essay on motivation for applying for a job

9 Smart Answers to “Why Are You Applying for This Position?”

By Status.net Editorial Team on June 22, 2023 — 14 minutes to read

During a job interview, employers often ask, “Why are you applying for this position?” to understand your motivation for seeking the job. Your answer can showcase your enthusiasm, reveal how well you’ve researched the company, and express your compatibility with the role. Since this is a common interview question, it’s essential to be prepared with a well-thought-out response that effectively communicates your suitability for the job.

Employer’s Perspective

When interviewers ask this question, they want to make sure you have a clear idea of why the position interests you and your understanding of the job responsibilities. They also want to assess if you’ll be a good fit for the company culture and if you’re genuinely interested in working with them. Employers often invest substantial time, money, and effort into training new employees, so they want to ensure you’re not only qualified but also motivated to excel in the role.

Decoding the Language

To properly address the question, you should first break it down into smaller components. Here’s how you can do that:

• Why are you interested in the position? Explain what draws you to the role. Be specific about the aspects of the job that inspire or excite you. For example, you could be attracted by the opportunity to apply your skills, face new challenges, or work within a specific industry.
• Why did you apply to this company? Research the company and find out what makes it stand out from its competitors. Consider the company’s values, goals, culture, product line, or industry reputation. When discussing your interest, align your values and ambitions with the company’s.
• What makes you a good fit for the role? Mention your professional skills, experiences, and accomplishments that uniquely qualify you for the position. Provide examples of how you’ve applied similar skill sets in the past and had success, explaining how your expertise can be beneficial to the company.

Remember to keep your response focused and relevant, highlighting how your qualifications and background align with the job description and the company’s values. Preparing a well-crafted answer demonstrates your confidence, knowledge, and commitment, which can resonate with your interviewer and increase your chances of success in the job interview.

Preparation for the Answer

Research the company.

Dive deep into the company you’re applying to by visiting their website, reading news articles, or exploring their social media presence to better understand their mission, values, and overall organization. This knowledge will allow you to speak passionately about why you want to work there and tailor your answer to perfectly match the company’s vision and goals.

Align with Company Values

Learn about the company culture and their core values. You can then confidently discuss how your own personal values align with theirs, demonstrating that you’re a great fit for the team and company culture. Draw on specific examples that embody these values, such as working collaboratively or a commitment to excellence.

Match Skills and Experience

Take time to thoroughly review the job description and identify the required skills and experience. When preparing your answer, think about how your own skills and experience match the role. Consider mentioning specific projects or work experiences that demonstrate your expertise and knowledge in the field.

Know the Industry

Finally, get familiar with the industry that the company operates in to understand key trends, challenges, and market dynamics. This will enable you to discuss how your experience is relevant and your understanding of the industry, providing additional context to why you are applying for the position. Use this research to display your enthusiasm for the industry, making a strong case for why you’re an ideal candidate for the job.

Constructing Your Answer

Show passion for the role.

When crafting your answer, emphasize your passion for the role. Explain what excites you about it, and how it aligns with your interests. For example, if you love working with numbers and solving financial puzzles, a position as a financial analyst would fuel your passion.

Demonstrate Professional Goals

It’s essential to illustrate how the position fits into your overall career goals. Explain how this job will help you achieve both short-term and long-term objectives. For instance, if you’re a recent marketing graduate looking to gain experience in digital marketing, joining a marketing team that’s known for their online presence can help you grow in that particular field. By connecting the role to your long-term aspirations, you show the employer that you’re serious about your career journey.

Connect Personal Reasons

Personal reasons can also be a strong motivator for why you’re applying for a position. Maybe you’ve admired the company’s culture, or you’re fond of the positive impact their products have on the world. Connecting your personal values to the organization demonstrates that you’re a great fit and share their values. Just be sure to keep it professional and focused on the role.

Explain Motivation for Position

Lastly, it’s important to explain your motivation for the position itself, beyond passion and career goals. You might be drawn to it because of a unique challenge it presents or the opportunities for growth and success it offers. Maybe you’ve researched the company and found that they have a history of promoting from within or providing excellent employee training. By highlighting the motivating factors for the role, you’ll show that you have a clear understanding of what the position entails and are committed to long-term success.

Sample Answers in Different Industries

Tech industry.

Before answering this question in the tech industry, think about the specific company and role you’re applying for. You could say:

“I’m excited by emerging technologies and innovative ways companies like yours are using them. I think my experience in software development and my ability to adapt quickly to new languages make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

Sales Industry

In the sales industry, you should highlight your ambition and focus on targets:

“I’ve always been a competitive person, and I see the sales industry as the perfect place to challenge myself. I’m impressed by your company’s growth and commitment to excellent customer service, and I want to contribute my energy and skills to help maintain and improve your reputation.”

Creative Industries

When applying in the creative industries, you can emphasize your passion and creative vision:

“I’ve always been drawn to the world of design, and I’m impressed by your agency’s diverse portfolio. I believe my unique style and experience in collaboration will make a positive impact on your team and clients.”

Hospitality Industry

In the hospitality industry, service quality is a top priority. A potential answer could be:

“I’ve always had a passion for providing outstanding customer experiences. I think my previous experience in the restaurant business and my friendly, people-oriented personality make me a perfect fit for this hotel front desk position.”

Healthcare Industry

Highlight your dedication to patient care when applying for healthcare positions. You might say:

“I want to work in the healthcare industry because I care deeply about helping others and making a difference in their lives. I was inspired by the level of patient care your facility offers, and I believe my skills as a nurse will align with the high standards you maintain.”

Tailoring Answers to Specific Roles

Let’s explore some common types of roles and how to adjust your reply accordingly:

Management Positions

For management positions, you’ll want to emphasize your ability to lead teams, manage resources, and drive overall performance. Speak to your past experiences in managing others and highlight any successes you’ve had. For example:

“As a manager, I’ve successfully led a team of 12 in increasing sales by 25% year-over-year. I’m applying for this position because I believe my skillset aligns well with the job description and your company’s values.”

Leadership Roles

When applying for leadership roles, focus on your vision, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire and motivate others. Showcase examples of your past accomplishments and how you’ve positively influenced others. You could say:

“I have a passion for leading and inspiring others towards a common goal. In my previous role, I played a key part in developing a new marketing strategy that increased brand awareness by 40%. I am excited about the potential growth opportunities within this organization and believe my strengths align well.”

Individual Contributor Roles

For individual contributor roles, the focus should be on your expertise and specialized skills. Show the interviewer that you understand the technical requirements of the position and how you can contribute to the team’s overall success:

“I’m very excited about this role as it aligns with my past experience working in data analytics and my passion for helping businesses make data-driven decisions. In my previous role, I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, providing insights that helped improve operational efficiency.”

Customer Service Positions

In customer service positions, demonstrate your commitment to excellent service and your ability to create positive experiences for clients or customers. Be sure to mention your patience, active listening skills, and ability to resolve issues effectively. You might say:

“I’m applying for this customer service role because I strive to ensure every customer leaves satisfied, and I believe my communication skills and dedication to problem-solving are a great fit for this position. My experience working in retail has honed my ability to handle difficult situations in a professional and empathetic manner.”

Emphasizing Your Value and Fit

Showcasing relevant skills.

When answering the “Why are you applying for this position?” job interview question, make sure to emphasize your relevant skills. Think about the specific abilities the hiring manager is looking for and how your skills align with their needs. For example, if the job requires strong communication and leadership abilities, explain how your experience in team projects or leading a group demonstrates these qualities. Be sure to offer concrete examples, such as accomplishments or recognition you have received, to support your claims.

Highlighting Previous Experience

Discussing your previous experience is a great way to demonstrate your value and fit for the position. Start by mentioning any past roles or projects that align with the job you’re applying for. Then, focus on the successes and lessons you gained from those experiences. This can help the hiring manager understand the depth of your background and your potential to excel in the role. When possible, quantify your achievements with data or metrics to make a stronger impression.

Mention Benefits You Bring

Remember that your goal is to convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position. One way to do this is by highlighting the unique benefits you bring. Think about what sets you apart from other candidates, such as specialized knowledge, a unique perspective, or a commitment to the company’s values. Be confident in your ability to contribute positively to the team and company, and explain how your strengths will help the organization achieve its goals. By focusing on the value you can provide, you will make a compelling argument for your suitability for the position.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Unfamiliar with the company.

Not knowing much about the company can be a challenge when answering the “Why are you applying for this position?” question. To overcome this, do thorough research on the company before your interview. Look into their mission, values, products, services, and recent news. This knowledge will help you tailor your response to show how you align with the company’s culture and goals.

For example, mention specific aspects of the company’s mission that resonate with you and highlight how your skills and experience can contribute to achieving their objectives.

Changing Industries

Switching industries can present difficulties when explaining why you are applying for a particular position. To tackle this challenge, focus on the skills and experiences that are transferable between industries. Emphasize how your previous experiences have prepared you for this new role, even if it’s in a different industry.

For example, if you previously worked in sales and are now applying for a marketing position, discuss how your ability to build relationships, understand customer needs, and communicate effectively can strengthen their marketing efforts.

First Job or a Career Change

Entering the workforce for the first time or making a significant career change can be intimidating. When asked why you are applying for the position, concentrate on your passion for the field, willingness to learn, and any relevant skills or experiences that have led you down this career path.

For example, if you are a recent graduate pursuing a job in graphic design, talk about your passion for design, how your coursework has prepared you, and any internships or freelance projects you have completed. Even if you lack extensive professional experience, showing enthusiasm and eagerness to grow can make a positive impression.

After you’ve answered the “Why are you applying for this position?” question during your job interview, it’s a great opportunity to ask questions about the role and company. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and your eagerness to learn more.

For example, you might ask about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and how it connects to the organization’s overall objectives. You could also ask about upcoming projects or initiatives that the role will be involved in, to show your enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s goals. Or, you can bring up questions related to career growth, such as opportunities for professional development or how the role might evolve over time. This shows that you’re considering a long-term commitment to the company and are interested in growing as a professional within their organization.

Follow-Up with a Thank You Note

Don’t forget to send a thank-you note after your job interview. This simple gesture can leave a lasting impression on the interviewer and could potentially make the difference between getting the job or being passed over for another candidate.

Your thank-you note should be brief but thoughtful. It should express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reinforce your interest in the position. Make sure to mention specific points from the interview, such as a particular aspect of the role that really excites you or a topic that you enjoyed discussing with the interviewer. Learn more: How to Write a Perfect Thank You Email After an Interview

10 Best Examples & Templates of An Interview Thank You Email

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of a strong response.

A strong response to “Why are you applying for this position?” should highlight your skills and experience related to the job, showcase your genuine interest in the company and role, and demonstrate your motivation to grow and succeed. For example: “I am applying for this position because I have five years of experience in managing marketing campaigns, and I am confident in my ability to help your company reach its sales goals. I am particularly drawn to your mission of promoting sustainable practices and products. This aligns well with my personal values, and I am excited to contribute to the success of your team while working on something I am passionate about.”

How can I emphasize my skills for this position?

To emphasize your skills, identify the key requirements mentioned in the job description, and then use specific examples to show how you meet those requirements. For example: “In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully oversaw a team of 20 people where we completed several projects within tight deadlines and under budget. This experience has given me excellent organizational and leadership skills, which I believe are essential for this position as a team lead. Additionally, I have strong communication abilities that have been invaluable in fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts.”

What points should I avoid when answering this question?

Here are some points to avoid when answering this question:

• Giving a generic response or universal statement
• Focusing too much on job perks or personal gains like salary, benefits, or work-life balance
• Talking negatively about a previous employer or experience

How to tailor my answer to the company and job?

Research the company’s values, culture, and mission, and highlight aspects of the role or company that truly excite or resonate with you. Link your skills and experiences to specific requirements of the job and how they will benefit the company. For example: “While researching your company, I discovered that workplace diversity and inclusion are vital to your culture. I have been an active participant in my previous organizations’ diversity initiatives and am excited to continue contributing to this important work. Plus, I am proficient in the use of the software tools listed in the job description for this role, which will allow me to get up to speed quickly and add value to your team.”

What ways can I showcase genuine interest in this position?

To showcase genuine interest in the position, be enthusiastic, and demonstrate knowledge about the company, its industry, and the specific role. Mention any personal experiences that have led you to be drawn to the opening. For example: “My personal passion for sustainable living aligns perfectly with your company’s mission. I have been a customer of your products for years and was excited when I discovered this opportunity to join your team. With my experience in marketing, I am eager to contribute to growing your brand and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.”

How to convey my motivation and enthusiasm effectively?

To convey your motivation and enthusiasm effectively, use positive language and share relevant experiences that showcase your passion for the field, company, or role. Be authentic and sincere in your expressions, highlighting how the opportunity will enable both personal growth and contributions to the company’s success. For example: “Working on a team that’s at the forefront of innovation in the healthtech industry is truly exciting for me. I believe that your company is an ideal environment for me to grow as a software engineer while contributing to the development of cutting-edge solutions that can have a considerable positive impact on people’s lives.”

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Motivation Letter Writing Guide + Examples for 2024

Writing a motivational letter can be nerve-wracking.

When presented with the question of “Why would you like to be part of this organization?” you find yourself staring at a blank page, thinking of how to correctly word “ I'm passionate about going to college so I don’t starve to death. ”

Two hours and three coffees in, you’ve scrolled through your Facebook newsfeed (twice), watched one episode of the last season of Game of Thrones, sent angry tweets to its creators, and donated for the knee surgery of two dogs. You go back to your open Word doc and you have only managed to write: “This organization seems like fun” or “I’ll totally be a great fit” . 

You know you are not this generic or basic. You’re a capable guy or gal who has a lot to offer and there are genuine reasons behind your decision to apply.

