Tackling the “What Motivates You?” Question During An Interview

It's no secret that interviewing for a job opening can be a nerve-wracking experience, no matter the number of years you've been in the workforce. Hiring managers ask a variety of questions to see how well you fit the role and the company's culture. But one job interview question that often comes up during the interview process is, “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 

Understanding why employers ask this question and how you can go about responding to this question ​can help you answer this question ​effectively. In this guide​,​ we'll tackle the following topics: 

• Why do employers ask, “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 
• How to answer “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 
• Examples of how to answer "What motivates you?" 
• Tips for answering the "What motivated you to apply for this position?" interview question 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

Why do employers ask, “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 

“What motivated you to apply for this position?” is an insightful question that helps the employer learn about what inspires and drives you to success as an employee. Your answer offers additional insight into your personality and approach to work. On a more practical level, this question helps the interviewer determine several things about you, such as, 

• You understand the job and its responsibilities. 
• You have clear career goals that align with the company's goals, mission, and vision. 
• You're a good fit with the company's culture. 
• You can commit to the company in the long term. 
• You have a genuine interest in the company and the role you're applying for. 

How to answer “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 

The key to doing well in job interviews is to arrive prepared and informed. Doing some preparatory research work can increase your knowledge of the company, the role you're pursuing, the industry the company operates in, and industry best practices from your personal experience. 

Here are some steps you can follow: 

1. Research the company you're applying to. A deep understanding of the company's values can help you establish a connection with your professional goals.  
2. Review and understand the job description, and align this with your expertise and past accomplishments. The best interview answers show that you have the relevant work experience to fulfil the expectations of the role.  
3. Conduct industry research so you're up-to-date with recent news and developments relevant to the work. 

Examples of how to answer "What motivates you?" 

To help brainstorm an answer to this question, we've put together some sample answers that you can use as a starting point: 

• “I'm motivated by opportunities for continuous learning and growth.” This response tells your employer that you're open to gaining new skills and expertise that can contribute to the company's success. 
• “I'm motivated by collaboration with people who have the same goals and values as me.” This response shows that company culture matters to you and that you value working environments where people are productive and engaging. 
• “I'm motivated by making a difference and having a positive impact on others.” This response speaks of your altruistic side and values and shows that you have a real passion and commitment to the work. 

Tips for answering the "What motivated you to apply for this position?" interview question 

If you're looking for more advice, here are some tips and best practices that can help you come up with a good answer to the question. You may also find that you can use these tips for other interview questions you encounter in the recruitment process. 

• Prepare a list of key points rather than a specific response​,​ so your answer doesn't sound too rehearsed. 
• Keep responses brief and straight to the point, and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details. 
• Work out a way to tie your responses to the company's mission and vision and how these align with your professional values. 
• Highlight specific elements of the job description that align with your current career path. 
• Be comfortable in talking about yourself and sharing personal anecdotes from past experiences, especially if they show a connection to why you want the job. 

Conclusion

How well you perform in an interview often relates to how well you prepare for it. Doing your research about the role and company can help you do well. This not only improves the quality of your response but also boosts your confidence in your delivery. Incorporating practice and integrating different tips into your interview prep process can make a world of difference when landing a new role. Learn these tips to build your confidence for the next time an interviewer asks, “What motivated you to apply for this position?” and other compelling job interview questions. 

FAQs 

1. What are common mistakes to avoid when answering this question? 
   ⁠Job seekers can make a variety of mistakes when answering challenging interview questions. Some mistakes to avoid when answering this question in an interview are: 
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   ⁠Generic responses: Recruiters look for answers ​personalised​ to the company or those based on your personal experiences. 
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   ⁠Responses that don't reflect the company's vision: The hiring manager may always try to find a connection to the company. A lack of a connection could indicate that you didn't research the company you're applying for. 
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   ⁠Responses that focus on compensation and benefits: ​​Your interview responses should be focused on highlighting your attributes and strengths and emphasising your interest in the position. Responses that focus on compensation and benefits can be off putting to the interviewer and send the message that you’re more interested in the salary than the position and long-term growth with the company.
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   ⁠Complicated or drawn-out responses: Complex answers or those that drift from the question are hard to follow and show a lack of clarity in your thought process.  
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   ⁠Lack of enthusiasm in your delivery: Find a balance that shows the interviewer your excitement for the job opportunity while maintaining an air of professionalism. 
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2. What are the key elements of a strong response to “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 
   ⁠The key elements of a strong response to this question are sincerity, clarity, and confidence. Avoid exaggerated responses and stick with an honest answer for why you wanted to apply for the position. Answer clearly and concisely, and refrain from giving complicated responses that don't directly answer the question. Being confident with your answers demonstrates your preparedness for the job interview. 
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3. How can I tailor my response to stand out from other candidates? 
   ⁠The best way to deliver a unique response is to draw from your personal experiences. Responding based on what you know and have been through can help you stand out among the more generic or safe answers to this question. Hiring managers appreciate unique and honest answers because it helps them understand not only your values as an employee but also as a person.