“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”. This is a tricky and the most commonly asked job interview question. So, do not panic if you’re asked this question and don’t give answers like you haven’t thought about it. Instead, give a well structured, realistic answer that sets you apart from the other candidates. 

Through this question, the hiring managers want to understand your career goals and if that aligns with the job they’re offering. They want to ensure that the candidate is motivated and will stick to the organization for a decent amount of time.

Here are a few tips to help you answer this question in the best possible way.

• Display genuine interest in the job 

While answering this question, make your hiring manager believe that you’re genuinely interested in the job and that your long-term career goals match with the company’s goal. Tell them you wish to grow in your current role and are not here just to pass time.  

• Keep your answer simple and realistic

Don’t be very specific while answering and don’t bring up unrealistic expectations. Don’t ever say you want to become a CEO or a senior manager in the next 5 years. Instead, you can mention plans and impact you would make as a resource for the organisation. 

• Focus on skill development

Give your answer based on competencies you wish to learn and improve upon. For example, tell the interviewer that in the next 5 years, you want to deepen your skills and take your knowledge to another level to contribute more towards the organization. This will give good clarity to the hiring manager and help in decision-making.