Your motivation is your Ive got to go energy, I have got to do something. It drives you to complete tasks and encourages you to keep going when times get tough. Here are some potential motivations to focus on as you develop your answer. because-. How to answer, 'What motivates you?' Follow these steps to prepare an answer to the interview question, 'What motivates you?': 1. (4 Samples). For example, being motivated by leading a team and consistently interacting with others is not the same as being fulfilled by working mostly on your own crunching numbers or researching data. Its about choosing the activity that is going to give you the drive to move forward. For example, When I first wake up in the morning, what thought is the one that gets me out of bed? When you ask this question, you must come across as human and friendly while showing that youre interested in and knowledgeable about the position. Once you share what this is with others, you will have people around you who can support you with maintaining this motivation for your work and personal goals in life. It's important to ensure your answer applies to the job requirements of the role you're interviewing for. It almost goes without saying that one person could be motivated by many things, depending on the context. When we prepare for a question, then we will avoid that moment of freezing up. However, its important to strike a balance between professionalism and lightheartedness to give an appropriate but memorable answer. You answer what motivates you by also reflecting on past action. Much more engaging to yourself and others is the purpose behind your work. I have friends who have motivated themselves to build million-dollar businesses who are motivated to prove to everyone that they are good enough. He has been advising job seekers since 2012 to think differently in their job search and land high-paying, competitive positions. Thats what they care about. Once you've gotten started, pull in these other aspects: Consider your strengths. How to Answer: What Motivates You? - Glassdoor UK Career Guides All too often questions are answered with a meaningless spiel. So explore your why and really let your personality shine through. Thats why What motivates you? is such a common interview question. Hiring managers want to get to know you and make sure that what motivates you also aligns with their goals. Before the interview, it is advised to study the company culture for a better understanding of their requirement. How to Answer "What Motivates You?" Interview Question (+ Examples) , Why do you want this job? A recruiter or hiring manager asks, What motivates you? It sounds like a simple-enough question and one that should be easy to answer, but this is another one of those open-ended questions that need a bit of preparation to answer effectively and keep you in the running for the job. Your answer to what motivates you means to name the driving forces that push you towards your future and your best self. If you're interviewing for your first full-time job, talk about what motivated you while working in an internship or volunteer role. In my previous role as a software engineer, I led a team in developing a new application that improved our companys efficiency by 30%. Possible Answer #1 "My biggest motivation is family. Check out examples of model answers that will impress employers. When I am not feeling well, what thought drives me to get up, and work through a cold? Each and every person is unique. So buckle up and follow our five steps to help you unlock that energy. Then, well look at multiple sample answers so you can give the best response possible. He is a highly motivated individual and a winner in life. I have other friends who are passionate social activists who have a specific vision they are trying to build. So when the interviewer asks you this question, they want to see that you will stay motivated and handle challenges on the job. Luckily, I genuinely love to exhaustively review, check, confirm, and anticipate to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Sometimes when asked, what our motivation is or what our why is, we freeze up a little; not a big deal, if it is just a family member or friend. "What is it that you find most gratifying in your work?" If you can pinpoint those things, she explains, you have the basis of your answer. Some activities that motivate me are running, music, motivational audio, helpful friends, powerful transformation stories, and self-talk. What were you doing? It fits the type of work we do here at Target Jobs: The work we do is time-consuming and it is visible (it will be seen by students). In my previous role, I was part of a team that developed a sustainable energy solution that helped reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment. from Columbia Journalism School. I am driven by the desire to achieve financial security and stability. It is important to mention other factors such as professional growth, making a difference, or achieving goals. With a successful track record of supporting job seekers in securing positions at top companies across industries, our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance and support every step of the way. Answering interview questions like, What motivates you? or What motivates you at work? can be tricky because