what motivates you the most essay

10 Smart Answers to “What Motivates You?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 21, 2023 — 9 minutes to read

Why Do They Ask “What Motivates You?”

When an interviewer asks you about your motivation, they want to understand how passionate and committed you are to their company and the job opportunity. They are looking to gauge if you genuinely care about the work and if you will fit well within their team and culture. Your answer should be genuine and specific, highlighting your unique motivators and how they relate to the position you are applying for.

10 Example Answers to “What Motivates You?”

I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn and grow in my career. I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and expand my skill set, and I find that being in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment helps me do that. I’m also motivated by the chance to collaborate with talented colleagues and contribute to a team effort that produces great results.”

“For me, motivation comes from feeling like I’m making a difference. Whether it’s through providing excellent customer service, creating innovative solutions to problems, or simply being a supportive team member, I find that I’m most energized when I feel like my work is having a positive impact. That’s why I’m drawn to companies that have a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.”

“As someone who is naturally curious and loves to explore new ideas, I’m motivated by the opportunity to innovate and create. Whether it’s developing new products, designing new processes, or finding more efficient ways to do things, I’m always looking for ways to push the envelope and come up with something new and exciting. I find that this kind of work keeps me engaged and inspired.”

“One of the things that motivates me most is the chance to take on new challenges and push myself out of my comfort zone. I thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes with tackling something difficult and succeeding against the odds. Whether it’s taking on a new project, working with a new team, or learning a new skill, I’m always eager to take on new challenges and prove myself.”

“What motivates me is the desire to achieve my goals and fulfill my potential. I’m driven by a sense of ambition and a desire to succeed, and I’m always looking for ways to improve myself and my performance. Whether it’s through setting and achieving personal or professional goals, or simply striving to be the best version of myself, I find that this kind of drive keeps me focused and motivated.”

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s through my work directly or through the company’s mission, I find that I’m most energized when I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. I want to be part of an organization that is making a difference and creating a better future for everyone.”

“For me, motivation comes from the chance to develop meaningful relationships with my colleagues and clients. I’m a people person at heart, and I find that working with others who share my values and goals is incredibly fulfilling. I want to be part of a team that is supportive, collaborative, and committed to achieving great things together.”

“I’m motivated by the opportunity to continuously learn and improve. Whether it’s through formal training programs or on-the-job experience, I’m always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and skills. I want to work for a company that values professional development and encourages its employees to grow and evolve over time.”

“As someone who is passionate about innovation and creativity, I’m motivated by the chance to work on projects that are truly groundbreaking. I want to be part of a team that is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating solutions that are truly innovative and impactful.”

Example 10:

“For me, motivation comes from the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with achieving a difficult goal. Whether it’s hitting a sales target, completing a complex project, or overcoming a personal challenge, I find that I’m most motivated when I have a clear goal in mind and a plan for achieving it.”

How to Answer “What Motivates You?”

Step 1: identify your motivations.

By identifying your key motivations, you’ll be able to provide a compelling response during your interview.

Personal Values

Reflect on your core beliefs and principles, and consider how they drive your actions and decisions. Here are some common personal values:

• Self-improvement

Think about which ones align with your personality and the role you’re applying for. Describe how these values fuel your motivation and commitment to the job.

Career Goals

Consider the long-term objectives you’re working towards in your professional life. Be specific about your desired achievements and how they relate to the role you’re interviewing for. Some examples of career goals could be:

• Acquiring new technical skills
• Developing leadership skills
• Contributing to a specific industry

Link these goals to the company’s mission, and express how this role will help you grow professionally and contribute to the organization.

Interests and Passions

Identify what you’re genuinely passionate about, both inside and outside of work, and connect these interests to the position you’re applying for. Here are some questions to help you introspect:

• What topics of conversation energize you?
• Which tasks and projects bring out your enthusiasm?

Step 2: Tailor Your Answer to the Job

Try to tailor your response to the specific job you’re applying for. Consider the key responsibilities, company culture, and overall mission of the organization.

Begin by researching the company and its values. This information can typically be found on the company’s website, social media profiles, or through online reviews. Pay special attention to the language used in the job description – it may indicate some of the top skills and values the company is looking for.

Next, reflect on your personal motivations and how they align with the job requirements. Make a list of the aspects of the position that genuinely excite you, and focus on these in your response.

1) Motivator:  Interest in the field

Sample Answer:  “One thing that motivates me is my genuine passion for the industry. I’ve always been fascinated by the way technology impacts our daily lives, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s shaping its future. I find that this passion drives me to stay focused and committed to my work.”

2) Motivator:  Professional growth

Sample Answer:  “What truly motivates me is the opportunity for personal and professional growth. I enjoy taking on new challenges and expanding my skill set. Knowing that I’m constantly improving and contributing value to the team gives me a great sense of accomplishment.”

3) Motivator:  Helping others

Sample Answer:  “I’ve always been motivated by the desire to help others. In my previous role, I took pride in knowing that my work made a positive impact on my clients’ lives. This not only gave me a sense of fulfillment but also encouraged me to go above and beyond in my tasks.”

Step 3: Include Specific Examples

If applicable, you can provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your motivation. By doing so, you give the interviewer a clear and authentic picture of your work ethic and what drives you to succeed.

To begin, think about a time when you were particularly motivated to achieve a goal, finish a project or overcome a challenge. Describe the situation, what motivated you, and the steps you took to reach your objective. Remember to focus on aspects that can be applied universally, such as personal growth or helping others, rather than individual circumstances.

When crafting your answer, use the STAR method:

• Situation : Describe the context or background of the event.
• Task : Explain your responsibility or goal in that situation.
• Action : Detail the steps you took to approach the task or challenge.
• Result : Share the positive outcome of your actions, and how it demonstrates your motivation.

For example, if you’re motivated by helping others, you might say:

“In my previous role as a customer support specialist, I was motivated by finding solutions to customer issues and ensuring they had a positive experience with our company. One day, I encountered a particularly challenging issue that required me to work closely with multiple departments to find a resolution. Seeing the gratitude in the customer’s response when we resolved the issue was incredibly rewarding and further motivated me to work even harder in the future.”

By providing specific examples that showcase your motivation, you’ll demonstrate to the interviewer that you have a genuine passion for your work and a strong drive to excel in your career.

Step 4: Practice Your Response

Practicing your response to the question “What motivates you?” will help you feel more confident during your interview. So, once you’ve identified your motivators and examples, practice articulating your response. You can do this by speaking your answer out loud or writing it down. As you practice, focus on being concise and clear in your explanation. Avoid using filler words, such as “um,” “like,” or “you know.”

Consider practicing with a friend or family member who can provide feedback on your response. They can help you identify areas that need improvement, such as body language, tone, or clarity of your answer. Remember, your goal is to provide a strong, authentic response that showcases your unique motivations and fit for the role.

Avoid Common Mistakes

• Be genuine:  Don’t try to impress the interviewer by simply stating what you think they want to hear. Instead, provide an authentic answer that truly reflects your personal motivations.
• Stay relevant:  Although you should share your genuine motivation, ensure it connects to the job or the company’s goals. This will demonstrate your potential as a valuable employee in the organization.
• Keep it concise:  Though it’s important to provide context for your motivation, avoid long-winded answers that drift off-topic. Stay focused and keep your response brief.

It’s a great idea to prepare a few examples that illustrate your motivation. This will make your response even stronger, and help convey your commitment to the role. For example, let’s suppose your motivation is your desire to contribute to meaningful projects. You might share a story about a time when you initiated or led a project that made a real difference in your previous role. Or you could mention a specific project or initiative at the company you’re interviewing for that excites you.

It’s essential to reflect on your personal motivations and connect them to the job you’re applying for. Consider how your motivations align with the company culture and values.

Tailor your response and try to use specific examples from your professional and personal life to illustrate your points. If you’re unsure what aspects to highlight, think about the desired skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description and how you have demonstrated those in the past. Don’t forget to practice your response before the interview. Good luck!

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The Admissions Strategist

How to answer “ what motivates you ” (amazing examples included).

At your job interview, everything seems to be going well. Your resume is impressive, and you have enough experience under your belt to feel confident about your qualifications.  

Suddenly, your interviewer asks, “What motivates you?” How do you respond? Do you find yourself freezing up, or furiously racking your brain for a response?  

If you have a series of job interviews lined up, you might quickly find yourself in this hypothetical situation.

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice commonly asked questions and keep a selection of anecdotal examples for each question.

In this article, we’ll help you prepare to answer the brain-stumper, “What motivates you?”

Why Do Interviewers Ask This Question?

Businesses take a lot of care in hiring people – taking on a new employee can be a risky investment.

• So, employers have to be sure that those they hire are the best suited for the work at hand.
• They also look for potential employees whose personalities and personal goals fit in well with the rest of the company.

Work experience and a great resume can get your foot in the door.

However, what employers are really looking for are people who know where to find motivation when the going gets rough.

Even dream jobs have their rough spots, where the work is boring or difficult, and can be a chore to accomplish anything.

Companies want to know how you find inspiration and continue forward even when the work isn’t fun anymore .

Neal Taparia, founder of Spider Solitaire Challenge , explains “I want to know what makes you tick. How will your motivation translate into exceptional work at my company. If you can show me you’re motivated to make a difference in my business, you’re the type of candidate I want to consider.”

Similar Questions to “What Motivates You?”

Not all interviewers use the exact words “What motivates you?” They may use a variety of different questions that all end up asking the same thing.

For that reason, you can easily modify your potential answer to fit any of the following questions:

• What makes you tick?
• What inspires you?
• What influences you to do your best work?
• What are you passionate about?
• What drives you every day to achieve better?

However they ask, the key part of the question is figuring out what drives you.

For instance, how do you keep going when things get tough? What parts of your work do you look forward to? What is the carrot you dangle in front of yourself to motivate you?

How NOT to Respond

Your resume and cover letter can get your foot in the door, but the interview makes or breaks your chances of getting the job. Therefore, it is crucial that you do not fall victim to some of these common blunders:

Don’t Talk about Money

“What motivates me is money. I mostly want to live a comfortable life without having to worry about money. I worked hard throughout school to get a well-paying job to achieve my goal. I measure my success in life by how much money I earn, and my motivation is mostly bought.”

Do not ever mention money when talking about your motivations. Money motivates everyone, to some degree.

• Ignoring that you might come across as greedy, amoral, and facetious in your answer, you also won’t set yourself apart from a vast majority of the human population.

While at your interview, you should try to put your best foot forward and differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack.

• Securing a well-paying career might fit into your overall goals, but that isn’t what businesses want to hear.
• They’d rather know how you fit into their work culture and the way you work under pressure.

In general, you likely shouldn’t bring up money during the interview.

Unless they’re offering you a job right then, salary negotiations and money talk are strictly off the table. Even if the job’s money is important to you (and it likely is), you’ll have no chance of getting that money if you practice bad interview etiquette.

Don’t Be Vague

“I’m motivated when I have goals.”

Don’t be too general when answering. This is an opportunity to open up and share something about yourself that didn’t fit in your job application or cover letter.

• The interviewer isn’t trying to get you to confess to a crime, so don’t treat it like a hostile interrogation.

Clamming up and keeping your answers impersonal might make it seem like you don’t have much to say or that you don’t really want that job position.

Expanding upon your answers with specific experiences and goals you have will definitely leave a better impression.

When you practice, try to answer the question within two minutes. That might seem like a short amount of time at first, but use a stopwatch when practicing your interview answers.

The average person speaks somewhere between 125 and 150 words a minute – so you’ll have enough space to fit a decent amount of information in those precious seconds.

Don’t Make a List

“I’m motivated when I set goals for myself. I am also motivated when I help others. I also am motivated by healthy competition. I am also…”

While being vague can make you seem closed off, just rattling off a long list of motivators can seem like you either don’t know yourself well or you’re just hoping you’ve mentioned something the interviewer may like.

• You may also fall into the trap of just mentioning things without expanding upon them, which leaves a significant chunk of the question unanswered.
• Remember, the interviewer isn’t interested in hearing what might motivate someone; they want to know what specifically motivates you .

When you walk into the interview, you should have one or two motivators in mind with a couple anecdotes as examples.

Really dive in deep when answering the question. Remember, interview questions should be answered like short essay prompts: with one main point, and a significant chunk of evidence to support your answer.

Don’t Overly Cater Your Response

“I am motivated by the idea that I might attend your prestigious company. I want to honor your business’s high standards for excellence, and I push myself so that I will be accepted for this position. Your company website says…”

If your answers are more about the company than yourself, you may come across as a little insincere and untruthful.

• Mentioning certain aspects of the company’s mission and about pages can be a great way to demonstrate that you’ve done your research and you’re genuinely interested in their company, rather than just a job position in your field.
• However, your interviewer primarily wants to know about you, not the company.

It’s fine (and encouraged) to mention how specific parts of the company’s culture or achievements align with your passions, but make sure that your answer covers the full scope of your experiences and professional aspirations.

Get personalized advice!

Well, how should i answer “what motivates you”.

Most of all, you should be authentic when answering.

The first step to being authentic is self-reflecting. Sit down and really think about what excites you about your work.

• What achievements are you most proud of, and why?
• Identify why you’re proud of them.
• For instance, you might be proud of building a drone, managing a CMS integration or raising thousands of dollars for your former employer.

Then, you want to discuss what makes that accomplishment so special. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Were there any obstacles that you had to overcome?
• Besides a desire for job security and a paycheck, what inspired you to push yourself and overcome said obstacles?
• Name the things you learned from these challenges.
• How did you build a bond with your team members?
• What made you look forward to a day at work?
• What accomplishment left you feeling enthusiastic about your impact within the company?

Even if you’re new to the professional workforce, you can still pull from your experiences in college, internships , or volunteer opportunities.

• Maybe there was a club or class in which you were responsible for putting together a project.
• Maybe you helped organize a fundraiser or improved a nonprofit’s website.
• What motivated you to complete the project?

Here are some great examples of motivators for people:

Great Idea #1: Teamwork

“I consider myself a team player at heart. In my last position, I was responsible for managing several teams developing new marketing strategies. We all had different ideas about how to approach the goal. Collaborating with my coworkers, bouncing new ideas, and fine-tuning others kept me invested in my work because I found that I was always learning something else. It also kept me motivated by holding me accountable to contribute just as much to the team as anyone else.”

Teamwork is a great skill to talk about because you’ll likely be required to work within a team at your new company. Culture is such an important part of professional life that companies are willing to hire and fire based on the value of teamwork.

An answer based on teamwork demonstrates your ability to embrace company goals.

Great Idea #2: Helping Others

“I love helping someone solve a problem. When I worked in customer service, I frequently changed my customer’s mood from frustrated to pleased because of my quick thinking polite attitude. In sales, I feel motivated when a customer leaves the conversation excited about their purchase. In my last job, I made sure that each and every customer I spoke to felt respected, and didn’t feel pressured to go through with a transaction. In fact, many of them were satisfied and made repeat purchases. My approach to sales increased our district’s earnings by 27 percent, which drove me to continue working on improving customer satisfaction.”

Companies in competitive markets need to serve their customers to the best of their abilities. That’s why customer service is such an important part of doing business.

Employers want to hire team members who prioritize happy customers and clients. This is good for their bottom line.

Giving an answer on wanting help others is a great way to demonstrate your potential value to the company, its customers, and its growth.

