Stumped by the question, “How do you stay motivated?” Don’t worry—this question is actually a great opportunity to show what really incentivizes you. Whether it’s tackling challenges, working with a great team, or learning something new every day, your answer can give hiring managers insight into how you’ll thrive in the role.
In this guide, we’ll help you craft a thoughtful, genuine response that highlights your drive and resilience. We’ll also walk you through why interviewers ask this question and provide sample answers to help you stand out in your next interview!
Why Interviewers Ask About Your Motivations
Interviewers ask about motivation because they want to know what really keeps you going. They’re not just looking for someone who can do the job—they want someone who’ll bring energy and passion to the role. Every job has its challenges, and they need to know that you’ll stay committed, even when things get tough.
This question is also a way to see if you can motivate yourself without needing constant direction. Employers want someone who can push through on those days when you’d rather be anywhere but work, showing that you can stay focused and consistent no matter what.
How to Answer “How Do You Stay Motivated?”
Pinpoint what really motivates you
Start by identifying what genuinely keeps you going at work. Think back to times when you felt particularly energized or satisfied—was it because you love solving complex problems, making an impact, or constantly learning something new? Whatever it is, be specific and pick one or two key motivators that you can highlight. The more personal your answer, the more genuine it will sound.
Show how you stay motivated during tough times
Everyone has off days, but the key is showing that your motivation doesn’t waver when things get tough. Be prepared to explain how you stay focused even when the work gets repetitive or challenging. For example, you could say, “When tasks feel routine, I remind myself of the bigger picture and how my contributions help the team or company reach our goals. This keeps me energized, even on the tougher days.”
Pro tip: Avoid generic answers. Instead, give a real example of how you’ve stayed motivated during a challenging project or a difficult phase at work.
Link your motivators to the job you are applying for
Finally, tie everything back to the role. Explain how your personal motivators align with the responsibilities or challenges of the job. If the position requires problem-solving, talk about how tackling complex tasks or overcoming obstacles is what keeps you motivated. If the role demands attention to detail, you might highlight how the satisfaction of perfecting tasks and getting them right fuels your drive.
Example: “What keeps me motivated is knowing that my work can make a difference. I thrive in roles where I can see the direct impact of my efforts. In this position, I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to projects that influence the company’s overall success, and that’s what will keep me engaged and motivated.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on money: While financial motivation is common, relying solely on this answer can make you seem superficial. Highlight deeper motivations.
- Not addressing challenges: Don’t skip over how you handle tough or repetitive tasks. Show resilience by explaining how you stay motivated even when things get difficult.
- Giving an unrelated answer: Make sure your motivators align with the job you’re applying for. If your motivation doesn’t fit the role, it could hurt your chances.
Sample Answers to “How Do You Stay Motivated?”
Example #1
“I stay motivated by focusing on the impact of my work and setting clear goals. In marketing, I find it incredibly rewarding to see how my campaigns resonate with the audience and drive measurable results. For instance, in my last role, I worked on a product launch campaign where we set an ambitious goal to increase engagement by 30%. Knowing the stakes and the potential success kept me energized throughout the project.
To stay on track, I broke the campaign into smaller milestones and celebrated each win along the way, like achieving a high click-through rate or receiving positive feedback from the sales team. By focusing on these tangible achievements and keeping the end goal in mind, I was able to stay motivated even during long hours of content creation and analysis. For me, motivation comes from seeing how my efforts contribute to the bigger picture and create value for the organization.”
Example #2
“I stay motivated by reminding myself of the positive difference my work makes in people’s lives. In healthcare, even small tasks can significantly impact patient outcomes. For example, during a particularly busy flu season at my previous clinic, we were overwhelmed with patient appointments and short-staffed. Rather than feeling discouraged, I focused on how providing efficient and compassionate care could ease patients’ concerns during a stressful time.
To maintain motivation, I prioritized my tasks, took brief moments to recharge between appointments, and leaned on my team for support when needed. Seeing the gratitude from patients and knowing I was contributing to their well-being gave me the energy to push through. For me, motivation is about staying connected to the purpose behind my work and finding fulfillment in helping others.”
Why these answers work:
- Specific examples: Both answers include detailed scenarios that demonstrate how the candidate stays motivated in real-life situations.
- Relevance to the role: The examples align with the nature of the jobs (marketing and healthcare), showcasing role-specific motivation.
- Focus on positivity: The answers highlight an optimistic approach to challenges, emphasizing personal growth and the impact of their work.
- Clear strategies: The candidates explain their motivation strategies, such as breaking goals into milestones or staying connected to a sense of purpose, making their responses relatable and actionable.