One of the biggest mistakes that any job candidate can make is to enter an interview unprepared. With other persons competing for the same job, you will have a lesser chance of getting the position.
Take time out to analyze all the necessary information that will help you to be a standout candidate.
Interviewers have little time to get to know each job candidate and as such, your answers must leave a positive and lasting impression on them. These responses must work in tandem with what they already know about your job experience and the impact that your personality and character will make on them, when they meet you face to face.
So, plan to succeed or you will fail to plan.
Anticipate the Questions Asked by Hiring Managers
When faced with a hiring manager, one of the things they might try to do is to put you off guard. They will make you comfortable and, in this time, you could easily forget simple answers.
Some candidates also fail to read between the lines and customize their answers to match up with the need of the company. Showing how your skills and character can be of benefit to the organization is your number one priority.
So, with this as your objective, let us identify some of the popular questions asked in interviews.
Examples of Questions Asked in an Interview
There are some questions, which are just standard across all interviews. You must endeavor to equip yourself with the best answers.
According to Inc.com, these are the 27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers.
Carefully go through this listing and prepare suitable answers. But today, we will help you with the number four most asked question, on the list.
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?
Just one false response to an interview question can completely turn off your hiring manager. They will not be able to see over the obstacle presented by a misplaced response.
To clarify further, an employer’s perspective on how to answer this question, we have also included some responses from actual hiring managers, business owners and interviewers.
The Purpose of This Question
Job search website Happie’s chief recruiting officer, David Wishon, clearly relates the primary purpose of this question.
“The purpose of asking this common interview question is to understand whether a candidate is looking for a career rather than just a job, whether their goals align with the organization's goals, and whether they have a realistic plan for their future.”
What Not to Say
It is imperative that you give the right response to this question and avoid saying the absolute worse response. For example, “I see myself in your job.”
This is almost a surefire way of not getting the position. Primarily because you might make the interviewer feel threatened and concerned about their job safety.
Founder of the job board Secrets of the Hire, Dayvon Goddard states that, “It’s important not to give the interviewer any indication that you do not plan on working for their company for the long term. After all, they are looking to make a long-term investment in their new hire. Even if you do not plan on staying at this company for the next five years, do not let the hiring manager know this.
Whatever answer you provide must expertly tie in your commitment to the company, your professional goals and your strongest traits.
How to Answer the Question “Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?”
Pamela Skillings, worked with companies such as JP Morgan Chase, Google and Microsoft. She reminds us that interviewers are looking for candidates who are excited about working at their company.
Answer Exuding a Modicum of Excitement
“Understandably, an employer wants to hire someone who is truly excited about the job at hand, someone who sees it as a great career move and will work tirelessly to do a good job. You may have already said that you are interested in the job and why. But they are testing you further by asking, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Companies find it a waste of time, labor and resources to be filling job positions continually.
It serves them best, if their employees are happy and productive. No hiring manager is interested in recruiting for the same position every three to six months. Not to mention, the company would have wasted its resources by investing time and money to train you for the position.
Use General Responses
Do not give a specific response if you have a limited knowledge about the company. You will run the risk of giving an unrealistic answer.
Whereas you must be specific when asked many of the other interview questions, this is the exception.
Show Your Interest in Staying on for the Long Term
This strategy will come in handy if you have a record of working with companies for a short period.
Hiring managers are usually associated with the human resource department and have a clear understanding of where the gaps are in the company. They also know the company objectives and can mentally see how your career progression.
So do some homework, know which positions exist and make a generic notation of how you could ascend to that job role in the future.
Try not to name a person or job position directly, especially of any one on the interview team, who might be present. Again, you do not want to seem to be threatening anyone’s job.
Examples of Answers to the Question
You could use a version of any of the responses given below:
“It is my primary objective right now is to seek out a position at an organization that will foster my growth. I intend to use the knowledge and skills gained to resolve new challenges. In due course, I hope to qualify for promotion, to a management position, and assist directly with the company’s overall strategy. However most importantly, I want to work for an organization where I can build a career.”
This is indeed the kind of answer, which interviewers really want to hear.
Present Your Best Self at an Interview
This article is not a guarantee that if you follow these principles you must get the job. However, it does provide many useful tips that will make you stand out among the other candidates. It will also help you to be a top contender for the job position.
Also, every interviewer is expecting you to come to the interview prepared.
They assume that you did your research, and they expect that your answers will reflect this reality. You cannot expect to land the job by being nonchalant or ill prepared. You will have competition.
These other interviewees, who might be better prepared for the interview, are also hoping to land the job that you so desperately want.
So, in order to give yourself a fair chance, you too need to be as prepared and closely examine “where do you see yourself in 5 years.”
Focus Keyword(s): Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years