How many interviews have you been through? Can you remember the number? Can you remember the questions you were asked?
I guess most of us can’t remember most of the questions but there’s this one certain question that we were all asked and we all remember.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
The first time we came across this question, I’m pretty sure our minds just went blank. This question was pretty common back in the days, but is it still common these days? And is it necessary to actually ask it?
Why is the interviewer asking you this question?
Part of being accepted in a job aside from your skills and talents is your passion. Your passion to grow and learn more to gain more experience. The interviewer will be looking for this passion in your answer, also your answer will show how much knowledge you know about the job you are applying for and what titles you will be getting when you get more experience.
So, based on your research of the role, you should give a general answer that is related to the job, assert that you are looking for a long-time career where you can become a veteran and build your own future. Make the interviewer feel that you are serious about the job and that you’re committed.
Is this question Important?
Not every interviewer asks this question, so is it important or not, it really depends on what the interviewer wants to get from your answer.
But, let’s state some facts, not everyone can plan 5 years ahead; nothing is guaranteed. It is important to know where you want to head when you start your career. So, by answering the question, you’re not sticking to the 5 years period, it is more of planning how you want your future to be.
There are many questions that can deliver the same answer, not just this one. So, technically, your answer is more important than the questions, and planning is important than both the question and the answer.
Can we determine How We want our future to be with these circumstances?
The world had turned upside down in a blink of an eye, so, what you plan now, can change tomorrow. The answer to this question is yes. Since nothing is guaranteed, you should make some plans so you can avoid any possible losses in the future. Since the whole world is kind of on a break, you have the time to determine what you want to do, do you want this job or your passion lies somewhere else?
You should put all your passion and effort into something that actually matters to you because when you face a crisis, you will be able to overcome it.
Should you know what you want to be in 5 years?
No, but, should you know what you want to be in general? Yes.
Passion and goals change, we are aware of that, but with every new passion and goal, you should know what you want to achieve from them and what you want to become especially if you’re about to start your career.
You will face a lot of confusion and it is normal, but you have to know how you want your life and future to be eventually.
In the end, don’t panic when someone asks you this question, remember that your answer comes from what you’re passionate about in your career. As long as you’re starting a career you love, then your answer will be perfect.
