Communicate your motivation

You know your motivation. You've researched the company. Now the question is: How do you get it across? This guide gives you concrete techniques for communicating your motivation in applications, CVs, and interviews.

Many job seekers struggle with this step. They know what drives them, but the words become vague or clichéd when they write. Or they freeze when the interview question comes: "Why do you want to work here?"

This guide solves that problem. You'll get concrete templates, examples, and techniques.

In the application: 3 places for motivation

Your application should include motivation in at least three places:

1. The opening (hook)

Your first lines should grab the employer's attention. Here your motivation can create a strong start.

Template:

"When I saw your job posting for [position], I was immediately drawn to [specific thing about the company]. As [your role/background], I'm motivated by [your motivation factor] – and I see a clear match with your approach to [the company's focus]."

Example:

"When I saw your job posting for a customer service coordinator, I was immediately drawn to your focus on customer satisfaction as a core value. As an experienced customer service specialist, I'm motivated by helping people solve their problems effectively – and I see a clear match with your approach to world-class service."

2. In the middle (the match)

Here you connect your experience and skills with the company. Use your motivation to show why it's a good match.

Template:

"What drives me in my work is [motivation factor]. In my current position at [company], I've [concrete example]. This fits with your need for [what the ad is looking for]."

Example:

"What drives me in my work is solving complex challenges and seeing customers succeed. In my current position at TechCorp, I've reduced response time by 30% while maintaining the highest customer satisfaction in the department. This fits with your need for someone who can optimize processes without compromising quality."

3. The closing (forward-looking)

End with enthusiasm and forward-looking motivation.

Template:

"I'm motivated to contribute to [the company's goal/vision], and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my [experience/skills] can support your team."

Example:

"I'm motivated to contribute to Nordea's goal of being the best bank for customers in Denmark, and I look forward to discussing how my customer service experience can support your team."

In the CV: Motivation in your profile

Your CV shouldn't just list facts – it should also show who you are. Use the profile/summary section to hint at your motivation.

Template:

"[Your role] with [X years] of experience in [field]. I'm driven by [motivation factor] and seek a position where I can [what you want to achieve]."

Example:

"Marketing coordinator with 5 years of experience in digital marketing. I'm driven by creating campaigns that actually work, and I seek a position where I can combine creativity with data-driven decisions."

Learn more about structuring your CV effectively.

At the interview: Motivation questions

Almost all interviews include questions about motivation. Here are the most common ones – and how to answer.

"Why do you want to work here?"

This is where you combine your research with your motivation.

Structure:

1. Start with what you know about the company
2. Connect it to your motivation
3. End with what you can contribute

Example:

"I've followed [company] for a while and admire your approach to [concrete thing]. What particularly appeals to me is [specific]. That matches what drives me in my work: [motivation factor]. I think I could contribute with [your strength] and help with [their need]."

"What motivates you?"

Here you use your motivation factor directly.

Structure:

1. State your motivation factor
2. Give a concrete example
3. Connect it to the position

Example:

"I'm motivated by helping others succeed. For example, in my current position, I train new colleagues, and I get great satisfaction from seeing them grow and handle situations on their own. In this position, I could use that same approach with customers."

"Why are you looking for a new job?"

Here you should focus on toward motivation (what you're looking for), not away-from (what you're fleeing from).

Structure:

1. Focus on development and new challenges
2. Connect it to the new company
3. Avoid criticism of the former employer

Example:

"I'm looking for new challenges and the opportunity to develop in [area]. What I find particularly exciting about this position is [specific thing]. I've learned a lot in my current role, and now I'm ready to use my experience in a new context."

Show, don't tell: The power of examples

Anyone can say "I'm motivated." It's the concrete examples that make it credible.

Weak (tell): "I'm very motivated and always give 100%."

Strong (show): "In my previous position, I took the initiative to redesign our onboarding process. I saw an opportunity to improve the new employee experience, and after implementing the changes, we saw 40% faster time to productivity. It's precisely that kind of initiative that gives me energy."

Notice how the strong version:

• Gives a concrete situation
• Shows initiative and action
• Quantifies the result
• Connects to motivation

Tone and language: Find the right style

Your motivation should sound authentic – not rehearsed or exaggerated.

Avoid

• Clichés: "I'm passionate about customer service" (say what specifically)
• Superlatives: "I'm the most dedicated candidate" (arrogant)
• Vagueness: "I'm motivated by challenges" (which challenges?)
• Excessive enthusiasm: "I'm SO excited about this opportunity!!!" (inappropriate)

Use

• Specific language: "I'm motivated by solving technical problems for customers"
• Quiet confidence: "I see a strong match between..."
• Concrete references: "Your focus on innovation aligns with my experience in..."
• Natural tone: Read it out loud – does it sound like something you would say?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Generic motivation: "I'm motivated by working with people" – which people? Doing what?
• Motivation without evidence: Don't just say it – show it with examples
• Only focusing on yourself: Remember to connect to the company's needs
• Different motivation in application and interview: Be consistent
• Forgetting the non-verbal: At interviews, your body language should support your words

Practical tips

• Write your motivation phrases down and save them
• Read your application out loud – does it sound natural?
• Practice answering motivation questions in front of a mirror or friend
• Adapt the phrasing to each company – but keep the core
• Ask a friend: "Does this sound like something I would say?"

Try it yourself

Take your motivation factor (from the previous guide) and write:

1. An opening sentence for an application
2. An answer to "What motivates you?"
3. A profile text for your CV

Read them out loud. Do they sound like you?

Frequently asked questions

Next step

You now have concrete tools for communicating your motivation. But did you know that AI can help you refine your motivation even further? In the next guide, we look at how to use AI to uncover and formulate your motivation.