Experts Guide On "What Motivates You To Do A Good Job" with 5 Sample Answers, 8 Tips

One of the key aspects of hiring potential candidates is the kind of motivation that one brings to the table. 

An HR person would be keen to know what really drives you as an individual. 

A subtle yet revealing way to uncover this might be asking, “What motivates you to do a good job?” Beyond the obvious question, “Why do you want this job?” 

This query helps the HR team understand what makes you tick, what keeps you on track, and how you can sustain your passion and efficiency over the long haul.

If you’re scratching your head on how to answer this, worry no more. 

Here are some insights and tips on how to respond to the sometimes-challenging question, “What motivates you to do a good job?”

Why Do Recruiters Ask “What Motivates You?”

Recruiters ask, “What motivates you?” to assess a candidate’s work ethic, drive, and potential fit within the company culture. 

The answer you provide gives them a peek into your personality and work style, which helps them determine if your motivations align with the company’s values and the role’s demands. 

Recruiters look for candidates whose motivations will help them remain engaged, productive, and satisfied, ideally for the long term. 

In essence, understanding what keeps you motivated enables them to make smarter hiring decisions.

Top Tips for Answering “What Motivates You to Do a Good Job?”

Crafting a compelling answer to this question doesn’t need to be daunting. Follow these tips to create a response that is insightful, memorable, and shows off your best qualities:

  • Peak End Rule: Highlight a peak experience or recent motivational moment that genuinely drives you. Not only will this provide insight into your motivational factors, but it will also leave a strong impression on the interviewer.
  • STAR-M Technique: Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and add “motivation.” This organized method connects your motivators with real-life examples from your career, showing how you apply your drive in various situations.
  • Reverse-Engineer the Job Description: Study the job posting and look for keywords related to motivation. By authentically integrating these into your response, you show a natural alignment with the role’s requirements.
  • Mention Anti-Motivators Briefly: Sometimes, discussing what doesn’t motivate you can shed light on what does. By understanding and sharing a few of your “anti-motivators,” you indirectly highlight the aspects of the job that genuinely energize you.
  • Motivation Matrix: Organize your motivators into categories: personal, professional, short-term, and long-term. This strategy gives a balanced view, showing that you’re motivated by different aspects of work and life.
  • Cultural Alignment: For Indian companies, include motivations that resonate with the culture, like teamwork, resilience, or “jugaad” (innovative problem-solving). This shows cultural awareness, which can make a positive impact on the hiring team.
  • Share Motivation Evolution: Describe how your motivations have changed as your career progressed. This reflects personal growth and adaptability, highlighting a deeper understanding of workplace dynamics.
  • Connect to Company Values: Research the company’s core principles and link your motivators to these values subtly. This not only shows you’ve done your homework but also suggests that you’re a natural fit for the organization.

Sample Answers for “What Motivates You to Do a Good Job?”

Answer #1
“As a fresher, I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to learn and evolve professionally. Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges excites me and drives me to give my best. I’m inspired by the prospect of working with experienced colleagues and absorbing their insights, knowing it will enhance my own skills over time. Additionally, contributing innovative ideas to projects that make a real impact keeps me enthusiastic and dedicated. Building a strong foundation for my career, I believe, opens doors to growth and future success, fueling my commitment to perform well.”

Answer #2
“Family is my greatest source of inspiration and motivation. Their resilience and dedication motivate me to strive for excellence. Watching my parents work with determination taught me not to give up easily and to handle challenges head-on. From my father, I learned the value of perseverance, especially with difficult tasks. My mother, on the other hand, showed me the power of a calm, confident approach. Together, their influence helps me stay focused, face obstacles positively, and consistently push myself to achieve my best.”

Answer #3
“For me, success is a primary motivator. Knowing that my hard work contributes to both personal and organizational success drives me to deliver quality results. I find motivation in aligning my efforts with the company’s mission, which gives my work a meaningful purpose. Every milestone, big or small, fuels my determination to continue performing well, even when challenges arise. Failure doesn’t discourage me; instead, it reignites my determination to succeed and makes the taste of achievement even sweeter.”

Answer #4
“Helping others and fostering teamwork motivate me the most. I enjoy reaching out to colleagues, friends, or family members when they need support, and I feel fulfilled knowing I can make a difference. Empathizing with others and offering constructive solutions allows me to build stronger connections and drive positive outcomes in the workplace. By promoting a supportive environment, I feel motivated to do a good job and inspire others to do the same. It’s all about instilling optimism and making everyone feel empowered and capable.”

Answer #5
“Teamwork and leadership drive me to perform well. Over time, I’ve seen how united efforts can yield incredible results, much more than individual contributions. Working with a diverse team has taught me the value of diverse ideas and collaboration. Leading a team has challenged me to embrace different personalities and talents, which I find immensely rewarding. I’m inspired to create synergy among team members, fostering an environment where everyone’s strengths shine. For me, a team’s success is my success, motivating me to always give my best.”

Conclusion

Answering “What motivates you to do a good job?” requires introspection and honesty.

Tailor your response to reflect what truly drives you while aligning it with the company’s values and job requirements. 

By sharing relatable, authentic examples, you can turn this question into a moment to highlight your passion, determination, and alignment with the potential role.

Remember, motivation is a powerful tool, and showcasing yours can make all the difference.

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