“Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” What The Employer Is Looking For

Have you had some time to think about where you want to be in the next 5 years? It’s a big vision, isn’t it? It could be that you want to buy your own house in 5 years, married or in a better job.

But why does the employer care about where you see yourself in 5 years? Why does it matter to them? Is it that they are trying to strike a friendly conversation with you to get to know you better?

The truth of the matter is that the employer asks this question as a way of gauging whether or not they should hire you. Why? Let’s find out, shall we?

“Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?”- Why the employer wants to know.

Let’s get into the dating scene for a moment. A lady looks for a man whose vision lines up with hers. She will be looking to find out where this man sees himself in the next 5 years or 10. When do they intend to settle down? How many children do they want to have? What are their career plans?

A lady will not be asking these questions as a way of striking a conversation, to get to know the man better. No. She is looking for a suitable partner who is headed in the same direction as she is.

If a lady intends to get married within the next two years and the man says that he is still young to marry and has like 10 more years until he can settle down, a lady knows automatically that the young man is the wrong candidate for her.

And this is the same with an interview. 

What the employer is looking for

They are looking for a business partner or an employee whose vision lines up with the companies. An employer is not looking for a person whose 5-year plan is to be in a different profession. They want someone sustainable. Someone who has can grow within the company.

It’s that simple. They want your 5-year goal to be centered along the same lines with the companies.

This question is often asked as a way of eliminating candidates.

Read Also>>> How To Discuss The Salary Question In An Interview

How then do you end up as the final candidate?

1. Don’t ignore this question

Some job seekers end up smiling or giggling when the hiring manager asks them this question because they think it’s too personal. They probably think to themselves, “I can’t tell this employer that I want to have kids in 5 years, it’s too personal.” This then makes them avoid the question which comes off as being ignorant and unresponsive, which the employer views as a red flag.

2. Don’t talk about your big dreams and aspirations that are not beneficial for the employer

Sure, you want to drive a Mercedes in 5 years, but that’s a personal vision that the employer does not care about.

Be present and talk about those goals that the employer can benefit from, that’s what the employer is looking for.

For example, if you are good with social media marketing and you interview for a hotel job that does not have a social media page, your 5-year goal can be to make sure that the hotel is visible online and on all social media platforms to attract new and old customers, thus increasing sales.

What Are Your Career Goals?

Now that we know what the employer is looking for, how can you identify your career goals?

1. Research on the company

Find out what the opportunities for the company are and see how you can fit some of your skills to be part of the future growth of the company.

2. Be Realistic

Set realistic goals for yourself in this company – the goals you are sure you can attain in those 5 years.

3.Be enthusiastic

Remember that you are pitching yourself to this company. Be excited about it. Let the employer know that you would be glad to join them and be a part of its upward success.

Below is a sample answer to “Where do you see yourself in 5 years” Interview question

“I’m really driven to achieve both mine and the company’s goals, and it is my belief that this stability will allow me to do so as I grow within this role.  Five years down the road I see myself growing into a supervisor or manager where I’ll be able to use my skills to support and influence others.”

Related Article >>> Interview Tips: 5 Quick and Easy Tips That Will Help You Nail Your Job Interviews in 2017

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Susan is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya. Email: susan@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke