Have you faced this interview question before? I am sure you have. So, what is the relevance of this question during an interview? Is it just a filler question to put you at ease, or does it hold higher significance?
Well, if you think it is the former, let me tell you it is not. Every interview question has a reason to be asked. Each question tests you on certain abilities. Perhaps, the interviewer leaves no stone unturned in understanding the psyche of an interviewee and making the final decision.
Refer also to – Who Influenced/inspires you The Most?
1. How to Answer: What Inspires You and Why?
Let us explore the truth behind this interview question.
CASE STUDY: Sales Job Interview
Interviewer: “What inspires you the most in your career? What influenced you to achieve your goals?”
Interviewee 1: “I love meeting people, interacting with them, and making new friends each day. I look forward to each day, keeping in mind that I shall make new friends. I would say meeting new people each day is something that excites me and inspires me.”
Interviewee 2: “I enjoy studying human behavior on a one-to-one basis. Whenever I meet someone, I try to understand their apprehensions, likings, inherent nature, and the way they react to certain situations.
During each sales call, I encounter new people, and I leverage this interest of mine to gauge their decision-making behavior.
I would say what inspires me is trying to understand the psyche of a customer and influencing them in a way that they feel they are not being coerced into a decision. Reading about successful salespeople and their deals serves as my inspiration and motivation.”
Review of the Answers:
Which one of the interviewees do you think might obtain the job? Well, in my opinion, it will be the second interviewee. Why?
1. A sale is not about making friends; it is about understanding the psyche of a customer and persuading them to make the desired decision.
Thus, the second interviewee has hit the right spot. They have let the interviewer know that they are experienced in sales and know how to strategize a sales call. Furthermore, they have cleverly linked their inspirational attributes with the main objective of a sales call.
2. The second interviewee has also highlighted their understanding of a customer’s mindset and their ability to handle it effectively.
Note: Whatever the case may be, the key point is that when faced with such a question, you should try to answer in a way that subtly aligns with the ideal qualities of an employee.
2. Best Answer to: What Inspires You the Most in Your Career?
Interviewee 3 (Health, Customer Service or Education Industries): “What inspires me the most in my career is the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I have always been passionate about helping others and seeing the difference I can make in their lives.
Whether it’s through providing excellent customer service, solving problems, or offering valuable solutions, the satisfaction of knowing that I have made a meaningful difference inspires me to strive for success in my career.
Additionally, I find inspiration in learning from successful individuals in my field who have achieved great things through their dedication and hard work.”
Explanation:
This interviewee stands out because they emphasize their passion for making a positive impact on others.
They highlight their motivation to provide excellent service and contribute to solving problems. By expressing a genuine desire to help people, they align themselves with the values and goals of many organizations.
Moreover, their mention of learning from successful individuals demonstrates a growth mindset and a willingness to continuously improve and learn from others’ experiences.
This combination of empathy, dedication, and a drive for personal and professional growth makes them a compelling candidate for the job.