Great Idea #3: Completing or Achieving Something

“I’m a goal-oriented kind of person. I regularly set challenging but attainable goals, and I push myself to complete them by the deadline. At my last position, I was in charge of a software development team, and we were working on a huge project. I broke down the project into manageable weekly tasks and divvied up the work equally between all of us. My management kept our team ahead of schedule, and we were able to release our product well within our deadline. Seeing a project to completion is always the biggest motivator for me.”

Speaking about your desire to achieve something in life is a great way to demonstrate your work ethic and ambitions. Companies want to hire people who don’t need external motivation to go the extra mile.

The best employees don’t need excessive direction or guidance. They know how to get things done on their own. They know how to produce high-quality work.

Great Idea #4: Interest and Innovation

“I just love finding new and better ways to write program code. I often strive for perfection, and finding more efficient algorithms or creating more intuitive user interfaces for our clients drives me every day. At my previous job, I worked on the front-end development to improve the usability of our software. As a result, our clients loved it so much that they recommended it to others via word-of-mouth and social media. Our sales nearly doubled, and many customers continue using our software and downloading the updates. I’m always interested in finding creative solutions to old problems.”

Passion drives human beings forward. Harboring a love for something is one of the best ways to find solutions to a problem.

Think about it.

If you’re really interested in a problem, you’re going to think about it all the time. The more you think about it, the more solutions you’ll find. Companies make money when their employees think of better products for their customers.

That’s why companies love hiring dreamers and passionate individuals.

Great Idea #5: Personal History

“I didn’t grow up with much. I was born in a small town in southeast Ohio – my dad was a sheet metal worker and my mom died when I was young. It was just my dad and me growing up. I remember eating grits all the time and not having health insurance. Luckily, I earned a scholarship to Ohio State, which is how I was able to study political science and learn more about the problems plaguing our communities, like the one I grew up in. As I move up in my career, I want to work for nonprofits and companies that place ethics and values above profits. Everyone can chase money, and money’s important. We can also chase the idea of making our country a better place. I want to work with people who want to do better for those that get left behind.”

Connecting your personal history to a problem is a great way to show why you’re so invested in a field. Hiring managers and CEOs want to hire employees who are invested.

You can discuss your personal history with the following, plus more:

• Food allergies
• Ocean cleanup
• Mental illness

Personal connections make your story relatable, so think of why you’re motivated as a result of your past.

Advice from Experts and Employers

We’ve included advice from people who have been directly responsible for hiring.

They also know what works best when answering this interview question. Enjoy!

From Barbara Watts, director of career services at Sweet Briar College:

It’s important to understand that an interviewer is asking you this question because they want to better understand what makes you tick and what drives you to succeed. It’s critical for them to understand whether your motivators are going to be a fit for the job duties and culture of the organization. Answering this question gives them a window into your personality. Use specific examples from your work, academic studies and/or extracurricular activities to give credibility to your answer. Your answer needs to have direct tie-ins to the position you are applying for. Providing this context allows an interviewer to see you not just as another applicant, but as a future employee of that organization. More than anything, be honest in your response! This benefits you and the employer in helping to determine if the position is a good fit for both of you.

From Nate Masterson, HR Manager of Maple Holistics :

It’s common for an interviewer to ask what motivates you, so you’ll want to have a good response prepared. But really, the best way to answer is based on the truth, so take time to consider what actually does motivate you. Depending on the situation, you might be driven by the pursuit of knowledge, a desire to help people, or the desire to be a problem-solver. Consider an anecdote that can help you demonstrate your point, and use it to highlight the strengths, skills, and passion that you can bring to the institution you are applying to. But always make sure to present things in a positive light. So, for example, if what motivates you the most is simply deadlines quickly approaching, a good way to phrase this is to say that you are motivated by the desire to get a job done in a timely fashion.

From Michael Leonard, creator of Inspire Your Success :

The best way to answer is the question is truthfully and honestly. But that means putting in the work behind the scenes to know what truly motivates you. And it’s not something you should just do for an interview question, it’s something you should do to improve the quality of your life. If you’re clear on your “Why” then you can answer this question effortlessly. Find time and put in some work on your own growth and development by journaling, writing down your goals, and doing things you’re passionate about. The more you do this, the more clear you’ll get. Ultimately, you want to have everything you do align in your life so everything is motivating you to achieve your goals.

From Jonathan Faccone, managing member and founder of Halo Homebuyers L.L.C. :

As an employer, I always love to hear stories where an individual’s motivation is derived from selflessness. An example could be that the reason why an individual works so hard is because they want to give back to their parents, or they don’t want to squander an opportunity their parents have worked so hard to provide them. Additionally, intrinsic motivation is something that every employer should come to learn about you. If you are a person who genuinely takes pride in their work, speak about this. If you like to work with people and concerned about taking care of their needs by doing the right thing by them, this is also a great selling point to an interviewer. An employer will not only come to learn that you want to do the right job and are capable of doing it, but they can also trust you in front of their customer as well.

From Brett Helling, who runs Ridester and has been mentioned in Entrepreneur, Inc., Forbes, and Reader’s Digest:

Motivation is an internal force that allows you to perform your daily or specific tasks more efficiently. It can be related to any physical attribute or spiritual entity. But, being working and maintaining to achieving your goals is the best motivation to go further than anyone can have. Interviewing or being interviewed are two very different things, an interviewer must first understand the individual from a piece of paper that can be a cover letter or its resume. Judge a person by the piece of paper is not the right way to asking brutal questions. The interviewer should adjust itself towards the individual who’s being interviewed and maintain eye contact and make them comfortable with first knowing them. A person who’s being interviewed should be prepared and conceptualize the situation before going in. A knowledge about the company and its management can score higher rather than having a blank mind. Being interviewed can be the toughest situation, but having a sound knowledge about what you are and what you can do, can make a much better candidate for that specific position. The best motivation for me is to allow myself to conquer the most difficult task in an easy way. It doesn’t matter you win or lose, it’s the experience that counts and can make you a much better person in life and in a career.

From Janet Ferone, president of Ferone Educational Consulting :

Tell a story. If what motivates you is to teach students who struggle with learning, don’t just say you are motivated to help all children learn. Add a story that links to when you first discovered your passion and why. For example, if you are motivated to help students who struggle, tell a story of how you struggled in school and felt inadequate, and then suddenly in 4th grade, your teacher connected with you in such a way that you finally saw the light and began to excel. Explain how you now want to be that teacher for others. Make sure your motivation is about what you can offer and how you can make a difference. While good pay and lots of vacation time are motivators, don’t use that as your sole criteria. You can certainly say that you have a passion for caring for animals and do so for your friends and family for free, so you would love a job where you could put your expertise to use for pay. Think about the employer! It’s not all about you and what you want.. Answer in such a way that you show that you would meet their needs, not just yours. In the case of the teacher who wants to work with struggling students, elaborate that you will connect with students in a way that will improve attendance and test scores, for example. Do your homework to know what the employer needs. Connect on a human level. Make eye contact, smile, and call people by name. Make sure you research who the interview team members are, if possible, and the goals and values of the organization. Show your interest and ability to connect with people. Employers can teach job skills, but not people skills, so show you are social and collaborative. If it fits your personality, a little humor goes a long way and can put everyone at ease. Be authentic in your words and also in how you present yourself. Young folks often think they must dress older and more conservative, and then appear ill at ease at the interview. Of course, dress professionally but don’t be afraid to wear a unique color accent or scarf or jewelry that will make them remember you. I have a business card case from my husband’s country of Malaysia and it’s a great conversation piece, as when I reconnect with someone I can reference Malaysia, so they will remember me in a sea of candidates.

Conclusion: How to Answer “What Motivates You?”

These are just a few examples of how to approach the question, “What motivates you?”

If there’s something completely unrelated to any of the categories above that makes you giddy about going to work, go for it. Whatever makes you enthusiastic is most likely a great answer.

The interviewer primarily wants to get a feel for your personality and how you work.

In your answer, be cognizant of the job you’re applying for.

• For instance, if the job you’re applying for is performed primarily in a cubicle with minimal interaction with others outside of meetings, playing up your drive to be a better team might not fit in with the position.
• Similarly, if you plan to say that you’re inspired by innovation and reinventing the wheel while the company you’re interviewing for strongly believes in the phrase, “don’t fix what isn’t broken,” you might want to reconsider your answer.

If you’re prone to interview anxiety, try writing down and rehearsing some potential answers with a friend.

You may also consider imagining yourself as an esteemed guest on a late night talk show. Watch the guests’ relaxed frame and cheerful disposition, and try to emulate that in your interview.

But overall, try to stay relaxed about the interview. You’ve impressed the hiring manager enough to make it to an interview – now’s the time to play up all of your good sides.

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How to Answer “What Motivates You?” Interview Question (+ Examples)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 6/30/2022.

Motivation is a powerful tool. It drives you to complete tasks and encourages you to keep going when times get tough. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, selfish or altruistic, motivation matters, particularly on the job.

The issue is that motivation is often highly personal. That’s why answering “What motivates you?” during a job interview can be so tricky. If you’re trying to figure out how to answer the “What motivates you,” interview question, here’s what you need to know…

Why Do Hiring Managers Ask “What Motivates You?”

So, why do hiring managers like to ask this question? Is it because they want to see job seekers stumble?

No, that isn’t the case. There are actually several important things an interviewer can learn about the interviewee based on their answer, including just what sort of person they really are and how that matches up with what the company is looking for in a new hire.

Hiring managers want to know what you like doing and why you like doing it. They also want to know what you’re good at.

They’re looking for answers that show them examples of characteristics you possess that will help them decide if you’re going to be a great employee:

• Are you a team player or a lone wolf?
• Do your strengths align with the job?
• Do they align with the company overall?
• Are you applying for a position that you’ll want to excel at, or are you just there for a paycheck?

To sum it up even more, they’re trying to figure out exactly how you view and approach success and what drives you. In the end, motivation leads to a more effective performance at work, and that’s why hiring managers care about what motivates you.

How to Answer This Interview Question

In order to give a good answer to this question, you need to understand that it is actually two interview questions in one. Namely, it’s asking, “What motivates you in life?” and “What motivates you at work?”

This question requires serious self-examination, and it’s something you should be asking yourself long before the interviewer does. This isn’t something you can typically answer off the top of your head. Instead, it’s better to prepare.

What Motivates You in Life?

Another way to ask this question is, “ What are you passionate about ?” What is it that gets you out of bed every day with enthusiasm? Where does your mind go when you’re allowed to daydream? What hobbies do you enjoy? How do you like to spend your time?

Now, dig deeper. What is it about these activities that you enjoy? Is it the satisfaction that comes from making something from nothing? Is it the sense of accomplishment after finishing an intricate project that drives you? Maybe it’s seeing how much others enjoy seeing what you’ve done?

Maybe it’s the feeling you get from helping others or leading them through something and teaching them new skills? Perhaps it was how you felt when you learned a new skill?

Whatever it is, focus on that. That helps create a foundation for a strong answer to this question and ones like it.

What Motivates You at Work?

Yes, we all know that the paycheck is a big reason why we get jobs. However, that alone isn’t usually enough to lead to job satisfaction, even if your salary is pretty high. After all, only about 36 percent of employees are engaged at work, so money alone isn’t enough to keep people focused.

So, what motivates you to do a great job at work? Is it similar to what drives you in life? Do you love the sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing a big project on time and under budget? Is it the glow you get from being told you did a great job on a difficult task?

Look back on everything you’ve done both job and career-wise so far. What was it about your best days that made them the best days? When you tell stories about what you do that highlight what you enjoy, what specifically do you tell people about?

Can you take those feelings and apply them to specific moments from your life and past work experiences? Remember, real-life examples make your answers not only more compelling to a hiring manager but also give them a great idea of how you’ll behave in future situations as well.

Finally, take a long look at the job you’re applying for and see how the things you’re motivated by in both life and at work match up with the skills and abilities required. That way, you can integrate those points in when you’re answering questions like “What motivates you to do a good job?”

What Not to Say When Asked About Your Motivation

Now that we’ve gone over the subtext of what a hiring manager is actually asking you when they ask, “What motivates you,” let’s talk about what not to say in response.

First, never mention the paycheck. Hiring managers know that money is part of the equation, so it’s not necessary to bring it up in your answer.

Similarly, focusing solely on fast promotions or rising up through the ranks as much as possible, particularly if you mention anything that alludes to loving power, it’s a bad move. While ambition isn’t inherently wrong, you need to phrase it carefully if you don’t want to raise any red flags.

While these bad answers may seem obvious, it’s still a tricky question, and it’s easy to make small mistakes when answering, including:

Being too generic or vague in your answer

Remember, specific examples and direct tie-ins to the position you’re applying for will highlight your position as the perfect candidate and make it easier for the hiring manager to see you not just as an applicant but as a future employee.

Being too focused on the paycheck

Again, we all know that’s a major motivator, but an employer wants to see beyond that. Even if you’re applying for a commission-based job, where money could motivate you to perform better, it’s best to leave money out of the discussion. Instead, focus on the other metrics or the general drive to improve your performance.

Being dishonest with your motivation

As with all interview questions, honesty is the best policy. While telling your future boss you’re motivated by the opportunity to interact with customers might get you the job, if it turns out you actually hate dealing with people, it’s just going to come back to bite you.

Good Motivators to Discuss in Your Job Interview

Just as there are points you want to avoid, there are a few good motivators that can be a strong foundation for your answer.

First, there are company motivators. These are specific to the opportunity, outlining what you want to find in a job and an employer. Maybe a particular work environment or company culture helps you thrive? Or perhaps there are job duties or types of work that light your fire?

Second, you have social motivators. These generally include motivations relating to interactions with others. That could consist of your family and friends, as well as coworkers or colleagues. Teamwork, collaboration, and similar skills can also fall in this category.

Finally, there are career motivators. This category usually includes opportunities to advance, chances to grow skills, and abilities to expand responsibilities. While compensation could also come into the equation, it’s usually best to avoid discussing money as a motivator, as coming across as only being interested in the paycheck isn’t ideal.

Five Tips for Answering a “Motivation” Type Question

Now that we’ve covered some good motivators and what not to say, it’s time to talk strategy. Here are five easy tips to help you answer “What motivates you?”

1. Be prepared

Ask yourself this question ahead of time and outline possible answers, as well as examples from your life and work history that relate to the job.

2. Be self-aware

This goes hand-in-hand with being prepared. Hiring managers want to know that you’re genuinely thinking of what motivates you. A fast answer with a generic response isn’t going to win you any points. Take time to really answer the question by first really looking at who you are and what you love, and most importantly, what drives you!

3. Be enthusiastic

This is what drives you. This is what you’re passionate about. Let that enthusiasm show! The more enthusiasm you have for what motivates you, the more enthusiasm the hiring manager will have for you.

4. Be self-motivated

Hiring managers love self-motivated people. Even if the job you’re applying for has you working on a team, hiring managers want to know that you’re strong enough on your own to complete the tasks assigned to you. If all your motivation comes from outside forces, a hiring manager might feel some concern about your ability to complete tasks if not constantly supervised.

5. Be honest

We’ve already gone over this, but just in case, it’s worth mentioning again. Be honest.

“What Motivates You?” Example Answers to Guide You

In order to get you ready to craft your own answer to the interview question “What motivates you,” we thought we’d give you some example answers. Use these as a jumping-off point for your own answers, and don’t forget to tailor them!

EXAMPLE 1 – Sales

“One thing that motivates me, unlike anything else, is seeing my numbers improve. As a sales professional, I know the importance of metrics. Whether it’s the number of leads I turn into customers, the amount of repeat business I secure, or the customer satisfaction scores after engaging with a client, I continuously strive to reach new heights. It’s a genuine point of pride, and not just when my performance rises. If I’m able to help a team excel, that’s even better, as it lets me do my part to ensure the success of the whole.”

