WHAT MOTIVATES YOU: How To Answer This Tricky Interview Question

what motivates you
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It can be difficult to respond to some of the most common interview questions. The question “What motivates you?” appears to be straightforward. It could help your potential employer get a feel for your ambitions and long-term objectives. It may also give a clearer insight into your motivations and character traits. Other interview questions, like “what motivates you to work?” and “what motivates you to do a good job?” are significant questions to expect from the interviewer or employer. So one must be prepared to give professional answers to these questions.

What Motivates You?

What motivates you? There isn’t just one proper response to this wide question. There is a way to respond to it properly, though.

What motivates you to succeed? This is what an interviewer really means to ask when they inquire about your motivation. What motivates you? What gives you energy? They can tell from your response to the motivational question how you would blend in with the company culture.

Additionally, the interviewer learns important information about how you would behave in the workplace. After all, the goal of these interviews is to identify the best candidate for the company. It’s crucial to realize that when an interviewer asks, “What motivates you?

Consider your advantages because they are a good place to start. What do you excel at? What can you bring to the team? Decide on your hobbies and interests as well. Do any of these match your areas of strength? If so, this might be the ideal response!

Obtain a copy of the company’s values. In order to accurately respond to the question, use them as a guide. Does this company value the problem-solving skills and cooperation of its employees? If this is the case and if this describes you, then this would be a great answer to the question “what motivates you”?

The most significant thing here is that you say the truth so your service in the company can last.

How to Answer the Question “What Motivates You?”

Let us look at the right ways through which you can answer the question “what motivates you”?

#1. Keep It Pertinent to the Position  

Maintaining relevance to the requirements of the work is the most crucial tactic. While you may have a variety of motives, now is the moment to talk about the ones that best depict your suitability.

#2. Personalize It (Only if You Can)

If at all possible, talk about the connection between your work drive and your personal passion. This demonstrates to interviewers that you might have a greater commitment to the position. For instance, if you’re applying for a job as a recruiter, you may mention briefly how difficult it was for you to find the proper job in the past and how that inspired you to assist others in their job hunt.

#3. Be Particular.

Discuss a concrete example that demonstrates how one or more of your motives positively impacted your work. Your response gains credibility as a result. The better your response will be, the more precise you may be about the circumstances while still keeping it brief.

#4. Describe How It Relates to Your Career Aspirations.

 Be careful to mention if you anticipate developing in this role over time because you will be enthusiastic about the duties Your commitment to the company will show if you link your motives to the development of your career there.

#5. Connect It to the Organization’s Mission or Vision.

If at all possible, talk about how your goals fit with the company’s mission or culture. You may tell a story about a personal or professional connection you made through the platform and explain why it drives you to help the company succeed if, for example, their aim is to connect the world through social media. You might also explain why fast-paced work environments interest you if you are looking for a position at a startup company.

How Not to Respond to the Question “What Motivates You?”

Even though most interviewers aren’t trying to trick you, there are a few scenarios where you need to be careful when responding to this question. You may avoid making frequent errors in your interview by being aware of them. Additionally, keep in mind that your response should complement your main interview objective, which is to persuade the employer to hire you.

#1. Be Positive.

Don’t talk about any negative motivators because they are bad attributes. When the interviewer asks this question in a slightly different way, like “What drove you to apply for this position?” It can be very difficult. Discuss why you are excited about the new role’s duties rather than expressing doubts about your current position or employer.

#2. Be Focused.

Keep your replies work-related and concentrated on a single experience; avoid becoming unfocused. You run the danger of coming off as evasive, rambling, or generic in your response.

#3. Make an Impression

Don’t stray from the subject; instead, use this chance to highlight your qualifications for the position in light of your motivations. While it’s acceptable to earn a basic income or a wide range of benefits, hiring managers typically look for applicants who have a stronger bond and greater dedication to the task at hand. In essence, you might leave the interviewer with a favorable impression and a clearer expectation of how you’ll be as an employee by defining and elaborating on your motivations.

Interview Question: What Motivates You to Work?

What motivates you to work? It’s an interview question meant to serve as a mirror to see through the makeup and drives of any individual. It would be best if you familiarized yourself with typical interview questions in which what motivates you to work should be included.

There are various drives we may choose from that not only make our professions or work more fruitful but also more pleasurable, but all of us respond to goals and what motivates us from a particular perspective. Some employees fail to answer this question correctly because they lack what actually motivates them to work. They find it hard to answer the question “what motivates you” as they plan to work without passion.

The world is full of opportunities. To go out and seize these possibilities, we need to have the right driving forces that will motivate us to work. Of the types of job interview questions, what motivates you to work is one of the significant questions. Everyone has different factors that motivate them to work. What motivates Mr. A to work is different from what motivates Mr. B

#1. Currency

This is a great and essential motivator that leads us to our occupations and encourages us to stick with them. This is a necessity for everyone’s life, but it also gives us a sense of accomplishment, success, and status. We may live the lifestyles we want thanks to money, which gives us the freedoms we long for. Satisfaction is the one thing that money cannot buy, as seen by the numerous famous people in our society who appear to have it all. However, as their actions make abundantly evident, money is by no means the only factor that motivates us to work hard and feel happy.

