Q: In a job interview last week, I was asked ‘what motivates you?’ It really threw me. What might I have said? (John, email)

A: Always think about what the interviewer is trying to achieve. There is a reason he/she asked that question, and I would venture they were trying to get a greater understanding of you as a person.

If asked that question, I would seek to apply it to the job in question. If it were a sales role, I would talk about being motivated by ‘customers so happy they come back for repeat business.’
If it were a chef’s job, I would talk about ‘getting positive feedback from the diners.’ Whatever the key indicators of success in the job, use those as examples of what motivate you.

At a broader level, I would seek to show that I am conscientious, determined, driven, customer-focused, pro-active – whatever you feel you are, particularly those aspects of your personality that are relevant to the job in question.

Wrong answers would include ‘close of business on Friday – yippee, the weekend!’ and ‘holidays.’ Every answer in an interview should help you get the job.

 

Need interview training? Go HERE for all types of interview

Need our help? Complete this form below and we will get back to you