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Are you prepared to tackle the age-old interview question that often makes job seekers uneasy? "Where do you see yourself in 10 years or 10 years from now”? is a query that seems so simple but incredibly hard to answer. After all, no one can predict the future 100 percent accurately, right? So, how can you answer this question? Well, getting the correct answer can be a little tricky. However, using the correct strategy which will be elaborated below will make it much easier.

So, if you want a stand-out answer to this interview question, continue reading this article. Here, we'll uncover the key strategies to craft an impressive response that showcases your ambition and aligns with your career goals. Also, in this article we'll provide sample answers to help you craft your own answer. Let’s get into it.

Why Do Employers Ask The Question “Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years or 10 Years From Now?” During Interviews?

Most hiring managers ask questions like, ‘Where do you see yourself in 10 years or 10 years from now?’to better understand your willingness to grow within their organization. Your answer to this question will provide insight as to whether your long-term career goals are a match for the company and, if so, will you be willing to devote the next 10 years of your life to the organization.

If you are confused about your career goals, read our guide on what career coaching is and why you need it.

While planning for the next 10 years of your career can feel overwhelming, this is an important question for organizations to ask their candidates. People who stay with companies long-term are considered better investments and cost effective in terms of hiring when they stay employed longer.

Showing the interviewer that you’re committed to gaining more experience in the position and that you’d like to grow within the company can help set you apart from other candidates. It also demonstrates to hiring managers that it is worth investing in your skills and abilities for the overall good of the organization.

Common Mistakes When Answering This Question

As with all parts of an interview, it’s possible to make mistakes when answering, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years or 10 years from now?”. One of the biggest mistakes to make is discussing a role or goal that has nothing to do with your current career path or what the company offers. In either case, it makes you seem like a poor match to the hiring manager, which can easily cost you the job.

Similarly, being unrealistic doesn’t work in your favor. For example, if you’re interviewing for an entry-level role after just graduating from college, saying that you’ll be the CEO of the biggest company isn’t a wise move. Even if it’s technically possible, calling that goal lofty is an understatement, so it can make you seem naïve.

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However, undershooting isn’t a wise move either. If your main goal is to move from an entry-level job to the next position up, that can work against you. The hiring manager may worry that you lack ambition or may even tend to doubt your capabilities as far as the company is concerned. In either case, it could be enough reason for them to take a pause on you.

Saying you want the hiring manager’s job specifically is seldom an intelligent move. By phrasing it that way, your answer comes off as threatening or aggressive. Again, that doesn’t make you seem like a solid choice, so avoiding that misstep is better.

Steps To Prepare For The Interview Question “Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years or 10 Year From Now”

You should take a few key steps to prepare for this interview question. These steps include:

1. Research About The Company

Take some time before the interview to research about the company. See if you can determine their long-term goals and the types of skills and talent they value. The more you know about the organization, the better you’ll be able to align your goals with the company’s goals.

2. Brainstorm Your Goals For The Future

You should also brainstorm your specific professional goals over the next 10 years. For example, are you looking forward to being in a management position? Do you want any marketing certifications or training under your belt in 10 years? To make it easier, break your goals into one year, five years, and 10 years.

3. Tie Your Answer In With The Position You’re Applying For

To show interest in growing with the company, ensure your 10-year professional goals correlate with the job. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a marketing assistant, you could say that within 10 years, you hope to be the head of the marketing department.

Also, if you want to impress your employers with your interview, read our guide on 10 best ways to answer why you’re perfect for the job.

4. Don’t Be Afraid To Tell The Interviewer What You Want

While you certainly want to align your career goals with the position, you should also be honest about your long-term goals. Even if your goals aren’t an exact match for the job, if the hiring manager believes you’re the right candidate, they may customize the role to suit your wants and needs better. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing assistant position and want to transition into a graphic design position eventually, the hiring manager could incorporate time where you can sit in on graphic design meetings and work with a graphic designer for a few hours each month.

5. Follow Up On Your Answer With A Question.

Asking the interviewer questions shows you are truly interested and excited about the job. After you answer the interview question about your career goals over the next 10 years, consider asking the interviewer what the organization’s short-term and long-term goals are. You can also inquire about the company's  specific plans for the particular position you’re applying for.

If you want to impress your hiring manager with a catchy follow-up, read our guide on 5 amazing tips for a quick follow-up after an interview.

Tips For Answering “Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years or 10 Years From Now” In An Interview

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when providing your answer to this type of interview question:

1. Ensure Your Answer Is Realistic

While you certainly want to be ambitious, you also want to be realistic. Providing an unrealistic answer could come off as being unprofessional or inexperienced.

2. Be Prepared For Variations Of This Interview Question 

While some interviewers may ask about your career goals over the next 10 years, others may ask about your goals for the next three or five years. Being prepared to answer variations of ‘Where do you see yourself in 10 years or 10 years from now?’ will ensure you aren’t caught off guard and can professionally and effectively answer whatever question they ask.

3. Avoid Answers That Are Too-Vague

Being too vague about what you want to do with your career could be unprofessional or leave the impression that you have no ambition or passion for your career. It can also signal that you probably won’t stick around for long in the position, which hiring managers usually consider a red flag.

Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years Examples

Here are a few examples of where do you see yourself in 10 years sample answer:

• In the next 10 years, I would like to be in a leadership position within the marketing department of this organization.

• In 10 years, I plan to advance within this role and continue to learn and grow in this industry.

• My 10-year career goals are to positively impact this organization and hold a management position in the human resources department.

• Over the next 10 years, my goals include playing an integral role in the organization’s marketing department and eventually leading a team of marketing professionals.

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Conclusion

Now that you have a solid idea of how to answer the Question, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years or 10 years from now?” We also encourage you to check out some of our Blogs on interviews to help you navigate well through your interviews.

Although taking interviews is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the job application process, it is important that you remember to always show your enthusiasm for the position you're applying for. Tough questions during an interview can either make or break your chances of getting hired. So, make sure you're prepared before an interview and don’t forget to use the tips outlined above to your advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Structure My "Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years or 10 Years From Now" Essay?

Begin with an introduction that sets the tone and overviews your future goals. Divide the essay's body into three main sections: short-term goals, long-term goals, and how your current actions align with those goals. Conclude the essay by summarizing your aspirations for the future.

Should I Provide Job Titles Or Salary Expectations In The Answer Of The "10 Years" Question?

While being specific about your goals and vision is essential, avoid mentioning exact job titles or salary expectations. Instead, emphasize your desire to grow professionally and how you plan to add value to the company.