#2. Objective

We require a feeling of purpose in order to live fully fulfilling lives. People without direction experience more unhappiness and a sense of purposelessness than other people. When we are living with a goal in mind, we feel more compelled and assured about the paths we are taking in life. Capitals come in waves, so purpose gives us a stronger sense of security than money could ever provide. Despite the painful inconsistencies caused by shifting jobs and/or conditions, having a mission keeps us going forward and inspires us to achieve our larger goals.

#3. Having an Impact

Knowing that our contributions to the world are meaningful is the most rewarding feeling there is. There are many professions that give us the money we want, but they may also be accompanied by a great deal of unfulfilling stress. The most valuable benefit of occupations that benefit our communities is how they influence and change our own lives. Our work and our purpose feel a lot more satisfying when we can see that what we do makes a difference.

#4. Responsibility

Though our careers can be demanding, being reckless is even worse. When we are reckless, we dig ourselves into financial ruts that are nearly impossible to escape; but, when we are responsible and have a strong job, we have confidence in our ability to get ourselves out of just about any situation. There is no such thing as an irresponsible, psychologically healthy individual, as Scott Peck argues in his book The Road Less Traveled. Self-management leads to self-actualization and personal growth. Being accountable gives us a sense of equilibrium, success, drive, and self-confidence.

#5. Problem

Motivation increases when there are challenges. We lack the challenge from our jobs, which feel like the same thing every day, to put up any fresh efforts or alter our work-related behavioral habits. In order to feel the feeling of winning at the end of the game, we want to demonstrate that we can overcome any obstacles that are put in our way. These victories may be hard and we may experience failure along the way, but this is precisely how we build the resilience that inspires us and pushes us for what is to come next.

#6. Connect with Others

One person cannot achieve success alone. We achieve goals that are both genuinely fulfilling and long-term relationships if we are attached separately or as a team. We are social beings with a need for communication. Our sense of belonging to the community, the fulfilling nature of our roles, information sharing, real concern, and business acumen all contribute to this.

#7. Recognition

The best reward of all is recognition. Everybody wants to be recognized for their efforts, whether they are successful or not. The only location where we can find profound internal motivation is at work. A remark, a pay increase, a transfer, a club trip, a bonus, or support and encouragement are all examples of ways to express gratitude. Acknowledgment is a crucial component of personal development and better visions of what we are capable of attaining. We have something worthwhile to strive for or toward when we are acknowledged. We measure success by acknowledgment, as I describe in my book Success Equations: A Path to Living an Emotionally Wealthy Life.

#8. Duty

Having a sense of obligation, a destination, and goals to achieve is a powerful motivator. The growth of a strong identity depends on having a sense of obligation. When we have a career, we have a significant, morally sound role to play. We have the chance to develop and define our character when we spend our lives driven by core principles. Our feeling of obligation drives us to take care of ourselves, be sincere in our interactions with others, and establish a good reputation. None of this will speak more favorably of us than who we are and what we believe in.

Interview Question: What Motivates You to Do a Good Job?

Interview inquiries may be challenging. You can never be sure of a question’s true intent. It is advised that you become familiar with common interview questions before you start the interview so that your responses are focused and powerful. I’m almost certain your interviewer will ask you about your motivation. 

Actually, the interviewer is more curious about your methods for inspiring others than about your sources of inspiration. They want to make sure that you can complete the assignment and that your motivations will not conflict with how their business is run. Therefore, putting the proper emphasis

There will be a range of acceptable responses because of the nature of the question. Use these suggestions to make sure your response is delivered properly, as this is the most important factor.

#1. Get rid of it.

We frequently experience excitement or anxiety when working toward a goal. But those emotions will only prevent us from writing things down.

For example, your mind is likely racing with a million ideas if you’re extremely enthusiastic about beginning a business. You consequently lose sight of the priorities that will ensure the success of your company.

The best defense against this is to figuratively shake the nerves off. You can focus again by engaging in activities like yoga, breathing, relaxing, and exercise.

#2. Do it now.

Don’t think twice when motivation starts to fire inside of you. Utilize the feeling right away. By doing this, you’ll prevent this sensation from fading. As said popularly by Walt Disney, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

#3. Get rid of the critics and diversions.

You need to get rid of distractions if you want to maintain your creative flow. To avoid being interrupted while working, this entails turning off the TV and phone, blocking distracting websites, and establishing boundaries with your family and coworkers.

Get rid of the doubters as well. People that are negative, envious, or sap your energy, you know. Spend more time with the people who are encouraging and pull you up, and less time with them.

