Why do employers ask “What motivated you to apply for this role?”

Employers often ask the question, “What motivated you to apply for this role?” as a way to make sure you're not simply going after the title or the salary. They want to make sure you understand what the position likely involves on a day-to-day basis and what would be expected of you. Employers are interested in hearing about your professional goals, so they can get an idea of whether the role is just a stepping stone in your career or if it fits in with your long-term plans.

Here’s what other information employers are looking for: 

• What you know about the company: this shows whether you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in what the company can offer.
• Cultural fit: employers want to know if your values and work style are a good match for the company’s culture. A good cultural fit means a better overall work environment.
• Reason for leaving your last job: this question can be an indirect way of finding out why you want to leave your current position. 
• Long-term commitment: employers are interested in knowing your long-term plans with the company and how this job fits in with your career goals.
• Interest in the company and role: lastly, employers want to know if your interest in the company and the role is genuine. They are looking for candidates who are not only qualified but also enthusiastic about the opportunity. 

“What motivated you to apply for this role?” Examples you can use

Ready to ace your interview? To help you create your own answer to the question, here are some sample responses you can personalise and practice.

Example 1: Alignment with company mission

Response: 

"I am motivated to apply for this role at [company name] because I feel that your mission of [company's mission] resonates with my values. Having worked for several years in [industry/field], I am passionate about [specific aspects of the work] and see a great opportunity to contribute to your team with my skills in [specific skills]."

This response demonstrates a clear alignment between your values and the company's mission, showing that you’ll be genuinely invested in your work.

Example 2: Career growth and learning opportunities

Response: 

"I was drawn to this position because of the opportunities for growth and learning it presents. In my previous role as [previous job title], I developed a strong foundation in [specific skills or area], and I am excited about further developing these skills in an industry-leading company like [company name]."

This answer highlights your desire for professional development and growth, suggesting a long-term commitment. It also shows your ambition and that you will likely be a proactive and engaged employee. 

Example 3: Passion for the industry

Response: 

"My motivation for applying stems from my passion for [industry or field]. I have always admired [company name] for its innovation and leadership in [specific aspects of the industry]. My experience in [relevant experience] has equipped me with unique insights that I am eager to bring to your team."

This response showcases your passion and knowledge, showing you’re genuinely enthusiastic about the field and potentially a great asset to the organisation.

Example 4: Desire to solve industry challenges

Response: 

"What motivated me to apply for this role is my interest in tackling the challenges currently facing [industry or field], particularly [specific challenge]. In my previous role at [previous company], I successfully [specific achievement or project related to the challenge], and I am excited about the possibility of applying this experience to similar challenges at [company name]."

This answer demonstrates your problem-solving skills and a desire to apply these skills to real-world challenges in the industry, for the benefit of the hiring company. 

Example 5: Cultural fit and work environment

Response: 

"I am motivated to join [company name] because of its reputation for being a great place to work, with a supportive company culture. I feel that I work my best in places that foster [specific aspects of work culture], and your company’s commitment to [specific company culture aspect] aligns perfectly with my own personal values."

This response emphasises your fit with the company's culture, suggesting you will integrate well into the team and contribute positively to the work environment. If there are several applicants with the same skills, showing that you are a good fit with the company culture will give you an advantage.