Application: "Where do you see yourself in five years?" Correct answer not so important
Created: 11/05/2022, 12:00 p.m
By: Anna Heyers
Some interview questions seem old-fashioned but are popular with recruiters.
It's usually about the applicant himself, not his answer.
As a career starter in particular, you have an ideal vision for your own career: Start in your dream job and then quickly move up the ladder.
But not everyone has an exact idea of what their future professional life should look like.
This can prove to be a stumbling block when applying.
Application: The question of the future
“Where do you see yourself in five years?” is a question that is often asked in job interviews, but it is not yet one of those intended to confuse applicants.
But which answer is the right one: should one invent a sophisticated career plan, even if it is not entirely true?
Or would you rather come out with the truth and admit that you haven't thought about it yet?
What is the purpose of HR with certain application questions?
The good news: There is no right or wrong here.
But career experts like Ute Bölker emphasize that the question of one's own career future should not leave you speechless.
It is important for HR managers to see whether the applicant can think outside the box and think about his own development.
Those who identify goals also advance the company, are ambitious and give new impetus.
Ute Bölke, career/outplacement consultant and trainer
So in five years you don't necessarily have to be the boss.
Your own further development, or the desire for it, can also show that the job candidate has goals.
Before the interview: These questions can help
In the course of an application you should also be able to assess yourself.
Questions that focus on the future and the new company can help:
What am I interested in?
Do I want to take responsibility?
If so, in which area?
What opportunities can the company offer me?
"Whoever has thought about it beforehand and compares their growth goals with the values of the company and the position is well advised ,
" says Ute Bölker according to
welt.de.
With this body language, the job interview goes wrong
View photo gallery
Application: A good answer
In general, answers that are too committed are no longer welcomed.
This includes formulations such as "in five years I'll do your job" or "beginner today, boss tomorrow".
It is better to allow yourself a certain degree of uncertainty, to emphasize your own development and then pass the ball on to the future company.
For example, it could look like this:
Does the new company support the further training of its employees?
A question applicants can ask.
© Monkey Business/Imago
"I can't tell you exactly where I'll be in five years.
However, my previous career clearly shows that I have always sought further development.
But my development also depends on you: how do you, as a company, encourage determined employees?” In general, by the way: don't be afraid to ask questions of the company.
Don't miss anything: You can find everything to do with careers in the regular careers newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.
Your own passion is important
The applicant does not need to know exactly where he will be in five years.
If he shows ambition and the HR manager notices that the applicant has thought about his own future and his possibilities, a lot has already been gained.
When in doubt, one should first remain more general, flexible and optimistic.
Ute Bölke, career/outplacement consultant and trainer
