Answering 'what motivates you?'

[IntrepidL]

Hi everyone, I was wondering what would be the best way to structure an answer to this question at a face-to-face interview? I have had a moment to reflect on this question and I believe self-improvement, learning new things and seeing hard work come into fruition motivates me.

However, was wondering if such one-sentence answers are too simplistic? Would it be preferable to give the interviewer a situation where I have gone out of the way to learn something new, or when I have worked hard to achieve something (i.e use a competency-based STAR answer)?

Not really sure what would be the best way to structure the answer. Any thoughts would be super helpful!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi everyone, I was wondering what would be the best way to structure an answer to this question at a face-to-face interview? I have had a moment to reflect on this question and I believe self-improvement, learning new things and seeing hard work come into fruition motivates me.

However, was wondering if such one-sentence answers are too simplistic? Would it be preferable to give the interviewer a situation where I have gone out of the way to learn something new, or when I have worked hard to achieve something (i.e use a competency-based STAR answer)?

Not really sure what would be the best way to structure the answer. Any thoughts would be super helpful!

You don’t need to use STAR as such (would be too long winded for three different parts) but you do need to provide some evidence to back up your claims of when you have demonstrated these types of situations have motivated you.

Also be expected to talk about what you do when those things are not obvious.

 

[Naomi U]

Hi @IntrepidL

I completely agree with Jessica.
I think I would structure my answer by first stating my motivations and why, perhaps limit this to 1 or 2 that will allow you to go into detail. Try to be specific and personal. This could be anything from an experience that you had growing up, or a book you read that stuck with you.

I would then offer examples of how these motivations have impacted by recent actions or accomplishments e.g. how my desire for learning new things has led me to take up running, through which I recently completed a half-marathon (this is of course is just an example), or how my desire to better myself has meant that I recently started and completed an online course in XYZ.

I hope this helps! Please of course feel free to ask any other questions and best of luck!

 

[IntrepidL]

Ah, thank you @Naomi U and @Jessica Booker!

 

[HCY]

Is it okay to talk about something quite personal, like family situations, e.g. wanting to achieve success to support my mother?

 

[Jessica Booker]

Is it okay to talk about something quite personal, like family situations, e.g. wanting to achieve success to support my mother?

That is really an outcome rather than something that motivates you to do the processes/responsibilities of the job. The reward of being paid to support your family could apply to many different jobs environments. It’s fine to mention it, but on its own it wouldn’t be sufficient.

 

[Naomi U]

Is it okay to talk about something quite personal, like family situations, e.g. wanting to achieve success to support my mother?

I don't think this would be an issue, however I think you want to keep the focus on you and how your motivations have led to your recent accomplishments and your present position. Therefore, I would advise not going into too much personal/ family related detail, unless such detail is necessary to give context to a specific example.

 

[Jacob Miller]

The girls have already given some stellar advice so there's very little I can add.

The way I tended to approach this sort of question was by considering long-term growth and success, and working backwards therefrom to find out what would be necessary to achieve that. I personally used one overarching principle to answer this question, but then broke down what that principle really meant to me which was where my examples etc came in. As above, avoid STAR here as it can get a bit lengthy and repetitive. It's also advisable to make reference to tangible, outcome-based things as opposed to (albeit very admirable, but ultimately intangible and unquantifiable) goals like supporting family etc. It's also important to remember what makes your motivations different from others- what makes you unique. How can you answer that question in such a way as to really set yourself apart from others?

Very best of luck!

 

[HCY]

That is really an outcome rather than something that motivates you to do the processes/responsibilities of the job. The reward of being paid to support your family could apply to many different jobs environments. It’s fine to mention it, but on its own it wouldn’t be sufficient.

I don't think this would be an issue, however I think you want to keep the focus on you and how your motivations have led to your recent accomplishments and your present position. Therefore, I would advise not going into too much personal/ family related detail, unless such detail is necessary to give context to a specific example.

The girls have already given some stellar advice so there's very little I can add.

The way I tended to approach this sort of question was by considering long-term growth and success, and working backwards therefrom to find out what would be necessary to achieve that. I personally used one overarching principle to answer this question, but then broke down what that principle really meant to me which was where my examples etc came in. As above, avoid STAR here as it can get a bit lengthy and repetitive. It's also advisable to make reference to tangible, outcome-based things as opposed to (albeit very admirable, but ultimately intangible and unquantifiable) goals like supporting family etc. It's also important to remember what makes your motivations different from others- what makes you unique. How can you answer that question in such a way as to really set yourself apart from others?

Very best of luck!

Thank you Jessica, Naomi and Jacob!! Your responses were really comprehensive and have provided me with a better idea on how to approach this question if I am asked.

I think I can link supporting family to an overarching theme of altruism/adding value/giving back to others as I’ve been involved in quite a few outreach projects which I hope provides the more tangible aspect of what they’re looking.

Thank you again!

 

[Naomi U]

Thank you Jessica, Naomi and Jacob!! Your responses were really comprehensive and have provided me with a better idea on how to approach this question if I am asked.

I think I can link supporting family to an overarching theme of altruism/adding value/giving back to others as I’ve been involved in quite a few outreach projects which I hope provides the more tangible aspect of what they’re looking.

Thank you again!

No problem at all- that sounds great!