If you’ve ever been asked the question, “What motivates you?” during a job interview, you know how important it is to have a strong and genuine answer. But how do you even begin to answer such a broad question? In this article, we will explore how to effectively answer the “What motivates you?” interview question. We will discuss the qualities that employers are looking for in your response and provide you with some examples of motivations that you can use to tailor your answer to the specific job opportunity. By understanding what drives you and aligning it with the responsibilities and values of the company, you can showcase your suitability for the role and increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.
How to Answer the What Motivates You Interview Question
When it comes to job interviews, one question that often comes up is “What motivates you?” This question is designed to help the interviewer understand what drives and inspires you in the workplace. While it may seem like a simple question, it can be tricky to answer without some preparation. In this article, we will explore the purpose of this question, reflect on your own motivations, and discuss how to make your answer relevant to the job opportunity.
Understanding the Purpose of the Question
Before diving into how to answer the question, it’s important to understand why interviewers ask it. By asking what motivates you, the interviewer is trying to evaluate a few key factors:
Evaluating Self-Awareness and Authenticity
First and foremost, the interviewer wants to assess your level of self-awareness and authenticity. They want to see if you have a clear understanding of what drives you in your work and if you can express it genuinely.
Assessing Alignment with Job Tasks and Responsibilities
The interviewer also wants to determine if your motivations align with the tasks and responsibilities of the job you are applying for. They want to ensure that you will be engaged and motivated to perform well in this specific role.
Considering Cultural Fit and Work Environment
Another aspect the interviewer is evaluating is whether your motivational factors align with the company culture and work environment. They want to see if you will be a good fit within the organization and if your motivations align with their values and goals.
Assessing Suitability for the Role and Ability to Fit in with the Team
Finally, the interviewer wants to assess your overall suitability for the role and your ability to fit in with the existing team. They want to determine if your motivations will contribute positively to the team dynamic and if you will be able to thrive in the role.
Reflecting on Your Own Motivations
To answer the question effectively, it’s important to reflect on your own motivations beforehand. Consider the following questions to help you identify what truly motivates you at work:
Identifying Enjoyable Aspects of Work
Think about the aspects of work that you genuinely enjoy and find fulfilling. Is it collaborating with others, solving complex problems, or helping others succeed? Identifying what brings you joy in your work can give you insights into your motivations.
Recognizing Engagement with Work
Reflect on times when you felt completely engaged with your work. What tasks or projects were you working on? Understanding when you feel most engaged can help you pinpoint the factors that motivate you.
Identifying Strengths and Areas of Excellence
Take note of the tasks and assignments where you excel and perform exceptionally well. What skills or abilities do these tasks require? Recognizing your strengths and areas of excellence can reveal what motivates you to strive for success.
Reflecting on Times of Pride in Work
Think back to moments when you felt a sense of pride in your work. Was it the successful completion of a challenging project or receiving positive feedback from colleagues or clients? Reflecting on these moments can help you identify your motivational factors.
Recalling Best Days at Work
Consider your best days at work and what made them so memorable. Was it a sense of accomplishment, working collaboratively with a team, or achieving a significant milestone? Reflecting on these experiences can shed light on what truly motivates you.
Identifying Attractive Aspects of the Job Opportunity
Lastly, think about what attracted you to the job opportunity you are interviewing for. Is it the chance to make a difference, the opportunity for growth and development, or the alignment with your values? Understanding why this job opportunity appeals to you can help you tailor your answer to the specific role.
Making Your Answer Relevant to the Job Opportunity
Once you have identified your motivations, it’s important to make your answer relevant to the job opportunity. Consider the following factors to align your answer with the specific role:
Analyzing Job Responsibilities and Duties
Review the job description and understand the key responsibilities and duties of the role. Look for overlaps between your motivations and the tasks involved. For example, if the role involves mentoring and coaching others, and you enjoy developing people, highlight this in your answer.
Considering Required Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors
Evaluate the skills, abilities, and behaviors that are required for the job. Identify how your motivations align with these requirements. If the job requires problem-solving skills, and you are motivated by finding innovative solutions, make sure to mention this in your answer.
Assessing Potential Opportunities with the Job
Consider the potential opportunities for growth and development that the job offers. If the role provides opportunities for learning and self-development, and this is a strong motivator for you, emphasize this in your answer.
Understanding the Working Environment
Research and understand the working environment of the company. Is it fast-paced and deadline-driven, or more collaborative and team-oriented? Highlight your motivations that align with the working environment in your answer.
Exploring the Company Culture and Values
Familiarize yourself with the company culture and values. Determine if your motivations align with these cultural aspects. If the company values teamwork and you are motivated by working as part of a team, make sure to mention this in your answer.
Examples of What Motivates You
To help you brainstorm and come up with your own answer, here are some examples of common motivations in the workplace:
- Meeting and exceeding targets and goals
- Mentoring, coaching, and developing others
- Learning and self-development
- Innovating for improvement
- Problem-solving
- Creating and implementing new ideas
- Data analysis and management
- Working and succeeding as part of a team
- Completing complex projects and assignments
- Improving systems and processes
- Overcoming challenges and obstacles
- Providing excellent customer service
- Helping others in need
- Helping others succeed
Consider which of these motivations resonate with you and incorporate them into your answer. It’s important to choose motivations that are applicable to the job opportunity and align with your own personal experiences.