EXAMPLE 2 – Design

“As a product designer, nothing is as magical as watching someone use an item I created and genuinely enjoy the experience. In my career, I have had the opportunity to impact people’s lives in an incredibly unique way. Whenever I see someone discovering that the product I made can solve their problem, I’m legitimately overjoyed, and that inspires me to keep creating and innovating.”

EXAMPLE 3 – Tech

“Overall, I relish learning opportunities. That’s part of the reason I pursued a career in technology. The tech world changes so quickly, and I enjoy spending time exploring what’s on the horizon and figuring out how I can harness emerging technologies to improve my workplace or assist customers.”

EXAMPLE 4 – Marketing

“What motivates me at work is knowing that I can reach someone on an emotional level in just 30 seconds with a commercial or even a quick glance with a print ad. It’s amazing to see someone connect with an idea based on my efforts. When that turns into increased sales for my client, that’s a demonstration of my success.”

EXAMPLE 5 – Management

“I’ve worked in management for five years, and the one thing that makes all of the challenges worthwhile is seeing my team grow and advance. I genuinely enjoy coaching and harnessing the potential of constructive feedback. When I’m able to help a struggling employee start exceeding expectations or a thriving team member take the next step in their career, I’m always elated. That’s what sustains me at work, and it will likely do so for the rest of my career.”

Putting It All Together

While there are right ways and wrong ways to “What motivates you?” you still want to make sure your answer will resonate with the hiring manager. Use the tips above to get moving in the right direction. That way, you’ll stand out as an exceptional candidate.

And as always…

P.S. Don’t forget we wanted to let you know that there are over 100 other difficult interview questions you could be asked in your job interview. Sounds stressful right?

Don’t worry, because we created a free PDF that outlines the most common questions and gives you word for word sample answers that you can use at your next interview. Click the link below to get your copy now!

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Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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What Motivates You? Interview Question: Sample Answers and Tips

If you were planning to answer the “What motivates you at work?” interview question with “Not dying under capitalism,” “Not going to jail for failing to repay student loans,” or simply “Money”, don’t . You’ll do yourself a disservice.

This is the obvious answer — most of us work to live, not the other way around. With this question, the interviewer wants you to dig deeper to find other, less obvious motivations.

This guide will walk you through what interviewers are looking for, and help you find motivators that are true to you (and won’t make you cringe as you say them).

Want to get an offer after every interview? Our interview preparation tool will guide you through all the questions you can expect, let you record and analyze your answers, and provide instant AI feedback. You’ll know exactly what to improve to turn your next interview into a job.

Don’t waste days compiling overused interview techniques. Get original answers to every single question you could expect.

In summary:

• This question is about the things that make you give your 100% at work.
• The employer wants to know what kind of motivation you need to thrive in the role.
• They don’t expect you to focus on personal goals or compensation only.
• They want to check if your motivations match what they envisioned for the role.

When they ask you about what motivates you at work, the interviewer wants to learn about your work ethics, values, and passions.

This question is a quick scan to see what you’re likely to focus on if you get the job , what will drive you forward , and what they need to do to help you be engaged, productive, and satisfied .

Here are some variations you’re likely to encounter in interviews:

• What motivates you to do a good job?
• What makes a job fun and motivating for you?
• What motivates you to come to work every day?
• What drives you to be successful?
• What makes you get up for work every day?
• What motivates you at work other than the paycheck?

Now take a look at this last example. Notice the “other than the paycheck” part?

This is the key to answering the motivation question — no matter what version you get, always treat it like it ends with “other than the paycheck”.

Let’s get real for a second — money is a valid and important motivator, but every employer knows that. That’s precisely why they want you to focus on something else in your answer.

There’s no need to ignore the elephant, just don’t lead with the financial aspect of the job.

How to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview

• Forget about “fake it till you make it” — honesty and authenticity go a long way here.
• To get a better idea about your motivators, think about your natural “drivers” and what makes you energized and happy at work.
• Take the time to study the job description.
• Research your employer and align your response to match their requirements, mission, and culture.
• Prioritize professional motivation, but include personal drivers, too.
• Provide real-life examples of how motivation has driven you to achieve specific goals or overcome obstacles so far.
• To be confident and convincing, practice your answer before the interview.

The best way to answer “What motivates you at work”? is to mix your passions with what your potential employer needs.

Here are some tips to nail your answer.

You’ve got to be careful with this one — you want to present yourself in the best possible light but not end up with a chocolate-box kind of response that sounds fake.

Think about the aspects of the job you like. These are the bits that will help you get through a long week. Weave these into your answer.

For a teacher, this can be making a real difference in students’ lives and being part of their journey of discovery and growth.

For someone in customer service, it may be the satisfaction of solving people’s problems and making their day a little better.

Whatever it is, let those genuine, personal touches fuel your response. It’s not just about your tasks, it’s about the impact you’ll make and the fulfillment you’ll get.

💡 Pro tip: By grounding your answer in real, personal motivations, rather than faking a response, you’ll show you’re both a great fit for the role and someone who brings passion and commitment. And that’s always a win-win.

Self-reflect and think about your natural “drivers”

To know what motivates you to do a good job, you also need a bit of introspection.

A helpful strategy is to think about the time you felt the happiest and most engaged at work.

Another thing you can do is think back to a moment of satisfaction or a work accomplishment you’re really proud of and ask yourself:

• Why am I proud of this?
• Why did this feel good?
• What steps did this accomplishment require?
• What energized me during the process?
• Is there a pattern in the type of work or projects where I consistently excel?

You may discover that you get energized by working with a team of people on completing a project together. Or that you’re the happiest when sharing knowledge.

Research the company’s mission, vision, and values

Ideally, your top 1-2 motivations should be aligned with the company’s values, culture, and expectations for the role.

As you prepare for the interview, visit the company’s website (the About page is a great place to start), and social media platforms. Check out Glassdoor, Reddit, and any news articles about the company.

There will be a page (or pages) dedicated to mission, vision, and values. Sometimes, you’ll also come across them in the job description too (like in the example below).

Align your responses to the role and company’s mission and work ethics

Let’s say you’re looking to join Too Good to Go as a Sales Specialist. Too Good to Go is a social impact company whose app connects businesses like shops, bakeries, or restaurants that have unsold, surplus food, with consumers who can buy it at a significantly reduced price. The company’s sole mission is to reduce food waste.

To get the job, it’s not enough to show you can do cold-calling and are proficient in Salesforce. You need to show the right motivation, mindset, and a shared vision.

Here’s the job ad:

We marked up the parts where the job ad clearly references what your goals and motivations should be. Show you’re up for helping them achieve their mission and you’ll demonstrate true, long-term commitment.

Here’s what you could say:

I’ve always wanted to use my sales skills for a cause that really matters to me and where my impact can be measured. I care deeply about combating food waste and reducing CO2 levels, so the opportunity to contribute to a mission as impactful as reducing food waste is a genuine motivator for me. Being a team player is intrinsic to my work ethic and I’d love the chance to be part of a dynamic team, fueled by a shared purpose and values, working towards a mission that goes beyond individual success to make a positive difference in the world.

💡 Pro tip: Authenticity is key. When expressing your motivation for a company’s mission, it’s crucial to be genuine. If you can’t connect with the mission or struggle to identify motivators in the job description, maybe the role just isn’t right for you.

Focus on professional motivations

You know why most candidates get this question wrong?

Because they focus on the wrong things.

• They discuss personal hobbies or family.
• They provide vague, cliché answers.
• They focus on monetary motivation.

When it comes to sharing what gets you out of bed in the morning, you need to make it sound like you’ll still keep showing up (and doing your best) when things get hard at work.

One more thing — show the employer you’re not just after personal fulfillment or gain but are genuinely interested in how you can contribute.

Instead of saying you’re motivated by the idea of climbing the corporate ladder and earning more (a totally legit personal goal, by the way), you might want to talk about a kick you get out of coaching your teammates, seeing them nail their targets, and knowing you played a part in that success.

Give some real-life examples from your past

You’ll be way more convincing if you show how your motivations have pushed you to take action and achieve tangible results in the past.

Try to weave a vivid, specific example where you’ll show how your motivators have manifested and how they helped you hit targets or make an impact.

When speaking about work experiences from the past, it’s best to use the STAR method to tell the stories. This will help you to keep your answers short, structured, and to-the-point.

“What motivates you?” is one of those gold standard questions you can expect at most interviews. So are the ones below, so make sure you have good answers prepared.

See those guides:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why should we hire you?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Describe your current job responsibilities.
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What is your greatest weakness?
• What are your strengths?

To come up with a good answer, you need to have a solid idea about what you want to say, and then practice so that you deliver the message with clarity and confidence.

You can practice by making a bulleted list of top 3 motivations and then use the mirror or record yourself so that you can review your body language and tone.

You should aim for a clear and structured answer but at the same time, avoid sounding memorized or scripted.

One of the best ways to practice is to use an interview preparation software , where you can go through expert-vetted lists of common interview questions, filter them by industry or seniority, and do interview simulations.

In Big Interview, you can use VideoAI to analyze your answers for key elements like pace of speech, vocabulary, and use of filler words.

Good Sample Answers to “What Motivates You?”

Let’s look at some great answers to “What motivates you to do a great job at work?” for different industries and seniority levels.

Sample answer for sales roles

Why we like it:

• The candidate shows a deep connection and alignment with Toyota’s brand values.
• They show customer focus and intrinsic motivators that go beyond money, like personal fulfillment and a genuine passion for selling cars.
• They add a human element of guiding and assisting someone while purchasing their first car.

Sample answer for a management position

• This answer focuses on the enjoyment from choosing the right people for the team and achieving results collectively — something that outstanding managers do well.
• The candidate uses action-packed language, like “bringing diverse talents together,” “collaborate on strategies,” “get excited about results,” and “hit goals.” This shows a proactive and results-oriented mindset.
• Finally, they show their motivation to empower team members and create a collaborative environment.

Sample answer for creative roles

• This is a strong answer because it mentions the exact tools, showing that the person’s familiar with industry-specific trends and emerging technologies.
• The designer clearly expresses their love of innovation and working with new technologies, and phrases like “truly excites me” or “the thrill for me” show genuine enthusiasm.

Sample answer for a public service job

• The candidate demonstrates a clear passion for serving the community and helping people.
• They provide specific examples of impactful experiences in previous roles.
• Their problem-solving skills and proactive approach to challenges within the public service sector make them a great choice for the role.

Sample answer for a startup job

Why we like it: 

• There’s an alignment with the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of startup culture, establishing the candidate as adaptable and eager for diverse experiences.
• They’re clear about their passion for growth and learning, and place value on personal and professional development in a boots-on-the-ground environment.
• The candidate is smart to mention their direct involvement in projects. This shows a proactive attitude and a results-driven approach (both highly valued in startup settings).

Sample answer for a corporate job

• The candidate is honest — they thrive in structured environments, meaning they’ll do great in hierarchical and process-oriented traditional corporations.
• The aspiration for vertical growth shows a long-term commitment to the company, which is highly valued in corporate settings.

“What Motivates You?” — Popular Opinion vs. Expert Advice

Time to deconstruct the popular interview advice from online spaces like Reddit, YouTube, or Quora.

Two experts, Big Interview’s co-founder and Chief Career Coach with 15+ years of experience, Pamela Skillings , and Michael Tomaszewski , a Certified Professional Resume Writer, analyze the tips given by the community.

User NoHeroes936 on Reddit says:

I’d say something along the lines of, “Success — if I do well, the company does well and my family does well.” The idea is to frame your answer in a manner that delivers a net positive for you and the organization.

Career expert comment: While I agree that delivering a net positive for you and the organization is good, I still think this answer is a bit bland. I like it that it’s clear and straightforward, but I would definitely elaborate on the success part or at least give an example or two of how success has driven me in the past.

— Michael Tomaszewski, CPRW

Up next, Disastrous-Bottle636 on Reddit:

I never BS this question. I always say my goal is to give my kids a better life than I had. To do this I must be a good role model, provide for them financially and supporting them in their endeavors, and leave a legacy that they can be proud of. To a company this means that I care about money, ethics, and work life balance. If they don’t like that last part; then we wouldn’t have been a good fit anyway.

And finally, Pawan on Quora:

I would say “FEAR”. Fear is an excellent motivator, if you are agile enough to handle the uncertainty gracefully.

• The fear of losing
• The fear of not being accepted
• The fear of failure
• The fear of missing an opportunity
• The fear of pain, disease, death
• All these make you work harder, evolve and emerge stronger than before.

Career expert comment: Weird at best, creepy and, well, scary at worst. Firstly, using fear as a main motivator carries a negative connotation. Employers generally look for folks motivated by positive factors for a more constructive and fulfilling work environment. Secondly, yes — fear can drive you to action short-term, but it’s never a sustainable source of motivation in the long run. Every employer would want you to focus on more positive motivators like passion, achievement, or a sense of purpose.

— Pamela Skillings, Co-Founder and Chief Career Coach at Big Interview

Summary of the Main Points

Here’s a quick recap:

• “What motivates you” is about the things that make you give your 100% at work.
• You should prioritize professional motivation, but include personal drivers, too.
• “Money” is a surface-level answer that will rarely work in your favor. If you decide to mention it (and it makes sense for some roles and industries), make sure to balance it out with other drivers.
• Be honest, but try to relate your motivators to what’s important to the company you’re applying for. Study the company’s mission, values, and job description, and then align your motivators with that, as well as with the requirements of the role.
• Practice your answer to sound authentic and relaxed.

__________________________________________

Need a hand? There are 3 ways we can help you:

• Struggling to get call-backs? Get personalized interview practice (Rated with 4.9/5 by 1,000,000 users).
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What if I’m applying for a job where salary is closely tied to performance and my main motivation is making a lot of money? Can I say that?

This is common in sales roles . Most hiring managers won’t hold it against you if you bring up money as a motivating factor. Just make sure not to center your entire answer around it. You can say the earning potential helps you go the extra mile consistently but try to balance your desire for financial success with other motivators like relationship-building.

I’m out of work, so finding work is my main motivation. How to be diplomatic about it?

The key here is to show motivation without sounding desperate. Don’t say things like “My main motivation is to secure a job since I’ve been unemployed for 10 months.” Instead, show them you’re excited about the role and company, and focus on how this opportunity aligns with your career goals. When addressing the fact that you’re currently out of work, be tactful. Try: “While I am currently exploring new opportunities, I am motivated to find a position where I can make a meaningful impact and contribute with my skills and experience.”

What if they ask, “what inspires you to do a good job?” Is it any different?

Both questions are about your drive and commitment. “What motivates you?” is more about your broader professional motivations and can include personal and career goals (like continuous learning or problem-solving. “What inspires you to do a good job?” is more about the external factors and values that energize you (like team collaboration or a company living its values).

Can I mention personal motivators like wanting to provide for my family?

Yes, as long as you balance it out with other factors. Wanting to provide for your family is a valid motivator, and bringing it up can add a human touch to your answer. If you choose to mention it, be brief: “I would also like to provide a fulfilling and stable life for my family”. To make it clear that family is not the only reason you want the job, highlight that your commitment stems from a strong work ethic. This will show them you take your professional responsibilities seriously.

How to answer “What motivates you?” when I have no experience?

You can always draw from your time in college, previous internships, or volunteering gigs. Highlighting that taking up challenges and overcoming obstacles are your biggest motivators will present you as a go-getter and convince the interviewer you won’t need any hand-holding in your new position.

