How to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview (With Examples)
One of the most common yet deceptively simple interview questions is: “What motivates you?” While it might seem easy to answer, many job seekers struggle to craft a response that impresses hiring managers. The way you answer this question can reveal your work ethic, values, and whether you’re the right fit for the company.
In this guide, we’ll break down why interviewers ask this question, how to craft a compelling response, and provide sample answers tailored to different motivations. By the end, you’ll be equipped with a strong, confident answer that showcases your strengths.
Why Do Interviewers Ask “What Motivates You?”
This question helps employers understand your intrinsic drive and whether your motivation aligns with the company’s goals. Employers are not looking for generic answers but insights into:
- What excites you about work
- How you stay engaged and productive
- Whether your motivation fits the job role and company culture
Your response should reflect what genuinely drives you while demonstrating how this motivation will make you a valuable employee.
For more job interview tips, check out our comprehensive interview preparation guide.
Variations of the Question
Sometimes, interviewers phrase this question differently. Be prepared for variations such as:
- “What inspires you to do your best work?”
- “What excites you about this role?”
- “What drives you to achieve your goals?”
- “Why do you get up every morning and go to work?”
Recognizing these variations ensures you don’t get caught off guard.
How to Prepare a Strong Answer
1. Reflect on Your Personal Motivation
Think about past work experiences where you felt the most engaged and accomplished. Ask yourself:
- What tasks make you lose track of time?
- What achievements have made you most proud?
- Do you prefer working alone, with a team, or solving complex challenges?
2. Align Your Motivation with the Job Role
Your answer should connect to the job you’re applying for. For example, if the role involves leadership, highlighting your passion for teamwork and mentoring is effective.
3. Use the STAR Method
Structure your answer using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This keeps your response clear and results-driven.
For more guidance on crafting impactful responses, read our resume writing tips.
Examples of Strong Answers
Example for Someone Motivated by Learning and Growth
“I’m driven by the opportunity to continuously learn and improve. In my previous role, I sought additional training and courses to expand my skill set, even outside my job responsibilities. I enjoy staying ahead of industry trends and applying new knowledge to create innovative solutions.”
Example for Someone Motivated by Problem-Solving
“Solving complex problems is what excites me most. At my last job, I tackled a major software issue that was causing inefficiencies. By analyzing the system and implementing a new approach, I reduced processing time by 30%, which significantly improved productivity.”
Example for a Team Player
“I thrive in collaborative environments where teamwork leads to great results. In my previous role, I managed a cross-functional team to streamline operations, leading to a 20% efficiency boost. Working with others and seeing the collective success of a team truly motivates me.”
Example for a Results-Driven Professional
“I am highly motivated by achieving tangible results. In my previous role, I was given an aggressive sales target, and by analyzing customer data and refining our strategy, my team exceeded our goal by 15%. Seeing measurable success is what drives me to work harder.”
Key Tips for Answering “What Motivates You?”
- Be Honest: Your answer should genuinely reflect what drives you.
- Keep It Professional: Focus on work-related motivations rather than personal ones.
- Make It Relevant: Tailor your answer to the role you’re applying for.
- Stay Positive: Frame your response in a way that highlights enthusiasm and engagement.
- Practice Your Response: Rehearse your answer to ensure clarity and confidence.
Understanding and effectively answering “What motivates you?” can set you apart in an interview. By reflecting on your strengths, aligning them with the job role, and using structured examples, you can craft a compelling answer that leaves a lasting impression.
Next time you prepare for an interview, take a moment to identify what truly drives you. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to confidently showcase your motivation and secure your dream job!
