Good Answers to Interview Questions

Where do you see yourself 3-5 years from now?

There is a tendency to answer this question by telling future employers what they want to hear, instead of just telling them how you really feel.

The problem with this question is most people are afraid if they don't express aspirations to climb the corporate ladder, they will be seen as weak, or lacking in ambition.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

It is true that companies will sometimes hire people who are promotable to the next 1-2 job levels; however, there is nothing wrong with wanting to be your best at your current job level for the foreseeable future.

Actually, many successful people simply enjoy being individual contributors, and have no desire to manage people...ever.

This is especially true with engineers, lawyers, technicians, teachers, writers, software developers, accountants, and many other professionals.

The most important thing to remember when you are asked, where do you see yourself 3-5 years from now?, is you are first and foremost being interviewed for the current job opening.

This company has a burning need to fill this job as quickly as possible. The longer it remains open, the more problematic it is for the company.

When developing good answers to interview questions like this, avoid saying to the hiring authorities:

• I want your job some day
• I want to be the CEO, unless you are an Executive VP or on the Board of Directors
• As high as I can go
• I want to own my own company some day

Remember, you are being hired to help this company grow, prosper, and solve their problems.

Right now they are looking at you from the perspective of, what can you do for us? If you have entrepreneurial urges or other creative business ideas, keep them to yourself for now.

On the other hand, if your career goals do include management, or even executive level positions, make sure your time frame is reasonable.

3 good answers to interview questions like this:

• First and foremost, I want to contribute as much as I can to your company in the position I'm applying for. Once mastered, I see myself in a supervisory or management role. I'm a good leader and enjoy managing people and projects.
• Although my initial focus would be to work to my full potential in the job I'm applying for, I would very much like to move into a supervisory or management role in 3-5 years...or less. I enjoy supporting other team members, and strive to set a good example for others.
• My first goal will be to meet or exceed your expectations in the position I'm applying for. After that, I would enjoy the responsibilities of management. I'm patient with others and like the challenges of leadership.

Notice in the examples above, how each answer first focuses on the task at hand, followed by the logical next step up the ladder.

A true leader is more concerned with others than himself.