It’s just hard to put it into words… And we get that!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a motivation letter that gets you accepted anywhere.

• What a Motivational Letter Is (And Why It Matters)

How to Structure a Motivational Letter

• How to Write a Motivational Letter [+Some Helpful Tips to Get Those Ideas Out of Your Head and Into the Paper]
• How (and Why) to Create a Motivational Letter With Novorésumé

What is a Motivational Letter and Why it Matters?

A motivational letter is a one-page letter that’s used to describe why you are the perfect candidate for a certain position . It is usually attached to your resume . 

You are required to write a motivational letter in these 4 specific scenarios...

• You are applying to get admitted to an educational program at a college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate).
• You are applying to work at a non-profit organization.
• You are applying as a volunteer in an organization.
• You’re applying for an internship in a company.

The motivational letter shouldn’t be confused with a cover letter , the purpose of which is to highlight how specific information on your resume matches a job opening. Think of a cover letter as the introduction to your resume for a hiring manager and your motivational letter as the powerful closing sales pitch for a university or non-profit. 

So why exactly does the motivational letter matter? You’re a doer more than a talker: you’ve listed everything there is to know about you on your resume. That should be enough, right? Wrong! 

All organizations are looking for people who genuinely want to be there and are excited about what they do. The intent should be your driving motivation! 

Writing a good motivational letter can be an absolute game-changer. It can provide a boost for your resume , but also make up for lacking required skills.

A good motivational letter is a one-pager where you introduce yourself, your story, and show your interest in the position or organization you are applying to.

There are two main ways to structure your motivational letter:

• Using the classic 3 main paragraphs structure , where your motivational letter has the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
• Using the 5-7 paragraph structure , where you divide your main body paragraph into smaller 1-3 sentence paragraphs according to the main points.

Now, which one do YOU go for? The rule of thumb is if you want to be more factual and to the point, go for the 7-paragraph structure. This way, you can use each body paragraph to discuss specific achievements or points.

If, on the other hand, you’re going for a more story-telling approach, you’d go for the 3 paragraph option, so as not to break the flow of the story.

The Structure of a Motivational Letter

Whichever structure you go for, it should consist of 3 main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s what to include in each one:

Introduction: A short, engaging pitch about yourself and why you are applying. Here, you can include:

• Personal information. Who are you and what do you do?
• What are you applying for? Where?
• An intro to the bulk of your essay. Mention the general reason on why you’re applying, and then deep-dive in the bulk of your motivational letter.

And of course, don’t forget to mention contact information on top.

For example:

To: School/Organization Name

First Name Last Name

[email protected]

Phone Number

Relevant Social Media (LinkedIn, Quora, GitHub, etc.)

Dear [Name of The Contact Person] , 

My name is [Your name] and I would like to express my interest in applying for the Doctoral program in political science at [University Name] . I’ve always dreamed of becoming a politician and helping give back to my country, and I believe that a Ph.D. in politics from [University Name] would set me miles ahead to reaching my goal.

Body of the Motivational Letter: this is the main bulk of your motivational letter. This is where you really sell yourself, mentioning stories behind your achievements, skills, and passion for whatever you’re applying for.

Try to be as factual as possible - anyone that frequently reads motivational letters can tell made-up stories from the real ones. When possible, you can also use metrics to back up your qualifications.

Things You Can Mention in Your Motivational Letter: 

• My passion for ______ started when ______. 
• I want to ______ because ______. 
• I have been part of _________ for ___ months/years. It’s the best thing for me because _______. 
• I remember once when I ________, which made me realize that I _______.
• _______ resonates with me because _________.
• What distinguishes me from my peers is __________.

I developed my passion for Online Marketing during my internship at [company name] . Working in a small startup allowed me to get surface-level experience in most digital marketing channels. Now, I would like to deep-dive and gain advanced know-how by attending the [university name] program in Digital Marketing.

Conclusion: 

Finally, you can wrap up the motivational letter and send it in. In this section, you can:

• Briefly summarize your main points - “ I believe I’d be a good fit for the program because of __________ ”
• Mention your overarching goal - “I’d love to be a part of _______, as it would allow me to ___________.”
• Thank the reader and conclude the motivational letter

Now that you know how to structure a motivational letter, let’s move on to the contents!

How to Write a Motivational Letter 

So how do you write a motivational letter that stands out from the pool of applicants? The way to avoid generalizations and add depth to your motivational letter is by tailoring it to the specific organization and program/position you are applying to:

• When writing a motivational letter, you want to make sure you know what and where you are applying to. Find out who is in charge of deciding your fate and address them directly in your opening remarks as Dear Mrs. Smith .
• Look at the program requirements and the institution’s website. Find out the top three requirements for the position and explain how you are the best candidate.
• Demonstrate that you share the organization’s values or are exceptionally qualified through a short story or personal examples. Be specific.
• Your motivational letter should demonstrate that you really want to be there! There is a fine line between pleading and showing intelligent interest while also selling yourself. State specific reasons, demonstrate knowledge and express passion for applying to the institution or organization without showing off or begging.
• DO NOT LIE! If you write anything remotely untrue, your reader will sense it. Unconsciously, we inflate feelings and ideas when we lie. If you tell a fake story or inflate your excitement or achievements, you will be put into the “lying Pinnochio pile” . Consider your case rested and your application denied.

Questions to Answer in Your Motivational Letter [+Possible Answers]

• I would love to live in [ location of organization ], because ________. 
• It is my dream to be part of [ name of program ], because _________.
• The values [ name of institution ] is based on are: [ three general values stated on their website ]. I have demonstrated _____ because I have ______ especially in ______. I also practice ______ in my professional or working life by __________. 
• Requirement: Minimum 2 years of volunteering experience

I volunteered in Africa for three years. It’s one of my most fulfilling experiences because I am passionate about helping others and came out a better person. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

• Requirement: Passionate about research

I would pick a sleepless night conducting research instead of a night out anytime. I spend most of my mornings reading the last edition of the Journal of Marketing. I have worked on three separate research studies during my time at Colorado University.

• Requirement: 3,80 GPA

Achieving a Magna Cum Laude required a lot of hard work and dedication, but education has been my biggest passion in life, so there was more joy than pain in the process!

Answer some/all of these questions in a compelling way that’s true to you and your experience, then turn them into a cohesive text. 

An Example of a Great Motivational Letter 

We’ll demonstrate how to write an awesome and inspiring motivational letter through Jane’s letter to the admissions team of Harvard University below. She is applying for a Ph.D. in the department of Political Science. 

The general requirements are : being research inclined, a demonstrated passion for Politics, and an above average performance during undergraduate studies. 

The values of the university are integrity, education, respect, and accountability.

She’s using the three paragraph structuring method.

You can see how Jane highlights through personal stories:

• That she knows the history of the university and shares the same values
• That she’s genuinely excited and passionate about the program and the school
• What her qualifications are and how they’ll be a great fit for the program
• What she hopes to achieve if given the opportunity to study at Harvard

The same rules and spirit apply to non-university related motivational letters as well. 

You can easily notice that Jane has essentially given a personal story of all his qualifications. After reading this letter, the admissions team will feel like they know Jane, and this is what you should also aim to do: communicate who you are through highlighting your story tailored to the institution and program you are applying for.

How (and why) to Create a Motivational Letter with Novorésumé

Now that you know how to write a motivational letter, you can decide on how it looks.

A black and white letter sheet with Times New Roman, 12-pt font size might be great for a formal document, but it does not make you stand out in the pile of grey applications.

How can you appear professional without being boring? Novorésumé's motivational letter templates and intuitive editor add the tinge of personality that you’d need to stand out from the rest. 

So, let’s sum up everything we’ve covered in this post:

• A motivational letter is a formal letter which you need to write if you’re applying for university/college admissions, a non-profit, or a volunteering institution. Job applications usually require a cover letter instead.
• There are two ways to structure a motivational letter: in three paragraphs (introduction, body, conclusion) or in 5-7 paragraphs (where each paragraph highlights a different point).
• Introduce yourself and your intent in the introduction, describe and highlight your experiences in the body, and thank the reader for his/her consideration in the conclusion.
• Do your research, show genuine interest, and never, ever lie.
• If you want your motivational letter to stand out, Novorésumé takes the cake!

A motivational letter is always attached to a resume. Want to also make that stand out from the rest? 

Read our guide on how to create an impressive resume and submit it with your awesome motivational letter to get accepted anywhere!

Our motivation letter templates are created to mirror the resume templates and CV templates , which is critical when creating a job application. Choosing the same templates, fonts, colors will improve your personal brand and increase your chances of being called for an interview.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Write a Resume
• Cover Letter Examples
• +150 Best Skills to Put On Your Resume
• Resume Examples - Per Industry

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How to Write a Motivation Letter With Examples

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Have you ever heard of a motivation letter? It’s a powerful tool to help you snag that dream job and it’s becoming increasingly popular. 

Let’s dive into what exactly a motivation letter is, when it’s best to use one, and how to write it. And don’t worry, we’ve got some inspiring examples to share with you too!

What Is a Motivation Letter?

So, what is a motivation letter , you ask? Well, it’s a short letter that explains why you’re the perfect fit for a job. We’re talking just one page here. It’s your chance to highlight your achievements and showcase your interests.

Typically, you’ll attach a motivation letter to your resume when you apply for a job. But that’s not all. You can use it in other situations, like applying to a college or university, an educational program, an internship, or even a volunteer role.

Now, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that what a cover letter is for?” Great question! There are indeed similarities and differences between these two documents. We’ll break it down for you in just a bit.

Motivation Letter vs. Cover Letter

Now, let’s talk about cover letters and motivation letters. They might seem pretty similar at first glance—both are 1 page or less and go along with your resume and application. Their goal? To impress the hiring manager and make them seriously consider your application.

But here’s the scoop: there’s one key difference between these two types of letters.

Cover letters dive into the nitty-gritty, with specific examples of how your education, skills, job experience, and achievements perfectly align with the job requirements. They concentrate on highlighting your work experience.

On the flip side, motivation letters take a broader approach . Instead of focusing on specifics, they showcase your interests, personality traits, and the reasons behind your application. They’re great when you don’t have much relevant experience to share. We’ll dig into this more in the next section.

See? Cover letters and motivation letters each have their own superpower. Let’s discover how to make the most of motivation letters for your dream job!

The best cover letter templates

When to Use a Motivation Letter

As mentioned above, if you lack experience directly related to the position you want, a motivation letter can be a real game-changer. It’s perfect for those entry-level roles you’re aiming for.

1. Motivation Letter for University

Now, let’s dive into some specific situations. When it comes to applying to university, your application alone might not fully capture your passion and excitement. That’s where a motivation letter jumps in to save the day.

Use it as a platform to highlight your special connections with the university, why you’ve always dreamed of attending that specific school , or why you’d be an amazing fit for their programs. Show them the real you!

2. Motivation Letter for Job

And when it’s time to land your very first entry-level job , you might not have the work experience to boast about on your resume just yet. But don’t worry! Your enthusiasm and unique qualities can shine through in your motivation letter. It’s all about what makes you stand out from the crowd.

3. Other Times to Use Motivation Letters

Here’s something super cool: motivation letters aren’t limited to just education or employment. They can work their magic for other opportunities too. Just imagine the impact a motivational letter could have on your application for a volunteer position or an internship. It could be a total game-changer.

How to Format a Motivation Letter

The structure of a motivation letter is very important because it helps you present your ideas and showcase your desire to make a real impact in a new company. 

In this section, we’ll dive into the key parts of a motivation letter: the introduction, body, and conclusion. But that’s not all! We’re also here to guide you on what to include in each section, so you can create a compelling, well-formed letter.

Introduction and Recipient Information

Starting your motivation letter with a professional salutation is the way to go. It shows that you mean business. Make sure to address the recipient by their name and title if you have that information. It adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve done your homework.

But if you don’t have the recipient’s name, don’t stress. You can use a general salutation like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s totally okay and still professional.

Next comes the introduction. It’s all about giving a brief introduction of yourself and stating the purpose of the letter. Are you applying for a job, internship, or scholarship? Let them know! Keep it concise and to the point.

Write a letter to tell why you want the job and what makes you good for it. Split the body into 2 or 3 paragraphs so it’s easy to read.

• Why you want the job : In the first part, tell why you want the job. Say what you like about the company and how the job fits your plans.
• What you can do : In the next part, talk about what you can do. Share things you’ve done before that show you’re right for the job. Use real examples to show your skills.

Finish your motivation letter layout by going over what you said and showing how excited you are about the job .

Let them know you’re ready to talk more and give them a way to contact you. Close your letter with words like “Sincerely” and then put your name.

A well-structured letter, with attention to detail, effectively presents your eagerness and qualifications for the position.

How to Write a Motivation Letter

If you find resume and cover letter writing, a challenge, you might feel that motivation letters are intimidating as well. The good news is, they don’t have to be!

Create a Motivation Letter Template

Now you know how a motivation letter should look. Let’s get into the details. 

To know exactly how to write a motivation letter for a job application it’s really important to include all the necessary details. It should be like a regular business letter . Keep it professional and follow the usual format. 

Use the steps below to show why you’re the best for the job.

• Use a template : A motivation letter template can help you write better and not miss anything. 
• Your address : Put your address at the top or just above the date. Only add your street, city, state, and zip. No need for your name here. 
• Date : Write the full date, like “April 6, 2023.” 
• Who you’re writing to : Write the person’s title, name, and address. Make sure it’s all correct. 
• Greeting : Start with “Dear” and the person’s name or title, like “Dear Mr. Smith.” Use a colon after. 
• What to say : Split your letter into short parts. Start by stating the position or program you are interested in, then explain your motivations. Highlight your qualifications, skills, and relevant experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Be specific and provide examples or anecdotes that support your claims.
• End your letter : Finish with words like “Sincerely” or “Thank you.” This shows you’re thankful for their time. 
• Sign it : If it’s a paper letter, leave space to sign your name. If it’s an email, you don’t need this space.

