How to Answer ‘Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years’ Like a Pro

Preparing for the 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' interview question

Most professionals will get the question 'where do you see yourself in five years?' in an interview at least once during their careers. Employers frequently ask this question as a way to gain a better understanding of your future goals and how those goals align with the position you're applying for. While you may not know exactly where you want to be in the next few years, being prepared to answer this question will set you up for success and help support an overall productive interview.

Here we look at why employers ask 'where do you see yourself in five years?', things to keep in mind when answering this question, and several examples you can use as a guide when preparing for your next interview.

Why do employers ask 'where do you see yourself in five years?'

When an interviewer asks you about your professional goals for the next five years, they do so to gain an understanding of a few different things. They often want to learn the following:

If you plan to stay with the company in the long-term

Hiring a new employee can be time-consuming and costly, whether that's filling a new position or replacing a vacated one. On average, employers spend £3,000 and 27.5 days to hire a new worker. Hence, they're looking for a candidate who will be worth the investment in the long term.

Your response to the question 'where do you see yourself in five years' will help decision-makers determine whether you have the potential to be a valuable asset for the company for an extended period of time. So, if you can't see yourself in that position or with that company for at least the next few years, this is valuable information an employer would want to know before hiring you.

If your goals align with what the company has to offer

You'll likely have a few set goals in mind in terms of how you want to grow within the position you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for an entry-level position but would like to work your way up to a management position over the next five years, the interviewer can provide information as to whether that's a possibility at that particular company. Additionally, if you start in one position and have the goal of transferring to a completely different position in another department or field, you'll want to know if that's an option available with that particular employer.

Both of these factors help employers determine if an employee is a right fit for the company in the long term. The information the employer provides based on these factors will also help you decide if that company is right for your professional goals.

If you are genuinely interested in the role

When you think of the desirable traits employees look for in a candidate, you probably put relevant experience and accomplishments at the top of your list. These qualifications are certainly important. However, employers are also curious to know if your interests align with the job.

Your plan for the next five years allows interviewers to get a better understanding of your motives and excitement regarding the opportunity. This provides them with an assurance that you will have a rewarding experience at work and stay with the company long-term. 

How to answer 'where do you see yourself in five years?' in an interview

It's best to prepare for interview questions such as 'where do you see yourself in five years?' before getting to the actual interview. This ensures you provide well-thought-out answers and successfully convey the message you're trying to get across to the hiring manager. The following are steps you can take to prepare for and answer this interview question:

1. Get clear about your career goals.

Take some time to brainstorm what your career goals are for the next five years. Do you want to gain new skills? Are you interested in eventually moving into a managerial position? Do you want to work on particular projects? Are you interested in working in a particular industry?

You could also answer this question by thinking about what you'd like to see on your CV in five years. Do you want to obtain particular certificates or hold a certain job title? Make a list of these aspirations.

2. Find connections between your goals and the job description.

To help tie in your goals with the job you're applying for, look at the job description and see if you can find any traits and skills you already possess as well as those you want to get more experience in. This will allow you to relate your goals to the position you're applying for in the interview.

3. Think about your interests and how they could develop in the role.

There's always an opportunity for growth and continuous learning in any job. Reflect on the specific area of interest you want to focus on in the position you're interviewing for. Taking the time to reflect on your interests can help you generate ideas about where you want to be in five years.

For instance, you are a marketing professional who is interested in information technology. As a result, you may want to work with the marketing software that helps the business successfully execute campaigns. Especially if this is part of the job description, don’t lose the opportunity to mention it.

4. Demonstrate enthusiasm with your response.

A positive and enthusiastic attitude is a fundamental component of success in any workplace. Hence, employers consider enthusiastic candidates as someone who is likely to work more effectively and be committed to carrying out the company's goals. For this reason, it is essential to show enthusiasm with your answer. Use positive language and an upbeat tone to emphasise your passion and motivation for applying. 

5. Consider whether the company can help you achieve your career goals.

It's important to be honest about whether the company you're applying with can prepare you for your career goals over the next five years. If your goals don't jive with what you have learned about the role and the company, you may want to reconsider the position or let the employer know up-front that you may not be with that company for a five-year period. Either way, make sure to remain professional and positive when providing your response.

Example answers

The following are example answers to the interview question 'where do you see yourself in five years?':

Example answer 1:

'In five years, my goal is to successfully obtain two certificates that are related to my position. I took some time to review your website before this interview, and I noticed that you offer your employees education advancement opportunities that include pursuing certifications to further their careers. Using the resources your company provides its employees, I truly believe that I can pursue my career goals and eventually move into a management position within your organisation over the next few years.'

Example answer 2:

'My ultimate goal for the next five years is to master my position and advance into a managerial role within my department. I was drawn to the personalised training approach your company outlines on its website, and I truly believe this approach to training will allow me to learn new skills and grow within this position. Over the next five years, I see myself taking on new and exciting projects within your company that will prepare me for a management role with the organisation.'

Example answer 3:

'A few of the goals I've set for myself over the next few years include leading a writing team and gaining new project management skills within my position. I'm excited about the opportunities this job would provide me, as I believe they will support my long-term career goals and allow me to grow within your company and give back by utilising the skills I'll gain.'

Example answer 4:

'Reading about your company, I saw that you provide a leadership and development programme for your employees. I would love the opportunity to work on meaningful assignments and complete such a programme within my first or second year working with you. I believe this will help me set my career off on the right foot and help me grow into a future leader in my field in the next three to five years.'

Example answer 5:

'I've always been passionate about technology, which is why this position captivated my interest. In the next five years, I would love the opportunity to lead a project team responsible for developing and implementing technologies that would make your processes more efficient. This is a natural fit given my project management background and expertise.'

Example answer 6:

'In the next five years, I would like to be recognised as a thought leader and expert in this sector. With the learning and development programme your company offers, I believe this job will provide me with the opportunity to do that. Since I already have several years of experience, I am also excited at the prospect of taking on greater managerial responsibilities within the next few years.