Hiring managers tend to be interested in candidates’ motivators because it provides insight into their personality, work ethic, and what type of employee they’re likely to be. However, this broad nature of this question may catch you off guard during an interview simply because it isn’t something you may necessarily know off the top of your head and likely requires some self-reflection. Figure out what really motivates you and how to answer this when you’re asked in an interview:

• Brainstorm Your Most Enjoyable Professional Moments

Before your interviews, think about the times in which you’ve been most excited about your work. What would have been considered a really good day at work to you? Brainstorm your enjoyable professional moments throughout your career to see what patterns emerge. Examples may include: working as a team, solving an issue that benefits a customer, accomplishing a particular goal, etc.

• Align Your Passions to the Company

Once you have a sense of what motivates you, determine how to frame your interview response so that it’s compelling to the hiring manager. This question is often asked in interviews so hiring managers can get to know you better, but mainly they want to know how your motivation will benefit the company. Focus on conveying how your motivators will positively impact them.

• Provide Details and Context

Avoid being too general when answering about what motivates you. Don’t just say you’re motivated by helping other people, actually give some details and context so the hiring manager can understand why. Tell a story to provide a specific past example that highlights an instance of personal motivation in the workplace.

• Discuss Your Related Achievements

Strengthen your standing as a candidate while responding about your motivations by including anything you’ve achieved that is related to it. If being given ownership and held accountable motivates you, for example, then discuss how a project you developed exceeded expectations and added value to the organization.

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