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Tough Interview Questions

To help you prepare for your next job interview, here are 30 of our hardest interview questions.

Tough was updated by on March 19th, 2024. Learn more here.

Question 18 of 30

What motivates you?

It is the aim of your interviewer to select candidates from their talent pool who are less likely to burn out when the job gets tough. So they are on the lookout for those candidates who are career-driven, are more likely to find job satisfaction working in their company, and are a good fit for what they have to offer. Additionally, it is to their advantage to identify your unique motivators so that they can determine sooner rather than later if they can live up to your expectations. Also, they need to ensure you are satisfied with the career you have chosen, as opposed to having fallen into your field and feeling stuck.

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How to Answer: What motivates you?

  • 18. What motivates you?

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      It is the aim of your interviewer to select candidates from their talent pool who are less likely to burn out when the job gets tough. So they are on the lookout for those candidates who are career-driven, are more likely to find job satisfaction working in their company, and are a good fit for what they have to offer. Additionally, it is to their advantage to identify your unique motivators so that they can determine sooner rather than later if they can live up to your expectations. Also, they need to ensure you are satisfied with the career you have chosen, as opposed to having fallen into your field and feeling stuck.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      How to Answer

      Everyone is unique. Express your passion for the work you do, you are eager to develop and grow, while aligning your personal motivators with the relevant aspects of the role. Typically, you can find clues to this on their website, such as through the value propositions they've posted online in their efforts to recruit. So, learn everything you can about the work environment of the company you are looking to join. Demonstrate how your drive aligns with the company culture, with what they have to offer, whether through working in a supportive or encouraging environment, through collaboration or innovation, or through mentoring and development opportunities.

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      1st Experienced Example

      "It does not take a lot to keep me motivated. If I am in a positive environment with a forward-thinking team, I am a very happy employee. I thrive on building relationships with my team and, therefore, thrive on the teamwork and collaboration of that team. There is no greater motivator for me than camaraderie. Also, if you see me going above and beyond, a quick thanks or a little recognition of my hard work goes a long way. Recognize my merits, and I'll be motivated to keep rising above my personal best."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Admin Example

      "I consider myself a self-motivated individual who is constantly striving to be better and do better. I love having a balance in my work. Sure, I enjoy engaging with customers and answering calls, but I also love hunkering down and focusing on the details. I love streamlining our systems and processes, and making our daily work easier, and take pride in the knowledge of that. I love the daily work and big projects. Balance is everything. I also draw inspiration from my leadership, and strive to make their jobs easier any way I can."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Sales Example

      "I am intrinsically motivated. I like to challenge myself to do something and then achieve it. Breaking my previous records, for instance, is a real high for me. I am in sales, after all! Quotas and dollars certainly motivate me, and I love praise and accolades. I'm not needy, but when my work is noticed and appreciated, you will notice that I work even harder in return. Also, I treasure working with and learning from the best. Give me an opportunity to be mentored and to learn something new, and I will soak it up like a sponge. I want to learn from the best so that I can be the best."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Retail Example

      "I'm motivated by financial targets, helping the team grow, and learning opportunities. I love studying our sales trends, learning how holidays, weather events, marathons, and promotions and displays, impact our sales and foot traffic. Studying those factors gets me excited about learning from and building upon them. I also love recognition, earning trust, and being awarded with additional responsibility. A quick pat on the back, and being entrusted with something new goes a long way with me."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Marketing Example

      "I'm motivated by accomplishing a goal together with the rest of the marketing team, as silly as that sounds. It's cool to see an idea that was just in someone's head get moved onto paper, then into the real world, and see the campaign come to life and result in sales. I also love finding simple, reliable, and repeatable methods of feeding the funnel. Marketing doesn't always have to just rely on a campaign strategy or anticipating trends. It can be as simple as a membership structure and rewards system. Coming up with simple methods to maximize profit is very motivating for me. Also, financial motivation based on my merits works for me, too, but that's a result of a successful marketing campaign execution, so it's all coupled together."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Teacher Example

      "I am excited and motivated at work when my tasks and responsibilities have a meaning, and by that I mean when I am able to earn the trust of my students. I am a stakeholder in their future, knowing the impact I could potentially have on them. So I am motivated when I am able to motivate them. I dedicate myself to helping my students, so I am at my peak of motivation when I know they are excelling."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Manager Example

      "I enjoy all aspects of the job. I feel invigorated when motivating my crew. I enjoy getting oriented at the beginning of each day by checking in with everyone on an individual basis, and midday with the team as a whole. I also enjoy researching and by implementing new best practices only when growth is required. If I sense the environment is stagnant and a drain on morale, I will go out of my way to freshen things up and to brighten the attitudes of my staff. I want them to feel cared for. I like change, but only if it is justified, and when there is a chance for visible improvement in efficiency or morale."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      2nd Experienced Example

      "The more challenged I feel, the more motivated I am. I am always looking out for developmental opportunities, and I like to be included in the inside scoop of where we are steering the ship next. If something needs to be done, don't just tell me what it is, but why it is important, the impact it has, and how it should be done to get us closer to our ultimate goal. Give me every opportunity to support the team and go the extra mile, and I will be motivated to a fault."

      Written by Kevin Downey on March 17th, 2024

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Support and encouragement would be great tools to help motivate me."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      A bit different than 'How can we motivate you?', with this question, you will want to go into further details on the types of situations that motivate you. Share with the interviewer how you drive your own motivation. I have added a sample, below.
      "What motivates me is the fact that I get to help people solve problems every single day. Hearing my customers say 'thank you' or share with me how I made their day just a bit easier, is always encouraging."
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