In this article, I would like to ask you the 10 most frequently asked questions about motivation in job interviews. Remember that your motivation sets you apart from other applicants. Use the interview to show the employer that you are interested, hard-working and willing to make an important contribution to the company.

Job interview: the 10 most frequently asked questions about your motivation

Employee motivation is one of the most important topics in job interviews. Employers want to know what motivates applicants, how they overcome challenges and how this affects their work performance. Here are some popular questions on this topic that are often asked in interviews and how you should answer them:

1. what motivates you most in your work?

Background: This question aims to understand the applicant's motivations and ensure that they align with the company culture and job requirements. It is also about understanding whether an applicant can motivate themselves from within, i.e. by themselves, or whether they need to be motivated by external stimuli.

Example answer: I am motivated by the opportunity to influence results and to see how my work has a concrete impact on the success of the company. I appreciate it when my contributions are appreciated and I can directly see how they contribute to achieving the company's goals.

2. how do you stay motivated when your work becomes monotonous?

Background: Employers want to know how an employee deals with routine tasks and whether they are able to motivate themselves even when the work is less exciting.

Example answer: I try to break my tasks down into smaller parts and set myself short-term goals so that I stay interested and feel like I'm making progress. I also use these times to learn new methods or techniques that can increase my efficiency.

3. what do you do when you don't feel motivated?

Background: This question helps the employer to understand how the candidate deals with periods of low motivation and what strategies they use to become productive again.

Example answer: I take a step back, rethink the purpose of my tasks and remind myself of my long-term goals. I often find that a short break or a change of perspective helps me to re-energize and refocus on my tasks.

4. how do you motivate other members of your team?

Background: Employers are looking for team players who are able to inspire the team and create a positive working environment.

Example answer: I actively provide a positive sense of achievement and maintain open communication to maintain a high level of interest and engagement. Through regular feedback and recognition of individual contributions, I ensure that every team member feels valued.

5. what demotivates you?

Background: This question helps the employer to identify which working conditions or behaviors could affect the applicant's productivity and satisfaction.

Example answer: I can be demotivated by unclear tasks or uncertainty in communication, which is why I value clarity and directness in my professional dealings. A clear structure and open communication are essential for me to be able to work effectively.

6. what role do rewards play in your motivation?

Background: Employers want to understand how important external incentives are compared to intrinsic motivations for the applicant.

Example answer: Awards validate the importance of my work and encourage me to keep going, but the main motivation comes from my intrinsic desire to achieve results. Recognition and rewards can be supportive, but are not the main drivers of my motivation.

7. what is a motivating work environment for you?

Background: This question helps the employer to recognize what kind of corporate culture and working environment the applicant prefers.

Example answer: For me, an open culture where ideas are welcomed and efforts are recognized and supported by colleagues and management is important. An environment that encourages innovation and supports teamwork is particularly motivating for me.

8. how do you stay motivated when you face big challenges?

Background: Employers want to ensure that the candidate remains motivated and productive under pressure and in difficult situations.

Example answer: I focus on the end result and use a strategy where I break big tasks into smaller steps. This helps me to see progress and stay motivated as I regularly experience small successes that keep me going. Big challenges can even be inspiring for me. If the challenge doesn't intimidate me, it might be too small.

9. how important is self-motivation for you?

Background: Self-motivation is a key factor for productivity and job satisfaction, especially in positions with a high degree of personal responsibility.

Example answer: Self-motivation is crucial to my productivity and job satisfaction because it helps me stay focused and committed even in difficult circumstances. I also want to see meaning in what I do. This enables me to set goals independently and achieve them.

10. what event could we celebrate with you in our company in a year's time?

Background: This question is intended to provide information about the applicant's goals and how he or she assesses his or her own performance and contribution to the company's success.

Example answer: In a year's time, we could celebrate the fact that I have successfully contributed to doubling the customer base. Alternatively, we could celebrate the implementation of a new system that has significantly improved the efficiency of our work processes. These goals demonstrate my commitment and desire to actively contribute to the growth and success of the company.

The answers above will help you develop a better understanding of what is important to stay motivated at work and how you can use your own motivational strategies to complete your work tasks effectively.

Fun fact - my thesis, which was also published as a book, was on this very topic: work motivation. I therefore hope that my sample answers will give you some inspiration for your own good answers.

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Conclusion

In summary, it can be said that well-prepared answers to questions about motivation will significantly increase your chances of a successful interview. If you can present your motivation clearly and convincingly, you will make a positive impression on potential employers. That's why it's important to know not only what you want from a new job, but also how your personal and professional goals can contribute to the company's success.

By considering these 10 questions, you can prepare for an important part of the interview that will have a direct impact on the employer's decision to hire you. By using this information to prepare strategic answers, you can express your unique motivation and commitment to the job. Interview success depends on your ability to make your case clearly, and preparing for these questions will give you the confidence you need to accomplish that goal.

This article is part of a series of articles on job interviews

Follow the links to read more job interview articles:

• Best, comprehensive job interview article
• Questions about your strengths and weaknesses
• Job interview: 10 standard questions
• Job interview: 10 personality questions
• Job interview: 10 questions about your skills
• Job interview: 10 questions about teamwork
• Job interview: 10 questions about your expectations of the job

Don't forget, for an optimal first impression, it's best to use one of our application templates.