The question “what motivates you?” is a common interview question, and sometimes most of us cannot answer it in interviews. Your answer to this question can give the interviewer insight into whether or not you would be a good fit for the position. Here are some tips on how to answer this question in an interview.
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Why are recruiters asking you about what motivates you?
Recruiters are interested in motivation for a good reason. Understanding what drives you can and whether the company can provide you to keep you motivated and analyze your fit for the job and the company and your potential for future success.
How to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview
When you can articulate what motivates you, it shows that you’re self-aware and have a clear idea of what’s important to you. It demonstrates that you’re likely to be passionate and engaged in your work. So next time you’re asked what motivates you, take the opportunity to sell yourself and show that you’re the perfect candidate for the job.
Be honest
When answering this question, it is important to be honest. The interviewer is not looking for a generic answer; they want to know what motivates them. Think about what personal and professional drives you, and share those things with the interviewer. Honesty will help the interviewer see if you are truly passionate about your work.
Talk about your passions
If you are passionate about something related to the position you are interviewing for, mention it! For example, suppose you are interviewing for a position as a marketing manager and have a passion for social media. In that case, you could say something like, “I am motivated by being able to connect with people and share stories on social media platforms. I love finding creative ways to reach new audiences.” This will show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the field and would be motivated to excel in the position.
Share your goals
Goals are another great way to show motivation in an interview setting. Discussing your professional goals shows that you are planning for your future and are interested in progressing in your career. For example, you could say, “I am motivated by challenges and working towards goals. In five years, I hope to be leading my team of marketing professionals.” This shows that you are driven and ambitious, and it will give the interviewer an idea of your long-term goals.
What are your Future Plans? Sample Answers
What are your goals for the Future? Sample Answers
Be specific
When asked what motivates you, try to give a specific example rather than a general statement. This will not only give the interviewer a better sense of who you are as a person, but it will also show that you’re thinking and have considered what drives you both personally and professionally. For instance, maybe you’re motivated by the opportunity to learn new things or by working with a team towards a common goal. Whatever it is, be sure to explain why it matters to you.
Be enthusiastic
Your delivery is just as important as the content of your answer, so be sure to sound enthusiastic when talking about what motivates you. This doesn’t mean you need to be over-the-top or fake; just let your passion shine. After all, if you’re not excited about what motivates you, why should the interviewer be?
5 Sample Answers to “What Motivates You?”
- There are a lot of things that motivate me. Regarding my professional life, I am motivated by the challenge of taking on new projects and the satisfaction of seeing them through to completion. I also enjoy working with a team of people who are passionate about what they do.
- What motivates me is the desire to be better than I was yesterday. Every day, I work to improve myself in some way so that I can become the best possible version of myself. If I keep pushing myself, I will eventually reach my goals. And that keeps me going – the knowledge that there’s always room for growth and improvement, no matter how successful I may be today.
- I am motivated by the opportunity to learn new things and the chance to make a difference. In my previous job, I was able to help my team reach new levels of success. It was gratifying to know that I had positively impacted their lives. I want to continue doing work that is both challenging and meaningful.
- I am driven by a desire to learn and improve continuously. I go for it when I see an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s a skill or knowledge related to my field. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to share what I’ve learned with others. For example, last year, I took a course on social media marketing, and I was so excited about what I learned that I created an in-office training on the topic for my team.
- I’m motivated by working with a great team. When I feel like I’m part of a supportive, cohesive group, it makes me want to do my best work and contribute to the team’s success. I’ve been fortunate to have had several jobs where I felt this way. I work in a small office, and we’re all close. We rely on each other and help each other out, which motivates me to do my best.
Role-based Answers to “What Motivates You?”
- “I am motivated by challenges and see every day as an opportunity to learn and grow. That’s why I love my job as a software engineer. No two days are the same, and I’m constantly challenged to find new solutions to complex problems. It’s that feeling of satisfaction that comes from overcoming a difficult challenge that motivates me to keep pushing myself.”
- “I am motivated by the opportunity to impact people’s lives positively. As a registered nurse, I see firsthand how much my care and concern can mean to someone sick or injured. It’s gratifying to know that I can make a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just a small thing. That’s what motivates me to come to work every day.”
- “I am motivated by the opportunity to lead and inspire others. I see my role as a manager as responsible for ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget and as an opportunity to mentor and develop my team. I am motivated by the challenge of taking a group of individuals and helping them work together towards a common goal.”
Conclusion
When you’re asked “What motivates you?” in an interview, take the opportunity to share what drives you both professionally and personally. Be honest, enthusiastic, and specific in your response. And remember, your delivery is just as important as the content of your answer.