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People often ask what really gets you going in an interview. That question, “What motivates you?” comes up a lot. It’s not just a tricky thing they throw at you to see if you can think fast. There’s more to it, and understanding that is pretty important for anyone looking for a job.
So, when they ask about what motivates you; they are trying to figure out what makes you tick. What really drives your actions and choices? They want to see if your inner drive matches up with what the job needs. It’s like they’re looking for a good fit, right from the start.
Sometimes, people think this question is about money or a fancy title. Those things can be nice, sure, but they usually aren’t the whole story. Real motivation often goes deeper. It connects to what you care about, what you enjoy doing.
Finding your true motivation helps you answer this question better. It also helps you pick the right jobs in the first place. You want to work where you feel good, where what you do actually matters to you. That’s a good place to be.
The question pushes you to think about yourself, your goals, and what you want from your work life. It is not just about what skills you have. It’s about your spirit, your drive. That part of you that keeps you going, even when things get tough.
Why They Even Ask This
Interviewers have their reasons for this question. They are not just being nosy. They want to see if you’ll be happy in the role. Someone who is motivated by the work itself tends to stick around longer. They also do better work.
They’re trying to see if you fit the company culture. If the company values teamwork and you’re all about solo projects, that’s a mismatch. They want to avoid hiring someone who will quit in six months because they are bored or frustrated.
This question also helps them see your self-awareness. Can you actually talk about what drives you? Or are you just guessing? Knowing yourself is a big deal in any job. It shows maturity, I believe.
They also want to hear about what excites you. Is it challenges; is it helping others; is it learning new things? Knowing this helps them put you in the right spot if you get hired. It makes sense, really.
Hiring someone is a big deal for a company. It costs money and time. So, they want to get it right the first time. This question helps them make a good bet on you. It is a simple tool they use.
Thinking About Your Own Motivations
Before you even step into that interview, you need to think about what genuinely motivates you. Don’t just make something up on the spot. That usually comes across as fake. People can tell when you are not being real.
Take some time to really consider it. When do you feel most engaged at work? What kinds of tasks make the time fly by? What projects do you remember most fondly? Those are the clues you need.
Maybe you love solving tough problems. Or maybe you enjoy building things from scratch. Some people get a kick out of teaching others. What gives you that good feeling; that sense of accomplishment?
Think about times you’ve done something well and felt great about it. What was it about that experience that made you proud? Was it the result; the process; the teamwork? Pinpoint those exact feelings.
And don’t forget to think about what you don’t like. Sometimes knowing what drains your energy helps you figure out what charges you up. It’s like looking at the other side of the coin.
Common Answers and What They Mean
When people answer this question, some common themes pop up. Like, some folks say they are motivated by challenge. They like facing hard stuff and figuring it out. That shows they are probably problem-solvers.
Others might say they are motivated by learning. They always want to pick up new skills or knowledge. This kind of person is good for jobs that change a lot. They adapt well, you could say.
Then there are those who get motivated by helping others. Maybe they like making a positive impact. These people often fit well in customer service roles or non-profit work. They usually have big hearts.
Some are driven by achievement. They like hitting targets; finishing projects; seeing clear results. These folks are often very goal-oriented. They usually do well in sales or project management.
And some people are motivated by being part of a team. They like working with others to reach a common goal. This shows they are collaborative and probably good communicators. Team players, for sure.
How to Shape Your Answer
Your answer should be honest, but also match the job you want. You wouldn’t say you are motivated by quiet, solo work if the job is all about loud, team projects. That would just be silly.
Start by thinking about what the job description says. What kind of person do they seem to be looking for? What are the key responsibilities? Try to link your real motivations to those things.
So, if the job is about fixing complex tech issues, you could say you are motivated by solving puzzles. Or by finding clear solutions to tricky problems. That fits nicely, I think.
Don’t just say “I’m motivated by challenge.” Give an example. Tell a short story about a time you faced a tough situation and how you pushed through it. Examples make your answer stronger.
For example, I once worked on a project where nothing seemed to go right. But I kept at it, trying different ways to solve it. Seeing that problem finally get fixed? That really motivated me.
