What do you do if you're asked "What motivates you?

1 Reflect Deeply

Before you can convincingly talk about your motivations, you need to understand them yourself. Reflect on past experiences and pinpoint what genuinely drives you in your career. Is it the desire to solve complex problems, the satisfaction of helping others, or the pursuit of excellence in a particular skill? Being self-aware and having a clear understanding of your intrinsic motivators will allow you to articulate a genuine and compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.

3 Structure Your Answer

Your response should be well-structured to ensure clarity and impact. Begin by stating your primary motivator, then provide a specific example that illustrates this motivation in action. Conclude by tying it back to how this motivation is relevant to the role or organization. This structure not only answers the question but also provides evidence of your motivation, making your response more credible.

4 Stay Authentic

Authenticity is key when discussing what motivates you. Avoid generic or cliché responses that you think interviewers want to hear. Instead, opt for a truthful answer that speaks to who you are as a professional and an individual. Authentic answers are more relatable and memorable, helping you stand out in the minds of your audience.

5 Balance Passion

While it's important to convey passion, balance it with professionalism. Overemphasizing your personal interests may detract from your suitability for the role. Instead, focus on how your personal drivers enable you to excel professionally and contribute to the team or company's success. This balance shows that you are passionate but also grounded in the realities of the job.

6 Adapt and Evolve

Lastly, recognize that motivations can change over time, and it's okay to acknowledge growth in your answer. Perhaps early in your career, you were driven by learning opportunities, whereas now you're motivated by leadership challenges. Showing adaptability in your motivations demonstrates personal growth and a capacity for evolving with your career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?