Always type your full name on the letter, whether it’s on paper or email. This shows it’s really from you and you agree with what’s written. 

If you send other documents with your letter, like a resume, say so in the letter. Write something like “Enclosures: Resume, Application.” 

In emails, just say you’ve added attachments below your name or in the letter.

Motivation Letter Writing Tips

You can use the following tips as a checklist to make sure your letter is the best it can be.

• Use the hiring manager’s name : If you don’t know it, look on the company’s website or call them. If you’re not sure about their gender, just use their job title or full name without “Mr.” or “Dr.” 
• Don’t just repeat your resume in the letter : Instead, add the things that didn’t fit in your resume. 
• Use action verbs : to make your letter lively. 
• Include resume keywords . The company might pass both your resume and letter through an applicant tracking system (ATS).
• Don’t sound too eager or make things up : They’ll find out if you’re not honest. 
• At the end, include why you’re right for the job and what you hope to learn. Last, ask them to contact you or say you hope to talk soon. 
• Check your letter for mistakes : Use tools like Grammarly to help.

Enhance your content with our pre-defined cover letters

Do you need help writing your cover letter? Select the category that corresponds to your professional profile to access our pre-defined texts.

Our suggestions enable you to obtain a compelling letter tailored to your profession quickly and easily.

Motivation Letter Sample

Motivation letters are used for many reasons, so they can vary significantly. You can change the example in this section to fit your needs. 

The motivation letter example below is about an entry-level job for Raul. He hasn’t held a paying job before, but he highlights experiences that might not be on his resume.

123 Address Street

Anywhere, USA 33333

September 10, 2022

ABC Company

456 Workplace Lane

Dear Mr. Smith:

As a first-generation university student, I am looking for a position that will enable me to pay my tuition while making allowances for my class schedule. When I saw your job listing for a weekend Customer Service Representative on the campus information board, I felt that we would be a perfect fit for each other’s needs.

While my on-the-job experience is limited, I have a great deal of experience in dealing with customers. Throughout my teenage years, I have helped out in the family business, a small convenience and souvenir store at the heart of a tourist district.

My duties there were often public-facing, arranging items for sale and assisting customers in finding what they needed. I always did my best to help customers leave with smiles on their faces, even going above and beyond what might be expected. This resulted in many 5-star reviews for the business on Tripadvisor and Google.

Thank you for your consideration. I’d be happy to speak with you in person or via phone to discuss the position and my qualifications further.

With gratitude:

Raul Ascencio

The following motivation letter example concerns an  academic program.  Sue is a high school senior seeking a summer internship after graduation. Her letter is imbued with a passion for the field as well as its relationship to her career goals.

March 1, 2023

Cindy Diver

Caribbean Coral Restoration Project

789 Coastal Road

Nassau, Bahamas

Dear Dr. Diver,

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to do something to help reverse the damage humans have caused to our planet. For that reason, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to apply to the Caribbean Coral Restoration Project summer program.

Though I come from a landlocked state, I received my open water scuba certification from SDI last August. Training took place in a flooded quarry in Pembroke, Kentucky. I look forward to taking my first “real” oceanic open water dive in the warm waters near your research station.

During my high school education, I have pursued as many ecological opportunities as possible. I participated in the 4-H Club’s Wildlife Judging Team for four years, twice winning regional competitions. I also keep an action camera as a constant companion, participating in citizen science projects such as iNaturalist and Cornell University’s annual bird count.

I have been accepted into State University’s biology program, beginning next fall. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in biology, I plan to pursue my master’s in marine biology. I hope to start that part of my journey with real field experience under my belt. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information. My application and resume are enclosed.

Key Takeaways

With the correct format and style, you can create a motivation letter that can win over any recruiter. To do so remember the key points that were addressed in this guide.

• Motivation letters can effectively be used in place of cover letters when you have little experience or are applying to a university, internship, or volunteer program.
• Use professional business letter formats.
• Address your motivations and qualifications clearly in the body of your letter.
• Express your personality, passions, and motivations.

Ensuring your letter is written in this style will boost your chances whether you’re an entry-level employee or an experienced worker.

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How to Write a Motivation Letter for Job Application with a Sample

A motivation letter for a Job is also known as the letter of motivation for employment, a motivational letter for a job offer, a cover letter, etc. For now, we will use the terms motivation letter and cover letter.  They are similar concepts.  A cover letter is typically for a job, and a motivation letter can be used for several purposes. The motivation letter is nothing more than a general letter that is attached to any other document or application to accompany them, like your resume or curriculum vitae. It gives you a chance to tell your story and hopefully show the hiring manager or recruiter why you would make a great candidate.

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links . If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Getting the Most out of Fiverr

For a job, a motivation letter is very similar to a cover letter. Your goal is to write a letter explaining why you would make a great candidate for the hiring manager or team. An important consideration when applying for a job is that with each step, of course, you want to get hired, but you are trying to stand out from your competition and move to the next step in the process.

A motivation letter for a job application is included with your resume when you submit it. The resume includes your work history, education, etc. The motivation letter tells you more about yourself and why you are a great candidate.

You might hear and read discussions about why the cover letter is dead and see statistics showing as few as 18% of recruiters read. Other studies show the numbers as much higher, with as many as three-quarters of hiring managers reading them if they are included. Given that only about a third of applicants send them in, just because you took the time to send in a motivational letter for a job application, you can stand out. Write an outstanding one that improves your chances of being hired.

Motivation letters and cover letters also give you the chance to explain things that might be different about your background. This can be very helpful when your application doesn’t look as strong as it might with more color in your story.

For example, a motivation letter for a job application can be used to do things like

• Explain Gaps in Your Work History – Maybe you took time off to care for a sick relative, hike across the Himalayas, or just find yourself. These things could appear in a job application as something to avoid, but a good motivation letter and explanation can make these strengths. They can make great stories and have great discussions in an interview. They can also make a recruiter or hiring manager curious to hear more.
• Explain Why You Are Changing Careers – If you have been down one career path and are now exploring another, this is something you might need or want to explain more.
• Describe Your Career Objectives – Showing your drive and ambition can be very exciting for a recruiter or hiring manager.
• Highlight Personal and Professional Achievements – A great motivation letter can be a good opportunity to talk about accomplishments that can help you be a better candidate or that explain you as a person and your goals.

Whatever your motivation, a motivation letter for your job application is a great opportunity to highlight and describe you as a person, a candidate, and your history. You can tell them in your own words why they should hire you and why you would make a great candidate. A job application and a resume can’t do that for you.

10 Sample Motivation Letters for Job Applications

This is a set of ten sample job motivation letters for you to use in creating a powerful motivation letter for that dream job.

Motivation Letter for Job Opening

This is an editable version of our Motivation Letter for a Job .  Use this version to customize the letter for your situation.  Make sure to show your strengths and why you would make a great candidate for the position.

The basic purpose behind writing a motivational letter is to persuade the recruiter or hiring manager that you are suitable for the job you are applying for. It also denotes your skills and knowledge, which can help HR to select you for the applied position. Many people cannot differentiate between a cover letter and a motivational letter they feel that they both are similar, but there is a huge difference between both of them.

How to Write a Motivation Letter for Job Application

The first thing we need to do is to determine what a recruiter or hiring manager is looking for. This will allow us to write the best motivation letter for your job application. You want to start by looking at the job, its requirements and its responsibilities and see how you compare.

1. Determine the Job Expectations – Learn About the Job

Any job description should have a list of the requirements for the job. Go through these and write them down. This gives you an idea of what the hiring manager is looking for.

When you read through the list of job duties, are there any other requirements or suggestions included? Write these down as well.

Lastly, go onto LinkedIn or just search the internet for people with similar positions at this or other companies. Look through their background and write down any education, job experiences, or other traits that you find common to them.

You now have a list of things that a hiring manager may be looking for.

Which Traits Do You Have?

Write down in a few words how you meet any of the requirements. These could be personality traits, education, job experience, or even personal or volunteer experiences.

Review your CV or resume and look for accomplishments, projects, responsibilities, or other activities in your background that can help show that you are the right person for the job.  You want to make as long a list as possible.

Why Do You Want the Job?

Write down why you want the job and what you hope to achieve. Consider your life experiences, personal goals, interests, and motivations.

Research the Company

Research the company and try to understand the candidates they look for, their history, and their achievements. These might also weigh in on why you want the job or why you are good for the job.

2. Start Writing Your Motivation Letter for Job Application

A good technique for writing your letter is a five-paragraph strategy. It should be one page because many recruiters won’t read more than that anyway. This is where our work begins because we need to get everything that we just wrote down into about five paragraphs:

• Introduction – This is usually pretty straightforward, introducing yourself. You need to include the position and company name. If you want, you can include one or two sentences about your excitement about the position.
• Body – This is the meat of the letter. Usually, in three paragraphs, you can usually cover how you are a great candidate, any unusual or explanatory portions, and any unique background items or your future goals.
• Conclusion – Close the letter with a thank you, and your excitement, and you can include a respectful call to action. “You can call me at … to discuss more how I can contribute to the team.”

Sometimes, it’s easiest to write the cover letter out of order.  Start with the body, showing why you think you are a strong candidate or explaining gaps.  Then, you can circle back to the introduction and conclusion with a one or two-sentence summary of your body.

It’s a good idea to start with an outline before you start writing.

Letter Structure

You want to keep your letter to one page.  Typically, this will mean one short paragraph each for the introduction and conclusion and then one to three paragraphs for the body.  So, three to five paragraphs is a fairly normal letter.  More than one page, and the recruiter isn’t likely to read the second page (and maybe not that far.)  You want to get their attention quickly. They are busy and won’t read much.

It’s also a good idea to address the letter to someone.  Usually, this will be the recruiter or the hiring manager.  A letter labeled “to whom it may concern” or other generic addresses doesn’t make a strong connection with a reader.  It’s not horrible, but much better to address it with someone.

Even though we call this a motivation letter or cover letter, it’s not always a letter these days.  You might send an email.  We include a letter format because many of us rarely send written letters and we want to help you with that.  There are just a few small changes to change it to an email.

• Use the Same Verbiage – You can use the same letter for the letter itself. 
• Remove the Addressing – Do not send the whole letter as an email. Remove any address blocks. 
• Send Separate Emails – You may have a couple of email addresses.  Don’t send one motivation letter for a job application to multiple people simultaneously.  Send separate emails and address them separately. So, send one to Mrs. Smith, one to Mr. Amat, etc.  Change the greeting each time.  You might even make some introduction changes if you’ve spoken to anyone.

Overall, the changes are minor but important when you send a cover letter as an email.

Introduction

The introduction is a simple paragraph.  You want a few sentences introducing yourself and the position that you are applying to. You can also include one or two sentences summarizing your strengths for the position.

The body does most of the work for the letter.  Start by reviewing the information you gathered above.  Then write 1-3 paragraphs on why you are a great candidate for this position.   You can include past work experience, past projects, or other similar achievements.  It’s terrific to show how you can do the job rather than send another version of your CV.  Stories and other ways to connect with the reader or great.  

You may also need to include any information on things that may cause questions on your CV.  For example, if you have a gap in your work history or are applying for a job that is completely different from what you’ve had in the past.  Explain the context and an explanation for these inconsistencies in your work history.  Your goal here is to get an interview where you can explain these things in more depth.

“ I had to take a year off to take care of my mother.  She was terminally ill for a little over a year.  My siblings and I each took turns with her but I was the only one without a family and I had the ability to take more time off.  While it meant I couldn’t work full-time, now that she has passed, this is time that I would never be able to make up for and I’ll treasure the time I had with her.  I did everything I could to stay up on our industry during that time, reading about current events and I even did a couple of small contractor projects to keep my skills up.  I’m looking forward to getting back at the work that I love.”

3. Review Your Letter

Before sending your letter, read it carefully for any typos, grammatical mistakes, or inconsistencies. Any experience you mention in your motivation letter needs to match what’s on your application. You also want to ensure that your letter makes sense and is ready to go.

Typos and grammatical mistakes can harm you instead of help you. It reflects badly on your work ethic and your attention to detail. You don’t want that to happen, so review your letter carefully. It can be a good idea to have someone else read it who hasn’t been staring at it for hours. We tend to fix the mistakes in our minds.

A great tool for this is Grammarly . Grammarly is a tool that takes the spell checking of Word or Google and makes it much better. It checks for common grammatical mistakes and common word confusion (e.g., “there” versus “there.” That’s in the free version! If English is not your primary language or you aren’t a strong writer, it might be worth looking at Grammarly Premium. It will also help you with the tone of your writing, improved phrasing, and readability. Well worth checking out!

Above all else, ensure that your letter is honest and backed up by your CV or resume. You may be asked about it in the interview.  It’s okay to put yourself in a positive light, that is expected, but you need to be honest.  Anything that isn’t true is likely to show up in an interview; even if they can’t prove that it’s not true, it can cause a recruiter to doubt you.

Download Motivation Letter For Job in PDF

Apart from this, a cover letter is only used when you apply for any job. While sending your CV, you need to present a cover letter also in which you state the position for which you are going to apply and have to explain why you are suitable for the applied position. In short, a cover letter answers the question, “Why you.” So this is the basic difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter. In this article, we have tried to guide you to make writing your motivation letter for a job easier.  Writing a cover letter can be tough; getting started is the hardest part .  Our goal is to help you out with that.

This is not the only way to write a cover letter.  Some other views and strategies work.  You need a method to help you write an effective cover letter for your job application.  That’s our goal here. Good luck with your job hunt. Please let us know how it goes.  