they are so open-ended. Dont get so carried away tailoring a perfect response based on the role and the company that you lose what actually motivates you in the process. Throughout the sales process, I make sure to keep my customer at the top of mind and put in the extra effort to build rapport with them. So when you answer what motivates you, aim to show the hiring manager that youre driven and care about your work. So as you ponder and plan your answer, be wary of one that you think sounds good but isnt authentic. Dont lie or distort the truth in any way as you may end up in a job that doesnt suit you. Finally, after that is all done I would have them think and ask themselves this question if you go through life and never go after these things will you have regrets for not even trying. Accomplishing that was a great thrill and made me want to be even more result-oriented., I love numbers. Stav earned a B.A. For example, suppose youre applying for a job where hard work and determination are important. What motivates you to sell? - Tough Sales Interview Question How did you feel your previous roles helped others? See how this can lead to a chain of questions or a conversation around the topic? What inspires you? If I was coaching someone to answer this question, I would give them the following tips: The relationship, the car, kids, the type of conversation you want to have with those friends, where you will live everything. For example, suppose you are interviewing for a position as a marketing manager and have a passion for social media. If youre getting a paycheck every 10 working days, there are 9 other days when something else will need to keep you motivated. Tell the truth. How to Answer "What Motivates You?" in an Interview | The Muse 10 Resume summary examples that will get you interviews. Staying curious. Bringing positive change and improving an organization is what excites me. Being environmentally friendly is great, but how does it make you feel? For example, if you are interviewing to be a news reporter and you share that deadline-focused, fast-paced work motivates you, the interviewer can draw clear parallels between the job and your ideal work environment. Discuss specific elements of your job that you find motivating, bring in examples, and draw it all back to the job description when appropriate. My teams achieved 100% on-time product delivery for six straight months. Biron Clark is a former executive recruiter who has worked individually with hundreds of job seekers, reviewed thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and recruited for top venture-backed startups and Fortune 500 companies. Serial Entrepreneur | Financial Expert | Motivational Speaker | Author,Tips to Success. What motivates you? I really believe that ongoing learning makes you more innovative and valuable in the workplace., I've been coding since middle school when I was first exposed to it. by Haley Booker Updated October 27, 2022 At your job interview, everything seems to be going well. It can be helpful to write down your motivations and think of specific examples that demonstrate them. It allows us to push forward and be our best selves and is dynamic, constantly changing once one goal has been reached or our situation changes. Your interviewer can frame the question of what motivates you in several ways, including, "What makes you who you are," "What are you most passionate about," or "What makes you tick?" These questions give you a chance to talk about your motivations, and there is no right or wrong way to answer. Throughout the sales process, I make sure to keep my customer at the top of mind and put in the extra effort to build rapport with them. 1. And I find it incredibly gratifying to make sure they feel heard and their problems are resolved. You have to know what makes you think to yourself; I have to do this, I can do this. Be honest and specific about what motivates you and how it relates to the role you are applying for, and demonstrate how your motivation aligns with the companys values and goals. At that point, overwhelm can take control and you lose that motivation you so desperately wanted! 2023 Career Sidekick. Share some ideas to validate that passion and show strengths and creativity, then it comes down to a cultural fit and good chemistry as to whether to hire them. It's fine to mention it, but on its own it wouldn't be sufficient. I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn and improve. "Every day brings something new and different and that surprise is motivating to me. On the other hand, If youre going to be doing accounting analysis all day and state that you thrive by wearing many hats throughout the day and learning new things, then as an interviewer, Id want to explore that further because its not necessarily going to be the case, Goodfellow says. All of that experience helped immensely when I took a step up to become the lead counselor last year focused on operations, and thats what excites me so much about the opportunity to take on this managerial role for the after-school program., I believe that even the smallest details can make a big difference, especially to a busy executive. Research is clear that you cant buy engagement. Stories are memorable and persuasive, so use one to your advantage. However, it can also be a tricky question to answer, as it requires introspection and self-awareness. One quarter, I started out lower on the list than usual, but it only made me work harder than I ever hadscheduling extra calls and meetings and spending long hours understanding prospective clients needs to tailor my pitches. They are self-motivated individuals. What specifically motivated you in those instances? Personal Development Coach | Founder, Limitless | Author, Deconstructing Motivation: How to Effortlessly Motivate Yourself to Do Anything in Life. Sample Answer #1 My role model is my own father. Here are some basic ideas of motivation statements that can help answer the question, What motivates you?: I am motivated because I feel important and I can see that my work makes a difference. Determine where the two overlap. 