What Motivates You To Do A Good Job?

How do you Motivate Yourself?

“What motivates you to do a good job” or “How do you motivate yourself” are common personality based questions asked in HR Interviews.

Motivation is not just a trendy word – it’s an important factor that affects how productive you are, how satisfied you feel at work, and your career growth. Motivation can come from within (intrinsic) or from outside rewards (extrinsic). Knowing what motivates you to do your best work is key to having a successful and rewarding career.”

Page Highlights:

  • Why: “What motivates you to do a good job” is asked?
  • How to answer: “How do you motivate yourself?”
  • Sample Answers: “What motivates you to do a good job?”
Answering what motivates you to do a good job

Why: “What motivates you to do a good job” is asked?

Interviewers often use this trick question to understand what inspires candidates to succeed and get the job done, rather than focusing on how they motivate themselves.

Employers ask, “What motivates you to do a good job?” to understand your work ethic, values, and personality. Your response helps them assess:

  • Cultural Fit: Whether your motivations align with the company’s values.
  • Work Ethic: How dedicated and passionate you are about your work.
  • Commitment: If you’re likely to stay engaged and productive in the long run.
  • Problem-Solving: How you approach challenges and overcome obstacles.
  • Self-Drive: Whether you can stay motivated without constant supervision.

How to answer: “How do you motivate yourself?”

To answer this question you have to explain what is your motivation/inspiration and how you use it to get your job done. You have to be clear when answering this question and make the interviewer feel confident in your ability to get the job done.

To give a strong response, follow these simple steps:

  • Think About What Motivates You: Reflect on what truly drives you in your career, whether it’s personal satisfaction (intrinsic) or external rewards (extrinsic).
  • Be Honest and Specific: Share real examples that show what motivates you. Instead of vague answers, provide personal stories that demonstrate your passion and commitment.
  • Match with the Role: Tailor your response to show how your motivations align with the job you’re applying for. Research the company culture to make sure your answer fits.
  • Avoid Clichés: Don’t give generic answers like “I just want to do my best.” Focus on what makes you unique and what truly drives you.

Additional Tip: Show how your motivation helps solve problems or contribute to team success. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and dedication

What to Include in your Answer?

The interviewer is not interested in knowing what motivates you but rather how will that help the company, and how it will make you a better employee.

Important Points to Remember

what is your inspiration behind doing a good job

Do's

  • Give a positive answer
  • Give a specific answer
  • Be enthusiastic when talking about motivation
  • Be honest in your answer

what motivates you interview question answer

Don'ts

  • Say no
  • Exaggerate your answer
  • Give vague or unrealistic source of motivation
  • Say materialistic things like money

How to Find What Motivates You

Knowing what drives you is key to long-term career success. Here’s how to figure it out:

  • Reflect on Past Wins: Think about times when you felt proud of your work. What made you feel accomplished—recognition, solving a tough problem, or collaborating with others?
  • Ask for Feedback: Get insights from colleagues or mentors on what they believe motivates you. Compare their feedback with your own thoughts.
  • Try New Work Settings: Experiment with different roles, projects, or teams to see what excites and motivates you most—whether it’s independence or creativity.

Sample Answer: "What Motivates you to do a Good Job?"

Refer to the sample answer for guidance, but make sure to write your own response in your own words.

Answer 1: What motivates you?

“My primary source of inspiration is my family. They are my greatest source of strength as well as my staunchest supporters. When I see my parents working, it motivates me to do the same. Their commitment to work inspires me to follow in their footsteps. They are people that are self-motivated. As a result, I aspire to incorporate their optimism into my own life. My father taught me not to give up on a difficult customer. The key is to put forth the effort to really understand what the other individual desires. This motivates me to take on new opportunities and risks without fear of defeat or abandonment. My mother instills in me a sense of relaxed assurance. I’ve picked up on her ability to know when to work hard and when to take it easy. ”

Answer 2: What motivates you to do a Good Job?

I am a self-motivated person. I enjoy giving it my best with all I do and completing tasks correctly. You might assume that my greatest motivator is performance. Even while working alone, I find that I can remain motivated without the help of a supervisor.

Answer 3: What inspires you to do a Good Job?

Success is what drives me to do my best work. What motivates me is knowing that my hard work and perseverance will help me attain greater career achievement. One way to do this, I believe, is to match the company’s mission and ideals with my own. It motivates me to push harder because I know my efforts are on the right track. As a result, progress is critical to me on both a personal and organizational basis. Motivation comes from watching the company succeed, which leads to personal accomplishment and prosperity. And if there are times when I lose or stagnate, it does not demotivate me. On the other hand, I’m feeling re-energized and ready to put in even more effort. Whatever the situation, the taste of accomplishment after a loss is what holds the fire burning inside me.

Answer 4: How do you motivate yourself?

My desire to teach was sparked by my own baby sister. Since my sister has a profound learning disorder, it has been and appears to be a challenge to assist her with her educational growth. However, she eventually received the individual treatment she needed, and I am extremely pleased with her success. My desire to support students in the same way that my sister was helped motivates me to pursue a career as a special education teacher.

Also Check:

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  • Have you led any team efficiently? Answer
  • Why did you score low in Academics? Answer
  • Give me an example of your creativity. Answer
  • Can you work night shifts. Answer
  • Are you willing to relocate? Answer
  • What was the toughest decision you ever had to make? Answer
  • Tell me something which is not mentioned in your resume. Answer
  • What are you expecting from this job? Answer
  • What are your plans for higher studies? Answer
  • Explain how would you be an asset to this organization. Answer
  • Do you have any questions for me.  Answer

FAQs on What Motivates you to do a Good Job?

Question: Is "What inspires you to do a Good Job" same as "What motivates you"?

Answer:-

Yes, the question “What motivates you” can be asked to you in different phrasing which includes:

  1. What inspires you?
  2. What excited you to do your job?

Question: Can I say money as my source of motivation?

Answer:-

Do not say the money or salary is your source of motivation, as this will make you come off as a shallow and materialistic person and will give a bad impression.

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