How to explain that my main motivation is to make a successful career change?

Emphasize your desire for growth and how this career change aligns with your long-term goals. Highlight the skills and experiences you can transfer to the new role, and show you’re ready and enthusiastic for this fresh path. Frame how this move is not just a change but a strategic step towards fulfilling your professional aspirations. Don’t forget to weave in what’s in it for the employer.

I’m overqualified for the position. How should I speak about my motivation?

Make your intentions clear and explain how your interests and goals align with this particular job. This way, the interviewer will understand it’s not just a temporary gig for you until something better comes along. Also, mention that this position is exactly what you need at this point in your life and career. However, be careful not to insist on the perceived perks, such as less stress or shorter hours. Frame it around your desire to make a meaningful contribution.

Bojana Krstic

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5 Easy Steps to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview

“What motivates you?” may sound like an intimidating existential ask, but as an interview question , it’s much less philosophical and way more fun than you think. 

You know how you get when you’re telling your best friends about what an amazing movie you saw or how you totally crushed that presentation that might get you a big promotion? And then  your excitement is so contagious that they’re pumped too? Well here’s your chance to do the interview equivalent.  It’s the perfect chance to show off a bright and sparkling aspect of your personality.

So buckle up and follow our five steps to help you unlock that energy. But first, a little more on why this question gets asked.

Why do interviewers ask about what motivates you?

Skills and experience are great for impressing your interviewers. But they’re not enough. You also have to have the drive to use them—preferably in a way that benefits your prospective employer.

When someone asks this question, they’re trying to figure out whether you’d care about what you’d be doing and bring the full weight of your abilities to this particular role at this particular company. In other words, they want to know if you’ll be an engaged, happy, and productive worker inspired to do your very best in that environment.

“What they’re ultimately looking for is, does this person in some way align with the things that we believe in here, with the values we have here, with the mission we have in the company?” says Rajiv Nathan , founder and CEO of Startup Hypeman . “Because you could have someone with a really good resume, but if you ask them what motivates them and their answer has zero alignment with the company,” they’re going to worry neither you nor the company is going to get what they need.

With that in mind, here’s how you can put together a great answer to this question:

1. Reflect on your past experiences to figure out what motivates you.

“Think about what you’re passionate about,” says Jennifer Sukola , a Muse career coach and human resources professional. “What is it that you find most gratifying in your work?” If you can pinpoint those things, she explains, you have the basis of your answer.

Take some time to mull over—and maybe even write out in a list—the aspects of previous jobs that excited and energized you most, the ones you always wanted to do more of or wished were your entire job. Perhaps it was being an active member of a team and contributing to a big project or spearheading a brand new initiative. Or maybe it was speaking to customers and making them feel heard. Or it might have been seeing your sales numbers go up and your name climb the leaderboard. Maybe it wasn’t something in your day-to-day responsibilities at all, but something about the mission of the company or who it served.

“It’s definitely worth doing some self-reflection on, even if it’s not for an interview,” says Tara Goodfellow , a Muse career coach and owner of Athena Consultants, Inc .

Possible motivations to talk about in a job interview

If you’re struggling to come up with what part—or parts—of your jobs have motivated you in the past, this list might get you started. But remember, your answer still needs to be personal and specific.

You might be motivated by:

• Being a helpful and dependable team member
• Coming up with an innovative product or solution
• Conceiving of a new product, project, or initiative and seeing it through to completion
• Contributing to a team or helping them achieve a goal
• Contributing to a company mission that you care about
• Creating work products that help others (coworkers, clients, customers, etc.)
• Creating work products with certain qualities that are important to you (for example, creative, streamlined, entertaining, easy-to-use)
• Developing expertise in a certain area
• Helping people solve problems
• Learning new skills and/or information
• Overcoming challenges
• Providing excellent customer service
• Providing resources
• Setting and achieving (or exceeding) goals
• Training or teaching others

2. Make sure your motivation is relevant and aligned with the position.

It almost goes without saying that one person could be motivated by many things, depending on the context. This isn’t the time to expound on your deep love of ice cream and dogs and wax poetic about how you’d cross oceans and climb mountains to eat a cone or pet a pup—unless of course the job is ice cream taster or dog walker.

Pick one career-focused idea that’s relevant to the role and company you’re applying for. “If it’s a small startup and growing company and you are motivated by learning new things and being challenged, that’s a great answer because that’s going to be the environment you’re in,” Goodfellow says.

On the other hand, “If you’re going to be doing accounting analysis all day and state that you thrive by wearing many hats throughout the day and learning new things, then as an interviewer, I’d want to explore that further because it’s not necessarily going to be the case,” Goodfellow says. In short, it all depends on the context.

Sukola says you can use the job description itself to help you “make a list of things before the interview of what you would be doing for this job and what’s gratifying for you out of those.” Pick out the aspects of the job that make your eyes open wide and get you excited just thinking about them. “Then you can tie it back to what motivates you.”

For example, suppose you’re looking at a job description for a business intelligence analyst role. You don’t mind pulling data and crunching numbers, but what really catches your eye is that a major part of the job would require talking to colleagues across the company to understand their needs, helping them translate those into data requests, and working collaboratively and creatively to present what they’re looking for in a format they can comprehend.

When you’re constructing your answer, you can connect your motivation—in this case, maybe it’s helping colleagues tap into the power of data—to the role you’re interviewing for, saying something like, “And that’s one of the things that excites me about this job. I could channel that motivation to play a part in cross-functional collaboration that will make everyone feel they can understand and make use of the data we’re collecting without being daunted by it.”

3. But be honest.

Don’t get so carried away tailoring a perfect response based on the role and the company that you lose what actually motivates you in the process.

“If it doesn’t feel like an honest statement to you, it won’t for the listener,” Nathan warns. So as you ponder and plan your answer, be wary of one that you think sounds good but isn’t authentic. “If it doesn’t really speak to you, it’s going to be received as very phony.”

The danger isn’t just that your nicely packaged but misleading answer will cost you the job. Perhaps even worse, if your response does somehow pass muster, you might actually get the job—only to be miserable later because the day-to-day work and incentives don’t resonate with you.

“It’s really helpful while you’re being interviewed also to think, ‘OK, is this going to get me energized and engaged at least 80% of the week to jump up and go to work?’” Goodfellow says. While no job is perfect 100% of the time, “You’re spending so many hours a week there, you might as well be engaged and energized at least most of the time.” In fact, Nathan adds, asking yourself if this job will keep you motivated most  of the time  is “a good way to screen yourself…like is this even the role that makes sense for you as a candidate?”

4. Stand out with a story.

The key to an effective answer that won’t sound like every other candidate’s is to be specific and illustrate your response with an example. Stories are memorable and persuasive, so use one to your advantage.

“The example doesn’t have to be, ‘I increased the revenue 20% or saved the company $2 million,’” Goodfellow says. “I think a lot of people avoid giving examples because of that. It’s like, ‘Well, I haven’t really done anything that amazing.’ But that’s not the case.” If you haven’t fought off villains wearing a cape and saved the world from certain destruction, that’s OK. Your story doesn’t have to be fit for a superhero blockbuster, it just has to demonstrate that you’d be a great hire for this role.

Go back to one of those experiences you reflected on that gave you a boost of energy and made you feel excited to be doing your job, and tell that story briefly as part of your answer.

5. Use these example answers to help you put yours together.

Now that you have a better understanding of the reasons interviewers are asking this question and the general strategy for answering it, you can compose a brief but memorable response. Here are a few examples of what that could look like:

Example answer for someone motivated by new experiences

“I’m driven primarily by my desire to learn new things—big or small—and take on new responsibilities so that I’m constantly growing as an employee and contributing more to my team and organization. I spent several summers working as a camp counselor and felt most fulfilled when I volunteered to lead planning for a talent show, jumped in to help with scheduling logistics, and learned how to run pickups efficiently. All of that experience helped immensely when I took a step up to become the lead counselor last year focused on operations, and that’s what excites me so much about the opportunity to take on this managerial role for the after-school program.”

Example answer for someone motivated by thoroughness

“I believe that even the smallest details can make a big difference, especially to a busy executive. Luckily, I genuinely love to exhaustively review, check, confirm, and anticipate to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. In a past job, I was in charge of travel arrangements. It became a kind of running joke that I’d always think seven steps ahead and very nearly predict the future—calling the hotel to check which rooms were quietest, arranging for tea with honey and lozenges to be waiting if someone was exhausted and losing their voice before a speaking engagement, and making sure there were extra copies of speeches printed in large font tucked in bags and waiting at the venue. It always energized me to know I’d thought of everything, and that same motivation would allow me to support the C-suite here as an executive assistant.”

Example answer for someone who is motivated by achieving goals and competing with others

“I thrive on hitting and exceeding goals and on friendly competition. I’m the kind of person who looks for spinning classes with leaderboards and joins three different step challenges simultaneously. In my last sales job, we had a screen that showed real-time updates and listed team members based on progress toward quarterly goals. Not only did I not rest until I’d reached at least 100% of my goal, but I also always got an extra burst of motivation if I wasn’t in one of the top spots. One quarter, I started out lower on the list than usual, but it only made me work harder than I ever had—scheduling extra calls and meetings and spending long hours understanding prospective clients’ needs to tailor my pitches. I ended up 108% to goal and second on the team. The friendly competition you described fostering on the sales team here would motivate me to succeed in the same way.”

Example answer for someone who’s motivated by helping people

“I love talking to people. And I find it incredibly gratifying to make sure they feel heard and their problems are resolved. When I was working in retail, I thrived out on the floor. I remember one woman who came in looking for a dress for her son’s college graduation. He was the first in the family to attend college and the occasion meant a lot to her. I spent almost an hour with her on and off, listening, helping find options, and checking in. She came back three days before the event, worked up because the zipper had broken. We’d sold out of her size, but I calmed her down and reassured her we’d find a solution. I arranged for a dress to be sent from another store just in time. She later dropped off a thank you note and a photo of her with her son at the graduation, both beaming. Every customer has a story and I’m motivated to make sure each and every one ends well. That’s why I was drawn to the customer service specialist role.”

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How To Answer “What Motivates You” In An Interview [+Examples]

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When interviewers ask “What motivates you?” they are really trying to learn more about what drives and inspires you. This question can be challenging to answer, but it's a great opportunity to share your values and aspirations with the interviewer.

Your answer to this question should be honest and reflect what truly motivates you. To prepare for this question, think about what drives you at work and what motivates you to do your best. Some common motivators include challenging work that allows you to learn and grow, feeling appreciated by your colleagues, or making a difference in the lives of others.

What you share will give the interviewer a better understanding of what makes you tick and what kinds of work environments will be a good fit for you. So take some time to reflect on what motivates you, and prepare your answer in advance so that you feel confident going into the interview.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to deliver a great answer to this common interview question like:

• Why Would An Interviewer Ask “What Motivates You?”

How To Answer “What Drives You?” (And Other Similar Questions)

What answer are they really looking for, the best way to answer this question, what to avoid saying.

• 3 Example Answers To The Question “What Motivates You?”

Why Does An Interviewer Ask “What Motivates You?”

The primary reason that interviewers ask this question is to gain a better understanding of what drives and inspires you. This is an important question for them to ask, as it can help them assess your fit for the role and the organization more broadly.

Many different factors can motivate people at work. Some examples include:

• Challenging assignments that allow you to learn and grow
• A positive and supportive team environment
• Feeling like you are making a difference in the lives of others
• A clear path for career growth and advancement
• Compensation and benefits that are competitive and fair
• Flexible hours or the ability to work from home

To effectively answer this question, it is important to be truthful and consider what truly motivates you. This means thinking about what drives you at work, what inspires you to do your best, and what kind of work environment will be a good fit for you.

Sometimes, recruiters will ask this question with a different approach. Here are some examples of what you might hear during an interview:

• What drives you?
• What inspires you?
• What excites you about your work?

If you’re asked any of these questions, don’t worry! You can apply the same techniques to ace your interview. But before we get into that…

When an interviewer asks “What motivates you?” they are looking for a thoughtful and detailed answer that gives them insight into what drives and inspires you at work, i.e., what motivates you to do a good job.

They want to understand what motivates you, what kind of work environment is suitable for you, and what type of duties or projects you'd be interested in.

Your answer to this question should be specific, using concrete examples when possible. For example, if you are motivated by a desire to help others, you could share a story about a time when you made a positive impact in someone's life.

One of the best ways to answer this question is by using specific examples. This can help the interviewer get a better sense of what drives and inspires you at work, as well as what kind of role or environment would be a good fit.

To prepare for this question, it is important to reflect on what truly motivates you at work, what drives and inspires you to do your best, and what kind of work gives you energy.

Additionally, it can be helpful to think about what kinds of assignments or projects you find most engaging, as this can help you provide a more detailed and targeted response during the interview.

Ultimately, when it comes to answering this question, it is important to be honest and reflective of what truly motivates you at work. This can help the interviewer a better understanding of who you are and what kind of work environment you would excel in.

4 Tips To Crafting The Perfect Answer For The “What Motivates You?” Question

If you’re struggling to come up with the best answer, we’ve built a 4-step guide to help you craft a personal, inspiring, and unique answer. Here’s what you are going to do:

#1 Look into your past experiences

Remember when you nailed your first job and how excited you were with the prospects of your new life?

Or how thrilled you were when you ramped up an important project that drove positive results?

Re-embrace those feelings of excitement: they indicate what motivated you in the past and can provide valuable insight into what motivates you in the present and near future.

#2 Leverage the “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” question

When recruiters ask this question, they are generally interested in assessing your aspirations and understanding how fit they are for the role you are interviewing for.

However, when you give enough thought to this question, you might realize you are, in a way, answering what motivates you.

Let’s say you are in marketing and your answer to this question goes something like this:

I’ve found a passion for marketing, particularly in the tech sector, and I feel like I would be a good fit for a leadership role. In five years, I see myself reaching a position as a Marketing Manager, where I will be able to execute high-level, 360º marketing strategies.

By looking into this answer, we can say that you are motivated by the opportunity to take ownership of projects that involve strategic thinking.

If you need to take a step back and give this answer a little bit more thought, be sure to check our article on how to answer the “Where do you see yourself in 5 years”!

#3 Use the STAR Method

The STAR method is used by job seekers like you to help them answer situational interview questions as such. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Here’s how you can apply it to real-life situations:

Situation : share an anecdote about a time you faced a problem at work; Task : provide details about what made the problem challenging; Action : explain the steps you took to solve the problem; Result : walk through the benefits resulting from your actions.

If you want more insight, check out our article on how to use the star interview method to impress your interviewer!

#4 Use this 4-part framework

There’s a technique you can use to ace this and every single question that pops up during your interview. It goes like this:

• Call out the goals of the company you are interviewing for
• Set the stakes for the example you will share
• Show your work and the steps you took to solve the problem
• Share the results you drove!

This post on LinkedIn breaks it down in detail, with examples:

Checklist: How To Answer the “What Motivates You” Question in Interviews

To recap, here’s a checklist for crafting the perfect “What motivates you?” answer:

Here are a few tips on what to avoid saying to an interviewer when asked “What motivates you?”

Providing an overly vague or generic response. It is important to be thoughtful and specific when responding and avoid giving answers that lack detail or do not provide much insight into what motivates you at work.

Giving answers that are not relevant to the job or company you are interviewing for. For example, if you are applying for a job as a teacher, it would be important to focus on what motivates you when working with students, rather than what motivates you in other aspects of your life.