5 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Handle Them, What to Say at an Interview: 5 Boring Interview Lines to Avoid, 5 Ways to Evaluate Company Culture During a Job Interview, From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine, How to Write a Thank-You Email After Your Second Interview, Storytelling: Your Secret Career-Making Weapon. As you answer such questions, it's important to show which strategies you use to stay productive and focused. Its changed my confidence level and my entire life, not just my career, and this continues to keep me motivated and get me through tough days, or days where things dont go my way.. Your answer to this question can be the difference between getting a job offer and getting rejected after the interview so as a last step, remember to practice and get comfortable with the answer youre going to give. Analyzing data and providing results really drives and motivates me. ), Creating work products with certain qualities that are important to you (for example, creative, streamlined, entertaining, easy-to-use), Setting and achieving (or exceeding) goals. "I am motivated to perform so I don't lose my job.". Making a meaningful difference in the world is what inspires me. 1. The best part about this question is that there is no one right answer, but there are some good ways to approach it. Are you still motivated by those same things? Then you can tie it back to what motivates you.. When you respond to an interview question like this one, you are doing more than simply describing your motives; you are also explaining how your motivational tendencies make you a good fit for the job. Can I Use Humor to Answer the Interview Question, What Motivates You?? In my previous role as a marketing manager, I implemented a new marketing strategy that increased our companys revenue by 20%. While humor can be great for putting the interviewer at ease and showcasing your personality, it should always be used sparingly and appropriately. 5. This isnt the time to expound on your deep love of ice cream and dogs and wax poetic about how youd cross oceans and climb mountains to eat a cone or pet a pupunless of course the job is ice cream taster or dog walker. Its like, Well, I havent really done anything that amazing. But thats not the case. If you havent fought off villains wearing a cape and saved the world from certain destruction, thats OK. Before joining The Muse, Stav was a staff writer at Newsweek, and her work has also appeared in publications including The Atlantic, The Forward, and Newsday. 5. Please read our privacy policy for more information. To make sure you get the most out of this question, consider doing the following: Think carefully about how you phrase your question so that it comes across as genuine and sincere, Be prepared to explain why you asked the question, for example, because you want to understand what drives your potential employer, Be prepared to follow up with questions that explore their answers further, Be open to any new information they reveal, as it may provide valuable insight into how they think and work. However, it's also important to mention how your personal motivations align with the company's values and goals. Good answers for one company wont necessarily be great for another. In my previous role as a sales representative, I consistently exceeded my sales targets and was recognized as the top performer in the company. The best way to answer this question is to be honest, and provide specific examples from your work experience or personal life that showcase your intrinsic motivation. A thoughtful and well-crafted response can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job. With that in mind, heres how you can put together a great answer to this question: Think about what youre passionate about, says Jennifer Sukola, a Muse career coach and human resources professional. Keep your answer relevant to the job. Be your biggest champion. It reveals your personal or professional motivators that make you a great fit for the role, team or company culture. Stav is the deputy editor at The Muse, where she covers careers and work with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Always supplement the question with a supporting statement, in the end, to back up your answer. The danger isnt just that your nicely packaged but misleading answer will cost you the job. I thrive in environments where I can tackle challenges and find innovative ways to overcome them. Not only did I not rest until Id reached at least 100% of my goal, but I also