The way you answer “Who inspires you?” tells employers a lot about your values and character. A strong answer to this question connects your inspiration to skills and traits that match the job you want. You might mention a former teacher who taught you problem-solving, a business leader who shows great innovation, or even a family member who demonstrated amazing work ethic.
Getting ready for this question ahead of time helps you avoid awkward pauses in the interview. Think about someone whose qualities line up with the company’s values and your career goals. This creates a genuine answer that resonates with hiring managers.
Understanding the Question ‘Who Inspires You?’
The “Who inspires you?” question helps hiring managers learn about your values, role models, and personal growth mindset. Your answer reveals key traits and qualities you want to develop in your career.
The Purpose Behind the Question
Hiring managers ask about inspiration to learn what drives you professionally and personally. Your choice of role model shows the qualities you value most. The question lets you share a meaningful story that shows what matters to you in life and work. Your answer helps employers see if your values match their company culture.
When you talk about someone who inspires you, you give insights into your goals and work style.
What Hiring Managers Are Looking For
They want to hear about specific qualities in your role model that connect to the job requirements.
Pick someone whose traits relate to the position you want. A sales role might focus on communication skills, while a tech job could highlight problem-solving.
You can also share a brief story about how this person influenced your career choices or work habits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many job seekers make mistakes when answering “Who inspires you?” during interviews. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you stand out and make a meaningful connection with your interviewer.
1. Providing Clichรฉ Answers
Naming famous figures like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, or Mother Teresa without personal context makes your answer feel generic. These responses often sound rehearsed and fail to show your unique perspective.
Bad example: “Steve Jobs inspires me because he was innovative.”
Good example: “My former mentor Sarah Thompson inspires me. She built a successful small business while maintaining work-life balance and helping other entrepreneurs grow. Her approach to problem-solving taught me to look beyond obvious solutions.”
The best answers connect to your career goals and values. Pick someone who has truly influenced your life choices or work style.
2. Lack of Authenticity
Some candidates make up stories or choose inspirational figures they know little about. Interviewers can spot fake enthusiasm quickly.
Bad example: “Gandhi inspires me because… um… he was peaceful and stuff.”
Good example: “My grandfather inspires me. He started his career as a janitor and worked his way up to facility manager through dedication and constant learning. His journey motivated me to pursue growth opportunities in every role.”
Share specific examples of how your role model influenced your decisions or actions. Your answer should reflect genuine admiration and real impact.
3. Overlooking the Importance of the Answer
The “Who inspires you?” question reveals your values and character. Treating it as just another interview question wastes an opportunity to connect with the interviewer.
Bad example: “I guess my mom inspires me because she’s nice.”
Good example: “My high school science teacher, Mr. Rodriguez, inspires me. He showed me how to break down complex problems and stay curious. I use his methods today when tackling challenging projects.”
Focus on qualities that match the job requirements.
Preparing Your Response
Link your role model’s qualities to your own growth and goals. Think about how they’ve shaped your choices and outlook. What lessons have you learned from them?
Example answer: “My grandfather built his business from nothing through hard work and treating people fairly. His example taught me to value both excellence and ethics in business.”
Pick real stories that show how your role model influenced you. You can use the STAR method: situation, task, action, result.
Good example: “When I started my first project team, I remembered how my mentor Sarah always made time to hear everyone’s ideas. I used her approach of having round-table discussions, which led to better solutions.”
Or, you can share what you learned and how you use those lessons today.
Sample answer: “My (role model’s) persistence in the face of setbacks helped me stay focused during my career change. Like them, I broke big goals into smaller steps and celebrated small wins.”
Incorporating Relevant Anecdotes
Adding a short story about your inspiration makes your answer memorable. Pick a specific moment that shows why this person matters to you.
You might say: “My former manager Sarah inspired me by turning around a failing project through clear communication and quick decision-making. I learned the value of staying calm under pressure from watching her lead.”
Connect your story to the job you want. For example: “My mother built her business from scratch. Her dedication to customer service shaped how I approach sales – I always put relationships first.”
Addressing Different Types of Inspirational Figures
Family Members as Inspirations
Your parents, grandparents, or siblings can make great inspirational figures because you know their stories deeply and can speak about them with genuine emotion.
Example: “My aunt inspires me because she built her business from scratch while raising three kids. Her work ethic taught me to never give up.”
Think about specific lessons you learned. Maybe your aunt showed you how to stay calm under pressure, or your grandfather taught you about taking calculated risks.
When talking about family, focus on traits that match the job you want. “My brother’s ability to lead his team while staying humble showed me what true leadership looks like.”
Mentors and Role Models from Your Career Path
Professional mentors make strong choices because they connect directly to your career goals.
You could mention a former boss who helped shape your leadership style: “My first manager taught me to listen to every team member’s ideas, which changed how I approach problem-solving.”
A college professor or internship supervisor can work well too. Pick someone who taught you specific skills that match the job requirements.
You can share clear examples: “My mentor at (…) Company showed me how to turn client feedback into better products, which helped me increase customer satisfaction by 40%.”
Historical Figures and World Leaders
Picking a historical figure lets you highlight timeless leadership qualities.
(Add personal context, and be ready with specific examples of how their actions guide you!)
“I admire Marie Curie’s dedication to research despite facing gender barriers. It reminds me to stay focused on my goals regardless of obstacles.”
Athletes and Public Personalities
Athletes and celebrities can help showcase determination and excellence.
Example 1: “Michael Phelps’s commitment to daily improvement motivates me to set higher standards in my work.”
Example 2: “Roger Federer’s grace under pressure taught me how to handle workplace challenges professionally.”
Illustrating Soft Skills Through Inspiration
When answering who inspires you in job interviews, you can showcase important workplace abilities through your chosen role models. Your answer lets you highlight skills like teamwork, flexibility, and determination.
Interpersonal Skills and Networking
Role models who excel at building relationships make great examples for demonstrating your people skills.
A strong answer could be: “My former mentor Sarah Chen inspires me because she builds genuine connections with everyone she meets. I’ve learned from her how to listen deeply and help others succeed.”
Think about inspirational figures who:
- Create strong professional networks
- Show empathy and emotional intelligence
- Build trust through authentic communication
- Bring people together to achieve goals
Adaptability and Learning from Challenges
Pick someone who handles change well and grows from setbacks. This shows employers you can do the same.
You could say: “Richard Branson inspires me because he’s constantly learning and trying new things. When his first businesses failed, he adapted his approach instead of giving up.”
Look for examples of people who:
- Learn new skills quickly
- Stay calm during difficulties
- Find creative solutions
- Turn obstacles into opportunities
Perseverance and Overcoming Obstacles
Choose role models who faced big challenges and kept going. Their stories prove you have grit and determination.
An effective response: “My grandmother inspires me – she started her own business at 50 with no experience. When suppliers wouldn’t work with her, she found new ways to source materials and built relationships until she succeeded.”
Strong examples include people who:
- Push through failures
- Stay focused on long-term goals
- Learn from mistakes
- Keep a positive attitude during tough times