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When an interviewer asks about your motivations, they're not just looking for a canned response. They want to understand what truly drives you, what makes you tick. Saying "I am most encouraged by examples" is a good starting point, but it needs to be followed by compelling specifics. Examples are the key to demonstrating genuine passion and illustrating how your motivations align with the job and company.
At a glance:
- Discover how to effectively use examples to answer "What motivates you?"
- Learn which motivators resonate most with employers.
- Master the STAR method for structuring compelling stories.
- Avoid common pitfalls in your answer.
Why Examples Are Your Secret Weapon
Think of your motivation as the "why" behind your work, and examples as the "how." Without the "how," the "why" can sound hollow and unconvincing. Providing concrete examples transforms generic enthusiasm into a tangible demonstration of your drive and abilities. They show, rather than tell, the interviewer what excites you and how you translate that excitement into results. When you tell them that "I am most encouraged by examples like..." you're setting the stage to showcase your skills and achievements in a way that resonates deeply.
Top Motivators Employers Want to See (and How to Show Them)
Let’s explore some core motivators and how you can back them up with compelling examples:
- Learning and Growth: Show you're not afraid of a challenge and constantly seek opportunities to improve.
- Example: "I thrive in environments where I can learn new things. When I was tasked with implementing a new CRM system, I saw it as an opportunity to expand my technical skills. I took online courses, collaborated with the IT team, and ultimately became the go-to person for CRM troubleshooting within my department. This resulted in a 15% increase in team efficiency."
- Making a Difference: Illustrate your desire to contribute to something bigger than yourself, either within the company or in the wider community.
- Example: "I'm drawn to companies with a strong social mission. At my previous job, I volunteered to lead our company's fundraising efforts for a local homeless shelter. I organized events, secured donations, and raised over $10,000, which directly impacted the lives of people in need."
- Innovation and Creativity: Demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and develop novel solutions.
- Example: "I'm always looking for ways to improve existing processes. When I noticed our team was spending a significant amount of time on repetitive tasks, I developed a Python script to automate data entry, which freed up 10 hours per week for each team member to focus on more strategic initiatives."
- Achieving Goals: Highlight your drive to exceed expectations and achieve ambitious targets.
- Example: "I'm highly motivated by setting and achieving challenging goals. In my previous sales role, I consistently exceeded my quarterly targets. In Q3 of last year, I closed a deal that was 25% larger than any previous deal at the company, earning me the 'Top Performer' award."
- Relationships: Show your ability to build strong connections with colleagues and clients.
- Example: "I believe in the power of collaboration. During a particularly challenging project, I made a conscious effort to foster open communication and teamwork within my group. This not only led to a successful project outcome but also created a more positive and supportive work environment where everyone felt valued and empowered."
- Personal Values: Connect your work ethic, integrity, and other values to your professional conduct.
- Example: "Integrity is paramount to me. In a situation where I noticed a discrepancy in a vendor invoice, I immediately brought it to the attention of my manager, even though it was a small amount. I believe in upholding ethical standards in all aspects of my work."
- Customer Service: Illustrate your passion for providing excellent service and resolving customer issues.
- Example: “I am driven to provide exceptional customer service. In my previous role, a customer called with a very urgent and complex issue relating to a billing error. I patiently listened to their concerns, thoroughly investigated the problem, and worked with multiple departments to resolve the situation quickly and efficiently. The customer was so grateful that they wrote a letter to my manager praising my dedication and problem-solving skills."
- Data Analysis: Show your enthusiasm for uncovering insights from data and using them to solve business problems.
- Example: “I am fascinated by the power of data to inform decision-making. In my last role, I was tasked with analyzing customer churn data. By identifying key patterns and trends, I was able to develop a targeted retention strategy that reduced churn by 15% in just three months.”
Remember to tailor these examples to the specific job description and the company's values. Research the company thoroughly and consider their mission, culture, and recent initiatives. This allows you to demonstrate that you are not only motivated but also a good fit for their organization. If you feel you need more help understanding your motivations relative to potential career paths, you can Find your work motivation.
