One of the most common questions asked in job interviews is, “What motivates you?” This question provides employers with valuable insights into your personality, work ethic, and compatibility with the company culture.
Preparing a thoughtful and compelling response to this question is essential to make a positive impression on the interviewer. Here are five easy steps to help you craft an impressive answer:
1. Reflect on Your Passions and Values: Before the interview, take some time to introspect and identify your passions and values. Consider what drives you to excel in your career, what energizes you, and what brings you a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s a desire to make a difference, the joy of solving complex problems, or a commitment to continuous learning, understanding your core motivations will lay the foundation for your response.
2. Be Genuine and Specific: When answering this question, authenticity is key. Employers are interested in hearing genuine responses that reflect your true self. Avoid vague or generic answers; instead, provide specific examples that demonstrate your motivation. For instance, if you’re motivated by the opportunity to work in a team, share a past experience where collaboration led to a successful outcome.
3. Relate Your Motivation to the Role: Tailor your answer to align with the specific job you’re interviewing for. Research the company’s values and the responsibilities of the role to understand how your motivation fits the organization’s needs. Show the interviewer that your motivation is directly relevant to the position and how it will contribute to your success in the role.
4. Emphasize Positive Outcomes: Focus on positive aspects of your motivation. Highlight how your drive has led to achievements in your previous roles or academic pursuits. Mentioning accomplishments, awards, or recognition related to your motivation will reinforce your credibility and show that you can turn your motivation into tangible results.
5. Connect Motivation to Long-term Goals: Demonstrate that your motivation is not limited to the immediate job opportunity but is aligned with your long-term career goals. Explain how the position you are applying for will help you grow, develop new skills, and contribute to your professional advancement. This will assure the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the position and committed to the organization’s success.
Example Response:
“My primary motivation is the opportunity to make a positive impact and bring value to the team and organization. I am energized by collaborating with others, brainstorming innovative solutions, and witnessing the direct impact of my efforts. In my previous role as a project manager, I led a cross-functional team to deliver a complex project ahead of schedule, which not only boosted team morale but also resulted in a significant increase in client satisfaction. This experience reinforced my belief that teamwork and a focus on delivering excellence drive me to excel in my career.
I am excited about the prospect of joining your team because your company’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my own values. I believe my motivation for growth and my passion for tackling new challenges will be well-utilized in this role. Moreover, the opportunity to work with a talented and diverse team at [Company Name] and contribute to its mission of driving positive change in the industry truly excites me.
In the long run, I see myself growing into a leadership role where I can mentor and inspire others to achieve their full potential. I believe that my motivation to lead and make a difference will thrive in an environment like yours, where individual growth is encouraged and supported. I am eager to bring my skills, dedication, and enthusiasm to contribute to the success of [Company Name].”
Remember, answering “What motivates you?” is an opportunity to showcase your passion, drive, and suitability for the role. By following these easy steps and crafting a well-thought-out response, you can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of landing the job.
