The question, “What motivates you?” is a frequent part of many job interviews that probes beyond your resume to understand the drivers behind your professional life. Answering effectively requires self-awareness and strategic alignment with the prospective employer. A strong response is both authentic and compelling, demonstrating why you are a good candidate for the role.
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
Hiring managers ask this question to gain insight into your personal drivers and how they connect to the workplace. Your answer helps them assess your self-awareness and ability to proactively manage your own performance. It is a window into your work ethic and what you find fulfilling in a professional setting.
Your response is also a tool for determining cultural fit. Companies have distinct values and work environments, and an interviewer needs to gauge if you would thrive in their specific culture. They are listening for alignment between what energizes you and what the company and role can offer.
This question helps an interviewer gauge your genuine enthusiasm for the position. A candidate who can articulate how the job’s duties tap into their core motivations is more likely to be engaged. It separates candidates who want any job from those who want this specific job.
How to Prepare Your Answer
The first step is self-reflection. Think about past projects or roles where you felt most engaged and energized. Consider what specific circumstances created that feeling, such as solving a complex problem, collaborating with a team, or learning a new skill. Identifying these authentic sources of motivation is the foundation of a believable answer.
With a clear sense of your drivers, shift your focus to the employer. Research the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements to understand what the organization prioritizes. Look for connections between their goals and your own motivators. For example, if they launched an innovative product and you are motivated by creativity, you have found a point of connection.
Next, dissect the job description. Move beyond the basic responsibilities to identify the performance indicators and what success looks like in this position. If the role involves mentoring and you are motivated by helping others grow, that is a direct link to highlight. Brainstorm specific examples where your motivators led to outcomes that mirror the job’s requirements.
Structuring a Strong Response
A well-structured answer ensures your message is delivered with clarity. A simple model involves three parts: state your primary motivation, provide a specific example that illustrates it, and connect it to the role. This narrative approach is more compelling than a simple statement and provides concrete evidence of your claims, transforming your answer into a memorable story.
To add depth, use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. First, briefly describe the Situation you were in and the Task you needed to accomplish. Then, detail the specific Action you took, ensuring it reflects your stated motivation. Explain the Result, quantifying the outcome whenever possible to demonstrate a tangible impact.
For instance, if your motivation is problem-solving, you would state that first. Then, you might describe a situation where your team faced a technical issue (Situation) and your task was to find a permanent solution (Task). You would explain the analytical steps you took (Action) and conclude with the outcome, such as a 30% reduction in system downtime (Result).
This framework helps you remain concise while providing necessary detail. It guides the interviewer through your thought process and proves your motivation is something you actively apply. Finish by explicitly linking this back to the new role, for example, by saying, “I’m excited to bring this problem-solving approach to the challenges here,” which cements the connection.
Examples of Effective Answers
Motivated by Problem-Solving
“I am motivated by solving complex problems. I enjoy the process of dissecting an issue, analyzing data to find its root causes, and developing a strategic solution. In my previous role, our marketing team was struggling with low conversion rates on a campaign.
I performed a deep dive into user data and identified a drop-off point in the customer journey. After presenting my findings and proposed A/B tests, we increased the campaign’s conversion rate by 15% in one quarter. I am eager to apply this analytical approach to the challenges at your company.”
Motivated by Achieving Goals
“I’m driven by setting and achieving ambitious goals, as having a clear target provides direction and purpose. In my last position as a sales manager, our team was given an annual revenue target 20% higher than the previous year.
I developed a new client outreach strategy and revised the team’s training module. By tracking progress with weekly metrics and making adjustments, we exceeded the target by 5%. The opportunity to work toward the ambitious goals for this role is very exciting.”
Motivated by Collaboration
“I find motivation in collaborating with a team to achieve a shared objective. I believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes and enjoy the energy from working together. Last year, I was part of a cross-functional project to launch a new software feature on a tight deadline.
Communication was initially a challenge, so I volunteered to facilitate our weekly check-ins and created a shared document to track progress. This improved transparency, and we successfully launched the feature on time to positive feedback. I am drawn to your company’s emphasis on teamwork.”
Motivated by Learning and Growth
“My motivation is the opportunity to learn and develop new skills. I am naturally curious and thrive in environments where I am challenged to expand my knowledge. In my previous job, I noticed our team wasn’t fully utilizing our project management software.
I dedicated my own time to completing an advanced certification for the software and then led workshops for my colleagues. This led to a 25% improvement in our team’s efficiency, and I am excited this role offers opportunities for professional development.”
Motivated by Making an Impact
“I am motivated by knowing my work is making a tangible, positive impact. In my role at a nonprofit, I was responsible for managing a community outreach program aimed at increasing literacy.
By building partnerships with local schools and libraries, we provided books and tutoring to over 500 children in the first year. Knowing my efforts directly contributed to their educational development was fulfilling. I was drawn to your company because its mission aligns with my desire to work for an organization that has a meaningful impact.”
What to Avoid in Your Answer
When you formulate your response, avoid offering a generic or clichéd answer. Phrases like “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m passionate about success” are vague and fail to differentiate you. Your answer must be specific and backed by personal experience to be memorable and believable.
Steer clear of focusing on extrinsic motivators like salary. While compensation is a factor, stating it as your primary driver can make you appear transactional and less interested in the work itself. The interviewer wants to see an intrinsic connection to the role.
Your answer should not sound overly rehearsed or dishonest. While preparation is important, your delivery should feel natural and genuine. Authenticity is important, as hiring managers can often tell when a candidate is providing an answer they think the interviewer wants to hear.
Ensure your answer is positive and forward-looking, so avoid complaining about past employers. Also, make sure your stated motivation aligns with the realities of the job. Claiming to be motivated by teamwork when applying for a highly independent role will raise a red flag.