25 Smart Answers to "What Motivates You To Do A Good Job?"

Your motivation for doing good work often comes from personal values and goals. Maybe you love seeing projects come together or helping customers solve problems. You might be driven by learning new skills or moving up in your field. Let’s explore some great ways to talk about your work motivation.

Smart Answers to “What Motivates You To Do A Good Job?”

When answering “What motivates you to do a good job?”, it’s smart to show how you’re a great fit for the team. This helps the company see you as someone they want to work with. Below you will find answer templates and examples to help you craft a great answer. Choose and customize the one that aligns best with your personality as well as the job requirements.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Key Indicators of a Good Hire

Being a team player is a big plus for many jobs. Answer templates and examples:

“I’m driven by [specific team goal], and I love working with others to [action].”
Example: “I’m driven by hitting sales targets, and I love working with others to brainstorm new strategies.”
“Helping my coworkers succeed motivates me to [action].”
Example: “Helping my coworkers succeed motivates me to share my knowledge and support their projects.”
“I find inspiration in [collaborative activity], which pushes me to [action].”
Example: “I find inspiration in team meetings, which pushes me to contribute innovative ideas.”
“My passion for [team-oriented task] drives me to [action].”
Example: “My passion for group problem-solving drives me to actively listen and build on others’ ideas.”
“Working towards [shared goal] with my team energizes me to [action].”
Example: “Working towards customer satisfaction with my team energizes me to go the extra mile in my work.”

Showcasing Problem-Solving and Innovation

Companies love employees who can tackle challenges. Answer templates and examples:

“I’m motivated by the chance to [solve specific problem], which pushes me to [action].”
Example: “I’m motivated by the chance to streamline workflows, which pushes me to analyze processes and suggest improvements.”
“Finding creative solutions to [challenge] drives me to [action].”
Example: “Finding creative solutions to budget constraints drives me to research cost-effective alternatives.”
“I’m excited by the opportunity to [innovate in specific area], which inspires me to [action].”
Example: “I’m excited by the opportunity to develop new products, which inspires me to stay updated on industry trends.”
“Overcoming [obstacle] motivates me to [action].”
Example: “Overcoming technical difficulties motivates me to expand my skills and learn new technologies.”
“The challenge of [specific task] pushes me to [action].”
Example: “The challenge of meeting tight deadlines pushes me to improve my time management skills.”

Exemplifying Your Work Style and Professional Etiquette

Your work habits and attitude can set you apart. Answer templates and examples:

“I’m driven by a commitment to [work value], which motivates me to [action].”
Example: “I’m driven by a commitment to quality, which motivates me to double-check my work before submission.”
“My passion for [aspect of job] inspires me to [action].”
Example: “My passion for customer service inspires me to go above and beyond in resolving issues.”
“I find fulfillment in [work-related activity], which encourages me to [action].”
Example: “I find fulfillment in mentoring new team members, which encourages me to continually improve my own skills.”
“The opportunity to [grow in specific way] motivates me to [action].”
Example: “The opportunity to take on new responsibilities motivates me to seek out training and development opportunities.”
“I’m inspired by [positive outcome], which drives me to [action].”
Example: “I’m inspired by positive customer feedback, which drives me to maintain high standards in my work.

Highlighting Strengths and Skills

Your unique abilities can play a big role in your motivation. Answer templates and examples:

“My [strength] helps me excel in [task]. Seeing the results motivates me to keep using and improving this skill.”
Example: “My attention to detail helps me excel in quality control. Seeing the improved product quality motivates me to keep using and improving this skill.”
“I’m motivated by opportunities to use my [skill] to [benefit]. In this role, I hope to [specific application].”
Example: “I’m motivated by opportunities to use my problem-solving skills to help customers. In this role, I hope to resolve complex issues and improve customer satisfaction.”
“Working on [type of project] energizes me because it allows me to use my [strengths] to [outcome].”
Example: “Working on team projects energizes me because it allows me to use my communication skills to bring diverse ideas together.”
“I find motivation in learning new skills. Recently, I [new skill learned] which I’m excited to apply to [task].”
Example: “I find motivation in learning new skills. Recently, I learned data visualization techniques which I’m excited to apply to our monthly reports.”
“My [personal quality] drives me to [action]. This motivation has helped me [past achievement] and I aim to bring this energy to this role.”
Example: “My curiosity drives me to always ask questions and seek improvements. This motivation has helped me suggest process changes that saved time, and I aim to bring this energy to this role.”

