Right up there with “Tell me about yourself” and “Name your biggest weakness,” the question about a professional five-year plan is one of the most popular interview questions.
While it might seem a bit mundane, the question is actually a great opportunity for you to show your ambition and hint at the expectations you have – should you get the job. It is important to be honest while tailoring your answer into something you think your interviewer will want to hear.
Here are a few tips to help you brainstorm an answer to this common question:
Don’t Get Specific
Avoid getting into specifics, particularly if you don’t know a lot about the standard career path at the company. You want to be honest, but your answer should be general enough that it doesn’t raise doubts on whether or not you would be a good long-term fit for this job at this company.
A good approach is to talk about how you plan to pursue your professional interests and passion, achieving successes along the way.
Mention an Interest in Staying Long Term
Your interviewer doesn’t want to have to fill this job again in two years. They want to know you are ready to get to work and grow with the company. However, the reality is anything can occur over the course of five years. The business could permanently close its doors, they might lay off workers or you might be lured away by a better offer.
A business invests significant time, energy, and money in hiring and training workers. You have to show an honest desire to stay long enough that you are a solid investment for the company. If you have a history of “job-hopping,” it’s essential to convince your interviewer you’re ready for a long-term role at their company.
A good way to do this is to explain you would like to take on more and more responsibility as time passes in the job – with the ultimate goal of moving up the management ladder.
Show Your Enthusiasm
Giving a general answer and saying you’ll stay long-term is good enough to keep you in the running for a job, but they won’t make you stand out.
If you really want to impress the person across the table from you, convince them you are excited about the possibility of taking the job as it relates to your career and professional passion. You need to find a reason to be genuinely excited about how this job will get you to where you want to go in five years’ time. If you have a hard time coming up with something, you may want to reconsider if you even want the job in the first place.
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