What Motivates You? | Job Interview Questions | Contract Jobs
Are you preparing for a job interview? While applying for a job, you might come across various interview questions, suggestions and tricks on the Internet. Today we will discuss one of the most common interview question asked by employers: “What motivates you?”. It is an open-ended question; therefore, the answer to this question should be crafted in a manner that stands out. However, many candidates may find it difficult to respond to this question. So, if you are one of them, wondering how you should reply to it, then don’t worry; we are here to help you with sample answers. So, without wasting more time, let’s get started!
Sample Answers: “What Motivates You” Interview Question
Here are some sample examples of “what motivates you” that you can read for reference before you draft your perfect answer –
Sample Answer 1 – Up For Challenges
Sample Answer 2 – Never Keep Regrets
Sample Answer 3 – Appreciation
Sample Answer 4 – Driving Result For Clients
Sample Answer 5 – Competitive
Also Read: Why should We Hire You
Tips To Answer “What Motivates You”
The success of a job interview depends on how well you prepare for it. The interview preparation depends on the research you did about the company. Here, we will discuss some of the best tips to answer “what motivates you.”
1. Evaluate The Job Description
Before you get ready for the interview, it is important to thoroughly understand the job description provided by the employer. It will help you know the type of candidate they are looking for. You can carefully use the mentioned keywords in your interview while answering questions such as what motivates you at work. One of the greatest advantages of understanding the job description will help you align your skills and qualifications with the job profile accordingly. It will help you stand out in the crowd and impress the interviewer.
2. Indulge In Practicing Mock Interviews
It is natural for you to feel anxious and nervous at the time of the interview. However, in order to beat it, you can practice mock interviews before attempting the real ones. It creates a real interview type environment and will help you boost your confidence. You can take the help of your friends and family members to conduct a mock interview for you. If you do not find anyone to practice with, you can do it yourself by sitting in front of a mirror.
3. Be Honest & Polite
When answering the question “What motivates you to do a good job?” you must be honest and polite with your answer. How you answer, carry your body language, show hand gestures, etc., tells a lot about your personality. Hence, sit patiently and be polite to the other candidates you meet during the interview along with the employer.
4. Keep Your Answers Crisp & Short
It is one of the most important tips you must keep in mind. Nobody likes hearing long answers with unnecessary information. Hence, it is essential to keep your answer short. You should try to add all the important points while keeping them as small as possible. Always talk about the positive aspects of your current employer or previous employers while discussing the source of your motivation.
5. Read More About The Company
Before entering the interview room, read about the company through its social media pages, website, online sources, and employee reviews. You should know what the company stands for, its mission, vision, values, work culture, and the types of products & services it offers to its clients. After obtaining this information, you will be able to allocate your answers accordingly. The goal is to have a basic understanding of the company and how it works so you can support your answer.
Also Read: Why do you want to join our company?
Why Interviewers Ask, “What Motivates You?”
When an interviewer asks you, “What motivates you to work?”, they simply mean what makes you succeed in your job. In simpler terms, they ask what inspires you to do better. This question has a highly deeper meaning and value. The way you reply to this question tells the employer if you would be a perfect fit for the company and its culture. The employers seek honesty in your answer because there is a huge difference between the candidates inspired to build teams and form strong relationships with other employees and candidates who work independently that enhances the company’s overall growth.
Providing a great insight into what motivates you to do a good job at the workplace helps the employers to get into the window of your personality and the way you work. The employer wouldn’t wish to hire someone who will quit in the middle. The main motive behind asking these questions is to check if you are determined and resilient towards your work/job. Hence, your answer and personality will show how you handle your job and projects.
Also Read: Why do you want to join our company
What Not To Say In Response To This Job Interview Question
The interviewer will ask you numerous questions, some of which you did not even prepare for. Therefore, it is vital to stay alert while giving your interview. You should not say some phrases in the answer, such as “I don’t know” or “It is on my resume; you can see it from there.” Other than that, you should also not use any unprofessional language during the interview. Hence, take your time to understand the questions and then reply accordingly. Let’s look at some phrases that you should not say in the job interview!
- I am nervous.
- I don’t know.
- How soon do you give a hike to the employees?
- How much vacation do you provide to the employees?
- Sorry, I am late.
- Would you like to know about my references?
- I am here to follow up.
- It is on my CV; check it from there.
- I hate my job.
- My current employer is awful.
Using such phrases in your answers will make you look unprofessional, and automatically decrease your chances of getting selected in the interview. So you have to be mindful as well as spontaneous to frame up the correct responses when you’re put on the spot.
Also Read: Where do you see yourself in 5 years
Wrapping Up!
Although, everybody has different hobbies and sources of motivation. Still, we have mentioned several ways in which you can reply to the interview question, “What motivates you?” You can also identify what gives you the motivation to develop one of the best answers to create a sounding impression on your interviewer. In case you have any doubts, you can write to us in the comments below!
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