Interview questions: what motivates you
Short answer
When interviewers ask, "What motivates you?" they want to understand what drives you to work hard and stay focused. Your answer should clearly explain your personal reasons for doing your best, such as learning new skills, helping others, or reaching goals. Sharing this helps employers see if you’ll be a good fit for the job and the team.
What does "What motivates you?" mean in an interview?
When an interviewer asks, "What motivates you?" they want to know the reasons behind your effort and dedication. Motivation is what pushes you to do your best, whether in school, sports, or a job. In simple terms, it’s the "why" behind the work you do. For example, a student might be motivated by the desire to earn good grades because they want to get into a great college. In a job, motivation could come from enjoying teamwork or from the satisfaction of completing tasks.
Employers ask this question to see what kind of energy and attitude you bring to the workplace. They want to understand what keeps you going, especially when tasks get challenging. If you say you’re motivated by learning and improving, it shows you have a growth mindset. If you say you enjoy helping others, it shows you care about teamwork and customer service. Knowing your motivation helps employers decide if you fit their company culture and job expectations.
How does answering "What motivates you?" work in an interview?
Answering this question well means giving a clear and honest explanation of what drives you. Instead of just saying, "I’m motivated by money," you can expand with examples that show your personality and work style. For instance, you might say, "I’m motivated by learning new skills because I enjoy growing and doing my best. Last summer, I volunteered at a library and learned how to organize books and help visitors. It felt good to improve and be helpful."
This answer works because it tells the interviewer two things: what your motivation is (learning and helping) and how you acted on it (volunteering and organizing). You want to show motivation that fits the job, so if you’re applying for a retail job, saying you like helping people or working with a team is good. If it’s a job that requires focus and detail, you might say you’re motivated by doing tasks carefully and getting things done right.
Why does this question matter for teens preparing for interviews?
As a teenager, you might not have a lot of work experience, so answering "What motivates you?" is a chance to share who you are and what you care about. Employers want to know you’re enthusiastic and ready to learn, even if you haven’t had a formal job before. Your motivation shows how serious you are about the opportunity.
Also, talking about your motivation helps the interviewer picture how you’ll behave on the job. For example, if you say you’re motivated by teamwork, they know you’ll likely get along with coworkers. If you say you’re motivated by challenges, they know you might try to solve problems instead of giving up. This question also helps you think about what kind of job fits you best, which is useful for your career choices.
What terms do people mix up with motivation in interviews?
Sometimes, people confuse motivation with other ideas like skills, passions, or goals. Here’s how they differ:
- Skills are what you can do. For example, typing fast or speaking another language.
- Goals are what you want to achieve in the future, like becoming a manager or finishing school.
- Passion is a strong interest or love for something, like a passion for sports or art.
- Motivation is the reason you work hard right now, like wanting to learn or help others.
For example, someone might be passionate about music but motivated in a job by earning money to buy instruments. Or, you might have a goal to graduate high school but be motivated to work because you enjoy meeting new people. Knowing the difference helps you answer the question clearly and avoid confusion.
What kinds of motivations can you talk about in your answer?
There are many types of motivation you can share, depending on what fits you best. Here are some common examples:
- Learning and growth: You enjoy gaining new skills and improving yourself.
- Helping others: You like working with people and making a positive difference.
- Achieving goals: You feel driven to finish tasks and meet targets.
- Recognition: You appreciate praise and feeling valued for your work.
- Challenge: You enjoy solving problems and trying new things.
- Responsibility: You feel motivated by being trusted to do important tasks.
When preparing your answer, think about which motivation feels most true for you. For example, if you like working with friends or classmates, helping others might be your motivation. If you enjoy finishing projects or winning competitions, achieving goals could fit. Try to pick motivators that relate to the job you want, so your answer feels natural.
How can you prepare a strong answer to "What motivates you?"
To prepare, follow these steps:
- Think about experiences: Consider times when you felt proud or excited about something you did, like a school project, a sport, or helping a friend.
- Choose 1-2 motivators: Pick the motivation(s) that best describe those experiences.
- Write an example: Describe a specific moment that shows your motivation. For instance, "I was motivated to help my team win the relay race because I wanted to do my best and support my friends."
- Practice your answer: Say it out loud, aiming for 1-2 minutes. Make it sound natural, not memorized.
Here’s an example answer: "I’m motivated by learning new things because I enjoy improving myself. Last year, I taught myself how to use video editing software, and it felt great to create a project for school. I’m excited to keep learning skills like this in a job."
This approach makes your answer clear, interesting, and easy for the interviewer to remember.
What should you do after preparing your answer?
When you go to your interview, be ready to share your motivation but also listen carefully. Sometimes interviewers will ask follow-up questions like, "Can you give an example?" or "Why do you want this job?" These questions connect with motivation, so keep your example in mind.
Also, be flexible. If you feel a better example fits the conversation, use it. After the interview, think about how your answer went. Could you make it clearer or more confident next time? Practicing with friends or family can help.
Finally, remember that your motivation can change as you grow and try new things. It’s okay to discover new motivators over time. Being honest and thoughtful about your reasons for working shows maturity and helps you find jobs that are a good fit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I say money is what motivates me in an interview?
You can mention money, but it’s better to also talk about other reasons like learning or helping others. Employers want to know you care about the work itself, not just the paycheck.
What if I don’t know what motivates me yet?
That’s normal, especially if you’re new to working. Think about activities or subjects you enjoy or times you felt proud of your effort. These feelings can help you find your motivation.
Should I mention if I like working alone or with a team?
Yes. Saying you’re motivated by teamwork or working independently helps employers understand what kind of work environment suits you best.
How long should my answer be?
Aim for about 1-2 minutes. Keep it clear and focused with an example so the interviewer understands your motivation without too much detail.
Can motivation change over time?
Yes. What motivates you can shift as you grow and have new experiences. Being open about this shows you’re flexible and ready to learn.