What Motivates You Example Answers

Below, we'll cover three sample answers to help give you some inspiration on what to say when asked “what motivates you?”

Example #1:

Desire to help others or make a positive impact in their lives One of the reasons I'm so excited about this role is because it's perfectly aligned with the things that motivate me. I grew up in a rural part of Arizona where rising heat levels were always top of mind and it felt like we were lightyears behind in technology. We didn't get DSL until years after it went mainstream in other parts of the US! Those experiences instilled a desire for my work to create a positive impact in people's lives, with a specific focus on sustainability and access to technology. As I've progressed through my career, I've made those priorities a core part of every role I decided to accept. One of the reasons I'm so thrilled about being considered for this role is how well Amazon and the product team align with this trajectory. Here are a few examples of each: In my previous role at SparkSurge, I was part of a team that developed an eco-friendly packaging solution, reducing plastic waste by 30% for our entire product line. The Climate Pledge at Amazon is a direct tie to my desire for my work to help increase sustainability for people across the country and the globe. Additionally, I've volunteered at multiple educational nonprofits focused on providing underprivileged students with access to technology and training over the past 7 years. Amazon's commitment to similar impact through the Amazon Future Engineer and AWS Educate programs are exciting to me, and I'm hoping I'm able to be a part of those even if it's only in an extracurricular capacity. I'm honored to be considered for this role because I feel that Amazon's mission as a company and the initiatives it's focused on directly align with my core values and the impact I want to make on the world.

Example #2:

Desire to empower small buinsesses  What motivates me for this role is the intersection between innovation and problem-solving. My parents owned a small IT business, so when I began working as an office assistant back in 2009 at their company, I became very familiar with the challenges of companies on a budget looking to streamline their processes through cost-effective software solutions. Moving forward in my career, I’ve always tried combining my set of skills with my desire to help small businesses. In my previous role as a Marketing Manager at SmartBiz, I leveraged content marketing strategies to promote a feature called Cash Flow Boost, designed to help SMBs manage their finances. This strategy has helped increase lead generation by 37% in the second half of 2023. I feel like my motivation meets perfectly with Google’s commitment to empowering businesses. I am excited to join the Google Cloud Brand and Demand Generation team to help build brand awareness through content marketing and help businesses thrive!

Example #3:

Desire to face challanges As a Senior Product Designer, my main motivation is addressing complex design challenges with a user-centric approach. When I was an undergrad student in Design, I volunteered to design a user-friendly interface for my school’s Student Portal – and received very positive feedback from fellow classmates! Throughout my career, I’ve always felt driven to align my design skills with a dedication to enhancing user experience. In my previous role at StreamlineUX, for instance, I led a team of UX/UI designers in redesigning a budget-friendly e-learning platform, helping increase user retention by 15% in the second quarter of 2023. I’m excited to join Netflix in its commitment to providing an unparalleled entertainment experience through cutting-edge technology. I’m positive that my experience in user-centric design will contribute to captivating and engaging audiences globally!

Example #4:

Desire to help people through technology As a millennial, I've seen first-hand how technology can positively impact people's lives. I would say my main motivation is helping bridge gaps, connect communities, and clear the way for seamless digital experiences through technology. In high school, I joined a small tech club and helped develop educational computer games to help middle-school teachers with in-class assignments. This experience led me to pursue a degree in Computer Science and, later, roll into a position as a Project Manager at Innovatech. At InnovateTech, I've led the development of an AI-driven accessibility tool that has helped 50K+ users with visual impairments navigate the web. I'm excited to join Meta and help build a digital environment that fosters meaningful connections and empowers individuals!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, many different things can motivate people at work. It's important to be honest and reflective of what truly motivates you so that the interviewer can better understand what drives and inspires you, and if you're a good fit for the role you're interviewing for.

By focusing on what motivates you and articulating this clearly during the interview, you can set yourself up for success and give yourself the best chance of landing your ideal job. And as always, don't forget to send the interviewer a Post-Interview Thank You Email !

Paula Martins

Paula is Cultivated Culture's amazing Editor and Content Manager. Her background is in journalism and she's transitioned from roles in education, to tech, to finance, and more. She blends her journalism background with her job search experience to share advice aimed at helping people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

What Motivates You? Sample Answers

By Biron Clark

Published: November 19, 2023

Answering interview questions like, “What motivates you?” or “What motivates you at work?” can be tricky because they are so open-ended. Coming up, I’m going to walk you through the most important do’s and don’ts.

Then, we’ll look at multiple sample answers so you can give the best response possible.

First, Why Do Employers Ask This Interview Question?

There are a few reasons that employers will ask what motivates you. For one, they want to get a sense of your personality and who you are. But more importantly, they want to see how you’ll react to obstacles at work, and whether you’ll stay determined and motivated. So when the interviewer asks you this question, they want to see that you will stay motivated and handle challenges on the job. They want to know that you’ll respond positively if you’re asked to do something that isn’t quite in your job description, or if you have to work late or fill in for another team member, etc. And they want to know how you’ll respond if the job is harder than you expected after being hired. They do not want to hire someone who will quit. So when you answer what motivates you, aim to show the hiring manager that you’re driven and care about your work.

Here are some further guidelines and examples for answering questions about what motivates you.

How to Answer “What Motivates You?” – Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:.

When employers ask interview questions about what motivates you to work, you need to show them that you’re not just coming to work for the paycheck. Your answer doesn’t have to be some heartfelt story about how your grandmother had an illness and you dedicated your life to finding a cure. But do some self-reflection and come up with a clear, good answer for what drives you at work each day aside from the money.

Real-life examples:

You can say you’re motivated by solving complex technical challenges (if you’re a software engineer, etc.) You can say you love collaborating and accomplishing big things as a part of a team. You can say you enjoy work that has a meaningful impact, such as creating products that improve people’s lives. You can also talk about personal interests that tie in with the job. Maybe you’re a huge fan of playing guitar but didn’t become a professional. So you’re interviewing for jobs as a music producer. Or as a guitar designer. Or a guitar teacher , etc. Another example of this: Maybe you were an athlete in high school and college, and this is what you’re passionate about. Those are all fair game, and good, creative ideas for how to respond.

Don’ts:

Let’s talk about what NOT to do now.

Don’t just talk about money. Everyone comes to work for a paycheck. The interviewer knows. If they’re asking you “what motivates you?” in an interview, they want to hear something besides money. If you seem only money-focused in your interviews, it can cost you job offers . The only exception is when interviewing for jobs that pay commission, like sales jobs . If you’re getting a paycheck every 10 working days, there are 9 other days when something else will need to keep you motivated. That’s what they care about. Also, don’t feel like you need to make up some impressive story. Tell the truth. It can be a simple, straightforward answer. I’ll share more on this coming up soon. Being dishonest is not a good idea with this interview question.

Example Answers to “What Motivates You?”

Now let’s look at some word-for-word answer examples for “what motivates you?”…

Interviewer: “What motivates you to come to work each day?”

“I like challenging myself and advancing on a personal level. That’s what attracted me to Sales to begin with. It’s personally challenging, it forced me to develop new skills that I never would have attempted on my own – like cold calling somebody or starting a conversation with a complete stranger. It’s changed my confidence level and my entire life, not just my career, and this continues to keep me motivated and get me through tough days, or days where things don’t go my way.”

Remember, never mention money in your answer here! If you don’t know why, go back and re-read the article. It’s one of the most important points mentioned. And remember one of your big goals is to show them that you’ll work hard and “stick with it”, instead of quitting if things get tough. That’s why “What motivates you?” is such a common interview question. If you look at the answer example above, you’ll see the end of the answer is focused on showing them that I’ll stick with the work when it gets tough. You should try to do the same.

One more example answer…

Interviewer: “What motivates you?”

“I’ve watched multiple family members suffer through addiction, so after graduating with my degree in Psychology , I knew I wanted to work in addiction research and treatment. The impact this research can have is huge, and that keeps me motivated. Also, the field is always evolving and providing new challenges to keep me growing professionally. I love the work, and it’s what I want to continue doing throughout my career.”

Your Answer Can Get Personal, But Doesn’t Need to…

Those two example answers above got a bit personal. The first one mentions confidence and personal development goals, and the second one talks about addiction and family members.

You don’t need to get personal in your answer, though. It’s perfectly fine to say something like:

“I’ve always liked math and computers. I don’t have a personal reason, it’s just what I’m excited about doing. I can’t imagine doing something else with my career.”

So don’t feel pressure to lie or make up some personal reason when you answer “what motivates you?”

As a recruiter , I’ve spoken with a lot of GREAT job candidates who were simply motivated by one of the following:

• Technical challenges
• The “mission” of the company (helping people, saving lives, connecting people across the globe, etc.)
• Personal interests

Here’s one more sample answer for how to respond to this interview question without using any personal reasons:

“I’ve always found that I do my best work in a creative environment where I’m able to think openly, and I’ve found that working in graphic design allows me to use my creativity, which keeps me motivated and energized. At this point, I can’t imagine working in another field, and I don’t find it very difficult to come to work motivated each day, since this is what I want to be doing.”

Give an Answer That’s as Close to the Truth as Possible

The best answers to this question will make you sound highly motivated and clear on what drives you and motivates you at work. Of course, not every job/industry is going to have you jumping up and down with excitement, and it’s understandable if you stretch the truth a bit in the interview. However, I strongly recommend you give an answer that’s as true as you can.

Why give a completely honest answer?

For one, your response may prompt follow-up questions. Imagine the interviewer asks, “What motivates you in your career?” and you say that you’re passionate about helping others. They may say, “That’s great, and is one of our core values here. How did you feel your previous roles helped others?” See how this can lead to a chain of questions or a conversation around the topic? This doesn’t mean it’s a trick interview question, but the hiring manager does want to get to know you, and may dive deeper into this topic after your initial response.

So before your interview, pause and do some self-reflection, and write down a list of what truly does motivate you.

Tailor Your Answer to the Job/Company

To give the perfect answer in your interview, it also helps to be familiar with the company culture , work environment, and job description.

Think about the work they’re offering and make sure your answers fit that to some extent.

Good answers for one company won’t necessarily be great for another. For example, some companies have a competitive, sales-driven culture. It’d be beneficial here to talk about your competitive nature and your constant drive to improve. In a more calm and collaborative environment, they may see this as too aggressive, and may worry about your ability to mesh with the existing team.

Answering “What Motivates You” – Quick Instructions

• Name at least one thing that motivates you at work, aside from money or a paycheck
• Your answer for what motivates you can be a personal reason, but doesn’t need to be
• Don’t lie or make up an answer that isn’t genuine; tell the truth about what motivates you at work and you’ll be much more likely to get hired
• Don’t say you’re only motivated by money, or that you work to pay your bills
• Don’t say that you’re not sure or aren’t motivated by anything in particular
• Show excitement and enthusiasm in your answer; your goal is to sound energetic and driven to work hard and learn this new job you’re being considered for – that’s what will convince them to hire you

If you follow the tips above you’ll be able to give a great answer when employers ask questions like, “what motivates you?”, “what motivates you to come to work each day?” etc.

Your answer to this question can be the difference between getting a job offer and getting rejected after the interview… so as a last step, remember to practice and get comfortable with the answer you’re going to give.

About the Author

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Hey, I was wondering if there was a way to write this in the STAR format. If you could include this it would be much appreciated! Thank you.

I love the STAR approach to answering questions in many cases, but I wouldn’t recommend it here. If I ask this question when interviewing a candidate, I want to hear about them as a person overall. I don’t want to hear, “Well, one time at work…”

I think STAR is a lot better for behavioral interview questions (“tell me about a time when…”) and questions that are more specific, like, “How do you handle stressful situations on the job?”

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• How to Answer “What...

How to Answer “What Motivates You?” - With Examples

10 min read · Updated on August 20, 2024

Do you know how to answer the “What motivates you?” interview question in a truly compelling way?

When a recruiter or hiring manager asks the common “What motivates you?” interview question, it may seem like one of those simple questions that should be easy to answer. However, if you're not prepared or have never taken the time to consider your own motivations, you may find yourself struggling to come up with a compelling response. Unfortunately, your inability to quickly respond to this simple question could leave the interviewer with doubts about your candidacy.

In this article, we'll explain why interviewers ask the “What motivates you?” interview question and provide some tips to help you prepare your response. We'll also include some great example answers that you can customize to ensure that you're always ready to respond to questions about your motivation.

Why do interviewers ask the “What motivates you?” interview question?

This question is similar to asking, “What makes you unique?” It's meant to discover whether or not you're the right fit for the job and, more importantly if you'll fit within that company's particular workplace culture and goals.

It's a useful question that can provide insight into how and why you're motivated to be a successful employee and what fulfills you in your job or career. Your answer can also provide the interviewer with additional insight into your personality and approach to work. All these things, along with your skills and experience, help the interviewer determine whether you're the best person to hire.

It is important to remember that employers who ask about what motivates you are not asking you why you've decided to pursue your career path or apply for their open position. They are simply trying to figure out what drives you to do the best job possible, achieve your mission, and contribute to your employer's success.

“What drives you?” and other ways this question is asked

Some interviewers won't ask this exact question but will instead use some variation. You need to be able to recognize it when it's asked in different ways so you can still provide the answers they're seeking. Instead of the “What motivates you?” interview question, you might hear:

What inspires you?

What drives you to meet challenges?

What excites you about your job – or about working in general?

What drives you to be successful?

What makes you want to get up every day for work?

How to prepare an answer to the “What motivates you?” interview question

As with all interview preparation, begin by researching the company in detail. The more you know about the company and the position, the easier it will be to effectively tailor your answer to match the company's needs. Try to learn about the employer's mission and values, as that can be critical for framing your answers properly.

In most cases, the hiring manager is asking this question about your work life, not your personal life. With that in mind, try to restrict your answer to professional motivations. You should also avoid any response that focuses on your desire for a great salary or benefits since employers already understand that compensation is an important factor in any employee's motivation.

Possible motivations to focus on as you develop your answer

Taking on or overcoming challenges

Developing new skills

Working with others

Working independently

Having less or more frequent direct supervision

Being part of or leading a team

Teaching or mentoring others

Creating new processes or improving existing ones

Learning new things

Being innovative or creative

Having challenging goals and deadlines

Align your answer with the position you're seeking

As we noted, it's important to know as much as possible about the employer and the job you're seeking so that you can tailor your response to align with the position. For example, if you're seeking a job dealing with data and analysis, you should try to include those concerns in your answer. You can find an example of this type of data-focused answer in our sample answer section below.

One way to ensure that your answer aligns with the position is to review the job description. Figure out which responsibilities seem to inspire you and build your answer around those duties. Remember to be honest with yourself as you do this since your response will be more believable if it truly conveys your motivations.

It's also important to not stray too far from that alignment. If the job you're seeking requires a great deal of collaboration with others, then you shouldn't respond by talking about how much you love studying spreadsheets by yourself in a corner office.

Other factors to consider as you create an answer

Consider your strengths . Typically, what motivates someone is also what they're good at, so your answer can highlight skills as well as motivation.

Reflect on the past. Think back to one of your best days at work. Why was it such a good day? What were you doing? Who were you working with?

Use actual examples. Sharing a specific example from your current job or a previous position can enable you to align your motivation with the skills that will make you successful in the job. This often makes a recruiter sit up and take notice.

Keep it short, or as short as possible . Be sure your answer isn't too long or rambling. Keep it as short as possible.

Stay positive. Don't frame your answers using negative examples about you or about others. Share the things you enjoy doing and show how they've helped you to be an excellent employee in all your jobs.

