Where do you see yourself in five years?

by Madhavi
(Andhrapradesh)

State your career objectives for next 3-5 years.

Response from Carl: Thanks Andhrapradesh. This is one of those interview questions that tends to pop up quite frequently. I'm not sure why people ask if since they're presumably hiring someone to do a job now and who knows what can happen in the next 3-5 years in terms of the person's skillset, experience, motivations, career goals, etc?

Nevertheless, if you get asked this question, I'd be honest about where you see your career moving over the next few years, mention some skills or experience you'd like to attain and perhaps the next level of position you'd like to reach.

Having said that, I'd be careful about making it look like you'll be doing all of these with another employer...in other words, you don't want the employer to think you'll be here for a good time and not a long time. While it's common of course to switch jobs and companies, try to remember to focus on the job and company you're interview with and what you'll provide to them over this time frame.

Carl