How to answer ‘what motivates you?’ during a job interview

Being asked “What motivates you?” during a job interview is an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm, values, and alignment with the role and company culture.

Employers ask the question “What motivates you?” during job interviews to understand your driving factors and assess if they align with the company’s values, culture, and the requirements of the position. It helps them gauge your passion for the role, commitment to success, and how well you fit into the organization’s dynamics. Additionally, your response provides insights into your self-awareness and the aspects of work that bring out your best performance, aiding employers in making informed hiring decisions.

Here is how to answer ‘what motivates you?’ during a job interview:

Understand yourself

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on what truly drives you. Reflect on your values, interests, and what excites you in a professional context. Consider what values are most important to you in both your personal and professional life. These could include integrity, creativity, teamwork, autonomy, or social impact, among others.

Review your past work experiences, including successes, challenges, and learning moments. Identify patterns in what types of tasks or projects energized you and brought out your best performance.

Connect to the job

Identify aspects of the job that genuinely motivate you. It could be the nature of the work, company culture, growth opportunities, or the impact you can make. Review the job description and research the company culture to understand what qualities and values they prioritize.

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Craft a positive tone

Frame your response positively, emphasizing your enthusiasm rather than any negative motivators (like avoiding boredom or stress). Stay true to yourself and avoid providing generic answers. Authenticity is key to making a lasting impression.

Provide specific examples

Back up your response with concrete examples from your past experiences. This could include successful projects, challenges you overcame, or instances where your motivation led to positive outcomes.

Align with company values

If possible, tie your motivation to the company’s values or mission. This shows the interviewer that your motivation aligns with the organization’s goals. Look for commonalities between your own values, motivations, and the values and goals of the company and consider how your skills and experiences align with the needs of the role and the objectives of the company.

Be concise

Keep your answer concise and focused. Aim for a response that lasts around 1-2 minutes to maintain the interviewer’s interest. Rehearse your response to ensure it flows smoothly and effectively communicates your motivations.

Example answer:

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to contribute my skills and creativity in a dynamic team environment. In my previous role, I spearheaded a project that not only met tight deadlines but also exceeded client expectations, showcasing my commitment to delivering high-quality results. I am particularly excited about this role because it aligns with my passion for [specific aspect of the job], and I’m eager to bring my expertise to contribute to [company’s goal or mission].”

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