Prisca Kimaiyo, a recruitment manager at Corporate Staffing Services, the question can be perceived as subjective.

“Many professionals do not plan five years ahead. When we ask this question, the candidate will either come up with a generic answer or form a bizarre response on the spot.” Says Ms. Prisca.

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However, while the question is dying down at most interviews, you could still meet an employer or recruiter who asks the question.

How then, should you answer this question?

First, it is important to note; for effective execution of your answer, it should not be an answer you come up with at that moment. Give some thought to the answer long before you enter the interview room.

Secondly, there are some areas you should steer clear of while answering the question. For example, answering you’d like to be the CEO in five years should not be part of your answer. Not only does the answer have little emotional appeal, but it is also considered a cliché and shows you didn’t really contemplate the question.

Other areas you should stay away from include saying you’d like to be working for another organization, or working on a project that does not relate to your scope of work.

If you’re applying for an accounting job, for instance, your answer should not include your plans to write a novel or start your own business.

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Now, let us delve into how you should actually answer the question.

The most effective answer begins with an interest in the position you’ve applied for, and the organization.

To an employer, it is an added advantage when you show you’re interested in the position. One of the best ways to show your interest is by keenly going through the job requirements. This too should be done long before the interview begins.

If you tailor your answers to the job description and relevant keywords, you’ll dazzle the interviewer and create a memorable and positive impression.

You can look at the growth opportunities in the company. For example, if you’ve applied for the position of an accounts assistant, your goal can be getting to the senior accountant position.

Talk to your networks in the same profession; see how long it should ideally take to move up from the accounts assistant position, to the senior accountant. Then, model your answer upon this.

Here’s an example of how to answer the question;

“While I have worked as an accountant for two years, most of my experience has been with startups and SMEs. As an accounts assistant in a large organization, I will get a chance to hone my skills from the ground up.

In five years, I would like to have excelled in my use of both essential accounting software and general soft skills that will help me execute my tasks more effectively. Moreover, I plan on being closer to leading the accounting department, under the leadership of the current senior accountant.”

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To end with, it is important to always be prepared for any question that can be asked in an interview. Practicing on the general questions will help build your confidence.

For more advice on how to answer both general and specific interview questions, book an interview coaching session with us.