The interview question, “What motivates you to do great work besides a paycheck?” is a frequent part of the job application process. Many candidates find it difficult to articulate what drives them beyond financial compensation. Understanding the intent behind this question and identifying your own intrinsic drivers will help you prepare an answer that resonates with potential employers.
Why Interviewers Ask This Question
When an interviewer poses this question, they are looking for insight that goes beyond the qualifications listed on your resume. Their primary goal is to understand your intrinsic motivations—the internal drivers that compel you to perform well. This helps them gauge your work ethic, personality, and what you value in a professional setting.
Hiring managers also use this question to assess your potential for long-term job satisfaction and commitment. They want to determine if your personal drivers align with the company’s mission and the specific demands of the role. A candidate whose motivations match the company culture is more likely to be engaged and productive.
This inquiry also serves as a test of your self-awareness. Answering thoughtfully demonstrates that you have reflected on what keeps you focused and how you measure success. It shows an employer you understand what kind of environment you need to thrive and can apply your skills effectively.
Identifying Your Authentic Motivators
To craft a compelling answer, you must first understand what truly drives you. Reflecting on your past experiences can help you pinpoint the aspects of your work that you find most gratifying. This self-reflection is the foundation for a genuine response.
- The opportunity to acquire new knowledge and skills. This can involve mastering new software, learning a programming language, or developing a deeper understanding of your industry. This drive shows a proactive approach to professional development and an ability to adapt to new challenges.
- The satisfaction of solving complex problems. The process of analyzing a complex situation, identifying potential solutions, and implementing a successful strategy can be rewarding. This motivator demonstrates analytical thinking and perseverance, showing an employer that you can take ownership of difficult tasks.
- Making a tangible impact or contribution. Seeing the direct results of your work can be a significant source of motivation. This might mean developing a product that helps customers, streamlining a process that saves resources, or contributing to a major company goal. When your efforts have a clear outcome, it creates a sense of accomplishment.
- A passion for the company’s mission or industry. When your personal values align with the organization’s goals, your work becomes more meaningful. This motivation indicates you are not just looking for a job, but for a place where you can contribute to something you care about, which leads to higher engagement.
- Thriving in a collaborative team environment. Some people are most energized when working as part of a team. They find motivation in the exchange of ideas, the shared responsibility for a project, and the collective success of the group. This indicates interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute positively to a team dynamic.
- The opportunity to mentor or help others. For experienced professionals, the chance to guide and support the growth of their colleagues can be fulfilling. Sharing knowledge and providing mentorship contributes to team development and demonstrates leadership potential and a commitment to a supportive work culture.
How to Structure Your Answer
Once you have identified your core motivators, structure your answer clearly. The key is to connect your motivation to a specific, real-world example that illustrates how it has driven you in the past.
An effective way to frame your response is by using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This technique provides a narrative structure for a concise story. Start by describing a specific situation from a previous role and the task you were responsible for.
Next, detail the actions you took, connecting them to your stated motivator. For example, if your motivator is problem-solving, describe the analytical steps you took. Conclude with the result of your actions, quantifying the outcome whenever possible to show the tangible benefit of your motivation.
It is also important to tailor your answer to the specific role and company. Before the interview, review the job description and research the company’s values. Select a motivator and a corresponding example that aligns with what the employer is looking for. This shows you have done your homework and are interested in contributing to their specific needs.
What to Avoid in Your Response
When answering this question, there are several pitfalls to avoid. Avoid focusing on monetary rewards or benefits, as this can suggest you are not invested in the work itself or the company’s mission.
Avoid being too vague or generic. Answering with clichés like “I’m a perfectionist” or “I just like to do a good job” does not provide real insight into your work ethic. Interviewers are looking for specific, personal examples that reveal who you are as a professional.
It is also advisable to avoid any negative framing. Do not mention motivators that stem from a desire to avoid negative consequences, such as fear of being reprimanded. Your answer should maintain a positive tone, focusing on what excites you about your work.
Finally, ensure your response is authentic. While it is important to tailor your answer, it should still be a genuine reflection of what drives you. Experienced interviewers can often tell when a candidate is being insincere, and an honest answer will always be more compelling.