When preparing for a job interview, one of the most common—and revealing—questions you’ll encounter is: “What motivates you?” How you answer can make or break your chances of landing the role.
This question digs deeper than your skills and experience. It reveals your inner drive, work ethic, and alignment with a company’s values. Understanding it and expressing it effectively helps employers see how you’ll fit within their culture and perform in the role.
We’ve helped countless clients craft compelling, authentic answers to the question through personalized interview coaching. Jonathan, our lead career strategist, works directly with professionals to uncover their core motivations and transform them into powerful interview stories that win offers.
Understanding the Question: What Motivates You
When interviewers ask “What motivates you?”, they want to understand what drives you to perform your best. It’s not about money or benefits—it’s about what keeps you engaged, focused, and passionate about your work.
A thoughtful answer to it shows that you have a sense of purpose and a strong work ethic. Employers use this question to assess cultural fit, productivity potential, and long-term engagement.
Jonathan explains:
The question isn’t just about enthusiasm—it’s about alignment. Employers want to see that your motivation supports the company’s mission.”
Why the “What Motivates You” Question Matters
The “What motivates you” question is a window into your personality and values. Hiring managers use it to determine:
- Whether your drive aligns with company goals
- If you’re likely to thrive in the work environment
- How you handle challenges and pressure
A strong answer demonstrates self-awareness and authenticity. We coach clients to use this question as an opportunity to express both ambition and emotional intelligence.
For example, someone motivated by learning and growth fits perfectly in a company that values innovation and development.
How to Identify What Truly Motivates You
Before answering it, you must understand your personal and professional drivers. Ask yourself:
- What type of work makes me feel most fulfilled?
- What accomplishments am I most proud of?
- What kind of impact do I want to make?
Your motivation might stem from achieving goals, solving problems, helping others, or creating something new. During our one-on-one coaching sessions, Jonathan helps clients uncover these motivations through personalized reflection exercises.
This clarity not only strengthens your interview answers but also guides your entire job search strategy.
Common Motivation Categories
Understanding what drives people can help you articulate what motivates you more clearly. Here are common categories of motivation:
Intrinsic Motivation
Comes from within—such as passion, curiosity, or personal satisfaction. Example: “I’m motivated by solving complex problems and finding innovative solutions.”
Extrinsic Motivation
Driven by external rewards—like recognition, promotions, or financial incentives. Example: “I’m motivated by exceeding performance targets and being recognized for hard work.”
Purpose-Driven Motivation
Focused on making a difference. Example: “What motivates me is contributing to meaningful projects that impact people’s lives.”
By identifying which category fits you best, you can craft an answer that feels natural and authentic.
Best Strategies to Answer “What Motivates You”
Here’s a simple structure used by us to craft powerful responses:
1. Start with a Core Motivation:
Identify one key factor that drives you.
Example: “What motivates me is achieving goals that challenge me to grow professionally.”
2. Provide a Supporting Example:
Share a real-life story that illustrates your motivation.
Example: “In my previous role, I was tasked with improving our sales pipeline. Through persistence and teamwork, we increased conversion rates by 30%.”
3. Connect It to the Job:
Align your motivation with the company’s mission or role requirements.
Example: “I’m excited about this position because it offers opportunities to lead strategic projects and drive measurable results.”
This method transforms your answer to “What motivates you” from generic to memorable.
Examples of Strong Answers
Here are a few strong examples of how to answer what motivates you, tailored for different roles:
For Sales Professionals:
“What motivates me is exceeding targets and helping clients find solutions that truly add value. I thrive in competitive environments where hard work translates directly into results.”
For Project Managers:
“I’m motivated by achieving efficiency through collaboration. Leading diverse teams and seeing projects come together successfully gives me great satisfaction.”
For Creative Professionals:
“Creativity motivates me. I enjoy transforming ideas into impactful visuals that tell a story and connect with audiences.”
For Tech Professionals:
“Problem-solving motivates me. I love analyzing complex challenges and developing efficient, scalable solutions that improve user experience.”
For Healthcare Professionals:
“What motivates me is helping others. Knowing my work directly improves people’s well-being is deeply fulfilling.”
Each of these examples shows authenticity, purpose, and alignment—three elements that we emphasize in interview coaching sessions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Answering “What Motivates You”
Avoid these common pitfalls when answering the “What motivates you” question:
- Being vague: “I just like working hard” doesn’t say much about you.
- Focusing solely on money: Employers want purpose-driven answers.
- Overcomplicating your response: Keep it clear and relatable.
- Lack of alignment: Don’t mention motivations that contradict the job’s nature.
Jonathan advises:
“The best answer to ‘What motivates you’ is one that’s specific, relevant, and backed by evidence.”
How We Helps You Perfect Your Answer
We specialize in helping professionals master behavioral and situational interview questions like “What motivates you.”
Through personalized coaching, clients receive:
- Customized interview preparation
- Resume and LinkedIn profile optimization
- Confidence-building strategies
- Mock interviews with real-time feedback
Jonathan partners with each client to identify their personal motivators and transform them into impactful, job-winning answers. Whether you’re applying for your first job or a senior leadership role, we ensure you communicate your motivation authentically and persuasively.
Contact us to learn more about our expert coaching services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do interviewers ask “What motivates you”?
They want to understand what drives you to succeed and whether you’ll fit their company culture.
How long should my answer be?
Keep your “What motivates you” answer between 45–90 seconds.
Can I mention money or recognition?
Yes, but balance it with intrinsic motivations like learning or growth.
What if I’m unsure what motivates me?
Work with us to identify your core drivers through guided coaching.
Should my answer change be depending on the job?
Absolutely. Tailor your “What motivates you” response to the specific role and company.
Conclusion
Mastering how to answer “What motivates you” is one of the most powerful ways to impress interviewers and stand out from other candidates. Your motivation reflects not only your passion but also your potential contribution to the company’s success.
With expert guidance from us, you can discover your true motivators, refine your message, and deliver confident, authentic answers that move you closer to your dream job.
Remember, knowing it is more than an interview question—it’s the foundation of a fulfilling career.