Other Resources to Help With Your Motivation Letter for a Job

We have written this guide to help you write your letter.  Sometimes, we get asked for more help from our readers.   Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources for that, but we want to give you any help we can.

We offer a template for a motivation letter for a job application that you can download and use to get started. It has a good format that you can use. It works in Microsoft Word format and in Google Docs. We’ve designed it to be very easy and very affordable.

Probably the best resource we have found for such help is to look on  Fiverr  to hire someone.  Fiverr is a marketplace where you can hire someone for a specific project.  They offer different projects at set prices that you can hire them for.   This link  will take you to a search for freelancers that do motivation letters specifically.  We can’t offer any specific names on there because the freelancers change.  We do have an article that gives you some pointers on finding the right person for you, though.

Example Motivation Letter for a Job – Example

Below is a sample motivation letter we created to help you get started. We also offer an editable version here .

This is to help you with the format and concept. You can use this to get started.

Download Sample Motivation Letter for Job Application PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get started writing a motivational letter for a job application.

We offer a template to help you get started. It’s intended to help give you some ideas and a format to start. You will want to write down all the ways that you meet the job requirements and why you would make an outstanding candidate. You can also purchase a sample motivation letter for job application in Word format here .

I’m a Horrible Writer. How Can I Write the Best Motivational Letter for a Job Application?

You can certainly use our template and our guidance. We have also found Fiverr to have some great resources to help you write an amazing motivational letter for a job.

Motivation Letter for a Job Summary

We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on writing a motivation letter for a job application.

Our goal was to provide you with the best guidance and resources we could when you need to write the best motivational letter for a job application. We’ve provided you with a sample motivation letter in pdf format and you can also download a Word/doc version of the sample motivation letter.

For even more options, we also introduced a collection of the best motivation letters for a job to let you look at many example motivation letters and pick what works best for you.

We have also introduced you to some great resources like Grammarly to help you with your writing or Fiverr where you can hire someone to write that motivation letter for you.

With all of these resources, we hope that we have set you up for the best chance possible for your job hunt. Good luck!

Related posts:

• Motivation Letter for Students Samples
• Using ChatGPT To Write a Motivation Letter (and other AI too)
• How to Write a Motivation Letter for an Artist – With Sample
• How to Write an Amazing Motivation Letter for a Teacher Position

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How to write a successful motivational letter - Easy to use guide with free templates

Most university courses, from undergraduate degrees onwards, expect a fair bit from applicants. Not only does each course have set academic requirements and forms to fill out; most applicants will also be asked to provide examples of their work, a CV, and even undertake special course-specific preparatory exams. Many masters courses – especially some very competitive ones, like the top MBA s – encourage applicants to obtain letters of recommendation from senior colleagues or academic supervisors. Atop this sheaf of papers sits the most intimidating prospect of all: the motivational letter.

      Free Motivation letter templates for your first job application

      Free Motivation letter templates for an internship application

A motivational letter, also known as a personal statement or a cover letter, is a short piece of writing all about you; your past, your ambitions, your personality, and your interests. While completing CVs and forms can be a little dry and boring, motivational letters can be hard to write . The combination of needing to produce such an intimate piece of writing, worded in such a way that it comes across as both authentic and professional, and then using it to sell yourself to a university, creates the perfect recipe for social awkwardness and writer’s block.

Despite the difficulty of writing a decent motivational letter, it’s a fundamental skill in today’s jobs market – once you leave full-time education, you’ll need to write motivational letters to potential employers . With this in mind, writing a motivational letter for a masters degree is excellent practice. Below, we’ve prepared a couple of fail-safe techniques you can apply to writing a motivational letter so that it won’t either sound sterile or arrogant, and will help you stand out from the crowd.

Cover the basics: The central function of a motivational letter is to convince the admissions team at the university of your choice to offer you a place, or invite you to interview. Make sure that the letter is structured in such a way that it serves this purpose – it is usual to conclude a motivational letter by asking directly that you be admitted or invited for interview, depending upon what the next step of the admissions process is. Equally important is the calibre of your written language; if your motivational letter is riddled with grammatical errors or spelling mistakes, or doesn’t make sense, the university will almost certainly refuse to admit you. A great starting point is to look at some templates for motivational letters in your chosen field, to see how they are structured, and what key points you need to cover.

Get personal: A standard for all cover letters – including those for job-seekers – is that you must address your letter to a specific person. For your masters course, it could be the Head of Department, or the academic staff member responsible for your masters study programme . If you will be working closely with an academic supervisor – as with most research degrees – your cover-letter should be addressed to the academic you’d prefer to supervise you. Use the university’s website to figure out who the right person is, and address the letter to them using their name and title.

Show, don’t tell: This is true of CVs, and is true of motivational letters too. “I am a good leader” sounds a lot weaker than “I led a group of my fellow students on a week long climbing expedition, where we successfully…”. Avoid any overly ambiguous statements, as these can diminish the confidence the admissions team may have in your motivations. Also, make sure not to show things twice – if you’ve discussed something extensively in your CV, don’t dwell on it in your motivational letter.

Do your research: Academic institutions often have a lot to say about their values, priorities and vision. What’s your target institution’s motto? Do they prioritise sports , arts , or something else? Do they have a statement of values? How do you reflect these things? The most important question to think about in relation to these things – why is it that you want to go here? Weaving your knowledge of these things into your letter is a great way to assure admissions tutors that your choice to study at their institution is an informed one.

Be specific: One of the biggest problems at application is that candidates don’t adequately explain why it is they want to study what they’ve applied for. Remember, you’ve got to explain your choice of subject, and your choice of institution. Not just “Why Biology ?” but “Why Biology at this university?” If you don’t yet have answers to this question, then it is well worth going through the University’s website again, to work out what inspired you to take the next step, and apply for your chosen course.

Write a story: People love stories. They like to be taken on a journey, and brought to a satisfying conclusion. A list of superlatives or accomplishments is nowhere near as compelling as an epic story that weaves all that you’ve done into a coherent account, that supports the choice you’ve made to apply. Like all stories, make sure your motivational letter has a clear beginning, a middle, and an end . These should all follow logically on from one another, so that the reader is left feeling convinced of the suitability of your chosen course and institution, to your skills, experience, and goals.

Be interesting: This is without doubt the most important feature of a motivational letter – you absolutely must capture the reader’s interest. If you come across as boring (or worse, bored) on paper, it’s much less likely that you’ll get a positive reply. But furthermore, the interest you express has got to be personal, and it must relate directly to your motives . It’s absolutely no use whatever to produce some bland, boring page or two about hard work and how interested you are in your subject. This is exactly what every other candidate will write, and for the most competitive courses, you will want to stand out. But the best way to do this is not to try to be someone else; be yourself. Mention the fact that you like juggling. Talk about how you felt when your father was laid off work. Begin from your earliest memory. So long as what you say relates to what makes you the person you are, and then why that person has chosen to apply for this course, it deserves to be there.

What underscores all these points is a simple, and very ancient, piece of advice; know thyself . Nobody expects you to have everything figured out when you apply for a masters, but they will at least expect you to have a firm grasp of what you want out of the degree you’ve chosen to apply for. It’s in nobody’s interests for students to undertake courses for which they are ill-prepared, or that they haven’t really thought through – all you need to do is show your chosen university that this doesn’t apply to you.

And let’s face it; a masters degree is a fantastic opportunity, that will allow you to gain an expert understanding of a field about which you are passionate, and will build a bridge to a career that excites you – what could be easier to write about than that? But if you prefer to get some guidance, have a look at our motivational letter templates below.

Example 1: Motivation Letter for a Masters of Science Degree (MSc)

Dear sir /Madam,

My name is [name] and most recently I have been working as a [job title] at [company name]. I hold a B.Sc degree in [subject] from [university name].

The undergraduate curriculum in [subject], [university name], introduced me to a wide variety of subjects in the field of [subject]. Various courses like [course 1], [course 2], [course 3] (name all relevant courses) provided me with a strong footing in [subject of the masters degree].

While offering both depth and breadth across this field, these courses put into perspective the importance and relevance of [subject] and the application of its fundamentals to the problems faced by the real world.

I am much eager to adopt and know new technologies. I am really enthusiastic to attend a Master of [subject] at [university name] in order to understand different [subject] concepts and its applications to more complex real life situations. The good reputation of high-quality education standards, an extremely distinguished faculty members, and research facilities are the factors which have motivated me to apply for my masters studies at [university name].

Moreover, I feel I am responsible for making a big move in this field and this scholarship will give me a big chance to be one day someone who is remembered for his innovations. I think it is our duty as people sharing life in this world to make our future better because the future is not only ours. The next generation should be proud of us one day when they look back and find how hard we worked to make the world a better place. I believe my qualification and your needs would be an excellent fit. I will be happy to provide any further information or documents if required. I look forward to your positive response. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

Example 2: Motivation Letter for a Masters of Art Degree (M.A.)

Dear Prof. [name],

I am writing to inform you of my interest in the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name].

I currently hold my Bachelor’s of Arts in Art History [subject] from the University of [name], having graduated with cum laude with a GPA of 3.82 [grade]. After attending the University of [name], I completed a 3 month internship at the National Gallery in London (GB) followed by a 6 months internship at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (USA).

During my studies and internships I developed a deep interest in Italian Art, with a particular focus on artists form the 17th century. Having worked under the supervision of Prof. [name] at the National Gallery enabled me to get a very deep understanding of [specific subject] and I see the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name] as a unique opportunity to intensify my knowledge and continue my studies.

Given my education and experience from [university name], National Gallery and Museum of Modern Art, I am confident that I am an excellent fit for the Masters of Arts [name] program at [university name]. I have researched the program and determined that the coursework and research profile of the college are a strong match. I’m particularly impressed by the volumes of [name] books in the university’s library, which are of particular interest for me and which I would love to study in great detail.

If you have any further questions, please contact me using the information at the top of this letter.

Did you know that most students apply to 5-7 different masters programs? The reasons for that are very simple: the more programs you apply to, the more options will you have to choose from in the end. You should therefore always apply to multiple programs. The best way to find alternative programs is to just search for them here on mastersavenue . It's free and super fast. Why don't you give it a go?

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9 Tips for Writing a Brilliant Motivational Essay

Whether you are a high school student caught in the crossroads of your educational journey or an undergraduate debating on a graduate degree, several steps must be taken, from choosing a college or master’s program to applying for your dream job.

On the other hand, choosing is the easy part; getting into the college of your choice is a different story. Most colleges and universities require students to have excellent grades and write a motivational essay describing why they want to pursue his\her desired major at their university.

Writing college motivational essays is a required part of any educational institution’s application process. Then again, some employers require job applicants to submit inspirational articles along with their resumes.

A motivational statement allows you to show off a little more of your personality and explain why you are qualified for the university course or job position in question. This is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate your integrity and your ability to turn your knowledge into a successful career.

This article will teach you how to write a motivational essay that will help you get into your dream university or land your dream job.

Table of Contents

9 Tips to Write a Motivational Letter

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing inspirational statements to help you write a good paper. Many students struggle to find the motivation to write an article or are simply stumped when asked “What motivates you in life?”. Motivational papers are not as complicated as you may believe. To write a perfect inspiration paper, use the following tips:

1. Research the Institution to which you are applying

It is not in your best interest to simply copy and paste motivational essay examples or templates from the internet. The first step is to learn how merit-based admissions work at your preferred college. If you already have outstanding grades, you have to figure out what other aspects of your life could boost those grades.

Many universities, for example, seek students who have good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, have some volunteer experience, and are involved in social initiatives in school and their community.

Researching your preferred university will assist you in writing a tailored inspirational essay that will showcase all of your personality and goals. It’ll also broadcast how your social and volunteer work will continue to be a factor when you get into the university. Knowing about the university and including that information in your inspirational paper will be a breath of fresh air for the reader. It will give them the impression that you are confident in your decision.

Be sure to sprinkle some positivity and determination in your motivational statement.

2.  Be Creative

I know this may seem obvious to most people but it is still critical. The first two or three sentences of your motivational letter are crucial to the reader. Remember that the person reading your inspirational statement has most likely read thousands of others before it. Keeping the reader’s attention early on will thus benefit you.

Assume your college motivation letter isn’t exciting and doesn’t hook the reader from the first sentence. The reader is likely to close the letter and decline your application at that point.

You want the first paragraph of your motivation essay to keep them guessing and interested in reading until the end. You can include a mysterious story about your motivations and leave the culmination until the end.

3. Get Personal in your Motivational Essay

Make your motivation letter specific to the employer or university to which you are applying. Your letter should reflect your distinct style and personality. Your employers or university are interested in getting to know you better and no one knows you better than yourself. So, don’t just look up some motivational essay examples and use them as your own. The inspiration article should include the things that make you tick, your passions, and more!

Many students prefer to entrust the writing of motivational letters to a professional writing service. However, I can assure you that this is a bad option because you should write the motivation essay yourself.

4. Adopt a Straightforward and Succinct Tone

The objective of a letter of motivation, as the name implies, is to demonstrate your motivation for attending college to the school board or the reasons why you deserve a job to an HR manager who will read it. Avoid using long phrases and, instead, get right to the point. Explain in simple terms what you’re looking for and what you have to offer. Concentrate on what is vital; the rest will be addressed later.

5. Clearly Explain your Motivation

Make it a point to convince the school board or recruiter that this is the right college or job for you. Hit the nail on the head as many times as possible. Demonstrate that this is, without a doubt, the best place for you. Make use of all of your persuasion skills.

If you’re a student who can’t seem to motivate yourself to write the letter, think of it more as your motivation for earning a degree paper. This way of thinking will make you come up with points that are straightforward for your motivational letter.

If you’re writing an inspirational paper to apply for a job position, make sure it includes all of the qualities listed in the job description. Explain how each of the qualities relates to you.

