What Hiring Managers Really Want To
Know When They Ask, ‘Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?’
It may not seem like a tricky
question, but your response to, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" can make or break your
interview.
"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," explains David Wishon, a senior director of Monster
Talent
Fusion .
Dale Kurow, a New York-based executive coach, says
your response to this question can also tell the company if you have the requisite work ethic, attitude, and loyalty to be
a good hire in the long term.
Here's what hiring managers do and
do not want to hear when they ask this question:
1. They want to know that you've put
thought into your response.
"Don't get caught without a
long-term plan," Wishon says. Show the interviewer that you have thought
about this question and have a basic trajectory mapped out. But let them see
that you're flexible. "Everyone understands things can change, so strike a
balance between being set on where you want to go and also understanding that
the path may change," he says.
2. They want to know that you're
driven — but that you have realistic goals.
"Don't come off as overly
ambitious," Wishon says. "It's okay to mention some future promotions
within the organization, but it may be overkill to say you want to be CEO in
five years if you're applying to an entry-level job."
3. They want to hear that you are
willing to pay your dues before expecting a promotion.
"The hiring manager doesn't
want to hear that you are looking to move up to a higher-level position within
a year or that you want to become eligible for your boss's job," Kurow
explains. Don't threaten anyone else's career, and let them know you realize it
may take time, and a lot of work, before you'll move up.
" Emphasize your willingness to
work on personal and professional development to progress your career path
within the organization, " Wishon adds.
4. They want to know that you're
loyal and willing to make a commitment to the company for at least five years.
Companies invest a great deal of
time and money in recruiting and training candidates, and they don't want to
lose their investment in a hire that's going to leave in a year or two, Kurow
says. That's why it's best to avoid saying you hope to be at another company,
in another industry, or even a drastically different role than the one you're
applying for (even if it's true).
5. They want to hear how the company and role you're
applying for fits into your longer-term goals.
"Make sure the role you are
interviewing for is at the foundation of the answer you provide," Wishon
suggests. "Tell them that how you can achieve your long-term
goals by performing this role to a high standard."
Also share how you plan to
contribute to, and grow with, the organization over the next few years, Kurow
adds.
If you want to make sure your
five-year plan is aligned with theirs, take the lead and ask what results the
interviewer is looking for from this role, Wishon suggests. " This will
help to best understand the progression and potential timeline, " he
concludes.
By Jacquelyn Smith | Business
Insider
https://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/hiring-managers-really-want-know-175221340.html
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