During any interview, there’s undoubtedly going to be some questions that could make you stumble – if you don’t prepare properly. One of those is the ever-dreaded “What motivates you?” question. Saying “money” will likely turn off the hiring manager. How can you answer this question in a way that’s authentic and impresses? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
How to Answer “What Motivates You” in an Interview
Understand why the hiring manager asks this question
When you know, you can come up with an insightful and honest answer. The main reason is that they want to find out what makes you tick. Everyone is motivated by compensation, by some degree or another, but what else drives you? Is it a certain mission, specific kinds of tasks, or a company’s culture?
Finding this out helps the hiring manager assess whether you are the right fit for them. It gives them some insight into your personality and work style, helping them understand you as a potential employee, better.
Prepare your answer ahead of time
Don’t walk into the interview, planning to wing it when you answer. Instead, think through your response ahead of time. To do this, conduct some research on the company – who they are and what they do – and take time for self-reflection. A few questions to ask yourself include:
- What kind of work do I love?
- On my best work days, what do my tasks involve?
- What do I look forward to most at work?
- Which work-related things do I tell other people about after work?
Once you have a deeper understanding of the company and have thought through what motivates you, you can come up with a response that aligns with their needs and culture.
Keep the kind of position in mind
When you are preparing your answer, another tip is to keep the particular position in mind. If it’s customer service, for instance, then discussing how you are driven by building relationships and helping others is going to make you stand out. If, however, you are applying for a data entry job, then talking about how you are motivated by solving problems and working independently is a better option.
Tell a story or give an example
If you can bring what motivates you to life with a story this will make you stand out to the hiring manager. Think about previous projects you’ve worked on and a task or assignment that made you feel excited, passionate or motivated. Talk about this particular situation and why it made you want to work harder to meet goals.
Be honest
While you want to put your best foot forward, it’s also important to be honest. Remember, you want a position that’s a fit for you. So if you just say something that sounds good – even if it’s not true – you could wind up in a job you don’t like. Providing an honest and sincere answer, instead, will help the employer assess whether you’re the right fit for the job and the company. It will also help you secure a position that’s a match for you.
Ready for help with your next interview?
At Future Force, we’re one of Orlando, FL’s leading staffing agencies and know which companies are hiring and how to get your foot in the door. We can give you access to a range of opportunities – some that aren’t always advertised – and help you prepare for interviews, so you get a new job, faster. Search our jobs now.
