There are some questions you will hear nearly every time you are in the interview hot seat. “Where do you see your career going in the next five years,” is one of those guaranteed questions. It can be a frustrating and tricky question to answer but with some forethought, you can answer this question like a pro.
Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?
Hiring managers ask this question because they want to know if you have plans to stay with the organization and whether your long-term goals align with the company’s direction. Essentially, they are really asking what your career goals are within the position you are interviewing for.
What Not To Say
The answer you craft should be honest but should not be any of the following responses:
- I see myself sitting where you are sitting right now.
- I see myself as CEO.
- I plan on moving to New York or Los Angeles to pursue a singing career.
- I’ll be living on a beach. I just want this job to earn enough money to move.
- I don’t know.
- I haven’t thought about it.
Responses like those will not endear you to the hiring manager and will likely not land you an offer.
How To Answer The Question Well
Remember, the answer should be genuine and should reflect your unique goals. As you think about how you will answer, you want to keep a few points in mind. First, you need to show that you are content with the position as it stands today while still showing enthusiasm and an interest to grow long-term. Second, you must also show that your personal career goals fit in with where the company is going. You can also earn bonus points by demonstrating some of your research in your answer. For example:
One of the reasons why I applied to ABC Company is that I’ve read a lot about how much you value training and development. I am excited about the opportunity to continually learn new skills. Over the next five years, I see myself taking on a series of more and more complex assignments as possible so that I am continually pushing myself while adding value.
Are You Looking To Grow Your STEM Career?
If you are an engineer or tech pro seeking new opportunities to grow your career and you’re ready to work with a professional recruiter, contact the engineering recruiting experts at Selectek today. We can help shorten your search time and increase the chances that you’ll find your ideal opportunity.
