Ah, that question that many candidates dislike and find cliché. But in reality, it’s a good question to assess a candidate’s ambitions and professional drive. Your response to this question can demonstrate how seriously you take your career and what your long-term goals are.
Your answer to this question depends on your own career strategy and plans. Your goals should be achievable within the scope of your experience, knowledge, and timeframe. Describe the steps and efforts you plan to take to reach your career ambitions. This may include professional development, skill enhancement, and working on specific projects.
Inquire whether your career plan aligns with the company’s goals and needs. Be honest about it as it’s in your best interest (otherwise, you might end up with a role that doesn’t align with your plans).
While being honest, incorporate critical thinking. Most likely, you won’t get the job if you say in the interview that you want to work at the company for a year to gain experience and then leave to start your own business (a real-life case!. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to mention that you have many ideas you’d like to bring to fruition.
In the end, consider asking the recruiter where they see themselves in 5 years 🙂
Feel free to reach out to us if you’re looking for a job or if you want to get a sense of the job market.
