How to Answer “What Motivates You?” In a Job Interview

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When preparing for a job interview, one of the most common and crucial questions you’ll encounter is: “What motivates you?” Employers ask this question to understand what drives you, whether your motivations align with the company’s goals, and how passionate you are about your work. They also use this question to gauge your long-term engagement and productivity in their organization. Providing a strong and authentic answer can significantly increase your chances of making a lasting impression. It’s not just about listing things that excite you—it’s about demonstrating how your motivation translates into valuable contributions for the company.

Here’s how you can craft a thoughtful response to this question.

1. Understand the Purpose Behind the Question

Interviewers don’t ask this question just for the sake of small talk. They want to understand what energizes you and whether your intrinsic motivations align with the job you’re applying for. Employers are looking for candidates whose drive fits well with the company culture and job responsibilities.

Your answer should give insight into what keeps you engaged and productive at work. It should also reflect a sense of enthusiasm, ensuring the hiring manager that you will stay committed to the role. If your motivation aligns with the company’s mission and values, it increases your chances of being seen as a good cultural fit.

For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, emphasizing that you are motivated by challenges and hitting targets can show that you have the drive necessary for the role. On the other hand, if you are in a creative field, expressing motivation through problem-solving and innovation can make you stand out.

2. Reflect on Your Personal and Professional Motivations

Before the interview, take some time to think about what truly excites and drives you in your career. Consider your past experiences—what tasks made you feel the most accomplished? What kind of work excites you the most?

Your motivations may come from various aspects, such as:

• Personal growth and learning
• Achieving goals and overcoming challenges
• Contributing to a meaningful cause
• Helping others and making an impact
• Working in a collaborative environment
• Creativity and problem-solving

By understanding your intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, you can tailor your response to the job role. For instance, if you thrive in dynamic environments, you can mention that you are motivated by fast-paced challenges and the opportunity to adapt to new situations.

3. Align Your Motivation with the Job Role

A generic answer like “I’m motivated by success” won’t cut it. Instead, tailor your response to the specific role and company. Employers want to hear how your motivation translates into tangible contributions to the organization.

For instance, if you are applying for a project management role, you might say: “I’m motivated by the challenge of organizing complex projects and bringing teams together to achieve a common goal. I thrive on setting milestones, troubleshooting obstacles, and ultimately delivering successful outcomes. Seeing a project through from conception to completion gives me a sense of achievement and drives my passion for efficiency and teamwork.”

This answer not only demonstrates motivation but also highlights relevant skills for the position. The key is to make a direct connection between your motivation and the job’s key responsibilities.

4. Use Real-Life Examples to Support Your Answer

The best way to make your response compelling is by providing specific examples from your past work experiences. Real-life stories help interviewers visualize your motivation in action.

For instance, if you’re motivated by problem-solving, you can say: “One of the most fulfilling experiences in my previous job was when I identified a bottleneck in our workflow and implemented a solution that improved efficiency by 30%. The process of analyzing the issue, brainstorming solutions, and executing a plan to drive positive change really excites me. I enjoy tackling challenges and finding innovative ways to improve performance.”

This response not only showcases your motivation but also demonstrates your problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative. When giving examples, focus on measurable results and outcomes to make your answer more impactful.

5. Keep Your Answer Honest and Authentic

While it’s important to align your answer with the job role, authenticity is key. Don’t fabricate motivations just because you think it’s what the employer wants to hear. Instead, be genuine about what truly drives you. Employers appreciate candidates who have self-awareness and can articulate their motivations sincerely.

A good way to ensure authenticity is by choosing a motivation that has consistently influenced your career choices. If you have always been passionate about helping others, for example, it makes sense to emphasize that in your response.

A sincere answer could be: “I’ve always been motivated by the opportunity to mentor and support others. In my previous role, I took the initiative to train new employees, which not only helped them grow but also improved overall team performance. Knowing that I can make a positive impact on others’ careers is what keeps me engaged and passionate about my work.”

Conclusion…

Answering “What motivates you?” effectively requires a combination of self-reflection, alignment with the job role, and the ability to provide specific examples. By understanding your true motivations and communicating them in a way that highlights your strengths, you can craft a compelling response that leaves a lasting impression on the interviewer.

Remember, there is no single correct answer to this question. The key is to be honest, professional, and strategic in how you convey your motivation. By following these steps, you can confidently tackle this common interview question and position yourself as the ideal candidate for the role.

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