Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
There’s a good chance that you’ll be asked a few open-ended questions during your interviews. Employers like to use these opportunities to get to know you beyond the bullet points on your resume.
One of the most common questions for job seekers is, “What motivates you?” While this may seem complicated, preparing an answer tailored to each role can make your responses more impactful.
This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer who you are as a professional and what kind of employee you’ll be. An honest, thoughtful answer can go a long way in making a great impression.
Why the Interviewer Is Asking About Your Professional Motivations
When interviewers ask about motivation, they’re looking for more than just a list of things that make you happy at work. Instead, they want to understand how your motivations have helped you achieve success in your career thus far and how they can help you contribute to the organization in the future.
Your answer should be specific and tailored to the role you’re interviewing for.
For example, if you’re applying for a job requiring a lot of creativity, you might say you’re motivated by the opportunity to explore new ideas and concepts. Or, suppose you’re applying for a position with a lot of responsibility. In that case, you might say that you’re motivated by the opportunity to lead and contribute to each team member’s growth and success.
In either case, it’s essential to be authentic in your response. The interviewer wants to hear what truly motivates you, not what you think they want to hear. Realistically, it doesn’t do you or the company any good if you say what you think they want to hear and end up in a role that isn’t a great fit.
How to Answer ‘What Motivates You?’