Be honest. Hopefully, you're applying for a position that you really do feel is a good fit for your skills and abilities, as well as for what drives you to be successful. Remember, though, that it's important to be honest about your motivation for a job, or it's quite possible you won't have the job for long once your employer discovers you're not a great fit.

For example, being motivated by leading a team and consistently interacting with others is not the same as being fulfilled by working mostly on your own crunching numbers or researching data. Neither is good or bad. It's just a question of which one is best for you and that specific role.

Use the STAR method . Describe your motivation examples around S ituations, T asks, A ctions, and R esults. The benefit of this method is that it can show how your motivation ultimately benefited your past company or could benefit a future one. Moreover, that process can help you tell a story rather than just reciting a quick rote answer. That approach can make you sound more interesting and make the interviewer more interested in you.

Practice. Share your answer with a family member or friend and get their feedback. Practicing will help you to answer with greater confidence.

Sample answers to “What motivates you?”

Below, we've compiled some sample responses to guide you as you develop your own answer to the “what motivates you” interview question.

Example of someone motivated by learning and skill development

“I'm driven by a desire to learn new skills. It's so satisfying to see myself improve as I gain more knowledge about a job or market sector. In my last job, I consistently signed up for training or courses that would grow my skill set, paying for some out of my own pocket. I really believe that ongoing learning makes you more innovative and valuable in the workplace.”

Related reading : What Are Skills? (With Examples and Tips on How to Improve Them)

Example for someone motivated by a desire to solve problems

“ I've been coding since middle school, when I was first exposed to it. My mom is a Software Developer and helped me whenever I needed it. Coding has been “it” for me ever since and I've become an expert in Java and C++. I think about coding from the minute I wake up until I go to sleep. Solving problems with code is what challenges me, motivates me, and drives me to be successful. ”

Example for someone who loves organizing projects and activities

“ I'm addicted to planning! Being organized at work and at home drives me to make sure I have enough time to achieve my goals and give my best in all I do. It ensures that I don't overtask myself, so I can focus on doing quality work and not get burned out by working long hours on any one project. Good time management helps me to maintain consistently excellent standards.”

Example for someone who's motivated by serving others

“ Providing outstanding customer service is what drives me. I worked as a Mobile Sales Associate for a local credit union. The days were hectic with solving customer issues and answering questions. I worked hard to understand their queries and explain the how and why of our processes and operations. It really motivated me and boosted my confidence whenever customers gave me a great review and a high rating.”

Example for a team player or leader

“I was a Team Lead in my last position, managing a team of 10. Our task was to improve outcomes, so the team had to work efficiently and deliver consistently accurate results. I made it my goal to streamline the team's processes and be more productive with less “busy work.” Working with a team to complete tasks accurately and ahead of schedule was and is what drives me every day. I want to help any company I'm with to always meet their bottom line.” 

Example for someone who's driven by managing successful teams

“I've been responsible for directing software development teams and implementing repeatable processes for a variety of companies. My teams achieved 100% on-time product delivery for six straight months. The challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and successfully managing teams to reach our goals is the kind of thing that's always motivated me.”

Example for a person who's driven to get results

“I'm motivated by results. I'm always excited when I have a tangible goal to meet and enough time to develop a sound strategy to accomplish it. In my current job, we have very aggressive quarterly and yearly goals. I was tasked to work with my manager and my team to create a month-by-month strategy to meet our quarter-end and year-end numbers. Accomplishing that was a great thrill and made me even more result oriented.”

Example for a person who's motivated by data

“I love numbers. Analyzing data and providing results really drives and motivates me. I love getting my hands on a spreadsheet to figure out what's driving the numbers and sharing my conclusions. In my current position, I generate our monthly sales analytics reports. Being able to provide this essential information is really motivating because the data from these reports helps the company to determine its sales goals for the upcoming months and clarifies how the organization will move forward, and I know I've made a big contribution to that.”

Proper preparation can help you approach your interview with greater confidence

Being able to effectively answer the “what motivates you” interview is critical for success in any job search. If you take the time to understand your motivations and align them with the job you're seeking, you can create compelling responses that are sure to make a positive impression on hiring managers.  

Our resume experts can help you learn more about how to answer the “what motivates you” interview question.  Also, be sure to get your  free resume review to make sure that your resume is ready to help you land those interviews!

This article was originally written by Lisa Tynan and has been updated by Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

How to Advance Your Career (plus 10 Insightful Tips)

Top 15 Professional Goals and How to Achieve Them

20 Key Leadership Competencies for Success (Plus Tips!)

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From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

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How To Answer “What Motivates You?” (With Examples): Job Interview Question

• How To Answer Tell Me About Yourself?
• Elevator Pitch
• Where Do You See Yourself In 5 Years?
• What Are Your Career Goals?
• When Can You Start?
• How Do You Define Success?
• Describe Your Work Ethic
• Where Are Your Current Duties?
• What Are Your Learning Goals?
• Intrinsic Vs Extrinsic Motivation
• What Is Your Desired Salary?
• What Makes You Unique?
• Why Are You The Best Person For This Job?
• Reasons For Termination
• What Are Your Work Values
• How To Make A Hard Decision?
• What Are You Most Proud Of?
• Personal Code Of Ethics
• Problem Solving Interview Questions
• Taking Initiative Example
• How Do You Prioritize Your Work
• Explain Gaps In Employment
• Most Rewarding College Experience
• What Is Your Work Style
• Tell Me About A Time When You Made A Mistake On The Job
• Tell Me About Gaps In Employment
• What Are You Passionate About
• What Skills Would You Bring To The Job
• Who Is Your Mentor?
• How To Answer Tell Me About A Time You Disagreed With Your Boss
• How To Answer Common Screening Questions
• How Do You Handle Stress
• Are You Willing To Travel?
• Do You Work Well With Others?
• Why Do You Want To Work Here?
• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
• Where Else Are You Interviewing?
• Tell Me About A Time You Failed
• How Do You Like To Be Managed?
• Do You Have Any Questions For Me?
• What Gets You Up In The Morning?
• What Do You Know About Our Company?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• What Is Your Dream Job?
• What Is Your Ideal Work Environment?
• Why Are You Looking For A New Job?
• Why Should We Hire You?
• What Motivates You?
• Situational Interview Questions
• Promotion Interview Questions
• Internal Interview Questions
• Open Ended Interview Questions
• Tough Interview Questions
• Leadership Interview Questions
• Teamwork Interview Questions
• Interview Questions About Communication
• Personality Interview Questions
• Internship Interview Questions
• Ice Breaker Questions
• Recruiter Interview Questions
• Brain Teaser Interview Questions
• Group Interview Questions
• Competency Based Interview Question
• Grad School Interview Questions
• Scrum Interview Questions
• Excel Interview Questions
• Common Phone Interview Questions And Answers
• Why Did You Choose Nursing?
• Why Do You Want To Be A Teacher?
• Why Do You Want To Be A Doctor?
• Why Do You Want To Be A Police Officer?
• Police Officer Interview Questions
• Why Do You Want To Be An Accountant?
• Sales Interview Questions
• Interview Questions For Managers
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• Teaching Philosophy Examples
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• What Does Customer Service Mean To You

Find a Job You Really Want In

“What motivates you” is one of the most common questions you’ll hear at a job interview, so knowing how to answer it is essential. Your answer provides interviewers with insight into the “why” of your career, which is often lacking in resumes and most cover letters . In this article, we’ll go over how to answer “ What motivates you ?”, provide a what motivates you to work sample answer, and go over what to avoid doing when answering questions relating to motivations. Key Takeaways: When answering this interview question , be sure that you’re concise, upbeat, and relevant and relate it to the job that you’re interviewing for by emphasizing relevant skills and personality traits. Another way to answer this question is to share a headline about what motivates you, where you want to go next in your career and any support you need. Avoid long-winded answers, negativity, and tangible rewards because employers know that you’re there for a paycheck — they want to know what else inspires you. This common interview question is asked because the interviewer wants to know more about you as a person and a coworker and help determine if you’ll fit in. In This Article    Skip to section How to answer “what motivates you?” What motivates you sample answers Common mistakes to avoid when answering Tips for answering “what motivates you?” “What motivates you?” interview question FAQ Final thoughts References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to answer “what motivates you?”

To answer “What motivates you?” you need to first read the job description and look for any soft skills that describe your ideal candidate and then reflect on your past accomplishments. This will allow you to come up with an answer. Below is a more detailed list of how to answer questions relating to what motivates you to do a good job:

Read the job description. Before the interview and before you start preparing an answer, re-read the job description . Look for the soft skills that describe an ideal employee, as well as the main responsibilities of the job.

Reflect on your past accomplishments. To start putting together an answer, look back on your most significant professional achievements. Don’t just focus on moments when you were praised by a boss or given a reward like a bonus or a plaque.

Look back on your history in the field. A very brief history of your interest and entry into the field can provide great insight into your motivations.

Prepare a story. Stories help the hiring manager contextualize the rest of your answer. If you simply say you’re motivated by solving problems and helping people, it’s a pretty flat statement.

Mention your motivation to apply for the job. Finally, it’s wise to bring your answer back around to the job you’re applying for as you wrap your answer up. Tie in those details from the job description that we mentioned in step one.

What motivates you sample answers

Below are some what motivates you sample answer for different situations to help you be ready for this common interview question:

Past results and new challenges example answer

I’m motivated by my past achievements. I strive for constant improvement, which is why I make it a goal to acquire at least one new certification each year. Taking on a new challenge and coming out the other side with more knowledge and resilience is my chief motivation. It’s led to some great results. Just last year, after picking up a certification in Google Analytics, I was immediately able to make small optimizations to our site that made a significant difference. Part of what excited me about this role is that it interacts with a wide palette of clients and departments. I enjoy a job where I’m kept on my toes and constantly incentivized to get out of my comfort zone and learn more.

Deadlines example answer

A fast-paced, deadline-centric work environment has always been my best motivator. In my last position as an editor , I had to handle over 40 articles a week for my company’s blog while managing a team of writers. I have a knack and love for planning and organization, so developing and maintaining a spreadsheet to keep my tasks and delegated tasks was a real treat for me. I was always able to hit and exceed my success metrics thanks to my keen sense of deadlines and my motivation to reach milestones on assignments. That experience has set me up to thrive working for a publication like yours.

Solving problems example answer

I’ve always been motivated by meeting new people and solving problems. Customer service is a natural fit for my inclinations and motivations. From my first retail job in high school, I knew that helping people get what they need out of an experience was satisfying for me. Helping people as a customer success manager as part of a web development team proved a bit trickier than helping people pick the right sneakers, but with greater challenges, I felt even more motivated. Accomplishing 98% positive customer feedback over 2020 was a major achievement for me, as it brought my company over $200,000 in return and subscription-based customers. ABC Corp.’s commitment to top-notch customer service is well-known, and I’d be thrilled to work in this environment and continue developing my customer service skills.

What is your motivation for applying for this job example answer

I was motivated to apply for this position because I want to work for a company that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the marketing industry. I have always been passionate about marketing and being part of a team that is actively contributing to its growth and advancement is something that excites me. This position also aligns with my skill set and allows me to leverage my strengths effectively. As I reviewed the job description, I was excited to see that the role requires a combination of attention to detail and communication skills. These are areas that I have excelled in and received recognition in the past. Overall I was motivated to apply for this position because I feel that my skills and dedication to the marketing field would make me an asset to your team.

what motivates you where you want to go next in your career example answer

Continuous learning is one of my biggest motivators when it comes to my career journey. I am passionate about staying at the forefront of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. I believe that ongoing education and skill development are crucial for professional growth and for remaining adaptable in this field. I seek out new opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to help stay updated on new trends. I also collaborate with some more experienced colleagues to expand my expertise and gain new perspectives.

Common mistakes to avoid when answering

You should avoid rambling, being negative, and focusing on yourself too much. Below is a more detailed list of common mistakes to avoid when answering “What motivates you?”

Rambling. Your answer to this question should be clear and concise. Hit a few major points — don’t get caught up in a long autobiographical tale of how you got into the field.

Being negative. For pretty much all the most common interview questions, you want to avoid negativity. Your motivations should be because you enjoy something, not because you’re trying to avoid something (like getting fired ).

Being too focused on yourself. It’s hard to not get laser-focused on yourself with interview questions like these, but it’s important you tie back your motivators to the job in question.

Tips for answering “what motivates you?”

Your answer should be relevant to the position you are applying for and you should have examples to back up your motivators. Below are some more tips to keep in mind when answering this interview question:

Keep your answer relevant. Interviewers choose questions for strategic reasons, and you need to answer with your motivation in a way relevant to the position .

If it’s a non-profit, focus on feeling good about helping people. If it’s a sales position, talk about satisfaction from exceeding goals.

Be prepared with examples to back up your motivators. You can help recruiters see that you’re right for the job by coming prepared with real-life examples of how you’ve excelled in the areas the job requires. It’s not exactly a behavioral interview question, but you can still incorporate past examples using the STAR method of when your motivations helped you succeed.

Bring your personality into it. Mentioning hobbies is an excellent way to subtly describe yourself as an individual, but relate them to professional situations. For example, if you enjoy strategy games, you can bring up how you enjoy the sense of achievement you get when you solve a puzzle or figure out a replicable tactic.

Be specific. Being vague on a question like this probably won’t hurt you much, but it won’t help you either. Discuss specific elements of your job that you find motivating, bring in examples, and draw it all back to the job description when appropriate.

Think about how your answer reflects on you as a coworker. Interviewers want to know what you’ll be like as an employee and as a coworker. Hiring isn’t just about who has the best skills to do the job; it’s also about who will fit in best with the workplace. Interviewers think about the fact that they’re going to be around whoever they hire quite a bit.

Be aware of variants of this question. The interviewer may not ask verbatim “What motivates you?” but instead:

“What makes you, you?”

“What makes you tick?”

“What are you passionate about?”

The tips and tricks in this article apply to these questions as well, and they serve a similar purpose to the interviewer.

“What motivates you?” interview question FAQ

What are the top three motivators at work?

The top three motivators in the workplace are recognition, compensation and benefits, and company culture. Being recognized by managers for the work that you do can help you stay motivated to do your work and improve. Compensation is also a good motivator for employees, but having too much or too little pay could reduce someone’s productivity. Company culture is also a big motivator for employees. Having a sense of belonging helps promote teamwork and productivity.

What is the benefit of being motivated at work?

A benefit of being motivated at work allows for there to be greater levels of creativity and innovation. When you are motivated as an employee, an obstacle won’t stop you from finding a solution. You are able to be more creative in your problem-solving techniques.

What is one way to be more motivated at work?

To help you be more motivated at work, create small, achievable goals. If a big project or task is overwhelming you and stopping you from being motivated to do it, create small achievable goals. Creating smaller goals allows you to see the progress of a task. Do this by making a to-do list or breaking the project up into sections to make it easier to work.

What is an example answer to questions relating to motivation?

An example answer to questions relating to motivation would be learning new things. Telling an interviewer that you love to learn new things and improve your skills shows that you are motivated and eager to do a job. Hiring managers want to hire someone to complete a job and it also shows that you want to be at the company for a long time.

How do you get more motivation?

Setting goals that interest you and making those goals public or sharing them with others are ways to help you get more motivation. You can also break your goals into smaller, more manageable goals and plot your progress to show you the things that you have completed. Using a reward system is also a great way to keep you motivated to complete your goals.

Final thoughts

Answering the most common interview questions doesn’t have to be hard. Take a step back, do some self-reflection, and you’ll have a winning answer to “what motivates you” in no time. It’s not just about landing the job either.

