What Motivates You? Best Answers for Job Interviews in Ireland

Why Interviewers Ask "What Motivates You?"

Employers in Ireland use this question to understand your values, work style, and whether you’ll stay motivated in the role long term. It’s not about having the “perfect” answer but showing self-awareness and alignment with the company’s culture.

How to Structure Your Answer

1. Start with your core motivator – e.g. problem-solving, teamwork, achieving goals, or learning new skills.
2. Connect it to the role – show how your motivation will help you succeed in this specific job.
3. Keep it professional – focus on work-related motivations rather than personal ones.
4. Be genuine – employers can tell when you’re giving a generic answer.

5 Example Answers to "What Motivates You?"

Example 1
I’m motivated by solving problems and finding better ways to do things. When I can improve a process or help a team overcome a challenge, it gives me a real sense of achievement.

Example 2
Working with others towards a shared goal motivates me. I enjoy collaborating and supporting teammates, especially when the outcome makes a real difference to the company or customers.

Example 3
Learning new skills motivates me. I like roles where there’s ongoing training or opportunities to take on new responsibilities, because it keeps the work interesting and helps me grow.

Example 4
I’m motivated by seeing results from my work. Whether it’s completing a project on time or meeting a target, knowing that my effort has contributed to success keeps me driven.

Example 5
Helping people motivates me. If my work makes someone’s job easier or provides a better experience for a customer, I find that very rewarding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Saying you’re motivated only by salary or benefits
• Giving an answer unrelated to the role
• Being too vague (e.g. “I just like working hard”)
• Memorising a script instead of sounding natural

Related Resources

• How to Answer: What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?
• How Do You Handle Stress?

FAQ

What motivates you best answer for freshers?
Focus on learning, gaining experience, and contributing to the team. For example: “I’m motivated by the chance to learn quickly and apply what I’ve studied in a real work environment.”

Is it OK to mention money as a motivator?
You can acknowledge that pay is important, but don’t make it your main motivator. Employers in Ireland prefer answers linked to growth, teamwork, or achievement.

How long should my answer be?
Around 1–2 minutes is ideal. Long enough to show thought, but short enough to stay clear and focused.