Making It Sound Real
The trick is to sound natural, not like you memorized a script. People can spot fake answers a mile away. Just talk like you’re telling a friend about something you really care about.
Use your own words, not fancy jargon. If you are passionate about something, it will come through in your voice and how you speak. That’s the real stuff they want to hear.
Don’t try to give the “perfect” answer. There isn’t one. The best answer is the one that is true for you and also shows you’ve thought about the job. It’s about being authentic.
It is also okay to show a little bit of excitement. If something truly motivates you, your voice might go up a bit; you might smile. That’s just being human. Don’t hide it.
Practice saying it out loud. Not memorizing, just getting comfortable with the words. You want to sound ready, but not rehearsed. Like you’ve thought about it a bunch already.
Things to Avoid Doing
First off, don’t say money is your only motivation. While money is important for everyone, it rarely sounds good as your main driver in an interview. It makes you seem like you only care about the paycheck.
And don’t give a super generic answer that could apply to anyone. Things like “I’m motivated by success.” What does that even mean? Be specific about what “success” looks like for you.
Also, avoid complaining about past jobs or bosses when talking about motivation. “I’m motivated to leave my last job because my boss was awful.” That’s a big no-no. Stay positive.
Don’t talk about things that have nothing to do with work. Like, “I’m motivated by my cat.” While nice, it doesn’t help them see how you’ll perform in the job. Keep it relevant.
Do not give a very short, unthoughtful answer. Like, “I just like working.” That tells them nothing. Show you’ve actually put some thought into yourself and your career. It really shows respect.
Connecting Your Motivation to the Job
After you say what motivates you, link it directly to the job. This is where you connect the dots for the interviewer. Show them how your drive fits right into what they need.
For example, if you said you’re motivated by problem-solving, then explain how this job has lots of interesting problems to solve. Talk about specific challenges mentioned in the job ad.
If helping people motivates you, talk about how this role lets you interact with clients. Or how it contributes to a service that benefits the community. Make it very clear.
This part shows you’ve done your homework. You didn’t just walk in blindly. You looked at the company, at the job, and you see how your personal drive connects. That’s a smart move.
It also tells them you’ll be a good fit. If your motivations align with the job’s demands, you’re more likely to enjoy the work. And happier employees usually do a much better job.
A Few Real-World Examples
Let’s say the job involves a lot of public speaking. You could say, “I’m really motivated by connecting with people; sharing ideas. This role seems to offer lots of chances to do that.”
Or if it’s a data analyst position: “What truly motivates me is finding patterns in complex information; making sense of it. This job, with its focus on detailed reports, seems perfect.”
If it’s a creative design role: “I’m most motivated when I can bring new ideas to life. The freedom here to build original campaigns really gets me excited.” Be enthusiastic about it.
Consider a project manager role. You might say, “Seeing a project go from just an idea to a finished thing, that’s what really drives me. I like seeing tangible results.” It feels good.
Think about the specific tasks. If the job means a lot of detailed work, you could say you are motivated by accuracy. Or by ensuring everything is done just right, no errors.
Key Takeaways
Honesty matters; be real about what motivates you.
Connect it to the job; show how your drive fits their needs.
Give examples; stories make your answer memorable and believable.
Sound natural; avoid sounding rehearsed or robotic.
Think deeply; know yourself before the interview.
FAQs About “What Motivates You?”
What if my motivation changes over time; should I mention that?
Yes, it’s fine. People grow and priorities shift. You can talk about what motivates you now for this specific role.
Is it okay to say I’m motivated by a good work-life balance?
It is okay, but try to tie it to job performance. Say something like, “A good balance helps me stay refreshed and focused at work.”
What if I don’t really know what motivates me?
Take time to reflect before the interview. Think about past successes and what made them feel rewarding. It is important to know this.
Can I mention a personal motivation, like family?
Keep it job-focused. You can say your family motivates you to find a fulfilling career; but then pivot to what about the work motivates you.
Should I prepare different answers for different jobs?
Yes, absolutely. Tailor your answer to each specific job and company. It shows you’ve thought about their needs.
