Before you go into your next job interview, it is best to know what NOT to say. Meaningless phrases like “I love the mission of your company,” or “I’m very task-oriented,” or “I’m dedicated to my work” tell the interviewers nothing (other than the fact that you’ve memorized generic phrases).
When you’re looking for a job, many people will want to know you’re an excellent fit for the position. In addition, they want to know you share their ideas and have the skills necessary to do the job. This means you’ll want to do your research and find out how the company values those skills if you’re going to sound “real” in your responses.
Language is critical. The key to impressing hiring managers and avoiding sounding fake or corny is to emphasize your desire for the position tied to real-world examples.
Uncovering your motivation
It can be difficult to fake a deep personal desire if you are not passionate about the position. However, if you’re vying for a job you have coveted for a long time, knowing how to harness and relay that energy through words is essential.
First, a bit of context: When they’re talking about “energy,” interviewers aren’t talking about your ability to stay up late and party. We’re talking about the meaning and personal reward you feel from your work or your desired work.
Your motivation, passion, and the emotional significance of the job are something you should be able to discuss in a way that sounds authentic and not like a robot who memorized key generic phrases.
As you prepare for the interview, think about what motivates you for this position. It may be a personal desire you have to accomplish a specific outcome or task. Or perhaps you want to make something happen because you’re passionate about it.
Whatever the reason, use that as your motivation. Find a way to tie your motivation and drive to the idea of working for the company.
If you have any leadership experience, tie it to the company mission. If you have education, connect it to the company’s market.
Intrinsic motivation
Career coaches have described this motivation as “intrinsic motivation.” That is a motivation that comes from personal or internal rewards rather than monetary ones.
An example of an intrinsically motivated answer:
Joan is applying to be a school counselor at a school district known for students who have behavioral problems. During her interview, Joan is asked why she wants the job.
This was her response:
“When I was younger, my childhood was less than perfect. My parents divorced when I was in the fourth grade, and I took it really hard. Because I had trouble coping with the divorce and separate households, I started to lash out at others and became somewhat rebellious.
I was following a path in life that was self-destructive and focused on all the wrong things. The truth is I was hurt and didn’t know how to cope with the situation. It was in the eighth grade when I had a breakthrough. Due to my behavior, I was required to see the school counselor on several occasions.
While meeting with her, I really connected with her and slowly forgave myself and my parents for the many mistakes we made when I was younger. Working with her truly changed my path in life, and I pursued a degree in psychology and early child development.
Because I truly understand the underlying issues behind some of the external behaviors exhibited by students, I feel I will be a great fit and able to connect with them.
Not only does this give me the personal satisfaction of helping students in crisis, but with the right team, it can lead to better academic scores, happier students and teachers, and ultimately significantly impacting the lives of children in a positive manner.”
What the interviewer hears
This answer didn’t list Joan’s accomplishments on her resume, but rather it tied her personal experiences and passions to the position she was applying for.
The interviewers heard that:
- She was a troubled student who acted out and personally experienced childhood difficulties
- She recognizes the influence and power of school counselors because she experienced a life-changing event tied to the actions of a counselor
- She pursued higher education in psychology and early child development, which shows her ongoing passion for this type of work
Joan uses her past experiences tied in with her formal education and adult life experiences to show why she wants the job and would be a perfect fit for the school.
While there’s no guarantee Joan will get the position, there’s no doubt the interviewers understood Joan’s intrinsic motivation for the position. Her motivation is backed by her excitement for the job, why she wants it, and how she can positively impact the lives of students.
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