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 do interviewers ask about motivation?
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 for a recent college grad
“What motivates me most is the opportunity to learn and grow. In my previous internships and college projects, I was excited whenever I had the chance to take on something new and develop new skills. I stay motivated by setting personal goals to continuously improve, whether that’s mastering a new tool or getting better at working in teams. Even on challenging days, I remind myself of the progress I’m making and how each task contributes to my overall growth. In this role, I’m excited to learn from experienced professionals and gain real-world experience, which will keep me driven and engaged.”
Why this works:
This answer highlights the candidate’s enthusiasm for learning and growth—key motivators for recent graduates. It also shows they can stay motivated even when things get tough, by focusing on personal development.
Example #2
“In sales, what really motivates me is the challenge of meeting and exceeding targets. I love the feeling of landing a new client or closing a tough deal—it’s incredibly rewarding. Even on days when things don’t go as planned, I stay motivated by focusing on the next opportunity and setting clear goals for myself. For example, in my last role, I set weekly goals for the number of calls I’d make and prospects I’d connect with. This kept me focused and helped me consistently hit my targets. In this position, I’m excited about working toward bigger sales goals and contributing to the team’s success, which is what will keep me motivated every day.”
Why this works:
This answer is tailored to the sales field, highlighting the candidate’s drive to meet targets and proactive approach to staying motivated. It also touches on resilience, showing that they stay focused even when things don’t go perfectly.