“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” 1 Tricky Question, 4 Winning Answers

“How do you see yourself 5 years from now?”

This is a question that can throw off even the most seasoned jobseekers. You’ve already just passed that “Tell Me About Yourself” query with flying colours, but here comes a curveball: All of a sudden, the hirer comes out with this brain teaser that leaves you scratching your head in response. Because at this juncture of your professional life–and considering the global events that can alter plans in a matter of days–can you really afford to look five years ahead and see where you will be?

The full picture may remain blurry at this point, but the way you answer this question offers a glimpse of your career aspirations. This query is especially helpful when assessing a candidate’s “hireability”– that quality that employers look for whether an applicant is a worthy addition and investment to the company.

According to Pamela Skillings, a top interview coach from the US, hirers ask this question during interviews to learn about your career goals to help them gauge if the job at hand aligns with your plans. It’s a way for them to know whether an applicant would be motivated enough to work hard and stick around long enough if hired.

To help with your job interview game plan, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to prepare your answers to this tough job interview question. Turn to the guideline below to help you craft a reasonable response when faced with the “How do you see yourself 5 years from now?” question.

How to craft an acceptable answer?

Keep it real

While companies prefer to hire candidates who will stay for the long haul, you don’t have to make your answer all about the role and the company to make an impression. It might be tempting to say, “I see myself in a position of power in this company,” but do know that this might come off as a display of arrogance and ignorance–both considered candidate pet peeves by employers.

Ambition is a much sought-after trait in job applicants, but at this point in the process, it’s best to manage one’s expectations and deliver a thoughtful, realistic answer. The key ingredient here is purpose. Hirers “want to know that you’re not just applying for jobs randomly and taking whatever you can get,” says Alison Green of US News and Ask a Manager. Back it up with the steps you plan to take (taking on advanced degrees or seminars, for example) to achieve these goals and you are sure to impress the socks out of your interviewer.

Be ready to put in the work

It also helps to position yourself as a hard worker who will put in the dues to achieve your goals. Emphasise that you’re willing to move up the ranks in the working world to turn your future dreams into a reality. Again, having ambition is great, but understand that perseverance is the key to success and that you can’t reach the top at the snap of a finger. Aim for an answer that stresses growth and your desire to contribute to the goals of the company.

Matching your goals with the company’s vision

Hirers prefer people who match up to their company’s goals and vision. Remember that hiring is a matter of recruiting people who would contribute well to the company’s success while minimising losses at the same time.

In short, they want to make sure you will be a good investment when they take you in. An applicant whose future goals differ greatly from the company’s mission (e.g. Responding with, “I see myself as a travelling food writer, going across Europe on my bike,” for hospital work) may be seen as a risk for hiring. It’s always best to research the job and the company before even starting the application process. Knowing everything there is to know will help you come up with a suitable answer to the question.

Offer a grounded answer

Hirers know that not all of us may have gifts of foresight, and that’s perfectly fine. However, you must position yourself as somebody who is hopeful for their future and is keen on working to turn it into a reality. There is a tendency to come off vague with a statement like, “I hope to someday be able to enjoy the fruits of my labour and live a life that I’m proud of,” but it’s a great response that answers the question and still presents you as a person with goals and ambition.

What are employers looking for in your answer?

Most job interview questions are best answered with specific responses. Vague responses are considered lazy and uninspired. For the question “How do you see yourself 5 years from now?” it is acceptable to offer a general answer that highlights personal characteristics more than specific points of action.

Here now are specific traits employers are looking for, supported by some “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” sample answers:

Hard work

You would want to emphasise in your answer that you will put in as much effort not only to comply with the responsibilities of the job, but also to excel in every task moving forward. While this is easy to say, a better answer would involve what you will do.

Example answer #1:

“While I foresee that the next years will be filled with challenges, I aspire to face them head on and put in all the work required to still achieve commendable results. I am a person who believes that the best outcomes are not based on luck, but the quality of work put in. There will be a lot of work to do to get through the next five years, and I am eager to start soonest.”

Willingness to learn

How open are you to learning new things? This is something your answer can hinge on. A jobseeker who is open to being taught new skills along the way is a bankable addition to any organisation.

Example answer #2:

“Over the next few years, I plan to explore and develop skills in project management. In five years, I would have gained experience in leading projects for top clients. As such, I plan to take on opportunities that will enhance my skill set and expand my responsibilities.”

Sincerity

Tell it as it is. If you feel you should be in a management position in five years, say it and be proud of it–sans the arrogance. But also back it up by substantive reasoning for how and why.

Example answer #3:

“In five years, I hope to become a leader in this company with the task of managing multiple teams and winning larger projects. I believe that the next position of being a Senior Project Manager would make that possible, and I will do my best to work in that direction. It may be challenging, but it’s one I see myself striving towards in the coming years.”

Loyalty

Are you planning to only use this job as a stepping stone? This is your chance to establish yourself as an employee who remains loyal to a company and does not jump from one job to another for trivial reasons.

Example answer #4:

“I appreciate your question and recognise that it is important to look towards the future. I am a person who does not break the trust given to me. I know that hiring a new employee is an investment for the company, and I will seek to make that worthwhile throughout the years I will be with this organisation.”

Enthusiasm

How do you deal with uncertainties? Do you cower in terror and clam up? Or do you step up and take on the task with full gusto? An answer that highlights the way you use up your energies when faced with difficulties is acceptable here.

Example answer #5:

“In five years, I see myself successful in this career I have chosen to tread on. It fills me with excitement that I have been given this chance to achieve my professional goals early on. I am also eager to go through every triumph and defeat with a clear focus on a successful career in five, ten, or fifteen years.”

Summary

There are many ways to approach this seemingly tricky question, so choose one that suits your situation best. But much more important than having an impressive answer to a job interview question is having a goal that drives you to always do great work.

While you can’t exactly foretell what will happen in five years, having plans can set you off on a path of constant improvement and innovation. During times of uncertainty, your dreams serve as your guide to becoming a better, brighter version of yourself. And that’s always something worth looking forward to.

Get started on your job application by updating your JobStreet profile. #LetsGetToWork and find you a job that will help you grow in the next five years. And for more job interview tips, check out the Interview Practice Tool, so you’re ready for any question thrown your way.