How to Answer “What Motivates You?” in Interviews

1. Developing skills

It doesn’t matter how many years of experience you have — a new job always includes a learning curve. If you thrive in a learning environment, mention it! Talk about how you look forward to learning or developing new skills. Hiring managers will take a chance on you if they believe you’re open to learning and listening.

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2. Meeting project goals or challenges

One of the main reasons we find new jobs is because we want new challenges. Maybe you’re in a rut, there’s no clear career growth, or you’re too comfortable with your daily responsibilities. It’s normal to crave change and mental stimulation, so mention your need for growth in your answer.

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3. Aiming for career growth or development

Imagine yourself five years from now — do you see yourself happily working the same job or wanting to advance your career? If the latter, explain how this new job can help you grow in your professional development while allowing you to contribute to the daily needs of the employer.

“What motivates you?” sample answer:

4. Joining a team

If you’re a highly collaborative employee and work best in a team environment, mention this! Explain if the open exchange of ideas, mutual support or innovative brainstorming influences your thought process or energizes you. A hiring manager can calculate if you’ll thrive or contribute to the existing environment.

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5. Working alone

On the other end of the motivational spectrum, you may thrive in a hands-off, independent environment. Be honest about your ability to self-monitor your schedule and responsibilities, but highlight your ability to collaborate where needed.

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6. Working with mentors or mentees

Sometimes, your desire to join a team relates to working with a specific individual or joining a mentor/mentee program. Mention working with mentors or mentees during the “what motivates you” interview to express your desire for personal growth or to share professional knowledge.

Sample answer to “what motivates you”:

7. Finding a purpose

If finding meaning through work is what motivates you, emphasize where your values align with the goals and mission of the employer. Finding a common purpose demonstrates a deep connection to the work and a personal-driven commitment to make meaningful contributions through a shared vision.

Sample answer:

1.

I am motivated by the chance to learn and grow in my role constantly. The opportunity to embrace new technologies and acquire new coding skills fuels my passion for continuous improvement and expansive programming knowledge.

2.

Hitting quarterly goals and seeing the direct impact of my efforts on traffic levels helps me strive for excellence. I am motivated by your company’s reputation for sharing regular performance metrics and making this information accessible.

3.

I thrive in a collaborative environment where ideas are shared. After interviewing four potential colleagues, I am motivated to join such an open, diverse team of talented individuals.

4.

I am motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As the child of a former housekeeper, I am inspired by your nonprofit’s mission to support working-class service workers in agriculture and food production with supplemental meals and access to affordable financial and legal assistance.

5.

I am motivated by the challenge of solving complex production problems. The review of production funnels from start to finish to identify bottlenecks and propose effective solutions drives my work style.

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7.

I am motivated to work by the opportunity to take on new responsibilities, expand my skills, and try new challenges. This job is a thrilling opportunity since your company is helping develop new AI technologies in real time.

8.

Continuous learning and development motivate me. I am eager to join your international company — not only do you stay at the forefront of sustainable luxury brands, but I can expand my knowledge, acquire new skills, and contribute effectively to the organization’s success.

9.

The freedom to innovate, experiment, and execute ideas is what motivates me at work. Your corporation’s remote work environment will give me the autonomy to take ownership of my tasks and make independent decisions!

10.

I work best when I can see the immediate impact of my contributions on the organization. Recognition for my contributions and tracing a clear path for career growth and development inspires me to give my best consistently.