6. Share your Professional Goals

In your inspirational essay, don’t be afraid to put yourself in the future. Outline your career goals and how the university or job offer is a step in the right direction. Also, talk about what you’ve accomplished and what you’re proud of.

7. Find The Right Balance

Of course, you must present yourself in the best possible light and persuade the recruiter that you are the right person for the job but don’t be too smug. At the same time, don’t undervalue yourself or appear overly modest. Try to summarize your accomplishments but avoid bragging about them. Please keep it simple; don’t fill the entire page with your achievements; instead, choose the ones that are relevant to the university or job requirements.

8. Back up what you’re saying

Simply stating that you are organized or that you have a sense of responsibility is not enough. Avoid overused phrases and explain why you’re organized. In your inspirational letter, provide some examples. When writing your motivational paper, one approach is to write as if you were a narrator. Narrating allows you to see yourself through the eyes of another person, telling the story of your life and goals.

9. Ensure that your Essay is Grammatically Sound 

When it comes to writing motivational letters, grammar errors are a no-no. So, double-check and have someone else read your inspirational paper because they may spot grammatical errors that you’ve missed. Also, it would be best if you avoided abbreviations and technical jargon. Do not try to sound like you’re writing a school assignment; instead, use the most elegant yet straightforward language and tone to make your point.

Don’t make writing a motivational statement more difficult than it should be. Focus on the essential things and let the rest go. Keep in mind that the college or company is curious to learn more about you. So, stay relaxed and make use of the tips we have mentioned above and you will be on your way to a brilliant motivation letter.  For more information on college writing tips and essay writing services, check other articles on Essay Advisor .

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• Job Application Documents

How to Write a Job Application Essay

Last Updated: September 24, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 195,199 times.

Many employers now require a writing sample, or job application essay , to accompany all applications or résumés — even if writing is not a significant part of the position. The goal of the job application essay is to ensure that applicants have the right communication skills for the position offered. Sometimes, potential employers will provide a specific topic or series of questions for your essay to respond to. However, you may also be asked to provide an essay with no guidance whatsoever. Either way, approach the essay seriously so that it highlights the skills and assets you could bring to the company. [1] X Research source

Outlining Your Essay

• If you don't know much about the company, do a little research on it before you start writing. You might look at their website or do a general internet search with the name of the company to see if any news articles or other reports come up. Go beyond the four corners of the job listing so that you understand who will likely be reading your essay.
• If there's anything in the job listing or essay requirements that you don't understand, contact the employer and ask about them. Employers are often impressed by applicants who clarify the employer's intent rather than making assumptions.

• For example, if you're applying for a position in sales, you might want to write an essay about your ability to tailor your pitch to specific clients and close the deal. If you have the ability to be more creative, you might tailor your essay to "sell" yourself directly to the employer.

• For each of your points, think of a specific example you can relate briefly that illustrates the point. For example, if you've described yourself as a "team player," you might include an example of how you came in on your day off to complete some of the more monotonous tasks that no one else wanted to do so a project could be completed ahead of schedule.
• It's a good idea to have more than one example in your outline for each point, even if you only end up using one. That way, if you start writing something and it ends up not working as well as you thought it would, you'll have a back-up handy.
• Brainstorming can be difficult. If you find yourself churning over the same thoughts, stand up and take a break for a few minutes. Step outside or go for a walk to clear your head, then come back to it.

• For example, if you want to describe how you increased sales in a specific quarter, you would want to state specifically how much you increased sales. Your former employer may have sales figures that you could ask them for. You might also have that information in your records.
• Wherever possible, use specific numbers and dates rather than making general statements. It's okay to estimate, but make sure your estimate is conservative. Saying you led your sales team to the highest sales in a quarter is impressive — but only if it's true.

Completing Your Rough Draft

• Think of this paragraph as telling the hiring manager what you're going to tell them in the essay. Outline the points you're going to elaborate on in the essay that back up your theme or thesis statement.
• Sometimes it's best to go back and write your introduction after you've written the body of your essay. That way, you can make sure the introduction provides an outline that matches the body.

• If the employer listed specifically what should be included in your essay, follow their order, since that's what they'll be looking for when they read the essay.
• Write in the first person and make yourself the star of any anecdote you include as an example. Use action verbs to focus on what you did rather than focusing on what happened and how you reacted to it. [7] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• For example, if you're writing about your skills as a team player, you might note that you discuss doing routine work that others found monotonous so they had time to work on other parts of a project. You could use that detail to move on to a section describing how you're detail-oriented.

• For example, you might write "My business school education, skills as a team player, and focus on detail make me the best candidate to lead your sales team."

Finalizing Your Essay

• For example, you might start by looking solely at punctuation, then read through again focusing on spelling.
• If you find that you tend to repeat a particular error, go through your essay looking for that error specifically.
• If your grammar isn't particularly strong or you're writing in a language other than your native language, have someone else read over your essay as well.

• If you find that you stumble over a sentence while reading aloud, that's a sign that your writing could be clearer. Work with your text until you have something that you can read aloud with ease.

• If the prospective employer did not specify a length, try to keep your essay under 2 double-spaced pages. Remember that hiring managers are busy and don't have a lot of time to read a long, rambling essay.
• Eliminate all unnecessary words or sentences that aren't relevant to the subject of your essay. The majority of your sentences should be short, declarative sentences with action verbs.
• Apps such as Hemingway ( http://www.hemingwayapp.com/ ) or Grammarly ( https://app.grammarly.com/ ) can help you identify portions of your essay that are more difficult to read. Both of these apps have a free version that you can use to edit your text.

• Working backward is particularly helpful for noticing spelling mistakes, especially hard-to-catch homophone errors, because you're seeing the word out of context.

• It may also help to print your essay in a different font or font size than what you used to type it. This breaks your brain's familiarity with the text, which can make typos and other errors more noticeable. Just remember to change the font back after you print it.

Job Application Essay

Expert Q&A

• Give yourself plenty of time to work on your essay. Ideally, you should plan to work on it over the course of at least two days, so you have the time to set it aside after writing before you move to the editing and proofreading stage. [15] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Unless you're applying for a position in a political or religious organization, avoid including anything in your essay that identifies your political or religious preferences or beliefs. [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid using humor, especially sarcasm or ironic humor, as it can be misconstrued in text. Additionally, humor may lead the hiring manager to believe that you aren't serious about the position. [17] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/writing-sample-job-application
• ↑ https://www.insidehighered.com/advice/2012/04/30/essay-how-write-good-applications-jobs-or-grants
• ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
• ↑ https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/government-job-application-essays-made-easy/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/application-essays/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/proofreading-tips
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample

About This Article

Job application essays can seem scary, but they’re really just an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and explain why you’re suitable for the role. Read the job listing to find out what traits and skills the company is looking for, like time management, working under pressure, and leadership. If you don’t know much about the company, read through its website and do an online search to find articles about its work. In your introduction, you’ll want to to describe yourself and introduce the main points you’ll be making. Then, write a paragraph for each trait or skill. Use real life examples from previous jobs, your recent studies, or extracurricular activities to support your points. For example, you could highlight your leadership skills by talking about a time you led a group project that exceeded your targets. For more tips, including how to write a compelling conclusion for your job application essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to answer "What motivated you to apply for this role?" (with sample answers)

Why Employers Ask This Question

"What motivated you to apply for this role?" is a common interview question that hiring managers ask. They want to know what draws you to the position and the company. They also want to see if you have done your research and if you align with the company's mission, culture, and values. This question helps the hiring manager understand if you are genuinely interested in the role or if you are just looking for any job. Employers use this question to gauge your level of enthusiasm towards the job and the company.

How to Answer the Question

When answering the question, you should be honest and specific. Start by highlighting what caught your attention about the job and the company, such as the company's growth or the specific responsibilities of the role. Then, show how your skills, qualifications, and experience align with the job requirements. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements from your past experiences that make you a strong candidate for the role. You can also mention the company's mission, culture, and values and how they align with your own. Remember to be enthusiastic and show your excitement for the opportunity to work for the company.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when answering this question:

• Research the company and the role beforehand.
• Focus on the positive aspects that attracted you to the job and the company.
• Show how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
• Highlight any relevant achievements from your past experiences.
• Show your enthusiasm and excitement for the opportunity.

By following these tips, you can answer the question confidently and impress the hiring manager with your interest and enthusiasm for the job and the company.

Sample answers

1) good answer:.

I was excited to see this role posted because it aligns perfectly with my career goals and interests. The job description highlighted a lot of the skills and experiences that I have been developing over the past few years, and I am eager to apply them in a new challenge. Additionally, I admire the company's reputation and values, and I believe that this role would be a great way for me to contribute to a team that shares my values and commitment to quality.

Why it's good:

• The answer shows that the candidate has done their research on the role and the company.
• The candidate identifies how their skills and interests align with the job requirements.
• The candidate expresses enthusiasm and eagerness to work for the company.

2) Bad answer:

Well, I need a job, so I applied to many different places. This role seemed like it could be interesting, so I thought I'd give it a shot.

Why it's bad:

• The answer shows a lack of enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• The candidate comes across as desperate, which can be off-putting to interviewers.
• The answer does not demonstrate any research or understanding of the company or the role.

3) Good answer:

I was really impressed by the company's innovative approach to the industry and their commitment to sustainability. I have been following the company's progress for a while and was thrilled to see this job posting. I think that my experience in sustainable development and project management would be a great fit for this role, and I'm excited about the opportunity to work for a company that aligns with my values.

• The answer demonstrates that the candidate has done their research on the company and is genuinely interested in working for them.
• The candidate shows how their skills and experience match with the company's needs.
• The answer conveys enthusiasm and passion for the job.

4) Bad answer:

I saw that this company was hiring and figured it was worth a shot. I don't really know much about the role, but I'm sure I could do it.

• The answer shows a lack of interest in the company and the role.
• The candidate demonstrates a lack of preparation and research, which can be a red flag for interviewers.
• The answer does not demonstrate any understanding of how the candidate's skills and experience match with the job requirements.

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• Interview Strategies

Interview Question: "What Motivates You?"

• What the Interviewer Wants to Know

How To Answer, “What Motivates You?”

Examples of the best answers, tips for giving the best response, what not to say, possible follow-up questions, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Emilie Dunphy / The Balance

When you’re applying for a job, you’ll hear a lot of interview questions—and some are trickier than others. One that’s common, but might catch you off guard, is, "What motivates you?" The interviewer is looking for insight into why and how you are motivated to achieve workplace goals and succeed at the job.

The hiring manager will also be seeking to discover whether the factors that motivate you are aligned with the company’s goals and with the role in which you would be working.

By answering in an honest but thoughtful way, you can impress your interviewer and demonstrate that you are the right person for the job.

This is a broad and open-ended question , which can make it hard to know how to answer. It can also be a challenge to figure out the best way to respond. After all, most people are motivated by many factors, including pay, prestige, making a difference, seeing results, and interacting with interesting people.

Key Takeaways

• Practice your response beforehand, since if you write out some ideas of what motivates you, it will make it easier to answer the question during the interview.
• Focus your response on the motivators that are the closest match to the employer’s job requirements.
• Show how you're qualified—after all, the interview is an opportunity to sell your qualifications to the hiring manager.

What the Interviewer Wants To Know

In asking this question, interviewers hope to figure out what makes you tick and what drives you to succeed. They also want to determine whether your motivators will be a fit for the job's duties and the company's culture .

For the hiring manager, it's important to learn whether your motivators align with the job's responsibilities. If you're motivated by a challenging workplace, for example, you may not be the best fit for a routine data entry job.

Honest answers can help reveal what circumstances help you feel excited and enthused. (Another common variant of this interview question is, " What are you passionate about? ” which also tries to determine what makes an interviewee feel excited and fulfilled.)

Providing insight into the forces that motivate you at work can be a window into your personality and work style, thereby helping your interviewers understand you as both a person and a potential employee.

There's a big difference between the candidate who's motivated by building teams and establishing strong relationships with co-workers, and the candidate whose best day is working independently on a report that improves the company's bottom line. Both candidates bring with them strong advantages, and this question can help interviewers narrow their pool down to the individual who is the best fit for the position and the company.

Watch Now: 4 Ways to Answer "What Motivates You?"

Take some time to research the company and the job prior to the interview. The more you know about the organizational goals of the employer, the better equipped you’ll be to respond.

It can be hard to think of a good answer for this question on the spot since it requires a bit of self-reflection. To prepare your answer, think about the jobs you have held in the past:

• What happened during your best days?
• When were you most looking forward to a day at the office?
• When did you come home from work bursting with stories and feeling enthusiastic and excited?

Whether it was a successful meeting with a client, a complex project wrangled into submission, a new skill you mastered, or anything else, keep these positive moments in mind when conceptualizing your answer.

Review these sample answers and tailor your response to  match your credentials to what the employer is seeking .

Example Answer #1

I'm really driven by results. I like it when I have a concrete goal to meet and enough time to figure out a strong strategy for accomplishing it. At my last job, our yearly goals were very aggressive, but I worked with my manager and the rest of my team to figure out a month-by-month strategy for meeting the year-end numbers. It was a real thrill to accomplish that.

Why It Works: This response works well because it’s focused on achievements and results. It’s positive, and it shows what the candidate has accomplished.

Example Answer #2

I'm motivated by digging into data. Give me a spreadsheet and questions, and I'm eager to figure out what's driving the numbers. At my current position, I prepare the monthly analytics report around sales. The data from these reports help drive and determine how the company charts its next steps and makes sales goals for the following months. Being able to provide that essential information is really motivating.

Why It Works: The candidate is motivated both by data analysis and by being able to provide information to their team. This shows the interviewer that the applicant has both the hard and the soft skills required for success in the role.

Example Answer #3

I was responsible for several projects where I directed development teams and implemented repeatable processes. The teams achieved 100% on-time delivery of software products. I was motivated both by the challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and by managing the teams that achieved our goals.

