Anyone have a good answer to the question

goheels05

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"I get asked this at every interview and it always stumps me.  I mean, I could be honest and say "I plan on retiring to be a SAHW/SAHM as soon as my student loans are paid off, and if I get this job, that will be in about 4 years."  I don't think that would get me the job though.

AlexiaANDRobert

If it's interview related, I usually prepare myself and name the next position.  For example, I'm applying for an Assistant Project Manager - "I see myself being the lead Project Manager on small jobs and learning and gaining more experience for larger projects." If it's personal, I almost always say "Folding laundry while my baby sleeps in his/her cradle" or something equally corny and mommy-related. I really want to be a SAHM.

ac_in_dc

Just talk about long-term career goals that are bigger than the job you're applying for. That's what they're looking for. Listing 2 or 3 things is perfect. One is too restrictive. What's your line of work?

mandysmear

I hate that question because I don't see myself in Calgary.  So yeah who will give me a  job? 

aMrsin09

Yeah, last time I got that question I almost blurted out "sailing in the Southern Ocean".  Instead I came up with "working with and contributing to a company that values me and my abilites as much as I value their mission and dedication to that mission...blah, blah ,blah" I got the job.

ffmaid

Consider talking up how you woudl make an impact on the company. I am hoping to help grow X company into a national powerhouse, I am planning to develop this diagnostic and move it into phase 3 trials within 5 years . Keep it work related and high goal of the company driven. Nobody cares if you want kids they want to know where you see your position in teh company and what you see as the big longer term goal Do not say promotions as it may be that is your hiring bosses job you want. Say big accomplishments

temerityjane

"Celebrating the 5 year anniversary of you asking me that question."

jajph1974

Just say something about growing with the company.

LesPaul

My boss told me that he asked that question once and the person said "I want to have your job".

BecW2be

I always tell them I'd like to be in a company where I can develop a strong marketing department and evolve that department into one with an art director position, which is what I want to do. Go one step up the ladder and say you'd like to be that at the company, or develop that position if it doesn't exist. It shows you researched and have initiative. Whether you mean it or not.

salt78

I don't even know what I'm having for lunch today. Thankfully I've never been asked that in an interview.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt

Lie through your teeth on this one if you have to They're looking to hear two things: one, that you're committing to this line of work and in particular, this company. And two, that you don't see yourself becoming stagnent in your current role - employers are wanting a great investment, and someone who is willing to better themselves is a good investment for the company, particularly if the potential employee plans to be loyal.

goheels05

TJ I love it.  My husband's answer was "In your position."Just talk about long-term career goals that are bigger than the job you're applying for. That's what they're looking for.That doesn't work in this case.  Last time I was asked this, I answered like that, and they were like, "well, there's not really much room for advancement in this position because there are only 7 managers in the entire state, bla bla bla"  Frankly, I don't care about "advancement."  As long as I'm getting annual raises (and this place give them bi-annually, which is even better) you can call me pooper scooper and I don't care.  It's just a title.  So that's why I'm stumped.  There's no, like, senior position to the one I'm applying for.  There's room for lateral movement, but not vertical movement.  Which frankly is fine with me, but still doesn't give me a good answer for the interview.

vallyhoo

Barefoot and pregnant.I've also never been asked that in an interview - it seems silly.

Soon-to-be Mrs. Vogt

Even if there's no specific position for it, think about how you could improve yourself. Continuing education in your field? Volunteering somewhere using your expertise? Skills you'd want to develop, projects you'd like to take on, improvements to the job you can see based on the job description, etc.

ac_in_dc

Well then just say you'd like to pursue this line of work for a while, because you think there will be room to grow within the position. And if there's no room for promotion, then make your long-term goals outside of the company. Choose something that makes you sound like an interesting and fun person to work with. And make it clear that you intend to stay in this job for a while if you're hired, b/c it fits your short-term goals.

vallyhoo

More serious answer - maybe they are just looking for validation that you will be around for 5 years? That this isn't a temporary gig... like, if you have plans to move as some people have said, they might want you to slip up and let that out then.I do some HR work and with the onslaught of resumes and interviewees that we have, it really takes a lot to differentiate two people who are equally qualified. I guess I would say something like, "Well, my husband and I are from this area and we plan on staying here for the at least the next five years. We love it here." Then that might change the subject... ?

eastunder1

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"Celebrating the five year anniversary of you asking me this question!!  (bonus points for naming the comic)

temerityjane

east - Mitch Hedberg, of course. No day is complete without a little bit of Mitch injected in it.

goheels05

I do some HR work and with the onslaught of resumes and interviewees that we have, it really takes a lot to differentiate two people who are equally qualified. I guess I would say something like, "Well, my husband and I are from this area and we plan on staying here for the at least the next five years. We love it here." Then that might change the subject... ?Ahhhhhh love this.  You are awesome.  That's the perfect answer, and it's not even a lie!

beth919

I've always said something along the lines of, "Well, I didn't know where I would be 5 years ago, so it's hard to predict where I'll be 5 years from now. But, I'd like to be in a job that is satisfying where I feel like I'm making a contribution." This has never failed.

goheels05

Well, I was all prepared and they didn't even ask it.  They asked me to describe a time when I missed a deadline though.  "Umm, well one time I was totally wasted at the bar, and then I thought, oh chit, tomorrow's April 15th!  I've got some tax returns to do!  But then I couldn't because I was SOOOOO wasted.  So we lost the client."I mean really.  WTF. 

vallyhoo

Booo. I really don't care for questions like that, because people that have prepared extensively know that you should phrase it as a positive. Along the lines of, "What's your biggest weakness?" - typical answer: "Well, I am just too dedicated to my work, and I work tirelessly to get any job done." Um, no. That's not a weakness you brown noser.You should have said, "I've never missed a deadline. Ever."But continued good luck to you!