“Where do you see yourself in five years?” It’s a classic interview question, yet it continues to stump applicant after applicant. The only reason is because if you, as an applicant actually do have a five year goal, you have no idea if it is in line with what the company views as the right answer. But the irony is, this doesn’t matter at all. Let’s say, for instance, that your five year plan is to move into management, whereas the company is looking for employees whose plans focus on expanding skills within their fields, not moving up. Go ahead and state your goal anyway.
Remember that you are interviewing them—it doesn’t just go one way. If their goals for you are not in line with your goals for yourself, there is nothing wrong with stating it. They may do one of three things:
- They may thank you and send you on your way, never to call you again.
- They may like your spunk and strong sense of goals enough to hire you anyway.
- They may actually create a job with a career path that is in line with your stated goals if they really want you to join the team.
Never underestimate a company that likes you, as an applicant. Many times they will do whatever it takes to ensure that you come aboard.
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- About Business Careers and the Dreaded Interview