Why It Works: This response shows the interviewer that the applicant is motivated by several factors—management, scheduling, and teamwork—and has the ability to multitask.

Example Answer #4

I have always wanted to ensure that my company's clients get the best customer service I can offer. I feel it's important, both to me personally and for the company and the clients, to provide a positive customer experience. My drive to constantly develop my customer service skills is the reason I earned top sales at my company two quarters in a row.

Why It Works: With this answer, the candidate focuses on why customer service is important, how they develop their skills, as well as how they achieve positive results.

Example Answer #5

I have always been motivated by the desire to meet a deadline. Setting and reaching deadlines gives me such a sense of accomplishment. I love creating an organized schedule for completing a task and achieving my goals on time. For example, when I ran a fundraising event last year, I set multiple deadlines for a variety of tasks leading up to the event. Achieving each milestone motivated me to keep working and helped me to ensure that the event ran smoothly.

Why It Works: It always makes sense to respond in a way that shows you are motivated by your work and by accomplishing goals.

Keep the job in mind. When preparing your answer, also think about the skills and abilities that will be the most useful for this job. Try to highlight these in your answer. For example, if you are applying to be a manager, framing an answer around relationship building and helping others succeed and meet goals might be a stronger answer than a discussion about learning new things or working with clients.

Consider the company culture. If the company emphasizes the camaraderie of its staff, for example, you might mention how achieving goals as a group motivates you. If you don’t know much about the company culture, do some research before your interview to learn as much as you can.

Share an example. You might want to include an example from your previous job to explain the kinds of projects or tasks that motivate you. For example, if you say that you are driven by results, give an example of a time you set a goal and met (or exceeded) it.

Make sure the example demonstrates a time you used your motivation to add value to an organization in some way.

For example, perhaps you saved a company money, completed a project ahead of schedule, or solved a problem for an employee. Telling a story about your achievements is always a good way to show the interviewer your accomplishments. This will help the interviewer see how your motivation can benefit the company.

When you answer this question, be honest. If you tailor your answer to exactly what you think the employer wants to hear, you will likely come off as insincere. 

Giving an honest answer will also help you see if you are a good fit for the job and company.

Keep your audience in mind. While you may be most motivated by receiving a regular paycheck, that answer is not very inspiring from an interviewer's perspective.

Don’t make it about you. When you respond, it’s best to focus on work-related motivators. Rather than saying that you like to get a paycheck every week, for example, discuss responsibilities at work that keep you interested and ready for a challenge.

Don’t ramble. Have a clear and focused response to the question. Know what motivates you, and keep your response on target so that you don’t confuse the interviewer by sharing too much information.

Keep it positive. Focus on the positive when you respond. For example, you don’t want to say that you’re motivated because you don’t want to get fired for subpar performance.

• Are you self-motivated? 
• What are you passionate about? 
• What can you contribute to this company? 
• What strategies would you use to motivate your team?

How should you answer questions about what motivates you?

The best way to answer is to focus on responses that match well with the job, company, and industry at hand. Avoid motivations tied to a paycheck.

What are the different types of motivation?

There are two different buckets of motivations: extrinsic and intrinsic. An example of extrinsic motivation would be a paycheck. An example of intrinsic motivation would be a desire to meet a challenge, or the joy of completing a task. While an intrinsic motivator leads you to do something because it's innately satisfying, an extrinsic motivator gets you to complete a task because of a separate outcome. During job interviews, it's generally best to emphasize intrinsic, not extrinsic, motivators. 

Jobcase. “ 5 Motivation Questions You Should Be Asking In a Job Interview .”

Excelsior.edu. “ Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation: Implications in School, Work, and Psychological Well-Being .”

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• How to Answer “What...

How to Answer “What Motivates You?” - With Examples

11 min read · Updated on October 26, 2023

Knowing how to explain what motivates you tells an interviewer that you not only can do the job - you'll enjoy it, too

When a recruiter or hiring manager asks, “What motivates you?” it sounds like a simple-enough question and one that should be easy to answer - but this is another one of those open-ended questions that need a bit of preparation to answer effectively and keep you in the running for the job.

While there might be many things that motivate you, your answer must be crafted to align with the specific position you're after and the company hiring you to do it.

Why do interviewers ask “What motivates you?”

This question is similar to asking  “What makes you unique?” It's meant to discover whether or not you're the right fit for the job and, more importantly, if you'll fit within that company's particular workplace  culture and goals.

It provides insight into how and why you're motivated to be a successful employee, as well as what fulfills you in your job or career, which in turn offers some additional insight into your personality and approach to work. All these things - plus your skills and experience - help the interviewer to determine whether you're the best person to hire.

It is important to remember that employers who ask what motivates you are not asking you why you've decided to pursue your career options or apply for their open position. They are simply trying to figure out your motivations and drive to do a great job, achieve your mission, and contribute to your employer's success.

“What drives you?” and other ways this question is asked

Some interviewers won't ask this specific question. You need to recognize it when it's asked in different ways, so you can still provide the answers they're after. Instead of “what motivates you?” you might hear:

What inspires you?

What drives you to meet challenges?

What excites you about your job (or about working in general)?

What drives you to be successful?

What makes you want to get up every day for work?

How to prepare an answer to “What motivates you?” 

As with all interview preparation, begin by researching the company in detail. The more you know about the company (and the position), the more you can tailor your answer to match the company's needs. Try to learn about the employer's mission and values, as that can be critical in framing your answers.

In most cases, the hiring manager is asking this in the context of your work life, not your personal life. Most importantly, don't start off with the obvious answer of “a good salary” or “excellent benefits.” It's a given that these things are generally part of everyone's motivation for taking a job and, for the right candidate, these discussions come later in the hiring process.

Possible motivations to focus on as you develop your answer

Taking on or overcoming challenges

Developing new skills

Working with others

Working independently

Having little (or more frequent) direct supervision

Being part of, or leading, a team

Teaching or mentoring others

Creating new processes or improving existing ones

Learning new things

Being innovative or creative

Having challenging goals and deadlines

Aligning your answer with the position you're seeking

As we noted, it's important to know as much as possible about the employer and the job you're seeking, so that you can tailor your response to align with the position. For example, if you're seeking a job dealing with data and analysis, you should try to include those concerns in your answer. You can find an example of this type of data-focused answer in our sample answer section below.

One way to ensure that your answer aligns with the position is to review the job description. Figure out which responsibilities seem to inspire you and build your answer around those duties. Remember to be honest with yourself as you do this, since your response will be more believable if it truly conveys your motivations.

It's also important to not stray too far from that alignment. If the job you're seeking requires a great deal of collaboration with others, then you shouldn't respond by talking about how much you love studying spreadsheets by yourself in a corner office.

Other factors to consider as you create an answer

Consider your strengths . Generally, what motivates someone is also what they're good at, so your answer can highlight skills as well as motivation.

Reflect on the past. Think back to one of your best days at work. Why was it such a good day? What were you doing? Who were you working with? What made you happiest?

Use actual examples. Sharing a specific example from your current job or a previous position means backing up your motivation with the skills that will also make you successful in the job. This often makes a recruiter sit up and take notice.

Keep it short - or as short as possible . Be sure your answer isn't too long or rambling. Keep it as short as possible while still getting across what motivates you the most.

Stay positive. Don't frame your answers using negative examples about you or about others. Share the things you enjoy doing and show how they've helped you to be an excellent employee in all your jobs.

Be honest. Hopefully, you're applying for a position that you really do feel is a good fit for your skills and abilities, as well as for what drives you to be successful. That said, it's important to be honest about your motivation for a job, or it's quite possible you won't have the job for long once your employer discovers you're not a great fit. For example, being motivated by leading a team and consistently interacting with others is not the same as being fulfilled by working mostly on your own crunching numbers or researching data. Neither is good or bad. It's just a question of which one is best for you and that specific role.

Use the STAR method . Describe your motivation examples around S ituations, T asks, A ctions, and R esults. The benefit of this method is that it can show how your motivation ultimately benefited your past company or could benefit a future one. What's more, you end up telling a story rather than just rattling off an answer. That approach can make you sound more interesting and make the interviewer more interested in you.

Practice. Share your answer with a family member or friend and get their feedback. Practicing will help you to answer confidently and concisely.

If you're interviewing for your first full-time job, talk about what motivated you while working in an internship or volunteer role. The outcome should be the same: to convey what's meaningful to you in a job and help the company to see that you'll be a motivated employee who's a good fit for their role.

Sample answers to “What motivates you?”

As you develop your answers, consider the things that attracted you to your current career or specific job. Think about why this kind of work feels right for you and how you've become even more talented over time.

Hopefully, you'll discover more about why you're after any specific position and, in turn, be able to clearly communicate that to the hiring manager or recruiter. Here are some examples to get you started:

Example of someone motivated by learning and skill development

“Learning new skills really motivates me. It's so satisfying to see myself improve as I gain more knowledge about a job or market sector. In my last job, I consistently signed up for training or courses that would grow my skill set, paying for some out of my own pocket. I really believe that ongoing learning makes you more innovative and valuable in the workplace.”

Example for someone motivated by a desire to solve problems

“ I've been coding since middle school, when I was first exposed to it. My mom is a Software Developer and helped me whenever I needed it. Coding has been “it” for me ever since and I've become an expert in Java and C++. I think about coding from the minute I wake up until I go to sleep. Solving problems with code is what challenges me, motivates me, and drives me to be successful. ”

Example for someone who loves organizing projects and activities

“ I'm addicted to planning! Being organized at work and at home drives me to make sure I have enough time to achieve my goals and give my best in all I do. It ensures that I don't overtask myself, so I can focus on doing quality work and not get burned out by working long hours on any one project. Good time management helps me to maintain consistently excellent standards.”

Example for someone who's motivated by serving others

“ Providing outstanding customer service is what drives me. I worked as a Mobile Sales Associate for a local credit union. The days were hectic with solving customer issues and answering questions. I worked hard to understand their queries and explain the how and why of our processes and operations. It really motivated me and upped my confidence whenever customers gave me a great review and a high rating.”

Example for a team player or leader

“I was a Team Lead in my last position, managing a team of 10. Our task was to improve outcomes, so the team had to work efficiently and deliver consistently accurate results. I made it my goal to streamline the team's processes and be more productive with less “busy work.” Working with a team to complete tasks accurately and ahead of schedule was and is what drives me every day. I want to help any company I'm with to always meet their bottom line.” 

Example for someone who's driven by managing successful teams

“I've been responsible for directing software development teams and implementing repeatable processes for a variety of companies. My teams achieved 100% on-time product delivery for six straight months. The challenge of finishing the projects ahead of schedule and successfully managing teams to reach our goals is the kind of thing that's always motivated me.”

Example for a person who's driven to get results

“I'm motivated by results. I'm always excited when I have a tangible goal to meet and enough time to develop a sound strategy to accomplish it. In my current job, we have very aggressive quarterly and yearly goals. I was tasked to work with my manager and my team to create a month-by-month strategy to meet our quarter-end and year-end numbers. Accomplishing that was a great thrill and made me even more result oriented.”

Example for a person who's motivated by data

“I love numbers. Analyzing data and providing results really drives and motivates me. I love getting my hands on a spreadsheet to figure out what's driving the numbers and sharing my conclusions. In my current position, I generate our monthly sales analytics reports. Being able to provide this essential information is really motivating because the data from these reports helps the company to determine its sales goals for the upcoming months and clarifies how the organization will move forward, and I know I've made a big contribution to that.”

Proper preparation can help you approach your interview with greater confidence

Knowing what motivates you means you can clearly and confidently convey to an interviewer that you not only have the skills to do the job but that you will also fit well with the company's culture and values. As long as you've done your research and preparation, you'll conquer your fear of this particular interview question and be ready to promote yourself as the best candidate to hire.

Your motivators are simply what you love to do and, as the saying goes, “find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life.”

Learn how to ace every part of your interview with our  expert interview tips , and let our free resume review make your resume shine! This article was originally written by Lisa Tynan and has been updated by Ken Chase.

Recommended reading:

Ask Amanda: How Can I Be More Confident During Interviews?

5 Tricky Interview Questions and How to Handle Them

What to Say at an Interview: 5 Boring Interview Lines to Avoid

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Table of Contents

A motivation letter, also known as a cover letter, is a crucial component of your job application. It’s a one-page document that allows you to showcase your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for a specific job. Writing a motivation letter requires careful planning and attention to detail. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of creating an effective motivation letter, offering you the best chance of landing your dream job. From outlining your content to proofreading the final draft, we’ve got you covered.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

The Significance of a Motivation Letter

Before diving into the technicalities of writing a motivation letter, let’s understand why it’s essential. A motivation letter serves several purposes in the job application process. It allows you to:

• Introduce yourself personally, going beyond the information in your resume.
• Demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and the company.
• Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
• Explain why you’re the ideal candidate.
• Convey your communication and writing skills to potential employers.

Crafting a compelling motivation letter can make the difference between getting an interview or being passed over. Now, let’s break down the process of creating an effective letter.

Write an Outline

An outline is your roadmap to a well-structured motivation letter. Before you start writing, jot down the key points you want to cover. Your outline might include sections such as:

• Introduction: How you heard about the job and a brief personal introduction.
• Body: Detailed paragraphs explaining your qualifications, skills, and experiences.
• Conclusion: A concise summary and a call to action.
• Address: Include your contact information and the recipient’s details.
• Salutation: How you’ll address the recipient.
• Signature: Your closing and signature.

