What motivates you on the job?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
What You Need to Know
Experienced Example
Community Answers

This question aims to determine whether they are a good fit for you in your career and whether they can meet your expectations and continue to keep you motivated and engaged. This question offers you an opportunity to share your career goals, and where you hope a career with EY will take you. By sharing the career goals, the milestones you hope to achieve, and the time frames you hope to achieve them by, they can better understand what you hope to achieve with them, what you can achieve together, and how they can continue to fuel your job satisfaction, paving the way to a mutually beneficial professional relationship.

As they advertise online, "Ernst & Young LLP is guided by a purpose that we hope will inspire and motivate you: building a better working world." So go beyond researching the position, the company, and the department you would be working in. Explore the other career opportunities they have which you are not yet qualified for, but would like to grow into. Determine the direction you would like to take your career with them and customize your five-year career plan accordingly. EY offers similar advice online.

"We encourage you to get to know us better, who we are, what we do and what we think, and learn how those principles align with your own passions and personal and professional goals. EY is a place where you'll have more than a job. You'll have the kind of career that can only come from an inclusive, supportive work environment, coaching and mentorship at every step, high expectations and, of course, exceptional people."

"In the short term, I thrive in fast-paced work environments, and I'm confident in my ability to pick up any new skills at speed. I am motivated by helping out anywhere I can, and the more trusted I am with new skills and responsibilities, the more motivated I am. In the long term, I am motivated by being rewarded with opportunities to reach my career goals and milestones in the timeframes I have set up for myself to advance them."

Anonymous Answer

"As someone who thrives in a fast-paced work environment, I keep myself motivated when dealing with stress in the work environment by clearly outlining my responsibilities so that I won’t get overwhelmed and making sure I stay on top of my tasks. I think it is also important to understand that people’s stress may not be directed at you since they might be under a lot of pressure. Understanding this helps me keep myself balanced and also look for opportunities where I can be of help to my coworkers."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Do you break down big tasks into more manageable action items? This can also help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Not taking things personally (as you mentioned) is also helpful. Perhaps consider discussing your passion for the field and your desire to help others despite the stressful circumstances. You might also mention some of the tactics you would take to calm down an aggressive/stressed client or coworker. Great job!