The Perfect Answer to ‘Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years?’

Congratulations on getting the job interview!  You now have the chance to make a positive impression and win over the recruiters. But for that, you have to learn how to answer tricky questions. One possible question you might be asked is, “What do you think your future will look like in 10 years?”

This question is a way for the interviewer to understand your career goals and how they align with the company’s values. Your answer to this question could hold the secret to opening the door to your dream job. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll delve into the steps of answering this question. We’ll provide you with the insights, strategies, and tips you need to respond with confidence.

Why Do Recruiters Ask This Question?

By asking this question, recruiters want to learn two things:

• Do your long-term career objectives align with those of the company? Simply put, recruiters wish to know if you intend to remain and contribute to their team for a while.
• Are you able to create goals that will advance your career? Recruiters prefer to hire people who set and achieve ambitious goals because such employees can positively impact the growth of the business.

How to Answer this Question Correctly?

If you’re asked “Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?” here is a great way to answer: 

1. Conduct Thorough Research

To discover more about the company’s operations, customers, and projects, check out its website and social media pages. Additionally, carefully read the job description to make sure your skills and experience align with the company. Also, ensure that you align with the company’s mode of working, that is, if it’s an in-office role, you are ready to work from the office or if it’s a work from home job, you have the facilities to work from home.

2. Link Your Response to the Position

Make sure your response is specifically related to the position and the organization you are interviewing with in order to create a good impression on the interviewers. They would like to learn that you want to have a long-lasting career in their company. Express your desire to take on extra responsibilities and to grow in your job as you acquire experience. 

3. Showcase Your Ambition

Show the interviewers that you’re a goal-driven person who has a strong desire to develop in the role. It’s crucial to express ambition in your response while being logical and realistic. Candidates who demonstrate a true knowledge of the position are valued by interviewers. Expressing your desire to assume a leadership role inside the firm is more practical than making unrealistic statements like becoming a CEO in ten years.

4. Highlight Relevant Education and Experience

Explain how your education and work experience have helped you to achieve your long-term goals and how they have equipped you for the position. This shows how you could advance the growth of the business.

5. Use the STAR Interview Approach

To successfully respond to the questions, use the STAR interview approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result).  

• Situation: To begin, simply describe your present professional situation, including your current job. 

“I am currently a front-end web developer.”

• Task: Discuss your long-term professional objective for the next ten years. 

“I want to become a full-stack developer.”

• Action: Outline achievable actions, including skill development and organizational contributions, that will help you achieve your goals. 

“I am currently pursuing a web development course to hone my skills further and understand the latest developments in my field. I wish to gain hands-on experience in the field by working in your company so that I am able to grow into my dream job role.”

• Result: Share the result you anticipate in 10 years that is in line with your purpose and beneficial to both you and the business.

“My goals have and will continue to motivate me to become better at my job which aligns with the growth-oriented perspective of this company.”

This structure demands you to define the situation, specify the task at hand, provide specifics on your actions, and explain the anticipated results.

6. Project Confidence

Speak firmly and with a clear understanding of your objectives. However, maintain an appropriate amount of humility and openness to feedback. Your attraction as a candidate increases because confidence demonstrates your forward-thinking nature and commitment to professional development.

7. Conclude with a Question

If you’re not sure about the best response to the question, “Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years”, then throw a question back to them. Ask this question in a way that expresses your interest in the company, without making it look like you’re trying to get information from them. 

“I’m happy about working here because I believe I can grow with the company, assisting customers in understanding our product better. Does this relate to the mission of your organization?” 

You can also ask what their long-term expectations are from their employees.

Sample Answers to the Interview Question

Here are possible ways to answer the question, “Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?” These sample answers are based on your experience level:

1. Entry Level/Fresher

For a recent graduate starting at the entry-level, this example can be useful.

My main goal for the next 10 years as a recent college graduate is to learn new things and develop inside a firm while honing my talents. I want to learn about the latest innovations that are helping the sector along the way. I think this job presents a great chance for me to meaningfully contribute while gaining experience in the industry.

2. Mid Level Professional

If you’ve already been a professional with reasonable experience, here is a way to express your growth and show that you still intend to grow: 

Over the years, I’ve put a lot of effort into improving my skills and making a difference at work. I just got the opportunity to oversee a team and lead a significant project. I have learned to truly appreciate supporting others’ success because of this. So, in the next years, I’m considering transitioning from performing the work myself to managing others because the success of organizations and the individuals I deal with are very important to me.

3. Managerial Level

If you’ve already attained a management role, here is how you can answer the question, “Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?” 

I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible people throughout my career. They have motivated me to pursue a position as a manager. It has been greatly fulfilling to contribute to a company’s success and watch my teammates grow. 

In the next ten years, I want to go from managing teams to overseeing entire departments, and this position will help me do that. Your organization has an excellent work culture and it values its employees. 

Generic Sample Answers

Here are more generic answers that can help you answer the question, “Where do you see yourself 10 years from now”: 

1. Developing My Skills

I want a career where my views are valued and I can actually make a difference. I believe I can develop my abilities in this position and eventually assume greater responsibility. In the next 10 years, I see myself learning more, developing my skills, and gaining experience. I wish to advance with the company and support others in achieving their professional goals. I’d also love to know, in the long run, what do you anticipate from someone in this position.

2. Starting My Own Business

In the next 10 years, I aim to launch my own company using my expertise and enthusiasm in the industry. I enjoy coming up with creative ideas and see every problem as an opportunity to create something unique that addresses particular market issues. My main objective is to build a successful company, and I am certain that I can overcome difficulties and seize the chances presented by the constantly evolving business ecosystem.

3. Taking on More Responsibilities

I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity since your organization sounds like an excellent place to work. I would like to work for an organization that is ambitious and growth-oriented, and based on what I’ve studied, it appears that your business is headed in that direction. In 10 years, I hope to play increasingly significant roles and help your business realize its full potential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Answering the Question

The following advice can help you avoid common mistakes while outlining your 10-year vision during a job interview:

• Be specific: Avoid providing vague or general responses that don’t support your professional goals. 
• Think Long Term: Describe your long-term professional goals as well as your short-term goals. Describe how you’ll grow after the first five years and increase your talents.
• Plan to Grow Beyond One Position: While excitement for the position is good, emphasize wider career goals rather than just one particular position inside the firm.
• Be Different: Avoid giving the same generic responses that you often hear in interviews. Instead, give a personalized response that highlights your talents and objectives.

Conclusion

Recruiters use the question, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” as a vital tool to assess a candidate’s alignment with the company’s goals and their capacity to define and meet professional ambitions. To reply well, do your homework on the business and tailor your response with regard to the position you are applying for. Keep in mind that being precise and avoiding generic responses can help you stand out.

Have you ever had to answer this question in an interview and what was your response? Share it with others in the comments. Also, learn how to answer the ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ Interview Question.