Where do you see yourself in 5 years

Interview Preparation Management
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years

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This is probably one of the most common questions asked in an interview. At the same time its a tricky question. Recommend following pointers -

  1. Create a possible scenario for this in terms of place of employment (i.e. industry) / type of work you are doing / seniority. Such scenario should be realistically possible as well as it should be ambitious.
  2. Also important that you estimate which skills would you have acquired by then… new skills/new lessons learnt.
  3. Be aware that such a scenario may not actually pan out - this becomes a point of discussion in interview “what if this does not happen” - The answer to this requires a good balance between being confident/assertive and accepting that ur scenario may not eventually pan out. Focus on your key skills and highlight how you will capitalise on them.
  4. Given that industries and jobs are changing so very fast (due to impact of technology) - Its rather difficult (And not so relevant) as to where do you see yourself 5yrs down the line. Its not a bad idea to highlight this - and mention that as long as your key skills are used, you are happy and you are learning, it may not matter ‘where’ you are. In such a response, you are highlighting what skills you will be working on 5yrs down the line, rather than the industry / workplace.