Incorporating Past Experiences

“In my last job, I [specific task] which [positive result]. That feeling motivates me to keep improving.”
Example: “In my last job, I led a project that increased sales by 20%. That feeling of accomplishment motivates me to keep improving.”
“I’m driven by the goal of [future aspiration]. Each day, I work towards this by [specific actions].”
Example: “I’m driven by the goal of becoming a team leader. Each day, I work towards this by taking on extra responsibilities and learning from my colleagues.”
“My passion for [industry/field] started when [past experience]. Since then, I’ve been motivated to [specific goal].”
Example: “My passion for marketing started when I ran a successful social media campaign for a college event. Since then, I’ve been motivated to create engaging content that resonates with audiences.”
“A challenge I once faced was [problem]. Overcoming it taught me [lesson], which now motivates me to [action].”
Example: “A challenge I once faced was a tight project deadline. Overcoming it taught me the value of time management, which now motivates me to stay organized and efficient.”
“I’m inspired by [role model/mentor] who [achievement]. Their success motivates me to [specific goal].”
Example: “I’m inspired by my former manager who turned around an underperforming team. Their success motivates me to develop strong leadership skills.”

Providing Specific Examples of Motivation at Work

“In my last job, I was motivated to [action] which resulted in [positive outcome].”
Example: “In my last job, I was motivated to learn a new software system which resulted in a 20% increase in my productivity.”
“I once faced a challenge where [situation]. My motivation to [goal] helped me [solution].”
Example: “I once faced a challenge where we were behind on a project. My motivation to meet deadlines helped me organize a team effort to finish on time.”
“My passion for [skill/area] drove me to [action], leading to [result].”
Example: “My passion for graphic design drove me to take extra online courses, leading to a promotion to lead designer.”
“I’m motivated by [factor], which is why I [example of past behavior].”
Example: “I’m motivated by helping others, which is why I volunteered to mentor new hires in my previous role.”
“A time I felt really motivated was when [situation]. I [actions taken] because [reason].”
Example: “A time I felt really motivated was when we launched a new product. I worked extra hours to ensure everything was perfect because I believed in the product’s potential.”

Demonstrating Your Motivational Drivers For the Role/Company

Expressing Enthusiasm for the Role and Company

“I’m excited about [specific aspect of role] because [reason].”
Example: “I’m excited about managing client relationships because I love helping people solve problems.”
“What really draws me to this position is [key responsibility].”
Example: “What really draws me to this position is the chance to develop new marketing strategies.”
“I’m passionate about [industry/field] and eager to contribute by [specific action].”
Example: “I’m passionate about renewable energy and eager to contribute by designing more efficient solar panels.”
“[Company’s mission/product] aligns with my personal values of [values].”
Example: “Your company’s focus on sustainable fashion aligns with my personal values of environmental protection.”
“I’m motivated by the opportunity to [learn/grow/achieve] in this role.”
Example: “I’m motivated by the opportunity to learn new coding languages and expand my tech skills in this role.”

Connecting with Company Culture

“Your company’s [specific value] matches my own approach to work.”
Example: “Your company’s emphasis on teamwork matches my own approach to work. I thrive in collaborative environments.”
“I’m drawn to your company culture of [culture trait] because [reason].”
Example: “I’m drawn to your company culture of innovation because I love thinking outside the box and finding new solutions.”
“The [specific aspect] of your work environment really appeals to me.”
Example: “The flexible work arrangements of your work environment really appeal to me. It helps me balance work and life.”
“I admire how your company [specific action/policy] and would love to be part of that.”
Example: “I admire how your company supports local charities and would love to be part of those community efforts.”
“Your company’s commitment to [value/goal] motivates me to give my best.”
Example: “Your company’s commitment to customer satisfaction motivates me to give my best in every interaction.”

90 Examples of Professional Skills for a Resume

Posted in: Job Interview

25 Smart Answers to “What Motivates You To Do A Good Job?”