What motivates you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Answer Example

Any time an interviewer asks how you stay motivated what they are trying to assess is how productive you are and how consistent you can maintain that level of productivity. For some, being in a work environment they find stimulating is motivating. For others, it can be the culture, values, and teammates they find motivating, or the work itself. For example, consider this statement from Nordstrom's website: "Providing memorable customer service and trend-setting fashion for our customers motivates us. On the sales floor and behind the scenes, everyone in our stores works as a team to ensure customers feel good every time they shop with us. It's what we think sets us apart."

Evaluate your experience and identify what type of work or type of conditions fostered your productivity in the past. You want to convey that you know yourself well enough to answer this question with conviction. Avoid conveying pay or incentives as a motivator, as this will suggest you are only in it for the money, lack loyalty and are up for the highest bidder. Your goal is to convey, with sincerity, that you would perform well and with consistency in their environment.

"I feel motivated by being surrounded by great style and looking great as well. I believe that attitude is everything, and when I am surrounded by stylish people who all have great attitudes, that keeps me going. Attitude, and positive teamwork, making deeper connections, and doing what you love are great motivators for me."

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How to Answer: What motivates you?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nordstrom job interview.

10. What motivates you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Any time an interviewer asks how you stay motivated what they are trying to assess is how productive you are and how consistent you can maintain that level of productivity. For some, being in a work environment they find stimulating is motivating. For others, it can be the culture, values, and teammates they find motivating, or the work itself. For example, consider this statement from Nordstrom's website: "Providing memorable customer service and trend-setting fashion for our customers motivates us. On the sales floor and behind the scenes, everyone in our stores works as a team to ensure customers feel good every time they shop with us. It's what we think sets us apart."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 6th, 2023

How to Answer

Evaluate your experience and identify what type of work or type of conditions fostered your productivity in the past. You want to convey that you know yourself well enough to answer this question with conviction. Avoid conveying pay or incentives as a motivator, as this will suggest you are only in it for the money, lack loyalty and are up for the highest bidder. Your goal is to convey, with sincerity, that you would perform well and with consistency in their environment.

Written by Kevin Downey on July 6th, 2023

Answer Example

"I feel motivated by being surrounded by great style and looking great as well. I believe that attitude is everything, and when I am surrounded by stylish people who all have great attitudes, that keeps me going. Attitude, and positive teamwork, making deeper connections, and doing what you love are great motivators for me."

Written by Kevin Downey on July 7th, 2023

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