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

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This can feel like a bit of a trick question, because sometimes the answer is, "not in this job," or, "in your job," or something like, "at a bigger better opportunity elsewhere." But none of those are things you actually want to say to a hiring manager.



What do you guys suggest??
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  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    Originally Posted by micjustin33 View Post

    This can feel like a bit of a trick question, because sometimes the answer is, "not in this job," or, "in your job," or something like, "at a bigger better opportunity elsewhere." But none of those are things you actually want to say to a hiring manager.

    What do you guys suggest??
    Starting your own business.

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  • Profile picture of the author harryking1
    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 .
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  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
    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.
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    • Profile picture of the author Odahh
      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

      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.
      i guess this must apply to the industry and age of the applicant ..considering that average person under 40-45 only stays in the same job an average of 3 years . and there is no ladder in many companies any more ..
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  • Profile picture of the author jackharry
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    Originally Posted by micjustin33 View Post

    This can feel like a bit of a trick question,

    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!'
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  • Profile picture of the author hardraysnight
    hopefully taller, so not standing on a box
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    • Profile picture of the author whateverpedia
      Originally Posted by hardraysnight View Post

      hopefully taller, so not standing on a box
      Looks like Riffle has hacked into hardraysnight's account.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Albany
    Sleeping in a big pile of cash, with many beautiful women.
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    • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
      Originally Posted by Jack Albany View Post

      Sleeping in a big pile of cash, with many beautiful women.
      Sleeping being the operative...
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  • Profile picture of the author palmtreelife
    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.
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    • Profile picture of the author Justin Lewis
      Originally Posted by palmtreelife View Post

      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.
      I really like that response haha. If someone tossed that in, I'd immediately show them a bit more respect because it shows they're confident. Unless it's said or meant to be said in a threatening way, then I'd just let them go about their day and move on haha.
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  • Profile picture of the author senupal
    build you own business empire
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  • Profile picture of the author spartan14
    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
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by spartan14 View Post

      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
      Whatever purpose you might think you have in life has got precisely nothing to do with some spotty stranger sitting across you at an interview desk.
      .
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    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....
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  • Profile picture of the author Couponsbiss
    Umm in future I am seeing that I am starting my own business.
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  • Profile picture of the author CherryMiss
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author IGotMine
    "...as such an integral part of the orperation, you can't do it without me."
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  • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
    Worm food sounds like a viable option.
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by OptedIn View Post

      Worm food sounds like a viable option.
      Arr, great you have made Claude hungry again.

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      • Profile picture of the author OptedIn
        Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

        Arr, great you have made Claude hungry again.

        Nowhere, did I mention 'Snake Treats!'
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  • Profile picture of the author jackharry
    I see myself as a good Leader, leading a good hard working team in the next 5 year.
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  • Profile picture of the author myob
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    Just so we're all on the same page, the OP asked this question over 2 months ago and hasn't revisited the thread.
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Just so we're all on the same page, the OP asked this question over 2 months ago and hasn't revisited the thread.
      Yeah, looks like we are back to newbies bumping old threads again.

      I said that we should have a large red, popup with skulls and crossbones with Pane of Death references show up for newbies, but no one listens to me.

      Flashing large, red popup, that would work?

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      • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
        Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

        ... with Pane of Death references ...
        Is that like the Window of Doom?
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        • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
          Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

          Is that like the Window of Doom?
          The Blue Screen of Death
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Just so we're all on the same page, the OP asked this question over 2 months ago and hasn't revisited the thread.
      It doesn't matter if we are on the same page. You can't read anyway.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kay King
    looks like we are back to newbies bumping old threads again.

    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
    Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

    Is that like the Window of Doom?
    Ummm, let me see, constantly restarts, no safe mode, is evil, nope!

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  • Profile picture of the author ZephyrIon
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesan
    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.
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    Fully retired while you're still stuck in this rat race.


    OH! oops... I'm already retired since 2009!
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    Restating the obvious, and oiling my chainsaw!

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  • Profile picture of the author saaryan
    In my own business..
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  • Profile picture of the author Maca56
    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.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaxFeerden
    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.
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