The STAR Method: Your Storytelling Framework
The STAR method is a structured approach to crafting compelling narratives. It ensures you provide all the necessary details and demonstrate the impact of your actions.
- Situation: Describe the context of the situation.
- Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced.
- Action: Detail the specific actions you took.
- Result: Highlight the positive outcomes of your actions.
Here’s how to apply the STAR method to the "Achieving Goals" example above: - Situation: "In my previous sales role, I was consistently challenged to exceed my quarterly sales targets."
- Task: "My goal was to not only meet my target but also to significantly surpass it."
- Action: "I focused on building strong relationships with my clients, identifying their needs, and providing tailored solutions. I also proactively prospected for new leads and developed a strategic sales plan."
- Result: "In Q3 of last year, I closed a deal that was 25% larger than any previous deal at the company, earning me the 'Top Performer' award."
What to Avoid: Common Pitfalls That Undermine Your Answer
- Generic Answers: Avoid vague statements that could apply to anyone. For example, saying you are motivated by "challenges" is too general. Provide specific examples of challenges you've overcome and what you learned from them.
- Money as the Sole Motivator: While compensation is important, it shouldn't be your primary motivation. Emphasize your passion for the work itself and your desire to contribute to the company's success.
- Short-Term Goals: Focus on long-term objectives and your desire to grow and develop professionally.
- Dishonesty: Never lie or exaggerate your accomplishments. Authenticity is crucial.
- Irrelevant Details: Keep your answer concise and focused on the information that is most relevant to the job and the company.
Practical Playbook: Implementation Tips
- Reflect on Your Past Experiences: Take time to identify the projects and tasks that you found most engaging and rewarding. What aspects of those experiences motivated you?
- Identify Your Core Motivators: Based on your reflections, determine your top 2-3 motivators. These should align with your values and passions.
- Develop Specific Examples: For each motivator, create 2-3 examples using the STAR method. Write them down and practice rehearsing them.
- Tailor Your Examples: Customize your examples to fit the specific job description and the company's values. Research the company thoroughly before your interview.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your answers out loud until they sound natural and confident.
Quick Answers: Addressing Common Questions and Misconceptions
Q: What if I don't have a lot of professional experience?
A: You can use examples from your academic work, extracurricular activities, or volunteer experiences. The key is to demonstrate your passion, skills, and ability to achieve results.
Q: Is it okay to talk about personal motivations, like supporting my family?
A: While personal motivations are valid, it's best to focus on professional motivators that align with the job and the company's goals. You can briefly mention personal motivations as a secondary factor, but keep the primary focus on your professional aspirations.
Q: How do I handle it if the interviewer probes further about my motivations?
A: Be prepared to elaborate on your examples and provide additional details. The interviewer may ask follow-up questions to assess your understanding of your own motivations and your ability to apply them in different situations.
Q: What if I am motivated by multiple things?
A: It's great to have diverse interests! Focus on the 2-3 that best align with the role. You can briefly mention other motivators, but keep the emphasis on those that are most relevant and impactful.
Actionable Close: Take These Steps Now
- Brainstorm: Dedicate 30 minutes to brainstorming past experiences where you felt truly motivated and engaged. List the key details of each situation.
- STAR Treatment: Choose your top 3 experiences and apply the STAR method to structure each one into a compelling story.
- Job Alignment: Review the job description for the roles you're targeting. Identify 2-3 key requirements and tailor your STAR stories to directly address those needs.
- Rehearse: Practice telling your STAR stories aloud, focusing on conveying enthusiasm and confidence. Ask a friend or mentor for feedback.
By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to answer the "What motivates you?" question with authenticity, enthusiasm, and compelling examples that demonstrate your value to the organization. Remember, “I am most encouraged by examples” is more than just a phrase; it's a strategy for showcasing your drive and securing your dream job.