Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years? (And Why Your Questions Matter Just as Much)

Part 3: The Interview Questions That Reveal Your Curiosity

In the first two parts of this series, we've talked about telling your story, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and looking beyond rehearsed answers.

Today, I want to finish with two questions that often make candidates nervous.

One asks you to think about your future.

The other gives you the chance to understand theirs.

Both reveal far more than you might think.

"Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?"

I'll admit something.

My answer to this question has changed over the years. Earlier in my career, I probably would have talked about climbing the corporate ladder, leading larger teams or taking on bigger responsibilities.

Today?

I answer it very differently.

I smile and say: "Honestly, I don't know exactly where I'll be in five years."

And I mean it.

If someone had told me five years ago that I'd leave a career I loved after almost 30 years......start my own business......go back to school......earn coaching certifications...

and spend my days helping students and emerging professionals navigate their careers...

I probably would have rolled my eyes and said, "Are you crazy?"

Life has a way of opening doors we never expected.

Recently, someone asked me that exact question while we were discussing a potential collaboration.

At first, I assumed she wanted to know where I saw my career going. But as we talked, I realized she wasn't really asking about the destination. She wanted to understand how I thought about building a business.

Would Campus to Career still be here in five years?

Did I see myself growing a team?

Would I eventually delegate work to others?

Had I actually thought about what the future could look like?

This conversation reminded me that the same question can have very different intentions.

As a hiring manager, I wasn't looking for someone who had every detail of the next five years mapped out. I wanted to understand whether they had direction. Whether they were curious. Whether they wanted to grow.

It is perfectly okay to admit that your path may change. In fact, mine certainly did.

Just make sure your answer reflects ambition, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. Those qualities matter far more than having a perfect five-year plan.

"What Questions Do You Have for Me?"

This is one of the biggest missed opportunities in an interview.

Far too many candidates say:

"No, I think you've answered everything."

Or they ask about vacation time or benefits before they've even been offered the job.

Here's how I think about it.

An interview isn't just the company interviewing you.

You're interviewing them too.

Recently, I interviewed for a Director of Digital Marketing position with a record label.

Near the end of the interview, I was asked if I had any questions. I could have asked about the team. The culture. The priorities.

Instead, I asked:

"If you could compare your CEO to one rock legend, who would you choose?"

She paused for a second, cocked her head slightly, smiled and then answered it.

I had a feeling she wasn't expecting that question.

I wasn't trying to impress anyone.

I was genuinely curious.

I wanted to understand how she viewed the person leading the organization.

Was the CEO collaborative?

Bold?

Creative?

Visionary?

Her answer told me far more about the company than any job description ever could.

That's why I always encourage students to prepare thoughtful questions before an interview. Not because you're trying to stand out. Because you're trying to learn.

The interview isn't just about convincing someone to hire you.

It's also about deciding whether this is a place where you'll thrive.

One Final Thought

Over the last three blogs, I've shared interview advice from both sides of the table.

As the hiring manager.

And as the candidate.

The biggest lesson I learned is this:

Interviews aren't about having all the right answers. They're about understanding yourself well enough to have an honest conversation. Because employers aren't hiring perfect people.

They're hiring people they believe they can trust, work with and grow alongside.

And if there's one thing I hope you take into your next interview, it's this: know yourself, stay curious, and remember that an interview is a conversation, not a performance.

Thinking about your own next chapter?

Whether you're preparing for your first internship, your first full-time job or your next career move, Campus to Career helps students and emerging professionals build confidence through practical, employer-informed coaching.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'd love to help.

About the Author

Heather Goldsmith is the founder of Campus to Career, where she helps students, recent graduates and emerging professionals confidently transition from school into the workplace. Drawing on more than 30 years of corporate leadership and hiring experience, she provides practical, employer-informed coaching in career strategy, résumé development, LinkedIn optimization, networking and interview preparation.