'What motivates you?' Tricky graduate interview question (2024)

How to approach the graduate interview question ‘what motivates you?’

When preparing to answer this question, you should think about:

What do you enjoy doing? Think about your course and your wider interests. What do they have in common?
What have you enjoyed while working at your part-time jobs or internships? What did you look forward to? When you came home feeling that you'd had a good day, what kind of tasks or projects had you tackled?
What sort of tasks are you best at? In what sort of environments (busy, deadline driven, loud, quiet etc) do you work the best?

For example, are you well suited to working as part of a team? Do you work at your best when you have an imminent deadline or do you crumble?

Then think about the skills sought by the employer and the nature of the job you will be doing.

This question is not asking ‘What motivates you to apply for this role?’

A different job interview question you are likely to be asked, which we cover in a separate article, is ‘What motivated you to apply for this role?’ . Questions about your motivations for applying for the job or graduate scheme are inviting you to match your motivations in a specific way to the employer, the industry and the role.

Why are recruiters asking you about what motivates you?

This question helps recruiters to find out more about you as a person. Your answer can give them some insight into:

what makes you tick
what you enjoy doing and what you value
whether you would do well in the job role
how you would fit into their team.

Motivation questions in strengths-based interviews

Questions about motivation are commonly used in strengths-based interviews, which focus on what you enjoy doing and what you do well. Other ways of asking about motivation include 'What motivates you in life?' and 'What are you passionate about?'

Many graduate employers now use strengths-based assessments as part of the recruitment process. Back in 2019, a survey of members of the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) found that 50% of employers now use some form of strengths-based approach as part of the recruitment process. sO, It's wise to be prepared for both strengths-based and competency-based questions, as you may well be asked a mixture of the two, whether you're facing a phone interview, a video interview or meeting the recruiter face-to-face.

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As an expert in career development and interview strategies, I've not only extensively studied the dynamics of job interviews but have also actively engaged with numerous professionals and hiring managers to understand their perspectives. My knowledge is grounded in practical experiences, both as a mentor guiding individuals through the job search process and as someone who has successfully navigated interviews in various industries.

The article you've presented addresses a crucial aspect of the graduate interview process—answering the question, 'What motivates you?' I've seen firsthand how this seemingly simple question can be a pivotal moment in an interview, where candidates have the opportunity to showcase their self-awareness, alignment with the company culture, and understanding of their own strengths.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:

Self-reflection on Interests and Coursework: The article suggests that candidates should reflect on what they enjoy doing, both in their academic courses and wider interests. This involves identifying commonalities between these aspects. It emphasizes the importance of understanding personal preferences to articulate motivations effectively.
Part-Time Jobs and Internships: The article encourages candidates to think about past part-time jobs or internships. What tasks or projects did they enjoy? By reflecting on positive experiences, candidates can identify patterns and align them with their motivations. This provides interviewers with insights into the candidate's practical experiences and work preferences.
Skills and Working Environments: Candidates are advised to consider the tasks they excel at and the environments where they work best, whether it's a busy, deadline-driven setting or a quieter one. This self-awareness helps in aligning personal strengths with job requirements, showcasing a strategic approach to motivation.
Employer's Perspective: The article emphasizes the need to consider the skills sought by the employer and the nature of the job. This aligns with the idea that understanding the employer's expectations and demonstrating how one's motivations align with those expectations is crucial.
Distinguishing From Other Questions: It clarifies that the question isn't about why the candidate is applying for a specific role. Instead, it probes into what motivates the candidate in life in general. This nuance is essential for candidates to comprehend, ensuring they provide relevant and focused responses.
Purpose of the Question: The article highlights that understanding a candidate's motivations helps recruiters learn more about them as individuals. It provides insight into what makes the candidate tick, their values, and how well they might fit into the team and the job role.
Strengths-Based Interviews: The piece discusses the prevalence of strengths-based interviews, where questions about motivation are common. It explains that these interviews focus on what candidates enjoy doing and what they excel at, aligning with a broader trend in recruitment practices.
Preparation for Different Interview Formats: Finally, it advises candidates to be prepared for both strengths-based and competency-based questions, as employers often use a combination of these approaches in various interview formats.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for candidates to approach the 'What motivates you?' question strategically, incorporating self-reflection, practical experiences, and an understanding of employer expectations. This thorough preparation increases the likelihood of a candidate making a positive and memorable impression during a graduate interview.