#4. Do your best.

Go as hard as you can while you are in the zone. While you still have that energy, you want to use it. It’s time for a break, though, once you notice your pace slowing.

#5. Improve and innovate constantly.

There will be occasions when you grow disinterested in a task or objective. That’s fine, too. The secret is to continually seek out new opportunities to innovate and better yourself so that you can discover fresh means of inspiring yourself.

Avoid These Mistakes When Answering What Motivates You to Do a Good Job or Work.

One of the following mistakes could lead the interviewer to believe that you don’t have a strong work ethic when you are asked “what motivates you to do a good job?” Avoid the following common mistakes;

#1. Avoid Personal Goals

Refrain from concentrating on your personal goals unless they encourage a strong work ethic. Being driven by the possibility of career development through hard work is acceptable; being driven by money is not when answering the question “what motivates you to do a good job?”

#2. Take Your Time When Responding.

This suggests insincerity or a lack of motivation. Taking your time in responding to the question of “what motivates you to do a good job” is an important point you need not to joke with, because if you rush into giving out an answer, you might give out a negative answer which will make the interviewer feel like you are not qualified.

#3. Limit Your Exaggerations.

You do not need to be enthusiastic about every area of the job because the interviewer is aware that working involves effort. Never depend on other people to inspire you. Impression-seeking will probably certainly not convince your superiors of your long-term motivation.

#4. When Responding, Be Enthusiastic.

While enthusiasm is necessary throughout the interview, it is particularly crucial when responding to questions like this one. You do not want to lack a solid response ready to go in front of the hiring manager and be caught off guard. If you are, you can come across as being extremely unmotivated, which would indicate to the hiring manager right away that you struggle with motivation. When speaking, be sure to indicate that you are deeply invested in the discussion and passionate about the topic at hand. This will demonstrate your drive to excel.

#5. Be Specific

In answering the question “What motivates you to do a good job?” You must under no circumstances give a generic response to a hiring manager’s question about your motivation. A generic response could create the appearance that you are skirting the subject and are stumped for an answer. Hiring managers want you to provide more information and to be more specific. By explaining why you enjoy forming teams and working with others, you can convince them that you will be motivated to perform everyday chores. Asking yourself “why” at the end of a statement indicates that you need to go a little bit further. Remember to connect your own motivators to the position you are interviewing for. Money should not be one of the solutions, either.

#6. Be Honest

You must be sincere throughout the interview if you want to benefit yourself in the short and long terms. Skilled interviewers can tell how sincere you are by seeing your body language and listening to your tone and language. You can come across as unmotivated if you indicate that you might not enjoy the requirements of the position you are interviewing for or if you don’t have the correct attitude. If you are genuinely driven to accomplish anything, it will be evident in everything you say and do. When discussing your personal motivations with a hiring manager, you must be sincere and genuine.

Let’s see some ways you can answer “What motivates you to do a good job?”

Answers to the Interview Questions: “What motivates you to do a good job?”

What motivates you to do a good job? Answer 1

I have a strong sense of self-motivation in all I do, both professionally and personally. I always give it my all, go above and beyond expectations, and pay special attention to every little detail when I set out to achieve something, whether it’s a duty I was given or something else. Additionally, I thrive at maintaining my attention on assignments from start to finish, meeting deadlines, and maintaining a high level of work throughout the course of the tasks.

What motivates you to do a good job? Answer 2:

I have a number of motivators when it comes to success. More importantly, I have a lot of experience coaching others and guiding them through the details of my profession. I really enjoy instructing others, and it inspires me to see others achieve in their endeavors. I’m also motivated by the opportunity to save businesses money. In my previous position, I implemented cost-cutting methods and made the company money, which was a really fulfilling experience.

You may now outperform expectations at your next job interview by knowing how to respond to one of the most frequently requested interview questions.

What Can Motivates You in Life?

Consider your advantages because they are a good place to start. What do you excel at? What can you bring to the team? Decide on your hobbies and interests as well. Do any of these match your areas of strength? If so, this might be the ideal response!

What Do You Mean by What Motivates You?

What motivates you to succeed? This is what an interviewer really means to ask when they inquire about your motivation.

What Motivates You to Be Successful Work?

What motivates most people is when they are having an impact on their work. Knowing that our contributions to the world are meaningful is the most rewarding feeling there is. There are many professions that give us the money we want, but they may also be accompanied by a great deal of unfulfilling stress. The most valuable benefit of occupations that benefit our communities is how they influence and change our own lives.

What Are Your 3 Biggest Motivators?

But it turns out that achievement, affinity, or authority are the primary triggers for each of us individually. This is an example of what David McClelland named “Motivation Theory” back in 1961.

What Are Six Motivations?

Choice, Constructing Meaning, Control, Challenge, Consequence, and Collaboration are the six aspects suggested by Turner and Paris (1995) to increase student motivation that you should take into account while designing your own course.

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