Learning what motivates you can help you get a job offer, sure, but it’s also an important step in determining your career goals. Look at your strengths, the reasons for your past accomplishments, and areas where you get excited about work, and you’ll be on your way to a more fulfilling career.

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David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.

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• What Motivates You Interview Question

10 Sample Answers to “What Motivates You?” Interview Question

Are you among the many job seekers who struggle to answer open-ended questions like “What motivates you?” during a job interview? You’re not alone. Hiring managers often use this question to assess your work style and determine if you would be a good fit for the job, the company culture, and the team members.

The best way to answer this question is to be honest, and provide specific examples from your work experience or personal life that showcase your intrinsic motivation. For instance, you could mention your desire to learn new skills, take on new challenges, or develop new ideas that could positively impact the company or its customers. You could also mention your love for customer service, your passion for working as part of a team, or your excitement about a new challenge that aligns with the job description.

How do you answer what motivates you?

Be honest and specific about what motivates you and how it relates to the role you are applying for, and demonstrate how your motivation aligns with the company’s values and goals.

At MatchBuilt, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers prepare for job interviews, and we know that this is one of the most common questions that candidates struggle with. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 example answers to the “What motivates you?” question that can help you craft a great answer highlighting your strengths and showing why you would be a valuable addition to any team.

But keep in mind; there’s no one “right” answer to this question. The key is to be genuine and thoughtful in your response. And don’t be surprised if the interviewer follows up with additional questions or asks for more specific examples of how your motivations have played out in your previous roles or your last job. With some preparation and a good understanding of your work style, you can turn this question into an opportunity to showcase your passion and potential and land a good job that provides a good challenge and allows you to learn and grow along the way.

So, whether you’re motivated by personal growth, making a positive impact, or working in a team, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to impress your interviewer and land your dream job !

10 Example Answers to “What Motivates You?” Interview Question

When a hiring manager asks, “What motivates you?” in an interview, it’s crucial to provide a thoughtful answer that showcases your best work. The best part about this question is that there is no one “right” answer, but there are some good ways to approach it. One good idea is to describe the work that motivates you and give a concrete example of a project you felt truly passionate about. If you need more time to prepare, you can always discuss your biggest motivation broadly, like your desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Additionally, talking about your long-term goals can be a great way to show the hiring manager that you are a good fit for the company and that you are looking for meaningful work. Remember, the key to a great answer is to be honest and specific, so you can avoid follow-up questions and impress your interviewer with your thoughtful answers. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or have had several previous jobs, showcasing your motivation for the work environment is a long way to go when providing a good answer. In the end, there is no single amazing answer, but with enough practice and careful thought, you can craft an interview answer highlighting the human need for a sense of accomplishment in doing our best work.

Below are 10 sample answers to the common interview question “What motivates you?” to help you craft the perfect response. It is important to remember that when answering this question, you should be honest and specific about what motivates you and how it relates to the role you are applying for.

Sample Answer #1: Personal Growth and Development

Personal growth and development are what motivate me. I am always looking for new challenges and opportunities to learn and improve. In my previous role as a marketing manager, I implemented a new marketing strategy that increased our company’s revenue by 20%. I was motivated to take on this challenge because it would benefit the company and help me improve my skills and grow as a professional. I am eager to bring that same drive and motivation to this role, and I am excited about the potential for growth and development opportunities in your company.

Sample Answer 2:  Making a Positive Impact

Making a meaningful difference in the world is what inspires me. I am passionate about using my skills and experience to make a positive impact in people’s lives. In my previous role as a community outreach coordinator, I helped to organize and implement various initiatives that benefited underprivileged communities. The satisfaction of knowing that I was making a positive impact in people’s lives was incredibly motivating for me. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same passion to this role and make a difference within your organization.

Sample Answer 3: Challenges and Problem-Solving

Solving complex problems and finding creative solutions are what drive me. I thrive in environments where I can tackle challenges and find innovative ways to overcome them. In my previous role as a software engineer, I led a team in developing a new application that improved our company’s efficiency by 30%. The fulfillment of solving a difficult problem and seeing the results was incredibly motivating for me. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same drive to this role and tackle the challenges that come with it.

Sample Answer 4: Recognition and Achievement

Excelling and being recognized for my hard work is what fuels me. I am driven by the desire to achieve great things and be acknowledged for my efforts. In my previous role as a sales representative, I consistently exceeded my sales targets and was recognized as the top performer in the company. The recognition and achievement of those goals were incredibly motivating for me. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same drive to this role and achieve great things within your organization.

Sample Answer 5: Creative Expression

Bringing my unique talents and skills to create something new and beautiful is what energizes me. I am passionate about using my creativity to make an impact. In my previous role as a graphic designer, I led a team in creating a new logo design for our company. My pride in creating something beautiful and impactful was incredibly motivating for me. I am excited to bring that same passion to this role and my creative talents to your organization.

Sample Answer 6: Helping Others

Making a positive impact on people’s lives is what moves me. I am passionate about using my skills and experience to help others . In my previous role as a social worker, I helped to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. The satisfaction of positively impacting people’s lives was incredibly motivating for me. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same passion to this role and positively impact your organization.

Sample Answer 7: Financial Security

Providing for myself and my loved ones is what fuels me. I am driven by the desire to achieve financial security and stability. In my previous role as a financial analyst, I led a team in creating a new investment strategy that improved our company’s financial performance. The delight of achieving financial success was incredibly motivating for me. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same drive to this role and secure financial success within your organization.

Sample Answer 8: Making a Difference

Bringing positive change and improving an organization is what excites me. I am passionate about using my skills and experience to make a difference . In my previous role as a consultant, I helped to improve the efficiency and performance of several organizations. The promise of making a positive impact was incredibly motivating for me. I am excited about the opportunity to bring that same passion to this role and make a difference within your organization.

Sample Answer 9: Working On a Team

Collaborating and achieving common goals as a team is what energizes me. I am driven by the desire to work with others and make a difference together. In my previous role as a project manager, I led a team in completing a large-scale project on time and under budget. The satisfaction of collaborating with others to achieve common goals motivates me, and I’m excited to bright this same passion to this role.

Sample Answer 10: Sense of Purpose

What motivates me is the opportunity to work on challenging and meaningful projects that positively impact the world. I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that makes a difference and contributes meaningfully to society . I am particularly drawn to companies with a strong sense of purpose and mission aligning with my values. In my previous role, I was part of a team that developed a sustainable energy solution that helped reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the tangible results of our work and know that we were making a positive impact.

Answering the Common Interview Question, “What Motivates You?” FAQs

A thoughtful and well-crafted response can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job. However, it can also be a tricky question to answer, as it requires introspection and self-awareness. These are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for this question and ace your next interview .

This question aims for the interviewer to gain insight into what drives the job candidate and what they are passionate about. This can help the interviewer determine if the candidate will fit the company culture and the role they are applying for.

When answering this question, it's important to be honest, and specific. Provide examples of what specifically motivates you and how it relates to the role you are applying for. It's also important to demonstrate how your motivation aligns with the company's values and goals.

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to mention money as a motivator, as long as it is not the only motivator you mention. It is important to mention other factors such as professional growth, making a difference, or achieving goals.

Yes, it's perfectly okay to be motivated by personal reasons, such as providing for your family or achieving financial stability. However, it's also important to mention how your personal motivations align with the company's values and goals.

Yes, mentioning multiple motivators is perfectly okay as long as they are relevant to the role you are applying for. It's also essential to prioritize and emphasize the most pertinent and important motivators to the role.

You can show that your motivators align with the company's values and goals by researching them beforehand and being familiar with their mission and values. You can also provide specific examples of how your motivation aligns with the company's goals and values.

To prepare for the "What motivates you?" interview question, think about what specifically motivates you and why. It can be helpful to write down your motivations and think of specific examples that demonstrate them. Researching the company and its values is essential before the interview.

Some common mistakes to avoid when answering the "What motivates you?" interview question include: being vague, not providing specific examples, not demonstrating how your motivation aligns with the company's values and goals, only mentioning money as a motivator, and not being honest. It's important to be specific and direct and demonstrate how your motivation aligns with the company's values and goals.

What’s Your Motivation Infographic

Final Thoughts on the “What Motivates You?” Interview Question

In conclusion, the “What motivates you?” interview question can be an excellent opportunity for job candidates to showcase their passion and drive. By being honest and specific and demonstrating how their motivation aligns with the company’s values and goals, job candidates can increase their chances of landing the job.

Remember, MatchBuilt, as an executive search firm that’s worked with thousands of job seekers and hundreds of clients, is always here to help you with your job search and provide you with helpful advice and resources. With the proper preparation and mindset, you can ace the interview and take the next step in your career. We’ve explored other common interview questions , such as “ Why do you want to work here? “, “ Why do you want this job? “, “ Tell me about yourself ,” “ What are you passionate about? “, “ What areas need improvement ?” and “ Why should we hire you? ” We invite you to review them as well.

Looking For More Information on Common Interview Questions? Check Out These Videos

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

Essays About Motivation Leads to Success: Top 5 Examples

If you’re writing an essays about motivation leads to success; you will be inspired by our guide’s essay examples and prompts. 

Motivation is the ultimate key to success. The journey toward any goal is always fraught with hardships that tempt you to quit. But with the right motivation, you can keep sight of your goals and make it to your finish line. The search to find the source of people’s motivation and how to sustain its momentum has been a favorite subject among psychologists and management experts. This interest has engendered several motivation theories applied across society, whether at home, school, or work.

Read on for great essays and prompts on motivation leading to success, and find yourself filled with the motivation to get your essay done.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. the power of positive self-talk by teri karjala, 2. the goldilocks rule: how to stay motivated in life and business by james clear, 3. caffeine, exercise and the brain: how ‘doping’ with psychoactive drugs can boost motivation by ian mcmahan, 4. how to motivate your problem people by nigel nicholson, 5. how to overcome self-doubt and a lack of motivation by leo babauta, 9 helpful writing prompts on essays about motivation leads to success, 1. what motivates you, 2. rewards as tools for motivation, 3. how to develop self-motivation, 4. maslow’s hierarchy of needs, 5. motivating children to succeed, 6. using motivation to succeed in fitness, 7. creating a motivationing atmosphere at home, 8. rejection as a powerful driver for motivation, 9. motivating team members.

“Powerful and positive self-talk can change your entire mindset, which can affect your actions. That, in turn, can have a massive impact on how successful you are on any journey you take or any obstacle you face.”

Practicing positive self-talk can help turn self-doubt into concrete positive actions toward your goals. There are several ways to establish a habit of positive self-talk that will fuel our motivation. Such habits include steps as simple as changing how we address ourselves and physical activities, such as exercising and volunteering for social activities. 

“It is hard to imagine a situation that would strike fear into the hearts of more people than performing alone on stage and failing to get a single laugh. And yet Steve Martin faced this fear every week for eighteen years.”

The essay chronicles the success of American comedian Steve Martin, offering an excellent example of someone who has applied the so-called Goldilock’s Rule. Goldilock’s Rule states that people’s motivation is at its peak when they face manageable challenges. Psychologists also add that immediately receiving positive feedback will also motivate people to work their way to success with more determination than ever.

“When motivation is low and perceived effort high, the couch wins. So if a cup of tea or coffee can get you out and exercising, Marcora’s research suggests it’s worth a try.”

This article describes how your fitness and body toning goals would have been easier by keeping motivated. It also describes the quick fix that could eradicate psychological barriers to exercise: the mildly stimulating “drug” called caffeine.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about personal growth .

“Everyone knows that good managers motivate with the power of their vision, the passion of their delivery, and the compelling logic of their reasoning. Add in the proper incentives, and people will enthusiastically march off in the right direction.”

By coaxing problem employees to do better, managers are not only demotivating them further but are stoking the fire in an already dysfunctional relationship. This is the last thing managers would like to do if they still want to unlock employees’ intrinsic motivation and channel it toward the company’s goals. Before seeing problem employees as the main cause of the problem, managers must look inward and be more flexible in setting goals.

“It can be hard to get moving when you are stuck. This is how I felt in 2005 when I couldn’t change any of my habits. It was really hard to motivate myself when I didn’t think I would succeed, when I felt horrible about myself. But I took one small step, and it felt good.”

We all have that day when a lack of motivation strikes us. This article reassures us that experiencing sluggishness and self-doubt is okay. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, we can still make that bad day count by taking a small step and changing our perception of ourselves and the world around us.

What motivates you to wake up early to get to school, do your homework, or study intently for an exam? In this essay, write about the factors that figure in your motivation equation. Next, enumerate your techniques or attempts to build motivation for your goals. How do you deal with a low motivation level on a bad day? Do you take some rest or force your effort? Finally, share with your readers how much you have progressed in building motivation and what more you want to achieve.

Several studies have uncovered the enormous benefits of rewards in motivating people. First, delve into these studies and discover the scientific explanation behind the effects of rewards on people’s motivation and success. Then, write about the kinds of rewards that have proven effective. Finally, write about rewards you have received that fuelled you to improve yourself and your outlook to add a personal touch.

Self-motivation is a strong sense of motivation that comes from within a person rather than from external factors. This essay focuses on activities and habits that can empower your readers to be self-motivated. For example, it is proven that a deep and daily reflection of goals keeps one focused on following a routine built for that goal, regardless of the difficulties.

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory is the most popular motivation theory. So, elaborate Maslow’s theory, which proposes that a person has to fulfill five basic needs to keep motivated — physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization. Also discuss the motivation theories derived from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, such as Alderfer’s ERG Theory, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, and McLelland’s Acquired Needs Theory, among others. Explore how they relate with each other or even pick out which improvised theory best captures and works with your situation at school or work.

Adults at home and school have a big role in instilling in children the importance of motivation as the key to success. For this essay, share the motivational methods your parents and teachers employ to help you keep motivated. Then, assess how these methods effectively or ineffectively build your inner sense of motivation. 

Many of us might have added fitness goals into our New Year’s resolution. And most might have deferred it or abandoned it altogether. Provide your readers with tips on how they can conquer laziness and hit the gym. Of course, the most challenging part is staying motivated in this routine. So compile tried and tested techniques from wellness and fitness experts, and encourage your readers to chronicle their fitness journey so they can appreciate their progress over time. 

This may be a challenge for parents who are working from home. Once parents feel the weight of the responsibilities at home, their motivation for work tends to slip away. So, provide recommendations on how working parents can set healthy boundaries between housework and professional work to deliver on their priority tasks. 

Now, if you want your essay to cater to students, you could also write your experience in distance learning – if any – during the pandemic. Talk about your challenges, strategies for overcoming them, and recommendations to enhance students’ motivation in distance learning. 

Several success stories are made possible because of rejection. For your essay, learn how popular figures embraced rejection. How did they harness it to generate the energy they need to reach their dreams? Finally, offer your readers, particularly those who may be experiencing rejection, some encouraging words to help them get through such trying times. 

How do you deal with uncooperative team members? Unfortunately, some team leaders just allow such instances to pass. But for leaders determined to uplift their team members’ motivation, what can they do? For your essay, offer proven practical approaches to help members align with team goals. Use case studies from the experiences of long-time leaders and managers.

For more writing tips, learn about persuasive writing . Also, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers to ensure your piece is error-free.

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What Motivates Me as a Student

Table of contents, pursuit of knowledge: a lifelong adventure, personal growth and development: unleashing potential, future aspirations: building a path, inspiration from role models: guiding lights.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how can i effectively express my motivation for higher education in my college essay.

