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Detective Mock Interview

Question 5 of 33 for our Detective Mock Interview

Detective was updated by on October 28th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 5 of 33

Where do you see yourself in five years?

"As a police officer, my goal has always been to become a detective in a homicide unit. In five years, I see myself achieving that goal and leading a team. The first step to achieving that goal is to be hired for this position in the missing persons unit. I understand I need to demonstrate my ability to solve challenging cases before I can become the lead detective in a homicide unit. I will gain experience in my detective skills and solving crimes by continually learning new techniques and legal requirements and staying up-to-date with evolving tools and technology. I look forward to this opportunity to help advance my career and meet my goal of working as a homicide detective for your department."

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How to Answer: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Detective job interview.

  • 5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      The reason the interviewer asks where you see yourself in five years is to get a better understanding of your career goals and aspirations. By knowing your plans, the interviewer can determine if you are a good fit for the department and if your goals align with their long-term vision. It also shows your level of ambition and motivation, which can be important qualities for a detective.

      Some possible five-year career goals you might have could be to become the lead investigator on a complex case, to specialize in a particular type of crime such as cybercrime or financial fraud, to work towards a promotion to a supervisory role within the department, to develop new investigative techniques or technologies, or to earn additional certifications or degrees to enhance your skills and knowledge. Whatever your specific goals, remember that detectives are typically driven by a desire to serve justice, protect their communities, and are committed to ongoing learning and professional development to achieve success in their careers.

      It's essential to answer this question honestly and confidently while being realistic and considering how the position you are interviewing for can help you achieve your career goals. Discuss with the interviewer your long-term career goals and your dedication to achieving them.

      Written by Samantha Brown on October 28th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "As a police officer, my goal has always been to become a detective in a homicide unit. In five years, I see myself achieving that goal and leading a team. The first step to achieving that goal is to be hired for this position in the missing persons unit. I understand I need to demonstrate my ability to solve challenging cases before I can become the lead detective in a homicide unit. I will gain experience in my detective skills and solving crimes by continually learning new techniques and legal requirements and staying up-to-date with evolving tools and technology. I look forward to this opportunity to help advance my career and meet my goal of working as a homicide detective for your department."

      Written by Samantha Brown on October 28th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "In five years, I would like to be an experienced Detective and be proud of what I will have done so far. Furthermore, 5 years of experience will give me enough confidence to tackle new challenges and go up in the chain taking more responsibilities such as leading a team as a Senior detective. I am willing to carry out any necessary training."

      Marcie's Feedback

      Great! The interviewer will be happy to hear that you're open to taking on more responsibility as you gain more experience, specifically managing others. If this is something you look forward to doing, emphasize that and talk to the interviewer about times when you've successfully managed people before and/or how much you know you'd enjoy doing that and why. The more you can build out your answer (providing more details), the more meaningful it will be to the interviewer. Nice job!

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