Motivation

What motivates you?

This is an interesting question… right? And one often asked in Interviews. If you need more job advice or career advice please follow our blog.

When you’re sitting across from an interviewer, there’s one question that almost always comes up in some form: “What motivates you?”

It might sound simple, but the way you answer can reveal more about you than you think.

Why Do Employers Ask About Motivation?

Hiring managers don’t just want to know if you can do the job—they want to know if you’ll thrive in it. Your motivation tells them:

What drives you – Do you find satisfaction in problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, or achieving results? Whether you’ll fit in – Your values and motivators need to align with the role and company culture. Your long-term potential – Someone motivated by growth and development is more likely to stay and progress within the business.

Put simply, motivation gives employers insight into how you’ll perform when challenges arise, and whether you’ll go the extra mile.

What You Can Say in an Interview

Your answer should be authentic but also tailored to the role. Here are some good examples:

Achievement-driven: “I’m motivated by setting goals and hitting them. In my previous role, I set myself a target to improve turnaround times by 15% and achieved it within six months.”

People-focused: “What motivates me most is collaborating with others and seeing the impact we create as a team. I enjoy building strong working relationships and achieving results together.”

Growth-oriented: “I’m motivated by learning new skills and taking on challenges. I like to push myself outside my comfort zone because it helps me grow personally and professionally.”

Purpose-driven: “I’m motivated when I feel my work makes a difference. Knowing that I’m contributing to the bigger picture keeps me engaged and committed.”

What Your Answer Tells the Employer

Your response does more than fill the silenc it paints a picture of you as an employee.

It shows:

Your self-awareness – You understand what drives you, and you can articulate it clearly.

Your values – The employer can see if what matters to you aligns with the company’s mission and culture.

Your resilience – Motivation often hints at how you handle challenges, deadlines, or setbacks.

Ultimately, a thoughtful answer shows the employer that you’re not just looking for any job—you’re looking for the right job, where you can perform at your best.

✨ Key Takeaway: When asked about motivation, don’t panic or give a vague answer like “money” or “I just want to do well.” Instead, reflect on what genuinely drives you and connect it to the role you’re applying for. This is your chance to prove not only that you’re qualified but also that you’ll bring energy, commitment, and passion to the role.

For more advice or helpful information please keep an eye out for our next post.

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