What Are Your Career Goals? Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?

This question is often asked by HR people.  They are more interested in your ambition than you skills.  They want to know your willingness and ability to set long-term goals, and your desire to succeed.  Even if you are just taking life and your career one day at a time, you still need to pretend you have given some serious thought to your future.

But don’t show too much ambition, which make some people feel uncomfortable.  You do not want to be perceived as arrogant.  Also, don’t try to be funny or demonstrate your assertiveness by saying “To be running this company.”

There are many acceptable goals you can demo:  move one or two levels up from your current position, jump from technical to management position, get a higher degree.  You should mention that your career advancement is based on hard work and achieving company goals.

Sample Answer:

“I would like to be in a project manager with Eclipse Consulting.  I would enjoy working as a manager in charge of a dedicated team of software development and manage multiple projects.  I have the potential to excel with additional challenges and responsibilities. I would like to take advantage of the company sponsored training program to get PMP certification.  I also plan to finish my master’s degree within two years.  I would follow advice from my boss on the best career path towards achieving this goal. I realize it’s somewhat ambitious, but I feel through hard work and dedication, I could obtain it within five years.”

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