How to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview with Sample Answers

Understanding your professional motivations is key to succeeding in a job interview.

When interviewers ask, “What motivates you?”, they are looking for more than just a surface-level response.

They want to see how your motivations align with the role, the company’s values, and its culture.

Learn actionable tips to help you answer this common interview question authentically and with confidence.

Why do interviewers ask “What motivates you?”

Interviewers ask this behavioral interview question to assess whether your motivations align with the company’s mission and whether you’re a good cultural fit.

A well-thought-out answer can also highlight your work ethic, your passion for innovative solutions, and your potential to make a positive impact.

Your response should reflect how your professional goals support the company’s objectives, ensuring you’re motivated by factors that lead to long-term success in your career path.

Steps to answer “What motivates you?” in an interview

Reflect on your true motivations

Before any job interview, take time to reflect on what genuinely motivates you. Ask yourself questions such as:

• What gets you excited about your current position or past experiences?
• Which accomplishments in your previous role made you feel the most fulfilled?
• When do you feel the most energized at work?

This self-reflection will help you distinguish between intrinsic motivations (e.g., personal satisfaction, personal growth) and extrinsic motivations (e.g., meeting sales goals, recognition from a previous employer).

A balanced response incorporating both types of motivation will appear more authentic and well-rounded.

Tailor your answer to the role and company

It’s essential to tailor your answer to the specific role and the company’s mission and values.

Research the company thoroughly, paying attention to the job descriptions and any mentioned company cultures.

Once you understand the company’s goals, connect them to your personal motivators.

For example, if the role emphasizes critical thinking or solving complex problems, express how these challenges align with your career goals.

Showing that your motivators fit seamlessly with the role increases the chance of a compelling response.

Structure your answer effectively

When answering this common interview question, use a clear structure to guide your response:

1. Start by outlining your professional motivations.
2. Connect these motivators to specific aspects of the role or company.
3. Provide a concrete example from your previous position that illustrates your motivation in action.

For instance, if you’re driven by the desire to improve processes, you might explain how you implemented repeatable processes at a previous employer that led to improved efficiency.

Sample interview answers for “What motivates you?”

“What motivates you?” sample answer 1:

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to work on innovative solutions that make a positive impact. In my previous role, I led a team in developing a new process that reduced project delivery time by 20%. This aligns with your company’s focus on innovation and efficiency, which excites me about this opportunity.”

“What motivates you?” sample answer 2:

“I find motivation in achieving quarterly goals and contributing to a collaborative environment. At my previous employer, I worked closely with cross-functional teams to meet our sales goals, which helped foster strong relationships and personal satisfaction.”

“What motivates you?” sample answer 3:

“My motivation stems from continuous personal growth. I’m always seeking new ways to challenge myself and learn. This is why I’m excited about the opportunities for career growth your company offers, particularly in a role that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking.”

Common mistakes to avoid when answering “What motivates you?” in an interview

Listing generic or irrelevant motivators

Avoid responses that are too general, such as “I’m motivated by money” or “I’m motivated by success.”

While financial rewards are important, interviewers want to know what deeper motivations drive you to excel in your work.

A generic response won’t convey the authenticity or alignment that prospective employers are looking for.

Overly rehearsed answers that sound insincere

While preparation is crucial, avoid memorizing ready-made content that could sound robotic.

Interview preparation should focus on staying flexible, allowing you to adapt your answer naturally to the specific interview question.

Keep the tone genuine.

Forgetting to tie your answer back to the role or company

Your response must be relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Always connect your professional motivations to the responsibilities in the job description and the company values.

If you don’t tie your answer to the role, the interviewer may feel you haven’t done enough research or lack genuine interest in the position.

Answering “What motivates you?” in an interview

Understanding your professional motivations is critical when navigating your career path.

Taking the time to reflect and prepare allows you to craft a thoughtful and compelling response that stands out to employers.

Practicing your response to this common question is essential, but always ensure that your answer remains authentic to who you are as a professional.

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