Focus on the right motivation: Toward vs Away-from

There are two fundamental types of motivation: What you want to achieve, and what you want to avoid. Employers react very differently to them. Here you'll learn to communicate the type of motivation that actually gets you to the interview – and further.

We often meet job seekers who are very motivated – but who communicate it in a way that doesn't work. Not because they're lying or exaggerating, but because they focus on the wrong type of motivation.

This guide gives you a clear overview of the different motivation types, and how to use them strategically in your job search.

The two directions: Toward and Away-from

Broadly, motivation can be divided into two directions:

• Toward motivation: You're motivated to achieve something positive
• Away-from motivation: You're motivated to avoid something negative

Both types are real. Both are understandable. But only one works when you communicate with employers.

Away-from motivation: Understand it, but don't show it

Many job seekers experience strong away-from motivation. It's completely natural. Especially if you've been unemployed for a while, or if you're in a job you're not thriving in.

Typical examples of away-from motivation:

• "I'm really tired of being unemployed"
• "I just want to get out of the system"
• "I'm tired of having nothing to get up for"
• "I need to get away from my current workplace"
• "I'm almost indifferent about what I'll be doing – as long as it's a job"

These feelings are 100% legitimate. But here's the problem:

Important: No company hires you because you want to get away from something. They hire you because you want to move toward them and their tasks.

When away-from motivation dominates your communication – in your application, at the interview, or even in conversations with your network – you send a signal that you mostly just want "a job." Not their job specifically.

This makes it hard for the employer to see why they should choose you over a candidate who clearly is passionate about their specific company.

Toward motivation: What employers want to hear

Toward motivation is about what you want to achieve. What you're looking forward to. What pulls you forward.

Examples of toward motivation:

• "I'm really looking forward to having an exciting job"
• "I want to use my skills to make a difference"
• "I'm passionate about working with customer service"
• "Your company's mission inspires me"
• "I'm motivated by solving complex problems"

This type of motivation shows that you've thought about what you want. That you've chosen to apply for this position for a reason – not just because you want to get away from something else.

How to reframe your motivation

Try taking your away-from motivation and turning it around:

Instead of: "I'm tired of being unemployed"
Say: "I'm ready to use my energy and skills in a company like yours"

Instead of: "I just want to get out of my current job"
Say: "I'm looking for a position where I can develop myself in [area]"

Instead of: "I need a job"
Say: "Your position fits perfectly with my interests and experience"

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic motivation: What should you focus on?

Besides the direction (toward/away-from), there's also a difference in what drives you.

Intrinsic motivation (focus on this)

Intrinsic motivation is about the content of the work itself:

• The specific work tasks you'll solve
• Responsibility and ability to make an impact
• Making a difference for customers, colleagues, or society
• Using and developing your abilities
• Professional and personal development

This is the type of motivation employers listen for. Because it shows that you're driven by the job itself – not just by what you get from it.

Extrinsic motivation (don't mention initially)

Extrinsic motivation is about the framework around the job:

• Salary
• Working hours
• Pension scheme and insurance
• Employee benefits
• Distance to work

Don't misunderstand: These things are important. Of course it matters what you get paid, and whether you can pick up your kids. But that's not what you should lead with in your application or at the interview.

Strategy: Focus first on intrinsic motivation to land the job. Once you have the offer, you can negotiate the external conditions. Read more about salary negotiation.

Example: Same person, different approach

Let's see how the same person can appear completely different:

Version 1 (away-from + extrinsic):

"I've been unemployed for 6 months and really want to get back into the job market. I'm looking for a job with good working hours so I can pick up my children."

Version 2 (toward + intrinsic):

"I'm excited about your approach to customer service and would like to use my experience with customer contact to contribute to your team. I'm motivated by helping people and solving challenges."

Same person. Same situation. But radically different impression.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Letting frustration show through – it's understandable to be frustrated, but the employer shouldn't feel it
• Focusing on salary in the application – it sends the signal "I'm here for the money"
• Saying you're "indifferent about what" – it shows lack of interest in their specific job
• Speaking negatively about a former employer – it makes the employer think "what will they say about us?"
• Forgetting to adapt motivation – generic motivation doesn't work

Practical tips

• Write down your away-from motivation – so you know what to avoid saying
• Reframe each away-from to a toward
• Ask yourself: "What do I achieve if I get this job?"
• Focus on tasks and development, not on salary and benefits
• Practice talking about your motivation without mentioning the negative
• Listen to yourself – use a friend as a sparring partner

Try it yourself

Take a piece of paper and make two columns:

1. Left column: Write everything you want to get away from (be honest)
2. Right column: Reframe each thing to something you want to move toward

Save the right column. That's your toward motivation – and that's what you should use in your job search.

Frequently asked questions

Next step

Now you understand the difference between motivation types and know which one to communicate. But how do you actually put your motivation into words? In the next guide, you'll learn a concrete method to define your motivation factor.