How to Answer: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Starting your own business.

i think you should answer it in company point of view if you are for a job interview as they really want to hear about their company's profit .

You say what they want to hear...
"In 5 years I see myself doing great working for your company. By then, I'll know my job completely and be able to accept grater responsibility and train new people if asked".

The interviewer is looking for ambition..but mostly stability.

Good Job is a good opportunity in our life. But after gaining experience, we should manage our own business for the sake of better opportunity and experience.
Also, I prefer business in the future.

It's a cliche' question used when a company can't innovate in their interviews.

The answer usually given is stock too; 'A leader in your company, Sir!'

hopefully taller, so not standing on a box

Sleeping in a big pile of cash, with many beautiful women.

I don't think it's a very good question for companies to ask potential new hires, but it is a common question.

People can smell BS stock answers a mile away. I try to never give stock answers to questions like that...although I haven't been to a job interview in a very long time.

I might say something like "I understand your company boasts a strong training and development program, so I look forward to taking advantage of that. On my walk here, I saw many 10 year service photos on the wall, so I see myself still working for this company, but in a management position where my leadership and sales skills will set us apart from our current competition. I don't see myself working for your competition in 5 years, but I will be if I'm not working with you"

Give them something they haven't heard before. Be confident. Leave an impression.

build you own business empire

If you cannot answer this question it means you dont have a proper idea of your purpose in life and trust me this its important .You must to decide what you want to do in life

Reminds me of my favorite demotivator.com slogan

"What if my purpose in life is only to serve as a warning to others...."


When an interviewer asks that - he doesn't really want to know....

Umm in future I am seeing that I am starting my own business.

Did you think about your career opportunities? I would answer something like "I see myself working as a Team Leader. I will boost our team productivity and increase brand loyalty". But I am a team leader now. So I recommend to define your goals first. If you don't want to manage a team you shouldn't reply like me.

"...as such an integral part of the orperation, you can't do it without me."

Worm food sounds like a viable option.

I see myself as a good Leader, leading a good hard working team in the next 5 year.

The hiring manager is generally looking for reasons to weed out potential candidates, so the question is actually an opportunity to sell yourself above the others.

There is never a perfect answer, but along with other questions, they are essentially probing to see how you think. Research the company before the interview so you can match your resume closely to perhaps a level just above the job description.

Here's a suggestion on how to wow the recruiter:

"With my experience and training, I believe it is a good fit for this company, and I am looking for a position that is challenging and provides opportunity for growth. I am interested in moving up as a [position with more responsibility].

Another common "test" question to handle with extreme caution is "Do you have any questions?"

Ask lots of questions (not about the company because you should already have done your research), but things like some of the most common challenges about the job, the training available, who you would be working with, etc.

Never ask about salary or benefits. The recruiter usually will mention benefits and range of pay, but wait for the offer to negotiate. At this point, it is all about what you have to bring to the table.

It is a very good plan to have a job which meets all of your basic living expenses while building your business. But that is none of the employer's business.

Just so we're all on the same page, the OP asked this question over 2 months ago and hasn't revisited the thread.

LOL - as opposed to 'oldies' who bump their threads a few hundred times? A bump in the OT is not a big deal - and people that ask questions like the thread title often don't return.

Ummm, let me see, constantly restarts, no safe mode, is evil, nope!

5 years ago I sold my first website, left my parents house for Las Vegas and now still do IM full time and have my own family, house, etc. Five years from now. I'll just owned my property and have made more people money.

My goal right now is to find a position at a company where I can grow and take on new challenges over time. Ultimately, I'd like to assume more management responsibilities and get involved in product strategy. But most importantly, I want to work for an organization where I can build a career.

Fully retired while you're still stuck in this rat race.


OH! oops... I'm already retired since 2009!

Restating the obvious, and oiling my chainsaw!

In my own business..

Answer the truth, do you like that job so much that you plan to stay here for the next 5 years even if there will be a need or no ? How do you plan to go for something like next job if there will be bad review from current one ? I do not think so.

After 5 years, I see myself as a successful person who does not depend on other people. Who can travel to any country and not worry about money. After another 5 years, I want to have a family.