You’re in a job interview and the interviewer asks, “What motivates you? (2024)

Before you go to the interview, think about what drives you as a mechanical engineer. What are the core values that guide your work and career choices? For example, do you value innovation, quality, collaboration, or sustainability? How do these values align with the company’s mission, vision, and culture? Show the interviewer how your values match the organization’s goals and expectations.

Another way to express your motivation is to share some of the projects or tasks that you are most proud of or excited about. Explain how you applied your mechanical engineering skills and knowledge to solve a challenge, improve a process, or create something new. Highlight the outcomes and impacts of your work, such as saving time, money, or resources, enhancing performance or functionality, or meeting customer or stakeholder needs. Use specific examples and details to illustrate your skills and achievements.

Mechanical engineering is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. Show the interviewer that you are motivated by new opportunities to expand your knowledge, skills, and competencies. Tell them how you keep yourself updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in your industry. Mention any courses, certifications, publications, or memberships that you have completed or pursued to enhance your professional development. Demonstrate your willingness to learn from feedback, mistakes, and challenges.

One of the best ways to convey your motivation is to show genuine interest in the company and the role. Research the company’s history, products, services, values, and achievements. Find out what are the current or future projects or initiatives that the company is working on or planning to launch. Ask relevant and insightful questions that show your curiosity and enthusiasm. Explain how the role fits your career goals and aspirations, and how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Finally, be yourself and be honest when answering the question of what motivates you. Don’t try to guess what the interviewer wants to hear or give a generic or clichéd answer. Instead, focus on what truly matters to you and what makes you passionate about mechanical engineering. Use a confident and positive tone, but avoid exaggerating or bragging. Be humble and realistic about your strengths and weaknesses. Show the interviewer that you are a motivated, qualified, and fit candidate for the role.

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Mechanical Engineering

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