While it would be wonderful if all of our job search efforts were fruitful, but the harsh reality is that sometimes we’re going to be told “no.” There may also be times when it feels like we get rejected by every potential employer—if we hear back at all. It’s easy to get down, but when we get too bogged down, those negative emotions may hold us back further if we allow ourselves to expect to be turned down and therefore don’t shoot as high.

An interview question that throws a lot of people for a loop is also one of the most common: “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Interviewers aren’t being nosy or trying to throw you for a loop—they’re trying to assess whether your vision aligns with that of the company you’re interviewing for a position at and whether you would fit in with the company culture.