How to answer this interview question: What motivates you?

FortFunFoSho

Golden Member
Mar 7, 2002
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I got asked this and was like... Hmm... Uhm a lot of things.. Sometimes coffee. Sometimes post-it notes.. Etc.

Any good suggestions on how to respond to this?
 

Conky

Lifer
May 9, 2001
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Tell them you are motivated by "Bling Bling, Cash Money 4 sho!".

Worked for me. :D
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
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How about saying you like making a difference and take pride in your accomplishments? :)
 

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
9,506
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Honesty?

My answer would be something involving how I like networking since I enjoy helping people communicate more effectively but would be more thought out and tactfully worded.

So why are you there? Any reason other than to make money?
 

CrazyDe1

Diamond Member
Dec 18, 2001
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I'd say pride I don't like losing or being 2nd best...that and i'm competitive as hell
Also fear of failing
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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Peter Gibbons: When I make a mistake, I have eight different people coming by to tell me about it. That's my only real motivation is not to be hassled, that and the fear of losing my job. But you know, Bob, that will only make someone work just hard enough not to get fired."
 

T2T III

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
12,899
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Originally posted by: FortFunFoSho
I got asked this and was like... Hmm... Uhm a lot of things.. Sometimes coffee. Sometimes post-it notes.. Etc.

Any good suggestions on how to respond to this?

I don't think the company wants you to feel motivated off of their free coffee. Oh, disregard 90% of the responses in this thread because those answers will get you into trouble. Good answers are as follows: Challenges, feeling appreciated, contriibuting towards the departmental goals, etc.

 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
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81
It's an easy question; the correct answer is to tell the interviewer what he or she wants to hear, such as...

desire to succeed
personal fulfillment
desire to achieve team goals
personal growth

Say it with meaning, and you cannot fail.
 

VBboy

Diamond Member
Nov 12, 2000
5,793
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You should read a book... 100 interview questions, or something like that.. If you couldn't answer this one, a book like that is definitely for you. Just search on google for interview questions book.

Good luck :)
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
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61
whenever I did interviews, the answer I always wanted to hear was, "I am self motivated, but ___________ also motivates me"
but whatever you do, be honest in your answer, if they hire you and you dont back up what you said in your interview you will be out on the street in a heartbeat
 

oboeguy

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 1999
3,907
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Originally posted by: ElFenix
i hate bullsh!t interview questions like that.

Me too. It's ridiculous that you should have to guess at what the interviewer means with such an air-headed, open-ended question.
 

toant103

Lifer
Jul 21, 2001
10,514
1
0
Originally posted by: FortFunFoSho
I got asked this and was like... Hmm... Uhm a lot of things.. Sometimes coffee. Sometimes post-it notes.. Etc.

Any good suggestions on how to respond to this?

did you apply to Walmart?