Where do you see yourself in five years? how answer smoothly

Sometimes the honest answer to this is “Hopefully not doing this.” especially with entry-level jobs.

Don’t think the hiring manager doesn’t know it, though. There are diplomatic ways to go around it.

In general, the motivation behind this question is for the interviewer to assess whether you are an ambitious person or not and whether you have realistic expectations for your career.

Make sure to avoid any of the cliche answers such as…

“In your seat!”

Or

“As the big boss man”

Instead, think realistically about what the next step after this position is, and whether it is possible to reach it within the company you are applying at.

Within the next 5 years, I’d like to reach the position of a Senior Business Consultant. During the time period, I would like to accomplish the following:*

Help 20+ organizations improve their business*

Create a personal network of highly specialized professionals*

Learn as much as I can about optimizing and improving clients’ businesses, as well as the essentials of operating a company