What Motivates You? - How To Answer This Job Interview Question
Let's go through the process.
"What motivates you?" This seems like an easy, innocent question, right? But when you are in the middle of a job interview, sweating like a pig, you will want to grab this question as an opportunity to show your value. The truth is, the interviewer will ask you this question to know if you will be able to achieve their goals for you in their workplace culture. It may or may not be difficult for you to answer this - either way, it is best that you come in prepared.
So, how do you answer the question "What motivates you?":
Let us go through it, step by step.
- Know the company you are applying for
It goes without saying that every aspiring job candidate must prepare for an interview through researching about the company they are applying for. The benefit of this extends to answering the interview question "What motivates you?" When you understand the company goals of the job you are applying for, you will have a glimpse of what they expect from their employees.Take some time to research the company and the job prior to the interview. The more you know about the organizational goals of the employer, the better equipped you'll be to respond. - Reflect on the question before you head to the interview
As any other interview question, this one requires complete honesty. But, honesty is not a ticket for you to ramble during the interview. You can be honest while being fully prepared. So, ask yourself the question beforehand. What motivates you?You may find that this question is severely vague. So, think of situational answers to guide yourself. When were you the most effective in work? What happened during that day? Did your employer praise you? Then perhaps, you thrive on words of affirmation. Did you win over an important client? Then maybe, you are driven by results. Did you push yourself because you were given a big responsibility? This shows that you are accountable for leadership. - Think of the job you are applying for
What skills does the job you are applying for require? Perhaps, you can use this question to emphasize that you have the exact skills for the job. For example, if you are applying for a position that requires you to handle data, maybe you can say that you are driven by numbers. If you are applying for a managerial role, you might be driven by the people who are expecting you to lead well.Again, honesty is the best policy. Highlight the skills you know you truly have, and leave out the ones you don't. - Learn about the company culture
One of the things employers look for during a job interview is if the candidate can fit well into the company culture. If you think that you have a chance of adapting to their behavior, then make sure to emphasize this as you answer this question.Does the company you are applying for highly value teamwork ? Then let them know that you are motivated by a good team. Do they value independence? Then show that you work well when you are given the freedom to do your tasks the way that you do. - Always give specific answers and examples
Again, when answering interview questions, give examples whenever relevant. Think of how you worked well from your previous job, or even your outside organizations. Letting the interviewer imagine the situation will allow him or her to visualize better how you will work with the company. Having an example will also prevent you from pointlessly rambling on during the interview.Also, it will be best that you can give examples of the positive outcomes that resulted from your motivation. Think of how the company will benefit from this as well. You may give situational answers, telling them how you see yourself working most productively in the company. Make sure not to keep your answers focused on yourself; rather, always focus on how you can contribute to the company goals.
"What motivates you?" Conquer the job interview with the right answer to this. As long as you follow these tips, you will definitely wow the interviewer! Remember: this is your time to shine. So make sure you give the best answers you can. Now, it is time to start the job hunt.
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