Gauging a Candidate’s Level of Aspiration

Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

While this is the classic cliché question, the responses can carry great value as you could learn about the level of aspirations one has pertaining to their career. It is important, for example, to remember that each candidate is different and may not want to climb the ladder per se’. In fact it could be okay to hire someone who sees themselves in the same role 5-10 years out as that may be the perfect employee who is reliable and a cornerstone for the department.. In short, you should ask versus assume. Lastly, don’t let your own personal goals and aggressive upward goals jade your view of what you get in response to this question, unless of course you require that same level of ambition in this candidate.