Write an Introduction

The introduction is your chance to make a strong first impression. Begin by stating how you learned about the job, whether through a job posting, referral, or other means. Next, provide a concise personal introduction, including your name and the position you’re applying for. Express your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

Expand Your Outline for Your Body

The body of your motivation letter is where you can delve into your qualifications, skills, and experiences in detail. Organize this section into several paragraphs, each addressing a specific aspect of your suitability for the job.

a. Showcase Your Qualifications

In the first paragraph of the body, highlight your academic background, relevant degrees, and certifications. Explain how your educational achievements have equipped you with the knowledge necessary for the job.

b. Emphasize Your Professional Experience

Next, discuss your professional experience. This is where you connect the dots between your past roles and the job you’re applying for. Provide examples of your achievements, responsibilities, and how they relate to the position.

c. Highlight Relevant Skills

In a separate paragraph, detail the specific skills that make you a strong candidate. These could be technical skills, soft skills, or a combination of both. Make sure to reference the job requirements and explain how your skills align.

d. Explain Your Motivation

Share your genuine motivation for applying to this particular job and company. Mention what attracted you to the role and how it aligns with your career goals. This is where you show the employer that you’ve done your research and understand their values and mission.

e. Address Any Gaps

If there are gaps in your resume or qualifications that might raise questions, it’s best to address them in your motivation letter. Explain any relevant circumstances and demonstrate how you’ve overcome them or compensated in other ways.

Conclude Your Motivation Letter

The conclusion is your opportunity to summarize your main points and reiterate your enthusiasm for the job. State your desire for an interview to discuss your qualifications further. Thank the employer for their time and consideration.

Proofread Your Motivation Letter

After you’ve written your motivation letter, it’s crucial to proofread it carefully. Typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues can detract from the professionalism of your letter. Here are some proofreading tips:

• Read your letter aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or errors.
• Use spelling and grammar checkers.
• Ask a friend or family member to review your letter for a fresh perspective.
• Pay close attention to formatting, including fonts and margins.

Additional Tips for Writing an Outstanding Motivation Letter

Tailor your letter to the job.

Every motivation letter should be customized for the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position, and adjust your language to align with the company’s culture and values.

Keep it Concise

While it’s essential to provide relevant details, aim for a concise letter. Stick to the one-page guideline, and avoid including redundant information that is already in your resume. Employers appreciate clarity and brevity.

Use an Active Voice

Write your motivation letter using an active voice to convey your achievements and contributions more effectively. Avoid passive language, which can make your letter seem less engaging.

Be Professional

Your motivation letter is a professional document. Use a formal tone and avoid informal language or slang. Address the recipient by their title and name, if possible, and maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout.

Show Enthusiasm

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and the company by using positive language. Express your excitement for the opportunity and your willingness to contribute to the organization’s success.

Follow Submission Guidelines

Ensure that you follow the submission guidelines provided by the employer. This includes the preferred format for your motivation letter (e.g., email, online application portal), as well as any specific requirements regarding attachments or file formats.

Seek Feedback

Before finalizing your motivation letter, consider seeking feedback from trusted individuals, such as mentors, colleagues, or professional writers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Address the Recipient Correctly

If you have the recipient’s name and title, address them correctly in your letter. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.” Personalizing your letter shows that you’ve taken the time to research and make a genuine connection.

Edit and Revise

Once you’ve received feedback and made necessary revisions, go through the editing process. Eliminate unnecessary words, improve sentence structure, and ensure that your letter flows smoothly.

Crafting a motivation letter is a crucial step in your job application process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a compelling letter that effectively communicates your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the job. Remember to tailor each motivation letter to the specific position and company, maintaining a professional and enthusiastic tone. With careful proofreading and attention to detail, you’ll increase your chances of standing out as the perfect candidate and securing the job of your dreams.

10 Best Answers to “What Motivates You” Interview Question

Asking you what motivates you is a very common job interview question and is asked to understand your intrinsic motivation. The hiring manager needs to know that you will be a good fit for the company culture and that you will be motivated to do your best work for the company and that you are committed for the long run.

Here are 10 of the best answers that are sure to make a positive impression at your next interview.

5 Tips for Your Answer

• The best way to have a great answer is to target your job search for a job you want in the first place.
• Where possible, provide specific examples from a previous job.
• Customize your answer based on the job description to show you are the best fit.
• Talk about your long-term goals and how this is a great job for working towards them.
• Say that you get a sense of accomplishment when you have done a good job for the company.

5 Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not be too personal, for example, “I am motivated by having fun.”
• Do not say that you are motivated by money.
• Do not provide short-term goals that, once fulfilled, will cause you to leave.
• Do not say “I don’t know” or be too general, e.g., “I like doing a good job.”
• Do not lie. Always give an honest answer. If you lie to get a new job, you will be dissatisfied and leave quickly.

10 Best Example Answers to “What motivates you?”

Example #1: motivated by hard work and providing for my family.

My three sources of primary motivation are meeting deadlines, learning new things, and providing for my family. To expand on these, firstly, no matter the type of work, I get a great sense of job satisfaction when I have worked hard to complete tasks successfully. Second, I know from my past work experiences that when I work on creative projects where I can learn new skills, I feel energized and excited to be at work each day.

Finally, I have a lot of goals in my personal life and things I want to do for my family, and I know that the best way for me to do this is to be successful at my job.

Key Takeaways:  This is a good answer because it lists multiple sources of motivation, both work-related and personal, which ensures you will be committed to doing the job well consistently.

Example #2: Motivated by Professional Growth and Working as a Team

I have several sources of motivation that drive me to achieve at work. I know from my previous role that I am highly motivated by opportunities to learn or grow professionally because I know that this means I am providing value for my employer. I also get a great deal of motivation from completing meaningful work as part of a team and helping my team members to achieve their best.

Another key driver for me personally is training or helping colleagues to grow and improve. I welcome opportunities to train others and constantly seek informal opportunities to share my knowledge with colleagues.

Key Takeaways:  This example answer is particularly good if applying for a highly team-oriented role. It covers working in a team, sharing knowledge with your team, and clearly states that you know your motivations from experience.

Example #3: Motivated by Providing Excellent Customer Service

There are a lot of things that motivate me at work. One of my biggest motivations at work is providing excellent customer service. It makes me feel proud to know that I have genuinely helped a customer with their problem. I am also motivated by achieving great results at work. This ties into my customer service work but also applies to non-customer-facing duties. In all my job responsibilities never shy away from hard work. In everything I do, I try to take the best approach because I take pride in my work, and this is demonstrated through my history of past successes.

Key Takeaways:  This is a strong answer when applying for customer service roles as it directly addresses being motivated by providing customers with a good experience. It is also a good example answer for including more than one motivation, in this case achieving quality results, which all employers will like.

Example #4: Motivated by Ambitious Goals and Creativity

I am jointly motivated by opportunities for learning new skills and finding creative ways to achieve ambitious goals. As a software engineer, I am always looking to improve my knowledge and professional skills. I welcome projects at work that challenge my existing skillset and require further learning and development, and I frequently study at home to meet these challenges.

I also find one of my most valuable assets is creativity, and I am excited by opportunities to approach specific goals from new angles. It is incredibly rewarding when you know you contributed to the completion of important projects for the company using ingenuity and skill.

Key Takeaways:  Answers like this discuss creative problem solving and ambitious goals. This answer is designed for technical roles, interchange ‘software engineer’ with your professional title. This can apply to most professional skills which seek to solve complex problems for a business.

Example #5: Motivated by Extending Comfort Zones

One of my biggest work-related motivators is pushing my comfort zone. The reason for this is that I know that if I am not learning something new, or trying a new idea, then I am staying still, and in fast-paced work environments staying still is the same as going backward. Trying new things does mean finding the occasional wrong answer, but mistakes are an opportunity to gain a better understanding, and I find this to be a great motivator. In the end, being part of a successful project is a deeply rewarding experience that gives me a lot of pride and satisfaction.

Key Takeaways: One of the good things about this answer is that it is not a “normal” answer. It shows that you welcome being outside of your comfort zone and recognize the need to constantly learn and develop your skills to stay ahead of the game.

Example #6: Motivated by Getting the Most Out of Others

As a manager, I am motivated in several ways. First, I am motivated by success stories, and I look for opportunities to make everything my team does a new success. To help make sure everything my team is responsible for is successful, I am motivated to study and attempt to emulate great leaders and apply everything I have learned from my previous experience.

I also encourage members of my team to continually learn and develop because if my team is learning, then our value to the company is growing. I also find being given a challenging workload to be motivating. When I have slight pressure and competing deadlines, I am motivated to keep my time and space organized and plan ahead to get all the important things I am responsible for completed successfully.

Key Takeaways: This answer is designed for management and team leader positions. It is focused on getting results from your team and accepting a challenging workload, both of which are common in leadership roles.

Example #7: Motivated by Solving Problems

Given my highly technical mindset, one of the things that motivate me the most is data analysis. I enjoy analyzing data and getting as much information as I can, and applying this to address problems for the company. My ideal work environment is one where I am given challenging and complex problems for the company and can use data and logic to come up with new or creative solutions.

I am also motivated by responsibility. This means that the more important the task or duties given to me, the easier I find it to work hard to resolve them as I get a sense of personal satisfaction from achieving success.

Key Takeaways: For analytical or data-oriented roles, such as accounting, law, statistics, and engineering, this can be a very strong answer. It is important to understand the company and the open position as this is not for roles in time-sensitive or fast-paced environments.

Example #8: Motivated by Goals and Targets

As a high-performing, professional salesperson, I am deeply motivated by ambitious targets. I take company goals, team targets, and personal KPIs very seriously. I also have a healthy level of competitiveness which drives me to always try to beat my own best performance and lead my team in productive results. In addition, I also have several personal goals that are very important to me. I recognize the best way for me to realize these personal goals is to be a top performer at work and deliver value for the company.

Key Takeaways: For any sales roles or highly results-driven roles, an answer similar to this is ideal. In many roles, competitiveness can be considered not ideal, but for sales roles, a healthy level of competition is generally positive.

Example #9: Motivated by Completing Tasks and Achieving Goals

I am motivated most by goals and achievements. I like to always have something to work towards, and I get a sense of value when I accomplish something I have set my mind to. I am constantly setting goals, objectives, and to-do lists for myself so that I am energized to work toward the next important thing on my list. An additional motivator is my drive to have things completed. I cannot enjoy my weekends or evenings if I know that I have not completed my work duties to the very best of my ability and squared off my current tasks.

Key Takeaways:  This answer is a perfect answer if you are unsure exactly what the company is looking for. Very few companies will be disappointed by a candidate who likes to accomplish goals.

Example #10: Motivated by Learning and Development and Delivering Quality Results

I am motivated jointly by continuous learning and improvement and doing things to a high standard on time. This means that any time I face a task that challenges me, I am excited to improve my skills and knowledge to best address the task and deliver results for the company. Because I am motivated to do things to a high standard, it also means that I will never cut corners or find shortcuts.

I will always find the best information or resources available and work hard to become an expert at each thing I am responsible for so that I can consistently deliver quality results.

Key Takeaways:  This is another good answer that can apply to almost any position. Learning and development are critical in all modern business, and quality results provide your company with a competitive advantage and reduce the likelihood of errors or delays in your work.

5 Other Ways This Question May Be Asked

You can use the example answers provided to answer almost any question that asks about your motivations, e.g. “What motivates you to get up in the morning?” But an employer will not always use such direct questions when they want to know about your motivations.

Here are some different open-ended questions that they may ask instead.

1. Provide an example of a time when you needed to motivate a team. How did you approach it? This question is a behavioral question and should be addressed with the STAR technique. It will normally be asked in management or leadership roles. But it can be asked in senior team member roles as the way you motivate others will reflect what motivates yourself.

2. What are you looking for in a job? This is a version of “What motivates you?” that is trying to make sure that the job you are applying for will be a match for you. It is a common type of wording for jobs that are likely to be mundane or boring as they require a specific type of person to remain at them long-term.

3. How do you motivate others to do their best? This is a trick question. It is based on the fact that we usually think others feel and act the same as ourselves. You should always try to answer this question in relation to the job title and job description.

4. Describe a time you worked your hardest and why? This is another behavioral question and should be addressed with the STAR technique. This is an indirect way to ask what will make you do your hardest work in the new role.

5. Why do you want this job? / Why do you think you would be a good fit for this job? These two questions are basically asking the same thing as each other. They are asking you to explain why you are the best candidate for the position.

While these questions explore more than just your motivation, the best answer should explain not only why you are a good fit, but why you are motivated to excel in the position well into the future.

One of the main reasons for this and similar common interview questions is to make sure new people that are hired will remain with the company and fit with the company’s culture. A good way to increase your success is to apply for jobs where the company’s goals are a close fit to your own. Also, anticipate common questions like this and have a detailed answer prepared that shows a strong desire to work for the company long-term.

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10 Best Sample Answers to “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company?”

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10 Best Sample Answers to “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company?” was originally published on WikiJob.

If you’ve been invited to an interview, you can expect to be asked some variation of the question, “Why do you want to work in our company?”. People often dismiss this as a trick question, or assume that the interviewer is only looking to hear how great the company is. Yet it is arguably the most significant question an interviewer can ask you.

It is also extremely difficult to answer well. This article will outline exactly what your interviewer is looking for, typical mistakes candidates make, how to prepare your answer and similar versions of the question.

Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company? – What Is the Interviewer Really Asking?

When you are faced with the question ‘Why do you want to work in our company?’ you may feel overwhelmed. However, your interviewer isn’t going to ask you to recite all of their industry awards from memory. Nor do they want you to feed them empty compliments.

The interview is about you. Your interviewer wants to know:

• Why you are perfect for the role
• What motivated you to apply
• How you will fit into the company’s culture
• Whether you understand the company’s strategy and commercial goals
• Whether you are likely to stay at the company for a long time

You need to structure your answer in two parts:

• Why do you want this particular job?
• Why do you want to work at this particular company?

