The question about career planning can be quite difficult to answer.

The question about career planning is one of the classics in job interviews. However, it is often not easy to answer.
As an applicant, you will be asked in almost every job interview where you want to go on your career journey. This question is usually not so easy to answer. After all, how are you supposed to know what exactly you will be doing in 5 or 10 years. Perhaps you don’t have a professional or private master plan. After all, life has surprises in store. And professionally, it’s wise to always keep your options and opportunities open. In this respect: difficult question. “Hm, I don’t know” – is certainly the wrong answer, however. The question can be asked in different variations, for example as follows:

• Where do you see yourself in 3, 5, 10 years?
• How do you imagine your ideal job?
• What is particularly important to you in your career?
• Do you plan to stay with the company for the long term?

Why are HR professionals interested in personal career planning?

The recruiter wants to know what motivates and drives you as an applicant. HR managers ask this question deliberately, because they want to find out whether you have personal prospects for the future and fit into the company. The reasoning behind this: Someone who pursues long-term goals is more committed and motivated than someone who only has short-term plans. If you want to get into a management position, you also have to make a real effort. In addition, the HR manager wants to find out whether your professional expectations and current position match or whether there is a discrepancy here.

How to answer: Talk only about professional goals

HR professionals don’t usually expect a detailed description of your plans for the next few years. However, they are very much concerned with your career prospects. Here’s how to answer the question: Applicants should not beat around the bush or talk about private matters. It is better not to mention family planning, children’s wishes or plans to travel the world. If the recruiter is interested in your private life, he or she will ask you specifically about it. It is better to stick to your professional plans. Basically, the recruiter is trying to find out whether you plan to stay with the company longer, whether you want to make a fast career move and, in general, whether the company should invest in you at all in the long term.

Stay authentic

Of course, keep the following in mind: Not every candidate wants a management position; many prefer a change at a similar career level or simply yearn for a career change. In other words, the desire for a management position is not necessarily expected. Stay authentic and be sure to consider an answer that fits you. Be sure to address your personal expectations for your next job, include the company you are interviewing for, and remain optimistic. Also address your development process, show motivation and commitment. However, you should not become arrogant, know-it-all or unrealistic in the process. The same applies to this question: Preparation is everything.

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” – 3 different possible answers

Career aspiration with a management function:

I would like to find a company where I can develop professionally and personally. My goal is to take on different challenges and expand my areas of responsibility. In the next few years, I would like to increasingly take on management tasks with personnel responsibility and expand my career. I think that I can develop particularly well in this company.

Career aspiration for specialist career:

I would like to work in a company where I have opportunities to contribute and develop my skills and talents. Above all, I would like to expand my expertise, take on new projects and work well with colleagues and superiors. Your company has a particularly good reputation in the industry. I am sure that I can learn a lot at your company. I am also willing to take on new tasks.

Career aspirations with family-friendly companies:

It is particularly important to me that I can develop professionally. I would like to continuously improve processes in the company. I also attach great importance to a family-friendly working environment. I have the impression that your company attaches great importance to a family-friendly atmosphere. This is also very important to me. I find the childcare places in the company particularly exemplary.