If hired here, how can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?
When working behind the scenes for members at UnitedHealth Group, it can sometimes feel like your work will go unnoticed by those who matter. This is especially true for the many remote and telework positions the company utilizes. In asking this question, your interviewer would like to know how they could continue to motivate you, even on the hardest of days. This question is a great opportunity for your interviewer to get to know you and your work style a bit better, so be open and honest about how you like to be recognized and motivated on the job. It's important to know that UHG fosters and sustains a high-performing culture where team members feel empowered, so be sure to highlight how you will enjoy being a part of this environment.
"Motivation in my work comes from helping people when they need it the most and being part of a bigger team that is working towards larger goals. As I looked for new opportunities to consider, UnitedHealth Group jumped out to me because of your core values. The two that really jumped out to me are innovation and relationships and it's pretty easy to see that this team works together cohesively and comes up with great ideas. Outside of these things, I love enjoying big wins together as a team and I'm a firm believer in recognizing individuals for their efforts that lead to great results."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I am a self-motivated person and am driven to achieve my goals. I would generally not rely on external forces to keep me motivated. A great verse in Bhagavadgita, a holy Indian book, says, "Do not worry about results and keep continuing your duties." I am a keen follower of that idea.
Kevin's Feedback
Excellent response! The verse that you quote is a perfect personal touch, and it will help the interviewer get to know you on a higher level. It's great advice too! I've revised your answer a bit for clarity and to emphasize your points.
A great verse in Bhagavadgita, a holy Indian book, says, “Do not worry about results and keep continuing your duties.” I am a keen follower of that idea. I generally don’t rely on external forces to keep me motivated. I consider myself self-motivated, driven to achieve my goals, and compete with my prior successes to further my development daily. So I find besting my previous best as a strong motivator. I put my all in.
Anonymous Answer
I am well aware that healthcare can seem like a thankless job; however, I am highly motivated when it comes to helping people. Verbal recognition also goes a long way in letting people know they are doing a good job.
Cindy's Feedback
Ok, good start. Now explain what specifically about your positions have kept you motivated? Is it the problem-solving aspect of working in a complex system? Is it helping customers who may be in crisis?
Anonymous Answer
The greatest motivator, I believe is helping people and the impact created by the job I perform. A little pat on the back every now and then is cherry on the top.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! It's nice that you like to help people and feel motivated when you see the impact your work has on others. Consider explaining further what a 'pat on the back' means to you. Is it verbal or written praise? Is it financial in nature like a bonus? Is it having things about you, like birthdays and work anniversaries, remembered? Providing more information about this will help make your answer more memorable to the interviewer.
Anonymous Answer
I am easily motivated, and it doesn't take much to keep me engaged. I am fully aware that healthcare-related positions can seem thankless. But, honestly, my motivation comes from just helping people and knowing in my heart that I did a good job.
Amanda's Feedback
Your answer makes it clear that you enjoy helping people, but you can make it more impactful by sharing the kind of encouragement or motivation you enjoy, such as being recognized for exceptional performance, being given the opportunity for more advanced training, or earning incentives or bonuses.
Anonymous Answer
An occasional pat on the back is nice, however, I do not have the need for others to help me feel my self-worth. I get self-satisfaction by resolving the challenges that I face and knowing the client is happy with my work.
Marcie's Feedback
It's fantastic that you are self-driven and that you feel satisfied as long as you know that you're facing challenges successfully and making clients happy. However, the interviewer will want to know concrete ways to motivate you if they hire you. When you say a pat on the back, do you mean verbal praise? Do you like receiving letters of commendation? Do you prefer a financial reward or incentive? Do you like when your entire team is motivated by frequent social events that build morale? Be more specific here to make your answer stronger. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I am a self-motivated person and always driven to achieve my goals. I do not rely on external forces to keep me motivated. I am keenly aware of the importance of my job and the inter reliance on other jobs in order to support our grand objective at the company level. Though we are a small part of a huge global organization, everything counts. We need to deliver on our part. Everyone needs to deliver.
Marcie's Feedback
It's wonderful that you're self-motivated and internally driven, and you should definitely include this in your answer. But you might also want to give the interviewer some ideas of how the company can keep you happy too - whether it be through verbal or written praise, social recognition, or financial incentives. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
It is inspiring to me to be part of a team that is doing meaningful work. I am excited about the opportunity to be part of a group that is making such a direct impact on people's lives every day.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! Can you talk more about the type of impact you expect to make as part of this team? And why is that meaningful to you? Also, are you motivated by written or social recognition, verbal praise, financial incentives, or non-monetary perks? If so, mention these as well so the interviewer knows all the ways you're motivated. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I am easily motivated, but most importantly, I am motivated when my team makes progress or succeeds. Also, a verbal pat on the back every now and then means a lot.
Jaymie's Feedback
These are two great areas to share!
Unlock all 37 UnitedHealth Group questions
Prepare for behavioral scenarios and healthcare industry questions UnitedHealth interviewers prioritize.
Get Started