What Motivates You to Do a Good Job - Interview Question

What motivates you to do a good job? Interview questions might be perplexing. You never know what a question's underlying meaning may be. Before you begin the interview, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with frequent questions so that your responses are focused and your responses are stronger. Your interviewer will almost certainly inquire about your motive. The question is sometimes phrased as "What inspires you to perform a good job?"

In reality, the interviewer is more interested in your motivating practices than in what inspires you.

They want to know that you are capable of doing the task and that there will be no conflicts between your drive and the way their company operates.

Emphasizing the right points

Due to the nature of the question, a variety of responses will be allowed. Utilize these ideas to ensure that your response is delivered appropriately, as this is the most critical aspect.

• Self-motivation should be communicated. There are several methods to do this, but it should be evident that you will complete the job without the constant guidance of a boss.
• Make a precise choice for your motivation. This might be a desire to perform a good job or the fulfillment that comes with achievement. These nevertheless convey the message that your inspiration originates from within.
• Be truthful. Falsify your passion for work for the sake of work. Consider what inspires you in the job.
• Maintain an optimistic attitude. Maintain a positive attitude toward your work habits.

Avoid these mistakes

If you fall into one of the following traps, the interviewer may conclude that you lack a strong work ethic. Avoid the following frequent errors.

• Avoid focusing on your personal ambitions unless they promote a strong work ethic. Motivated by the prospect of advancement in your job via hard effort is fine; motivated by payment is not.
• Avoid rushing your response. This conveys insincerity or a deficiency of drive.
• Don't over exaggerate. Because the interviewer realizes that working requires effort, you do not need to be zealous about every aspect of the job.
• Never rely on others to motivate you. Motivated by a desire to impress your superiors will almost certainly not persuade them of your long-term motivation.

Example response

A compelling response to the question of motivation will resemble the following. You should provide information particular to the position for which you are applying.

"I am an independent thinker. I enjoy putting my best into whatever I do and completing tasks well. You may argue that my primary incentive is a success. Even while working independently, I find that I am able to maintain motivation in the absence of superior engagement."

The ideal response for hiring managers is one that's honest, simple, contains motivation habits, and fits the job description of the job you're applying for.

Other example responses to "What motivates you to do a good job?"

Below are more example answers to this unique interview question. Job seekers should use these example answers as a framework for creating their own interview response in their job search.

Example answer 1

“My biggest motivation is family. They are my biggest source of inspiration and my strongest supporters as well. When I see my parents working, it gives me the drive to be like them. Their dedication to working is what motivates me to be like them. They are self-motivated individuals. Hence I try to imbibe their positivism into my life. I have learned from my father how to not give up on a tough client.

The essence is to go through the grind to really know what the other person wants. This excites me to take up greater challenges and risks without the fear of failure or backing out. My mother is the source of calm confidence. Knowing exactly where to push hard and where to slow down is something I have imbibed from her. They remain, my go-to people, when I feel under the weather or less motivated.”

Example answer 2

“Success is what motivates me to do a good job. Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professional success is what keeps me going. I feel that aligning the company’s vision and values with my own is one way to achieve that. When I know that my efforts are following the correct path, it encourages me to push more.

Hence, for me, success is important both at a personal as well as at an organizational level. Motivation is seeing the organization grow which ultimately leads to personal achievement and success.

There might be instances of failure or stagnation but it does not demotivate me anyhow. On the other hand, I feel re-invigorated to perform even more. The taste of success after a failure is what keeps the fire going within me no matter what the circumstance.”

Example answer 3

“Helping others and empowering people is what motivates me the most. It doesn’t matter whether it is a colleague, friend, or relative. There are times when the people around your need that extra drive to get going. I relish the opportunity to reach out to such people. It gives me a sense of confidence and belief that I can be of some help.

The idea that I might provide a solution to someone’s problem is what motivates me to do a good job. Understanding and empathizing with people is crucial. You do not want to make them feel inferior or incapable of solving their own problems. I simply try to show them an alternate and less resistant path as a solution to their difficulty.

This not only makes them feel better but also allows them to introspect and to think logically. I try to be positive myself. This allows me to instill the same optimism onto others when they need it the most. Lending a helping hand is about making the person feel upbeat, energetic, and positive.”

Example answer 4

“Working in a team and leading one, is my motivation to do a good job. United we stand, divided we fall has been my mantra for success right along. Working in a team has taught me so much more. It enlightened me and opened up my mind to a whole new world. The confluence of ideas, thoughts, and opinions encouraged me to know and learn from my peers. There was a time when I believed that I could do everything on my own.

With time I realized the magnitude of achievement possible with teamwork. It took me some time to get used to leading a team of varied individuals. Gradually I realized that it was more about dealing with their personalities and less about their skills sets. It was a challenge that I took up and gained valuable insights related to team building and motivation.

As a leader, it is imperative that you trust your team members and support them. It is also important to create synergy from their individual capabilities.”

Example answer 5

“Convincing people to buy products and services is my source of motivation. I had been in a sales job earlier. The best part of it was interacting with potential buyers. Selling is not an easy task and that is what made it lucrative for me. To work on a product, study about it, and then influence people to try it out is a challenge.

I enjoy working under these circumstances. The thrill of facing a tough customer or a new one is what drives me to do more. At times, individuals or even organizations do not know what exactly they are looking for. More so, they have little knowledge of the product or service being offered to them.

I enjoy convincing them, how the product would fit into their lives and benefit them in the long run. I gather motivation by knowing that people believe in me and rely on my judgment of the product.”

Example answer 6

“Learning newer things is what gives me immense motivation. I remember the time when I heard my friend playing guitar. I was highly impressed by it. So, I took his guitar, started watching guitar videos, and picked up the instrument within 3 months of continuous practice. There was another instance when I learned how to cook. I did this by scouring various recipes and helping out my mother in the kitchen. None of the examples which I mentioned was my forte. Only the willingness to learn a new trick or trade is what kept me going.

The very fact that I am adding to my knowledge base is a big positive for me. Also, utilizing my free time in a constructive way is my source of motivation to do a good job. I believe that learning should never stop. Given the level of competition that businesses face nowadays, it becomes imperative to constantly reinvent yourself by accumulating whatever usefully comes along the way.”

Example answer 7

“Beating deadlines is what motivates me to do a good job. This does not mean that I overlook the quality aspect. In my first job, I made it a point to complete most assignments before the stipulated time, with utmost precision. Not only did it impress my boss, but significantly impacted the organization’s profitability. Even, during my education days, I tried to complete projects well before the deadline.

That not only gave me time to re-evaluate them but also help my colleagues with their projects. Completing work before time gives me a sense of pride and achievement. Improving efficiency without compromising on quality along with having spare time is what motivates me to beat deadlines.

I realize that my seniors can bank upon me when it comes to delivering quality work within a given time. This increases my self-confidence and allows me to push myself harder.”

Example answer 8

“Effort recognition is what motivates me to do a good job. It is very important that for my efforts, I get the deserved mention or applause. This not only keeps me energized but also on my toes to keep working strong. I was a product manager in my previous capacity.

The team achieved significant sales growth by my designing a new product. I was awarded the best idea distinction for helping them out. That kind of recognition is more satisfying than any kind of monetary compensation. Appreciation of work gives me the required kick to give more than a 100%. There is a need to perform to achieve success. This is especially when I am being monitored.

Even if it is a small mail or message from my boss or senior, it matters a lot. It is highly motivating to know that someone requires your input in essential matters. Also, the fact that your recommendations will be implemented.“