In this article, we are going to help you answer the problematic but common interview question, “What motivates you?” You should be prepared to answer this question, so if you are in the midst of a job search and have a job interview coming up for any role or organization, make sure to take advantage of this guide.
Why does the interviewer ask this question?
First of all, let’s explain why the interviewer is asking you this question. It’s a bit of a tricky interview question because the recruiter or hiring manager is asking it to assess what drives you personally and how you will impact their team if you get the job.
The way to answer this question is NEVER by saying you are motivated by money, the perks of the job, promotion, or anything outside the job that can portray you as self-centered.
It is essential to learn how to answer and also to be aware that this question can appear in many shapes or forms, for example:
- What drives you to perform at your best?
- What keeps you motivated in your daily work?
- Can you tell me about what inspires you to succeed in your role?
- What factors influence your work ethic and drive?
- What gets you excited about coming to work each day?
- How do you stay motivated when facing challenges?
- What are your primary sources of motivation in your career?
- What motivates you to keep improving in your professional life?
- What energizes you to take on new projects or tasks?
- What is your biggest source of inspiration when working on a tough project?
Know what motivates you
So, let’s look at 8 brilliant motivators that you can use when answering the interview question, “What motivates you?” These example answers are important as part of the interview preparation as they will help you better understand what drives you and what you enjoy at work and talk about it fluently as you’re interviewing.
Motivator #1 : Deadlines and goals
If you enjoy having set timeframes to work towards and you act quickly, this can be a great motivator because it makes you feel valued at work. This also tells the interviewer that you will always take ownership of difficult tasks and duties.
Motivator #2: Data analysis to drive decisions
This is more suitable for a technical role. It shows that you enjoy investigating information from different sources and coming up with new and creative ways for business improvements.
Motivator #3: Teamwork and positive impact
If you enjoy being a part of a team where everyone is focused on problem-solving and achieving shared success, this one is for you. Employers value candidates who are team players, as most companies rely on teamwork to achieve goals. Your focus on creating a positive impact shows that you’re outcome-oriented and committed to contributing to the organization’s overall success, not just personal achievements.
Motivator #4: Learning new things
Whether it’s taking on challenging goals or gaining new experiences, if you thrive in environments in which you can develop skills and knowledge, you can highlight this motivator in your answer.
Employers value candidates who have a desire to learn new skills and continuously improve. This shows that you are adaptable and willing to grow, which is crucial in a fast-changing work environment.
If you’re motivated by gaining new experiences, it means you will likely be proactive in seeking out opportunities to enhance your skills and experience. This can be particularly valuable in roles where ongoing learning is necessary to keep up with industry advancements.
Motivator #5: Problem-solving
If you enjoy solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions or have consistently done this in your previous jobs, highlight this aspect.
Employers are always looking for people who can solve complex problems and find innovative solutions. If problem-solving motivates you, it shows that you will thrive when you’re struggling to come up with solutions in challenging situations.
This is a key trait for roles that require independent thinking, creativity, and resilience, especially in dynamic or fast-paced industries. Your ability to bring the full weight of your skills to complex tasks adds significant value to the organization.
Motivator #6: Growth opportunity
Being motivated by growth opportunities signals to employers that you are driven to advance in your career and are likely to stay committed to the company as long as you can see a clear path for development.
This motivation also suggests that you are goal-oriented and focused on long-term success. Employers want to hire people who are eager to contribute and give their best, as it leads to mutual benefit — you grow, and so does the company.
Motivator #7: Team leadership
Team leadership is a critical motivator for roles where collaboration and guiding others are essential. Employers care about this because it shows you’re able to not only handle your responsibilities but also inspire and lead others to achieve their best. If you’re motivated by leading teams, you’re likely to excel in management positions, driving results while building a strong, cohesive team. Employers want to know that you can take initiative and bring out the potential in others, which can lead to improved overall team performance.
Motivator #8: Being close to innovation
Being close to innovation highlights your passion for being at the forefront of industry developments and new technologies. Employers in tech or innovation-driven industries care deeply about hiring people who are enthusiastic about staying current with trends and breakthroughs.
This motivator indicates that you’ll be proactive in exploring new solutions and approaches, which can give the company a competitive edge. It is important to remember that employers want people who are constantly thinking about what drives future advancements and how to incorporate them into the business.
How to use the STAR Method to answer “What motivates you?”
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a powerful technique to structure your response to interview questions. Here’s how to apply it when asked about what motivates you:
- Situation: Describe a situation where your motivation was crucial to success.
- Task: Explain the task or challenge that you faced.
- Action: Talk about what you did to overcome the challenge or complete the task.
- Result: Highlight the positive outcome and how your motivation made a positive impact.
Using the STAR method ensures that your answer is structured and provides a clear, compelling narrative. Prepare an answer using this method to show how your motivations directly contributed to results in your career path.
Common mistakes to avoid when answering this question
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is giving a generic answer that doesn’t relate to the job or company. Saying that you are motivated by “money” or “power” can come off as self-serving. Instead, focus on motivations that are relevant to the job.
Avoid:
- Being vague or overly broad.
- Talking about motivations that are not aligned with the company’s values.
- Struggling to come up with an example or sounding unprepared.
Make sure your answer aligns with what the company is looking for, and review the job description beforehand to ensure your response is tailored to your needs.
Sample answers to “What motivates you?”
Here are some sample answers to help you craft your response:
- “What motivates me is making a positive impact. In my last job, I was driven by the opportunity to improve our team’s efficiency, which resulted in a 20% increase in productivity. I enjoy working on challenging projects that require creative problem-solving.”
- “I’m motivated by a desire to learn and grow continuously. In my previous role, I took on complex tasks that pushed me to expand my skills, and I apply the same techniques to every new challenge.”
- “I’m driven by the fact that I can contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in people’s lives. My motivation comes from knowing that my efforts are valued and contribute to the bigger picture.”
Each of these answers shows how personal motivations lead to tangible results, and this is how you should focus your answer during the interview.
How to tailor your answer to the job description
To effectively answer this question, your response should be specific to the role you’re interviewing for. Start by carefully reviewing the job description. Identify key skills and responsibilities and think about how your motivations align with those.
For example:
- If the job would require leadership, mention how you’re motivated by the opportunity to inspire others.
- If the job involves innovation or creativity, talk about your drive to solve complex problems.
- If the role is about working with people, explain how working in a collaborative work environment motivates you.
Why being honest is key
It’s important to be honest when answering the question, “What motivates you?” Employers can tell if you’re giving a canned or rehearsed response. An authentic answer that reflects who you truly are will resonate better and create a stronger connection with the interviewer.
Honesty ensures that your career goals and the company’s expectations are aligned. If you’re driven by things that match the job you’re applying for, you’re more likely to succeed in the role and enjoy working there.