Answer Examples for ‘What Motivates You?’
To give you a better idea of how to structure your answer, here are some examples for different motivations:
Teamwork
“I am motivated by working as part of a team to achieve a collective outcome. I thrive in collaborative environments where everyone’s contributions are valued. In my previous role as a project manager, I was responsible for leading a team of diverse individuals towards a common goal. I found great satisfaction in seeing our combined efforts result in successful project completion.”
Achieving Measurable Results or Tangible Goals
“I am driven by achieving tangible results and meeting measurable goals. I am always motivated by the opportunity to see my hard work pay off in concrete ways. In my previous sales role, I consistently exceeded my sales targets month after month, which not only brought me personal satisfaction but also contributed to the success of the company.”
Developing, Mentoring, or Coaching Others
“One of my greatest motivations at work is the opportunity to develop and mentor others. I find fulfillment in helping others grow and succeed in their roles. In my previous role as a team leader, I made it a priority to support and coach my team members, which resulted in increased employee engagement and improved performance.”
Learning New Skills and Self-Development
“I am motivated by continuous learning and self-development. I thrive in dynamic and challenging environments that provide opportunities for personal and professional growth. Throughout my career, I have actively sought out learning opportunities, such as attending workshops and pursuing additional certifications, which have allowed me to expand my skill set and stay up to date with industry trends.”
Data Analysis and Problem-Solving
“I am naturally inclined towards data analysis and problem-solving. I enjoy diving into complex data sets, identifying patterns, and using that information to make data-driven decisions. In my previous role as a business analyst, I was responsible for analyzing market trends and customer behavior, which allowed me to provide valuable insights and recommendations to the management team.”
Meeting a Challenge or Overcoming an Obstacle
“I am motivated by challenges and the opportunity to overcome obstacles. I thrive in high-pressure situations where I can apply my problem-solving skills and demonstrate my resilience. In a previous project, our team faced a tight deadline and numerous technical difficulties. Despite the odds, we worked together, found innovative solutions, and successfully delivered the project on time.”
Helping Others
“One of my primary motivations at work is the opportunity to help others. I find great satisfaction in making a difference in someone’s life or supporting them through challenging situations. In my previous role as a customer service representative, I always went the extra mile to ensure that each customer had a positive experience and their needs were met.”
Identifying Your Preferred Work Environment
Another aspect that interviewers may be interested in is your preferred work environment. They want to understand if the company’s work environment aligns with your preferences and if you will thrive in that setting. Here are some steps to help you identify and communicate your preferred work environment:
Researching the Company and Work Environment
Prior to the interview, research the company and their work environment. Explore their website, read about their values and culture, and look for any information that can give you insights into their work environment. This will help you understand if it is a good fit for you.
Identifying Different Types of Work Environments
Consider the different types of work environments that exist. Some examples include deadline-driven, fast-paced, collaborative, team-based, formal, informal, structured, or flexible. Think about which of these environments you prefer and why.
Highlighting Your Preferred Work Environment
In your answer, be honest and transparent about your preferred work environment. Explain why that particular workplace style or culture suits you and how it aligns with your motivations and work style. If you are adaptable and can thrive in different work environments, mention this as well.
By communicating your preferred work environment, you are providing the interviewer with insights into your work preferences and helping them determine if you will be a good fit within their organization.
Answering the Question for Entry-Level Candidates
For entry-level candidates or those with limited work experience, answering the “What motivates you?” question may seem challenging. However, there are still relevant motivations you can highlight. Here are some tips for answering the question as an entry-level candidate:
Translating Education and Extra-Curricular Activities
Reflect on the skills and experiences gained during your education and any extra-curricular activities. Think about how these translate into the workplace and how they can be applicable to the role you are applying for. For example, if you were involved in a student organization where you mentored and coached peers, you can highlight your motivation to develop and empower others.
Highlighting Relevant Motivations for Entry-Level Roles
Consider the specific motivations that are relevant to entry-level roles. These can include a willingness to learn, a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a drive to make a positive impact. Identify which of these motivations align with your own values and experiences and emphasize them in your answer.
As an entry-level candidate, it’s important to focus on your potential and willingness to learn and grow in the role. Highlighting your motivations and how they align with the job requirements can demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to take on the challenges of the position.
What to Avoid in Your Answer
While it’s important to know what to include in your answer, it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Here are some things to steer clear of when answering the “What motivates you?” question:
Focusing Solely on Salary and Perks
While salary and perks can be motivating factors, it’s best to avoid focusing solely on them. Employers are looking for motivations beyond just financial rewards. Focus on intrinsic motivations, such as personal growth, impact, or working with a passionate team.
Providing Vague or Generic Statements
Avoid giving vague or generic statements when answering the question. Instead, provide specific examples and details to support your motivations. This will make your answer more authentic and demonstrate that you have thought deeply about what truly motivates you.
Giving Long-Winded Answers
Keep your answer concise and to the point. Make sure to stick to the main motivations that are relevant to the job opportunity. Giving a long-winded response can make you come across as unfocused or unprepared.
In conclusion, answering the “What motivates you?” interview question requires self-reflection, an understanding of the job opportunity, and the ability to make your answer relevant. By considering your own motivations, aligning them with the job requirements, and communicating them effectively, you can impress the interviewer and demonstrate your suitability for the role. Remember to be genuine, specific, and concise in your response. Good luck with your job interview!