We will unpick these questions below, but first, let’s look at some example answers from job experts:

Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company Sample Answers

Use the below examples to help you pull together your own answer. Remember to structure your answer in two parts, and bear the above points in mind.

Example Answer 1

I applied for the position of E-commerce Marketing Assistant because I am looking to kick-start my career in digital marketing.

As a graduate specialising in digital marketing, I have expertise in promoting online brand awareness.

Whilst at university, I volunteered for a charity by promoting regular bake sales. I used social media to garner attention and boost sales. In fact, our Students’ Initiative raised the highest amount for the charity in four years.

I want to work for [company] because I am interested in your product, a meal plan subscription service. As a keen foodie who is always too busy to cook, I have an in-depth understanding of your target audience.

Why this answer is good:

• They linked their skills and interests to the job role.
• They understood the company’s product and explained why they want to work for this particular company.
• They backed up their answer with examples.

Example Answer 2

Two years ago I spent six weeks volunteering with disabled children in Vietnam. This inspired me to train as a teacher because I firmly believe that education is a right every child deserves.

I want to start my Post-Qualification Employment at this school because it has an excellent reputation for ensuring no child is left behind. You have an outstanding Special Educational Needs policy and the teachers here are passionate about encouraging every student to reach their individual potential. This is all reflected in your annual performance scores.

• They explained their reasons for wanting the position and backed this up with examples.
• They gave reasons for admiring the school and demonstrated they share the same values.
• They have done their research by mentioning specific policies.

Example Answer 3

I am drawn to this position of Media Sales Assistant because I am interested in the marketing side of medicine. My degree is in medical biochemistry, so I am knowledgeable about the medical industry and the principles of ethics that are relevant to medical advertising.

I want to work here because [company] has an impressive reputation for working with the major medical journals, and you offer an excellent opportunity to develop expertise within the medical advertising sector.

I understand [company] is looking to grow its client base. I am a very sociable person so I would love communicating daily with clients and building new client relationships.

• They linked their skills to the job role.
• They outlined why they are interested in the position.
• They stated why they want to work for this company in particular.

Example Answer 4

Ever since I was a small child, I have loved math. I was the kid in school who would ask for extra math homework and I used this passion to help guide my choice when it came to exams and college choices.

Now that I am fully qualified as an accountant, I am hoping to direct my passions in a way that is beneficial to others. I feel that your company and this junior position will be the best ways for me to grow in knowledge about the industry as well as enable me to launch a successful career.

• The background information indicates that this is a long-term passion of yours and something you are very interested in
• States qualifications
• Talks about growing within the company which indicates long-term plans

Example Answer 5

When I was a teenager, my dog got really sick. My parents couldn’t afford to pay for visits to the vet, so I researched and studied everything that I could to help improve the situation.

Through my research and actions, my dog eventually got better. This inspired me to study to become a vet and I am passionate about providing affordable and free veterinary care to people who desperately want to provide for their animals but are unable to.

I feel that your service here at the shelter is exactly what I am looking for to help provide treatment to as many animals as possible.

• Talks about strengths such as the ability to use initiative
• Shows the potential employer that you have researched them before your interview

Example Answer 6

Every step of the way throughout my career, I have known how important it is to learn from people who have more experience and expertise than I do. This is why, when I began looking to take the next step in my career, I researched your company.

What you do here, in terms of marketing, is bigger than anything I have tackled before. It is also the logical next step for me. Your reputation for nurturing and building up individuals to help them find and grow their strengths is exactly what attracted me to the role.

• The background shows that you are willing to learn and grow as a person and an employee
• Shows that you have researched the employer
• Talks about what attracted you to the role and how you think this will help you as an employee and an individual

Example Answer 7

I have been a doctor within a hospital setting for several years now. Although I have loved treating patients and the atmosphere that a hospital setting brings, I feel that it is time for a challenge.

I feel that moving into general practice will provide a wider variety of patients and help me to maintain the level of patient care that I want to provide.

This particular practice is well known for patient satisfaction and I feel that I would be a valuable member of the team.

• It talks about your background and expertise
• It states what it is that you hope to gain through your new role
• It talks about what you can bring to the position

Example Answer 8

Your company is well known in the business world for its ability to nurture individuals and help them to reach their full potential. It is especially well-known for helping those who may not have had the opportunity to attend university and gain formal qualifications. This is why I think that I would be a good fit here.

Although I don’t have all of the formal qualifications, I have worked to expand my knowledge and create a foundation in this area. I feel that I can lend my skills well to this role and the nurturing environment will help me to improve across all areas.

• It shows the employer that you have researched their company and understand their values
• By talking about the things that you have taught yourself, you are showing that you are motivated and keen to learn new skills
• You are explaining how you feel that a role within the company could be beneficial to you.

Example Answer 9

I am passionate about providing a customer service experience that leaves the customer smiling and means that they are more likely to return.

This store, in particular, is widely recognized for its exceptional customer service. I feel that our values are similar and this is an environment I would be very happy working in.

• It talks about your strengths
• It speaks about how your values align with those of the company
• It paints the company in a positive light
• It talks about how you can have a positive impact on the company

Example Answer 10

I have been watching this company for quite a while now, admiring the work that you do and keeping an eye on changes in the industry. You always seem to be ahead of the curve, so I have used your work as inspiration to keep me motivated.

Everything that I have learned so far has been self-taught and when I saw that you had a vacancy available I knew that I had to apply. I feel that I would fit well with the work ethic and values here, adding my personal style to the team dynamic.

More than anything, working here would be a dream and a culmination of years of quietly watching from the sidelines.

• It shows that you have had an interest in the company for a while and understand what it is that they do
• It talks about how the values of the company have already helped you in the past and how you would anticipate this to carry on in the future
• It shows that you have been waiting for an opportunity to join the company

How to Prepare for the Question “Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company?”

Now you know how not to answer, it’s time to prepare your best response to ‘Why do you want to work here?’. Here are some tips:

1. Think About Why You Want This Job in Particular

Research the role and figure out why it interests you. Think about how the job description matches your skill set, ambitions and what you genuinely like most about the business.

For example, some of these may apply:

• The responsibilities of the role align with your personal interests. Ensure you can link what interests you about the job role to specific examples. For example, if you are applying for the role of Editorial Assistant at Love Knitting Magazine, you could mention that you are a prolific knitter and you edited a student magazine at university.
• Opportunities for progression. For example, internal qualifications, networking opportunities or management training schemes.
• You want to work in a professional, team-oriented environment which values collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• You love analytical and logical problem-solving.

Example answers related to why you want the job:

• “I want to work here because this organization’s values align with my own. I’m impressed with the work you do to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of care. I believe that this is a place where I can make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare field while also growing and developing my skills.”
• “This role is an excellent fit for my skills and experience. I am confident that I have the necessary technical skills and knowledge required for the role, and I’m excited about the opportunity to take on new challenges and responsibilities.”
• “I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals. From my research on this organization, I can see that you place a strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork, and I believe that this is an environment where I can thrive and make a positive contribution.”

2. Think About Your Career Goals and How They Align With the Company’s

A short-term career goal might be to gain more experience in customer service. Whereas a long-term goal might be to aspire to a management position. Make sure your career goal is relevant to the job role.

Here are some examples of how you can link your career goals with the company’s objectives:

• For the role of Product Designer – The company makes a product which has inspired you to enter the industry and your career goal is to design similar products.
• For the role of Healthcare Assistant – You are passionate about providing exceptional healthcare and you always aspire to improve your level of care. This is also a value prioritised by the company.
• For the role of Private Client Paralegal – You value developing close professional relationships with clients and your goal is to build a legal career in private client work.

Example answers related to your career goals:

• “I want to work here because I believe this company is at the forefront of innovation in the industry, and I’m passionate about being a part of a team that’s shaping the future of healthcare. This aligns with my career goal of continuously learning and growing while contributing to an organization’s success.”
• “I’m excited about this opportunity because I believe that working for this company will help me achieve my career goal of becoming an expert in my field. The company’s reputation for providing high-quality care and emphasis on continuous learning aligns with my personal and professional goals.”
• “I’m eager to work for this company because I believe it offers excellent career development opportunities. My career goal is to advance into a leadership role, and I know that this company has a track record of promoting from within and investing in their employees’ growth.”

3. Think About Why You Want to Work at This Company in Particular

Make sure you read the company’s website and any news articles you can find. A company’s blog can also be useful, since it will list important projects the company has worked on and focus on topics which are of value to the company.

If you have any connections within your network who have worked with the company, it’s also a good idea to speak with them to find out more about the company from someone who has experienced it first-hand.

Some other ideas to think about when undertaking your research are:

• Why you admire the company – Is it a front-runner in developing a ground-breaking software? Or is it one of the only companies in the country which specialises in aviation law? Make sure your reasons are specific to demonstrate you have done your research.
• Has the company undertaken any projects that particularly interest you, and why? – As well as the company’s blog, check whether they have listed any case studies on their website which provide more insight into the work they do.
• Can you identify the company’s short and long-term objectives? – A short-term objective might be to reward employees who volunteer for the company’s corporate social responsibility programme. A long-term objective might be a target for the number of annual employee hours dedicated to corporate social responsibility.
• What are the company’s values? – For example, a bank might foster a culture of sustainable lending. Or a healthcare organisation might promote their staff’s caring and attentive approach to their work.

Example answers related to the company:

• “I’m excited about working for this company because of its excellent reputation in the industry. I believe that working for a well-respected and established organization will give me access to opportunities and experiences that will help me grow my career.”
• “I’m passionate about the company’s mission to improve patient outcomes and provide high-quality care. This is a purpose that resonates with me, and I’m eager to be a part of a team that’s making a positive impact on people’s lives.”
• “I want to work here because I’ve heard great things about the company culture and the supportive work environment. I believe that working in a positive and collaborative atmosphere will allow me to perform at my best and contribute meaningfully to the team.”

Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company? – Five Typical Mistakes Candidates Make

Before delving into how you answer the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question, here is some advice on how not to approach it.

Most interviewers will not appreciate a humorous answer. It makes you appear insincere or suggests that you don’t know how to answer the question.

I’m only here for the money.

You look like you could use my help.

2. Ambiguity

The interviewer doesn’t want to hear vague compliments about how their company “looks really cool”. Ambiguous answers will indicate that you haven’t done any research on the organisation or thought about why you want the job at all.

I just think the work looks fun.

3. Not Relating Your Answer to the Job or Company

It is surprising how often candidates forget to mention the job they are applying for altogether.

I liked your website.

You have bean-bag chairs in the break area, which is a nice touch.

4. Being Too Honest

Even if you’re just here for the money, don’t confess this to your interviewer. Never lie, but keep your answer focused on the job role and why you would be a great addition to the company.

I need to pay the rent somehow.

This isn’t my dream job, but it seems tolerable.

5. Saying You Don’t Know

If you cannot come up with a single reason why the company should hire you, they probably won’t.

“Why Do You Want to Work in Our Company” Similar Questions: How They Are Different

There are many variations of the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question that you may be asked at interview. Here are some examples of similar questions which ask the same thing:

• “Why do you want this job?”
• “What are you looking for in your next job?”
• “Why did you apply for this position?”

However, make sure you listen carefully to the question you are being asked; some will require a different answer than you first expect. Never repeat a pre-prepared response without listening carefully to the question. For example:

“What qualities can you bring to this role?”

This question differs because it focuses less on what you personally think about the role. Instead, talk about your specific achievements and how you can apply your skills to the job.

Example answer:

As well as my ability to manage and administer pension claims, I have a unique background in data management and analysis.

For example, in my previous role, I was part of a project recording and analysing the causes of delayed pension payments. This led to the implementation of improved payment administration policies. I will be looking for opportunities to use my skills within this role.

This answer is good because the candidate has specified a unique skill which will set them apart from the other candidates and backed it up with an example.

“Why should we hire you?”

This question is used to single out the very best of the qualified candidates. We have a whole article about this one question .

The interviewer wants to know:

• Whether you will do the job better than everybody else.
• Whether you will fit into the company’s culture.

It differs from the ‘Why do you want to work here?’ question because it is less about your personal interest in the job and more about what you can do for the company.

Come up with at least three reasons you stand out from the crowd. For example:

• You have experience in this industry;
• Your past achievements demonstrate a proven track record;
• You have relevant awards;
• You have relevant qualifications or further education;
• Your soft skills (such as communication skills) are especially strong (and proven);
• You have specific technical skills (such as knowledge of certain programming languages).

I have over 8 years of experience working with clients to deliver successful projects. As part of this, I have developed great relationships with my clients and other team members.

This contributes to my ability to manage teams and get results. Last year I led a team that won an industry award for a national project.

“How are you a good fit for this company?”

This question differs because it focuses on your understanding of the company’s culture and what skills you can contribute.

Ensure you research the company and its values. Think about how your own goals and values coincide. Then answer the question by:

• Describing your interpretation of the company’s culture.
• Explaining how you fit into that culture (including specific examples).

Here are some ideas to think about when interpreting the company’s culture:

• Does the company value collaboration?
• Does the company value internal progression?
• Are there any mentoring schemes?
• What is the company’s attitude to work/life balance?

I love that [company] promotes supportive attitudes in its employees. At my current job, we also have a culture of support, especially when a tight deadline is coming up.

For example, I recently worked two weeks’ overtime to help a colleague compile the civil disclosure for a massive fraud case.

I love how stimulating and exciting that kind of work can be. Therefore, I think I will fit in well within your team where everyone comes together to work to similar tight deadlines.

Final Thoughts

Preparing to answer interview questions can be daunting, but follow the advice in this article and you will arrive at your interview prepared to impress. Remember:

• Research the company and the position thoroughly.
• Structure your answer in two parts: first, outline why you want the job. Then outline why you want to work at the company.
• Be enthusiastic and back up all your reasons for wanting the job with specific examples.