Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
There’s a good chance that you’ll be asked a few open-ended questions during your interviews. Employers like to use these opportunities to get to know you beyond the bullet points on your resume.
One of the most common questions for job seekers is, “What motivates you?” While this may seem complicated, preparing an answer tailored to each role can make your responses more impactful.
This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer who you are as a professional and what kind of employee you’ll be. An honest, thoughtful answer can go a long way in making a great impression.
Why the Interviewer Is Asking About Your Professional Motivations
When interviewers ask about motivation, they’re looking for more than just a list of things that make you happy at work. Instead, they want to understand how your motivations have helped you achieve success in your career thus far and how they can help you contribute to the organization in the future.
Your answer should be specific and tailored to the role you’re interviewing for.
For example, if you’re applying for a job requiring a lot of creativity, you might say you’re motivated by the opportunity to explore new ideas and concepts. Or, suppose you’re applying for a position with a lot of responsibility. In that case, you might say that you’re motivated by the opportunity to lead and contribute to each team member’s growth and success.
In either case, it’s essential to be authentic in your response. The interviewer wants to hear what truly motivates you, not what you think they want to hear. Realistically, it doesn’t do you or the company any good if you say what you think they want to hear and end up in a role that isn’t a great fit.
How to Answer ‘What Motivates You?’
When it comes to answering this question, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Be specific: Tailor your response to the role you’re applying for. This will show that you’ve done your research and understand the demands of the position.
- Be honest: The interviewer is looking for a real answer that will give them insight into who you are as a professional. There’s no need to try and impress them with a grandiose response — just be yourself.
- Be positive: Even if you are generally more reserved, try focusing on the things that make you happy at work. This will show that you’re excited about the opportunity and have a positive attitude.
1. Focus on the Big Picture
Ensure your answers aren’t centered on perks or benefits you’ll enjoy. For example, if the company offers an on-site gym and a daily lunch allowance, those are excellent perks. However, they probably aren’t what will motivate you to do your best work daily. And it’s not what the employer wants to hear.
Instead, focus your answer on opportunities, growth, impact, and contribution. When you’re thinking about how to answer, it can be helpful to consider both your past experiences and future goals.
What are some things that have motivated you in your career thus far? And what inspires you when it comes to your future career plans? Identifying these things will help you craft a response that is both honest and authentic.
2. Stay Concise and On-Topic
Interviews can be high-stress for many people; job seekers often ramble when they get nervous. This is why preparation is critical in ensuring that your answer remains concise and on-topic.
Aim to keep your answer between 30 seconds to one minute. That should give you ample time to articulate your motivations and share an example of how those have played out in your daily work life.
3. Avoid Negativity
It’s incredibly unfair, but even if you’re looking for a new role to escape a toxic work environment, mentioning the negatives about why you’re leaving can tarnish your image with the hiring manager.
Instead, reframe your answer to focus on how you’re motivated by positive teamwork and avoid mentioning anything derogatory about your previous coworkers or job — no matter how well-deserved those comments may be.
Example Answers for ‘What Motivates You?’
If you’re applying for a role that is a natural progression from the one you’re in, you might consider how those two relate to each other and highlight similar responsibilities. This is also a great way to answer the question if you’re applying for a job internally with the same company. For example:
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn new things and take on new challenges. In my current position, I’ve been able to take on more responsibility and learn new skills. It’s been incredibly fulfilling, and I’m constantly growing and evolving in my role.”
If you left your previous role on good terms, perhaps due to a relocation or a downsizing, it’s absolutely OK to highlight similar motivations to the role you’re seeking now. For example:
“I’ve always been motivated by the opportunity to lead and contribute to a team’s success. I thrive in an environment where I can offer guidance and support to those around me. In my previous role, I was able to help my team members reach their goals and grow in their careers. It was very rewarding to see them achieve new milestones.”
What about when you’re looking for work because of a career change, or due to leaving a toxic work environment? You can talk about why this company or role specifically appeals to you as long as you keep your answer big-picture. For example:
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. I like feeling like my work is making a positive impact, whether on a small scale or a large one. That’s why I’m interested in this position with your organization. The dedication to conservation is something that I’m very passionate about as well.”
Remember, the key is to be honest, specific, and positive in your response. Answering this question thoughtfully will show the interviewer that you’re an excellent fit for the role.
Other Ways the Question Is Asked
Remember that when preparing for your interview, open-ended questions aren’t always phrased the same way from one interview to the next.
It’s best to brainstorm and practice answers you can adjust on the fly, rather than memorize them verbatim. That way, you won’t get thrown off if the question is presented differently.
For example, here are a few different ways you might hear that question phrased:
- What drives you?
- What inspires you?
- What are your passions?
- What gets you excited to come to work every day?
- What does a great day at work look like?
- Why does this role appeal to you?
These are all variations of the same question and can be answered in the same way. Just remember that it’s OK to pause a moment and collect your thoughts before answering. By doing so, you’ll be better able to answer clearly and concisely.
