Who would you say inspires you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
What NOT to Say
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example
Community Answers

This will offer a glimpse into your personality, philosophy, and approach to life and your work. They'll examine the examples you offer.

Your life's inspiration can come from a book, a mentor, your family, a celebrity, an author - anyone! Talk to the interviewer about who has inspired your life and why. Be relatable and try to inspire conversation. How well you get along with your interviewer will also offer insights on how well you will get along with others on your team.

"My real hero is Debbie Harry. She symbolizes everything I want to be. No one can rock like her."

If you offer inspirations that are not innovators nor related to your field, this might raise more questions than answers. Don't always expect them to ask you to clarify, nor expect them to understand why they are inspirations for you. Elaborate on what qualities they possess that you are admired, and how those qualities relate to your work style and profession.

"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most inspired me has been my grandmother. She always had a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loved everyone. She was well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like she did, as much as I can."

"My previous manager was a huge inspiration to me. Her passion for this industry was motivating and put the fire in me to climb the ladder in my career."

Anonymous Answer

"I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the people like Steve Jobs or Michel Obama, or Giannis Antetokounmpo greatly inspired me. The first began from zero and made a technological colossus. The second began from nothing and became the First Lady of the United States. The third began again from nothing and now is a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player."

Rachelle's Feedback

Very nice response! You have an excellent range of inspirations, which will show the interviewer that you are multi-faceted.

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Anonymous Answer

"I am impressed by Dan Brotsky. He is an American skydiver who's the only survivor of a plane crash that killed his whole team. Dan nearly lost his life and was told that he would never be able to sport again. Dan didn't stop following his dream (to became a world champion in skydiving), and after a few years, he was able to return to the sport. Dan built a new team and since then, he has won the title of World Champion a few times and has become a world record holder, as well."

Rachelle's Feedback

Dan Brotsky sounds like an inspiration, indeed! Next, be sure to make a connection between this source of inspiration and your career aspirations.

Anonymous Answer

"My grandfather always inspired me, and his memory continues to. He would take me to work when I was a child, and I would play with his "toys." My favorite was a plastic brain that would come apart to demonstrate anatomy."

Marcie's Feedback

That's nice. Tell the interviewer more about your grandfather. Where did he work? What did he do? What was his personality like? How did he encourage you in this field? What do you plan to do with his inspiration? Talk about your dreams and passion for this industry.

How to Answer: Who would you say inspires you?

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

5. Who would you say inspires you?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

This will offer a glimpse into your personality, philosophy, and approach to life and your work. They'll examine the examples you offer.

Written by Kevin Downey on January 27th, 2022

How to Answer

Written by Kevin Downey on January 27th, 2022

What NOT to Say

Written by Kevin Downey on January 27th, 2022

1st Answer Example

Written by Kevin Downey on January 27th, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"My previous manager was a huge inspiration to me. Her passion for this industry was motivating and put the fire in me to climb the ladder in my career."