Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: Describe intrinsic motivations such as meaningful work, learning, responsibility and contribution, and link them to what the role offers.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Questions about what motivates you help interviewers understand how to keep you engaged and whether you will thrive in their environment. They are looking for signs of internal drive rather than only external rewards. A strong answer demonstrates that you care about doing good work, growing your skills and contributing to team and company goals. This question focuses on the most effective way to express your motivation in an interview.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Intrinsic motivation comes from within and includes enjoyment of problem solving, desire to help others, pride in quality work and interest in learning. Extrinsic motivation includes salary, bonuses and recognition. While external rewards matter, employers prefer candidates who are also driven by the work itself. The best answer identifies a few intrinsic motivators and connects them directly to the role, showing that you will bring energy and commitment. Mentioning only money or pressure can make you seem less engaged or reliable.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Reflect on times when you felt most energised at work and identify what factors were present, such as solving difficult problems or receiving positive feedback from customers.
Step 2: Choose two or three key motivators, such as learning new skills, making a visible impact or collaborating with a strong team.
Step 3: Explain briefly why these motivators matter to you, for example that you enjoy seeing how your work improves processes or customer experiences.
Step 4: Link those motivators to the role by mentioning specific responsibilities where you would experience them, such as owning projects or working with clients.
Step 5: Acknowledge that fair compensation and recognition are also important, but keep the focus on deeper drivers that influence your daily performance.
Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine one candidate says, "Only money motivates me. If there was no salary increase, I would not put in extra effort." Another says, "I am most motivated when I can see the impact of my work on customers and when I am learning new things. For example, in my last role I enjoyed improving a reporting process that saved time for our sales team. This position appeals to me because it offers responsibility for analysis and collaboration with different departments, which are exactly the situations that motivate me." The second answer presents a balanced, professional picture and reassures the interviewer about sustained effort. This confirms the approach in the correct option.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, focusing only on money, may raise concerns that you will leave quickly for a small pay increase elsewhere. Option C suggests that you need constant external pressure and may not be self driven. Option D implies low engagement and initiative. Option E is too vague and does not help the interviewer understand how the role will keep you motivated. None of these responses give a clear, positive signal about your long term performance.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes give overly idealistic answers, claiming that they do not care about pay at all, which can sound unrealistic. Others try to guess what the interviewer wants to hear rather than speaking authentically. Some also forget to connect their stated motivations to the actual job. In your answer, aim for honest but professional motivators, such as learning, impact and problem solving, and show where the role offers these. This helps the employer see a good match between who you are and what the job provides.
Final Answer:
Describe intrinsic motivations such as meaningful work, learning, responsibility and contribution, and link them to what the role offers.
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