Introduction 

One of the most common questions that is asked in a job interview is what motivates you? This question is asked to help the employees to understand what drives the candidate to perform well and to be motivated in a certain way that can help the company to achieve their goal. If someone answers this question effectively then it can also increase their chances to get the job.

This article will talk in detail about some of the best ways to answer this question with some other things like why employees ask these questions and how to prepare for this question in advance with different types of motivations and certain mistakes to avoid while answering.

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Why employers ask “What Motivates You?”

1.To understand the work style

The question is usually asked by the employers to know about what motivates the candidate to put their effort in something. It also helps the employees to know about the motivation of the candidate and to know if their motivation aligns with the company’s needs. If someone’s motivation is according to the company needs and their chances of getting the job is more likely higher then someone who has different motivation.

For example, I am usually motivated by setting goals and then achieving them. For example, in my last job I set a goal that I will improve my productivity and I completed 20% more tasks in the same amount of time. I also love the feeling of accomplishment and it helps me to do even better.

2. To see if candidate is perfect for the role 

The question is also asked because different jobs require different motivation skills. For example a company needs a sales person so they prepare someone who is motivated to achieve sales targets. This question helps the company to choose the best candidate among so many people and it also helps them to know about the person’s ideas and motivation towards the company.

Ask yourself some questions like what tasks or projects have made me feel proud of myself and where I have been more energized at work at school or what kind of work to enjoy the most. These questions have to identify your area of interest. 

3. To see the long-term goals

Asking this question also helps companies to see if your motivation is the same as the company goal so it proves that you are more likely to stay in the job for a long time. There are many companies who usually prepare employees who are passionate about their work and they want to keep the job for a long time to support the long term goals of the company. 

Preparation of the answer 

1.Reflecting on the past experiences 

Firstly it is important to think about what makes you excited and engage in working. Ask yourself some questions like what tasks or projects have made me feel proud of myself and where I have been more energized at work at school or what kind of work to enjoy the most. These questions have to identify your area of interest. 

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2. Identifying the motivators 

There are many different types of motivation that a person can get. While answering the questions in the interview it is important to be genuine and to be reflecting yourself and explain what you read drives you. Some common motivators include firstly the achievement based motivation which comes from the setting and by reaching a goal. For example, someone said that I enjoy setting challenging goals and then achieving them. Another type of motivation is learning and growth motivation which involves gaining new skills and knowledge.

For example explaining yourself that I am motivated by learning new things which can help me grow in my personal and professional life. The third type of motivation is helping others, motivation which comes from supporting others or making a difference in someone’s life. I will stop explaining this as I love working in teams and helping others solve problems. Creativity and innovation motivation is another type of motivation which comes when someone enjoys coming up with new ideas and solutions.

For example, someone can answer this like I feel motivated when I have the freedom to be creative and I can come up with my own solutions. Another type of motivation is recognition and rewards motivation which comes when someone is motivated by appreciation and the financial incentive they received. For example, I work best when I am recognized for my efforts and I can see the result.

The last type of motivation is problem solving motivation which helps to tackle challenges and to find the solution. This motivation can be explained in the interview like I enjoy solving complex problems that require creative solutions. 

3. Connecting the motivation to the job

The answer should also relate to the job in which the applicant is applying for. For example if someone is applying for the customer service position then they can say that I love helping people solve their problems to make a great impact and to align their motivation with the job.

Examples of great answers 

1.Achievement motivation 

I am usually motivated by setting goals and then achieving them. For example, in my last job I set a goal that I will improve my productivity and I completed 20% more tasks in the same amount of time. I also love the feeling of accomplishment and it helps me to do even better.

2. Learning and growth motivation 

I am motivated by learning continuously. Also enjoy taking challenges and then improving my skill through the solution. For example in my last top I learned about new software that helps me to complete my work more efficiently. Also I am excited to learn about this role and to grow in this position. 

3. Helping others motivation 

The one thing that keeps me motivated is helping others. I especially love working in teams and helping my colleagues or customers to find the solution. Also in my glass job I trained some employees and health and field confidence about their roles.

4. Creativity motivation 

Creativity helps me to keep motivated. I genuinely enjoy it when I come with new ideas and findings. In my previous job I suggested a new way to organise the project which saves a lot of time.

Conclusion 

If someone answers this question effectively then it can also increase their chances to get the job. The question is usually asked by the employers to know about what motivates the candidate to put their effort in something. It also helps the employees to know about the motivation of the candidate and to know if their motivation aligns with the company’s needs.

If someone’s motivation is according to the company needs and their chances of getting the job is more likely higher then someone who has different motivation.There are many different types of motivation that a person can get. While answering the questions in the interview it is important to be genuine and to be reflecting yourself and explain what you read drives you.

A candidate can answer like Creativity helps me to keep motivated. I genuinely enjoy it when I come with new ideas and findings. In my previous job I suggested a new way to organise the project which saves a lot of time.

Interview Forge Team

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