Define your motivation

If you find it difficult to put words to what motivates you, you're far from alone. Many job seekers want to show motivation but quickly get stuck when it needs to be formulated. Here you'll get two concrete methods that make it much easier.

Method 1: Specific motivation (for job postings)

Use this method when you're applying for a specific position from a job posting.

How to do it

First, read the entire job posting carefully. Then ask yourself these 3 questions:

Question 1: Which of the mentioned tasks and responsibilities motivate you the most?

• Note them in bullet points with some space between

Question 2: What exactly do you find motivating about each task?

• Start the sentence with: "What I find motivating about XYZ is that..."

Question 3: Why do you find it motivating?

• Start the sentence with: "I find this motivating because..."

Why does it work?

With this method, you take your starting point from what the company has chosen to highlight in the job posting. When you prioritize and describe your motivation based on that, you target your application materials precisely.

Method 2: General motivation (for unsolicited applications)

Use this method when you:

• Apply unsolicited
• Talk to your network
• Don't have a specific job posting to lean on

How to do it

Take your starting point from your previous experience. This can be from jobs, student jobs, volunteer work, or education. Choose an area where you have experienced high motivation and joy.

Question 1: Which tasks motivate you the most?

• Note them in bullet points

Question 2: What exactly do you find motivating about each task?

Question 3: Why do you find it motivating?

The difference between the two methods

Although the questions are almost identical, they give two different results:

• Method 1: Your motivation is targeted to the specific position
• Method 2: Your motivation is defined based on your own priorities

You need both. Method 2 gives you the foundation. Method 1 helps you target each individual position.

How to use the results

Use your formulations as inspiration for:

• The profile text in your CV: Show what drives you
• The opening section of your application: Start with motivation, not experience
• Preparation for the job interview: "Why do you want this job?"

Avoid this trap

Most job seekers just write:

"I am very motivated for the job" or "I'm passionate about the tasks"

That says nothing. Always explain:

• WHAT motivates you
• WHY it motivates you

Use the examples you've found with the methods. Then you stand much stronger.

Example of motivation

Poor:

"I am motivated for the position and passionate about working with you."

Good:

"What motivates me most about the position is the opportunity to work with customer service in a technology company. I find it motivating to help people solve problems because I get energy from making a concrete difference. My experience from retail has shown me that I thrive with direct customer contact."

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being too general: "I am motivated" is not enough
• Skipping the "why": That's the most important part
• Copying others' formulations: Your motivation must be yours
• Rushing: Good reflection takes time

Practical tips

• Use both methods – you need both types of motivation
• Write your answers down – verbal reflections disappear
• Test your formulations on others – do they sound convincing?
• Update regularly – your motivation can change

Try it yourself

1. Choose a job posting you find interesting (or imagine one)
2. Go through Method 1 and write down your answers
3. Think of a good experience from a previous job
4. Go through Method 2 and write down your answers
5. Compare the results – what recurs?

Frequently asked questions

Next step

You now have two methods to define your motivation. One for advertised positions, the other for unsolicited applications.

In the next guide, you'll learn how to find the company's motivation – so you can match your motivation with theirs.

Remember: Describing motivation is not about being enthusiastic. It's about showing that you understand yourself and the job.