I need to start working on my college essay and I'm seriously pondering over how to convey my true motivation for wanting a college education. It’s more than just getting a degree for me. How do I put this passion into words without sounding cliché?

I completely understand your desire to express your genuine passion for higher education in a way that stands out. It's important to show the admissions committee what drives you, and how your experiences have shaped your decision to pursue college education. To avoid clichés, focus on specific experiences or moments in your life that ignited your enthusiasm for learning. For example, you could write about a project or subject that you explored on your own time and how that deepened your interest in a certain field.

Additionally, you could talk about mentors or role models who have influenced your academic journey, or how particular challenges have strengthened your commitment to further education. Remember to be reflective and introspective; focus on your personal growth and development. It's not about grand statements, but about showing how your unique story connects to your educational aspirations. Tie these experiences back to your motivation for seeking a higher education, highlighting how college is a necessary and meaningful next step for you. By doing so, you'll be able to craft an essay that is both compelling and personal, clearly demonstrating your passion to the admissions committee.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Motivation Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on motivation.

Everyone suggests other than the person lack motivation, or directly suggests the person remain motivated. But, no one ever tells what is the motivation of how one can stay motivated. Motivation means to face the obstacle and find an inspiration that helps you to go through tough times. In addition, it helps you to move further in life.

Meaning of Motivation

Motivation is something that cannot be understood with words but with practice. It means to be moved by something so strongly that it becomes an inspiration for you. Furthermore, it is a discipline that helps you to achieve your life goals and also helps to be successful in life .

Besides, it the most common practice that everyone does whether it is your boss in office or a school teacher or a university professor everyone motivates others in a way or other.

Role of Motivation

It is a strong tool that helps to get ahead in life. For being motivated we need a driving tool or goal that keeps us motivated and moves forward. Also, it helps in being progressive both physically and mentally.

Moreover, your goal does not be to big and long term they can be small and empowering. Furthermore, you need the right mindset to be motivated.

Besides, you need to push your self towards your goal no one other than you can push your limit. Also, you should be willing to leave your comfort zone because your true potential is going to revel when you leave your comfort zone.

Types of Motivation

Although there are various types of motivation according to me there are generally two types of motivation that are self- motivation and motivation by others.

Self-motivation- It refers to the power of someone to stay motivated without the influence of other situations and people. Furthermore, self-motivated people always find a way to reason and strength to complete a task. Also, they do not need other people to encourage them to perform a challenging task.

Motivation by others- This motivation requires help from others as the person is not able to maintain a self-motivated state. In this, a person requires encouragement from others. Also, he needs to listen to motivational speeches, a strong goal and most importantly and inspiration.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Importance of Motivation

Motivation is very important for the overall development of the personality and mind of the people. It also puts a person in action and in a competitive state. Furthermore, it improves efficiency and desire to achieve the goal. It leads to stability and improvement in work.

Above all, it satisfies a person’s needs and to achieve his/her goal. It helps the person to fight his negative attitude. The person also tries to come out of his/her comfort zone so that she/ he can achieve the goal.

To conclude, motivation is one of the key elements that help a person to be successful. A motivated person tries to push his limits and always tries to improve his performance day by day. Also, the person always gives her/his best no matter what the task is. Besides, the person always tries to remain progressive and dedicated to her/his goals.

FAQs about Motivation Essay

Q.1 Define what is motivation fit. A.1 This refers to a psychological phenomenon in which a person assumes or expects something from the job or life but gets different results other than his expectations. In a profession, it is a primary criterion for determining if the person will stay or leave the job.

Q.2 List some best motivators. A.2 some of the best motivators are:

• Inspiration
• Fear of failure
• Power of Rejection
• Don’t pity your self
• Be assertive
• Stay among positive and motivated people
• Be calm and visionary

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What Motivates Teachers to Enter the Profession?

In a piece for EdSurge, researchers share their work that suggests the reason someone chooses to become a teacher could determine how successful they will be in the role.

Andrew Kwok and Brendan Bartanen

August 12, 2024

This commentary was originally published by EdSurge. (Photo iStock)

What if why you choose to become a teacher determines how successful you will be in the role?

Society has always been fascinated to learn about the motivations of famous athletes, entertainers, and politicians and how they came to their profession. We think about their career trajectory and consider its relevance to ourselves or people we know. What if, similarly, we learned about the motivations of aspiring K-12 teachers, and used that to predict how effective they will be and how long they will stay in the classroom?

Persistent concerns reiterate teacher shortages throughout the nation . Recent evidence has also pointed to declining interest in becoming a teacher, aligned with the decreased professionalization, prestige and pay of the sector . Yet noble individuals press forward and choose to educate our children anyway. Why, in spite of the headwinds, do they become teachers?

As professors and researchers in university teaching and learning programs, we’re fascinated by this question. We figured that learning more about teacher motivation could help us better understand teacher pipelines and find ways to diversify and improve the quality of our nation’s teachers, so we designed a study to gather more information.

Read the full story, including the study results, at EdSurge.

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Audrey Breen

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More From Forbes

14 simple and effective ways to motivate your employees.

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It's often said that a company is only as good as its people. This applies to not only hiring the right employees but ensuring that they stay engaged in their work throughout their tenure. After all, the more motivated employees are, the more likely it is that they will stay and reach their fullest potential within the company.

But how exactly can company leaders boost this motivation? To help answer this question, the members of Forbes Business Council shared their top 14 strategies for leaders looking to bolster employee engagement for the long term.

Forbes Business Council members share strategies on how leaders can increase the motivation of employees.

1. Take A Holistic, Individualized Perspective

To have highly engaged and motivated employees, it is important to take a holistic and individualized perspective. Are they fairly compensated? Do they have a sense of community? Are you supporting their career objectives? Do they feel valued and trusted? Are they passionate about the work they are doing? The trick is understanding what is the most important thing for each person. - Becky Seefeldt , Benefit Resource, LLC

2. Show Your Appreciation

Making sure your employees are engaged is as easy as making sure they know they are appreciated. It can be something as simple as giving a gift card to every employee around the holidays or creating an initiative to make sure the culture of the company is a point of pride for every employee. Your employees work hard for you, and showing recognition is the best way to instill confidence in them. - Reid Rubenstein , RefiJet

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

3. Discover Their 'Why'

Motivation is always about what the person wants to achieve or to become. The company leaders' job is to work with the team and discover what truly motivates them. What's their "why?" Once we've found it, we can create a map of drivers for the team. Gallup and Red Bull assessments are also a great help, but they are no substitute for a heart-to-heart discussion. - Alexander Zheltov , Educate Online

4. Provide Specific Training And Goals

Performing one’s job well increases self-confidence and motivates an employee. Providing specific training to improve job performance creates a win for the employee and the company. Set clear, achievable goals and collaboratively reset goals once they are accomplished. Job enrichment potential and advancement enhance the degree of engagement. - Charles Bresler , The Life You Can Save

5. Create And Deliver A Forward-Looking Vision

Leadership is about improving employee engagement by creating and delivering a forward-looking vision for the organization. Leaders must hire and nurture managers that are fully invested in the company mission and vision, then empower them to build winning teams with the right people for the right roles. Keeping talent is more important than ever as engagement generates business outcomes! - Evan William Kirstel , eViRa

6. Allow Employees Time To Reset

Company leaders can boost motivation and engage employees by allowing time to reset and set realistic goals together with their staff. It can be hard for employees to remain engaged and motivated when it feels like task after task, but if you take time to set main weekly priorities in between, they will feel more accomplished and like they are making progress. - Jeremy Ostermiller , Edison Interactive

7. Regularly Ask What Employees Want

Know what employees want—and give it to them. Research shows how preferences are dynamic and change with context. Preferences also reverse over time, and employees sometimes lie about what they really want. So firstly, ask them what they want. Then, ask them again a week later. And again, a month after that. If they say the same thing each time, listen, acknowledge and deliver it. - Nuala Walsh , MindEquity

8. Encourage An 'Always-Learning' Mentality

Encourage your employees to have an always-learning mentality. Provide them with educational benefits and access to online classes and training. This approach identifies their weaknesses as areas of opportunity for future growth and demonstrates your personal investment in their success. - Kelley Higney , Bug Bite Thing

9. Focus On Your 'True North'

Engagement is determined by the amount of security a person has in the values and mission of the business. If the compass of the company is influenced by the "magnetism" of the leader, then it will constantly pull towards the subjectivity of the leader. But if the compass of the company is influenced by the "true north" of objective values and mission, then employees can engage with security. - Christopher White , Eques, Inc.

10. Create Conviction In The Higher Purpose

It begins with a clear, defined higher purpose. Each employee should understand how they contribute to delivering that purpose to customers. Leaders should have an undeniable sense of this purpose, defending it, rallying behind it and celebrating it through and with their employees. Leaders should create the environment and allow this conviction to ripple through the organization to the customer. - Margo Jay , 365 Integrated

11. Offer Incentives, Opportunities And Democratic Leadership

Over the years, I have realized that effective leadership and employee motivation uphold organizational health. So, a combination of management practices, including recognition and talent management, incentive offerings (not necessarily financials), opportunities to grow both as an individual and as a team and projecting democratic leadership will eventually keep your employees motivated. - Saikiran Chandha , Typeset

12. Set The Tone For Company Culture

Motivated employees often mirror actions done by kind and compassionate leaders. Active leaders who impact by leading in a way that drives results from their examples allow for the best opportunities to motivate others. Practicing what they expect from others sets the tone for team members to model. The culture benefits and leadership gets to see visible proof of empathy in action. - Paul L. Gunn , KUOG Corporation

13. Define The Vision

By providing a clear and purposeful vision, company leaders can boost motivation and ensure that employees are engaged. Even a dedicated and talented employee may have trouble buying into the collective mission if the purpose of this mission is not well defined. A strong leader will develop a culture within their organization where every individual feels vitally tied to this larger mission. - Rob Consalvo , Store Space Self Storage

14. Develop A Company Rhythm

Develop a rhythm that promotes advancement, growth, creativity and engagement. Weekly company-wide huddles allow employees to share ideas, hear ideas, stay engaged and stay true to core values. Understanding the pulse of the organization. During quarterly renewals, allow for workshop time to identify, discuss and solve issues, as well as share deeper and more creative solutions and ideas. - Scott Snider , Exit Planning Institute

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5 planets are retrograde this summer. What to know

The summer of 2024 will be a wild ride, astrologically speaking — and for more reasons than just the rare super blue moon that rose in August.

A total of five planets are going retrograde between May and September: Mercury, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

"Retrograde" is a term used to describe when a planet's orbit appears to slow. Technically, they are optical illusions, but we astrologers believe they have an effect down here on Earth.

Typically, retrogrades encourage mindfulness and reflection. They slow down the area that the planet is said to govern. In other words, we go from brat to demure and back to brat during retrogrades.

Here's what to know about the planets going retrograde this summer.

Which planets are retrograde in summer 2024?

Mercury retrograde.

When is it? Aug, 5 to 28

Mercury retrograde is said to cause communication mishaps, since the planet rules speech and travel. This particular retrograde, which sees Mercury moving between August and Leo , may make our words more emotional than usual. Try to maintain patience before speaking. This posture may be maintain amid rising passions, but staying calm under pressure will serve you well. Also plan for travel delays.

Saturn retrograde 

When is it? June 29 to Nov. 15

When in forward motion, Saturn teaches us lessons and motivates us to get regimented. During Saturn’s moonwalk, we get more reflective about our commitments. We may clash with authority figures and re-assess relationships, all in an effort to forge a new set of mindfully derived rules. We have the potential to emerge from this a better partner and person.

Uranus Retrograde 

When is it? Sept. 1 to Jan. 30, 2025

Uranus retrograde encourages us to embrace change. We may even find that outdated views no longer serve us and are not aligned with our current beliefs. During this time, take small steps toward implementing changes that eventually will have major effects. Word of advice: Try to see change as growth.

Neptune retrograde 

When is it? July 2 to Dec. 7

When Neptune, planet of illusion, is in direct motion, we can be confused by our sentiments and emotions. When it is retrograde, the veil is lifted, and we can sort through our feelings. Things that once glittered may not shine as brightly during this time as we begin to face the facts. Learning to trust one’s intuition from the get-go is essential since it can keep us on the straight and narrow and out of trouble. Listen to the voice within. 

Pluto retrograde

When is it? May 1 to Oct. 11 

Pluto is the planet of transformation. However, retrogrades for this slow-moving planet don't cause sudden upheaval. Rather, they prompt us to come to a better understanding of what we want and need in our lives. Pluto’s moonwalk between Aquarius and Capricorn is testing us to ensure that we aren’t falling back into unhealthy habits and toxic relationships.

What to know about retrograde periods

Retrogrades offer a space to breathe. These are moments of reflection, revision, reconnection and restoration.

While not an invitation to dwell on the past, retrogrades encourage us to mine the past for lessons that we can use to reshape our futures.

What's old is new again, essentially — and the same applies to relationships. We might find that old acquaintances, friends and yes, exes , reappear in our lives once again. These encounters can teach us that we have to honor the past as we move forward and that we can get closure and reassess dynamics differently.

The planets are slowing down, and so should we. Implementing self-care during these retrogrades is essential. In short? Do not fear the 'grades. They are here to help us heal and grow.

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Lisa Stardust is a New York City-based astrologer. Stardust is the resident astrologer for Oprah Magazine, Teen Vogue and The Hoodwitch. She has two upcoming books: “Saturn Return Survival Guide: Navigating this cosmic rite of passage” is due out this May from Hardie Grant Books and “The Cosmic Deck” from Chronicle Books is due out in November. Follow Lisa on Instagram for her daily horoscopes @lisastardustastro.

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You’re Only as Smart as Your Emotions

By David Brooks

Opinion Columnist

If I were asked to list the major intellectual breakthroughs of the last half-century, I would certainly include the revolution in our understanding of emotion.

For thousands of years, it was common in Western thought to imagine that there was an eternal war between reason and our emotions. In this way of thinking, reason is cool, rational and sophisticated. Emotions are primitive, impulsive and likely to lead you astray. A wise person uses reason to override and control the primitive passions. A scientist, business executive or any good thinker should try to be objective and emotionally detached, kind of like a walking computer that cautiously weighs evidence and calculates the smartest way forward.

Modern neuroscience has delivered a body blow to this way of thinking. If people thought before that passions were primitive and destructive, now we understand that they are often wise. Most of the time emotions guide reason and make us more rational. It’s an exaggeration, but maybe a forgivable one, to say that this is a turnabout to rival the Copernican Revolution in astronomy.

The problem is that our culture and our institutions haven’t caught up with our knowledge. Today we still live in a society overly besotted with raw brainpower. Our schools sort children according to their ability to do well on standardized tests, slighting the kind of wisdom held in the body that is just as important for navigating life. Our economic models are based on the idea that humans are rational creatures coolly calculating their self-interest, and then we are surprised when investors whip themselves into the frenzy of a stock market bubble.

A lot of people are estranged from their own inner lives because they don’t know how their emotions function. I look at all the sadness and meanness in the world and conclude that we’re just not good at building healthy emotional connections.

So what are some of the things modern neuroscience has taught us? Well, things really got rolling in 1994 when Antonio Damasio published his classic book “Descartes’ Error.” Damasio had studied patients who had trouble processing emotions. They weren’t supersmart Mr. Spocks. They were unable to make decisions and their lives spiraled. He demonstrated that emotions deftly assign value to things, and without knowing what’s important, or what’s good or bad, the brain just spins its wheels. Emotions and reason are one system integral to good decision-making.

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