always got an extra burst of motivation if I wasnt in one of the top spots. Skills and experience are great for impressing your interviewers. further manage your preferences. Use actual examples. But keep in mind; theres no one right answer to this question. As a recruiter, Ive spoken with a lot of GREAT job candidates who were simply motivated by one of the following: Heres one more sample answer for how to respond to this interview question without using any personal reasons: Ive always found that I do my best work in a creative environment where Im able to think openly, and Ive found that working in graphic design allows me to use my creativity, which keeps me motivated and energized. Overall, humor in an interview can help break the ice and demonstrate your passion for the job. Their satisfaction will help grow my personal sales along with revenue for the overall organization. Below are 10 sample answers to the common interview question What motivates you? to help you craft the perfect response. How to Answer, 'Why Do You Want to Work Here?' - Robert Half Having little (or more frequent) direct supervision, Creating new processes or improving existing ones. 2. What Motivates You? Best Sample Interview Answers Reflect on your past experiences to figure out what motivates you. The mission of the company (helping people, saving lives, connecting people across the globe, etc. Your answer doesn't have to be some heartfelt story about how your grandmother had an illness and you dedicated your life to finding a cure. There is no wrong answer. In my previous role as a project manager, I led a team in completing a large-scale project on time and under budget. 20 ways employees are motivated by their work | Thomson Reuters 4 Examples of How to Answer Tell Me About Yourself in Interviews. It allows them to learn about your passions and interests and how these shape your career choice. Although most of us should avoid talking about money, it may be extremely important to some people (and the businesses to which they apply). Utilize the past. I started a global marketing and branding firm 18 years ago and have done a lot of interviewing in my career. I was motivated to take on this challenge because it would benefit the company and help me improve my skills and grow as a professional. Once they have an understanding of what you love, they are able to learn more about how youre working to reach your dreams and be successful. Interview Question: "What Motivates You?" | Indeed.com Hopefully, you'll discover more about why you're after any specific position and, in turn, be able to clearly communicate that to the hiring manager or recruiter. You can say you love collaborating and accomplishing big things as a part of a team. He was the first in the family to attend college and the occasion meant a lot to her. Maybe youre a huge fan of playing guitar but didnt become a professional. It's also important to demonstrate how your motivation aligns with the company's values and goals. By telling a story, youre able to convey even more of your enthusiasm for the position with the interviewer and give them insight into who you are. I think a lot of people avoid giving examples because of that. It is important to answer this question with a genuine response. I spent several summers working as a camp counselor and felt most fulfilled when I volunteered to lead planning for a talent show, jumped in to help with scheduling logistics, and learned how to run pickups efficiently. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same drive to this role and tackle the challenges that come with it. Of course, not every job/industry is going to have you jumping up and down with excitement, and its understandable if you stretch the truth a bit in the interview. 2. In the end, there is no single amazing answer, but with enough practice and careful thought, you can craft an interview answer highlighting the human need for a sense of accomplishment in doing our best work. It always energized me to know Id thought of everything, and that same motivation would allow me to support the C-suite here as an executive assistant., I thrive on hitting and exceeding goals and on friendly competition. As you develop your answers, consider the things that attracted you to your current career or specific job. What encourages you to do your best work? Ask Amanda: How Can I Be More Confident During Interviews? Now, we just need to know where to send it! The fact you are building a future for your children? I spent almost an hour with her on and off, listening, helping find options, and checking in. After all, you know yourself better than anyone, and you should be able to articulate in a few sentences what motivates you to do your best work. The fulfillment of solving a difficult problem and seeing the results was incredibly motivating for me. 'What motivates you?' Tricky graduate interview question targetjobs editorial team Last updated: 22 Jun 2023, 15:14 Interviewers often want to know what motivates you. The benefit of this method is that it can show how your motivation ultimately benefited your past company or could benefit a future one. Talk about what you're passionate about, the work experiences that have impacted you and the ones you'd like to gain, your skills, and how all these things contribute to your admirable work ethic.