“Where do you see yourself in five years?” This question is asked so often that it’s almost become a cliché. Hardly a Course Aux Stages interview goes by without this topic being raised, which is why you should expect it and prepare your response.
In my view, the best way to get ready for this question is to ask it to yourself. Think it over honestly. Don’t try to make up an answer that’s just as cliché as the question.
Certain students have a clearly defined career path and will provide a decisive answer. If that’s your situation, read no further: you’re already prepared for this question. However, for most students, the answer should really be, “I have no idea!” But since that’s probably not the response that an interviewer is looking for, you must (or, at least, you should!) spend a bit more time thinking about it before your interview.
Get acquainted with the dynamics and work environments of various firms. What are you really looking for to launch your career? Do you simply wish to article at a firm with a good reputation, which will allow you to quickly transfer to another firm after your call to the Bar? Or, are you searching for a challenging professional environment in which you see yourself putting down roots?
If you’re aiming for the first option, I suggest that you be open with your interviewers about it. Many firms will hire several candidates without necessarily hoping that they’ll all eventually become partners. Highlight your résumé or your academic success, and explain that you find it difficult to know exactly what you’ll want in the future. Emphasize your intention to stand out through effort and dedication to your work, without the need for long-term planning. You can bring a lot to a firm without spending twenty years there, and recruiters know that.
If you’re looking for long-term involvement with the firm, take a few minutes to explain why. Some firms, including RSS, hope that students will eventually join the team and stay in the long run. These firms look for candidates that are really passionate about their work environment, showing genuine and honest interest.
At RSS, young lawyers are given a lot of autonomy and responsibility early on in their careers. Even articling students are regularly entrusted with their own cases, since we do hire most of them after their call to the Bar. Getting them involved in numerous cases allows them to learn and develop their skills more rapidly. However, if you’re not looking forward to quickly becoming independent, perhaps you won’t be comfortable with us.
Therefore, as you prepare for your interviews, ask yourself THE question, and reflect on it honestly. Your analysis should lead you to prefer some firms over others. By narrowing down your choice of firms through research and analysis, you’ll increase your chances of making a good impression when you meet recruiters. Applying for just any position isn’t a winning strategy because the interviewers will definitely notice if you haven’t done your homework. Look for the right fit: an articling position that will help you get to where you want to be in the next five years. Good luck with preparing!
Geneviève Goulet is a business and corporate law expert. She has been the head of our Recruitment Committee for several years.