How to answer, "What motivated you to apply for this position?" in interviews

It's no secret that interviewing for a job opening can be a daunting experience, no matter the number of years you've been in the workforce. Some hiring managers have straightforward and standard questions. Others might ask unique and unexpected ones that can catch us by surprise. But one job interview question that often comes up during the interview process is, “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 

We can help you understand why employers ask this question, and we offer some helpful advice on how to give a response that will impress your hiring manager. We'll tackle the following topics in this guide: 

• Why do employers ask, “What motivated you to apply for this position?
• How to answer “What motivated you to apply for this position?”
• Examples of how to answer "What motivates you?"
• Tips for answering the "What motivated you to apply for this position?" interview question
• Conclusion
• FAQs 

Why do employers ask, “What motivated you to apply for this position? 

“What motivated you to apply for this ​role/​​position​?” is an insightful question that helps the employer learn about what inspires and drives you to success as an employee. In turn, your answer offers additional insight into your personality and approach to work. On a more practical level, this question helps the interviewer determine several things about you, such as: 

• You understand the job and its responsibilities.
• You have clear career goals that align with the company's goals, mission, and vision.
• You're a good fit with the company's culture.
• You're capable of committing to the company in the long term.
• You have a genuine interest in the company and the role you're applying for. 

How to answer “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 

The key to doing well in job interviews is to arrive prepared and informed.  Doing some preparatory research work can increase your knowledge of the company, the role you're pursuing, the industry the company operates in, and industry best practices from your personal experience.​ This will help you answer when the question pops up.​ 

Here are some steps you can follow: 

1. Research the company you're applying to. A deep understanding of the company's values can help you establish a connection with your professional goals.
2. Review and understand the job description and align this with your expertise and past accomplishments. The best interview answers show that you have the relevant work experience to fulfill the expectations of the role.
3. Conduct industry research so you're up to date with recent news and developments relevant to the work. 

Examples of how to answer "What motivates you?" 

To help brainstorm an answer to this question, we've put together some sample answers that you can use as a starting point: 

• “I'm motivated by opportunities for continuous learning and growth.” This response tells your employer that you're open to gaining new skills and expertise that can contribute to the company's success.
• “I'm motivated by collaboration with people who have the same goals and values as me.” This response shows that company culture matters to you and you value working environments where people engage and are productive.
• “I'm motivated by making a difference and having a positive impact on others.” This response speaks of your altruistic side and shows that you have a real passion and commitment to the work. 

Tips for answering the "What motivated you to apply for this position?" interview question 

If you're looking for more advice, here are some tips and best practices that can help you come up with a good answer to the question. You may also find that you can use these tips for other interview questions you encounter in the recruitment process. 

• Prepare a list of key points rather than a specific response so your answer doesn't sound too rehearsed.
• Keep responses brief and straight to the point, and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details.
• Find a way to tie your responses to the company's mission and vision and how these align with your professional values.
• Highlight specific elements of the job description that align with your current career path.
• Be comfortable in talking about yourself and sharing personal anecdotes from past experiences, especially if they show a connection to why you want the job. 

Conclusion 

An interview experience is often only as impressive as the amount of time you spend preparing for it. Thorough research on the company and the position you're applying for is key to doing well. This not only improves the quality of your response but also boosts your confidence in your delivery. As job seekers, we need to develop better work habits consistently, whether for an interview or a new job. ​Keep​​​ these tips ​in mind ​to build your confidence for the next time an interviewer asks, “What motivated you to apply for this position?” and other compelling job interview questions. 

FAQs 

1. What are common mistakes to avoid when answering this question? 
   ⁠Some mistakes to avoid when answering this question in an interview are: 
   ⁠Generic responses: Recruiters look for answers personalized to the company or those based on your personal experiences. 
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   ⁠Responses that don't reflect the company's vision: The hiring manager will always try to find a connection to the company. A lack of a connection could indicate that you didn't research the company you're applying for. 
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   ⁠Responses that focus on compensation and benefits: ​Your interview responses should be focused on highlighting your attributes and strengths and emphasizing your interest in the position. Responses that focus on compensation and benefits can be off putting to the interviewer and send the message that you’re more interested in the salary than the position and long-term growth with the company.​ 
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   ⁠Complicated or drawn-out responses: Complex answers or those that drift from the question are hard to follow and show a lack of clarity in your thought process.  
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   ⁠Lack of enthusiasm in your delivery: Find a balance that shows the interviewer your excitement for the job opportunity while maintaining an air of professionalism. 
2. What are the key elements of a strong response to “What motivated you to apply for this position?” 
   ⁠The key elements of a strong response to this question are sincerity, clarity, and confidence. Avoid exaggerated responses and stick with an honest answer for why you wanted to apply for the position. Answer clearly and concisely, and refrain from giving complicated responses that don't directly answer the question. Be confident with your answer to demonstrate your preparedness for the job interview. 
3. How can I tailor my response to stand out from other candidates? 
   ⁠The best way to deliver a unique response is to pull from your personal experiences. Responding based on what you know and what you've been through can stand out among more generic or safe answers to this question. Hiring managers appreciate unique answers because they help them understand not only your values as an employee but also as a person.